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
Friday, August 18, 2023
Rogue Valley Weather
TONIGHT – FRI 08/18 LOW 63 °F
TOMORROW – SAT 08/19 HIGH 98 | 65 °FIntervals of clouds and sunshine. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 98F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
AIR QUALITY ALERT ISSUED: 8:18 PM AUG. 17, 2023 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
…AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM PDT FRIDAY…
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Pollution Advisory…in effect until 5 PM PDT Friday.
Wildfires burning in the region combined with forecast conditions will cause air quality levels to fluctuate and could be at unhealthy levels, especially tonight through Friday morning.
Thick smoke from area wildfires has considerably reduced visibility. Stay inside if possible and keep window and doors closed. Use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in HVAC equipment.
For additional information…please visit the web site at https://oregonsmoke.org
Valley of the Rogue State Park will no longer include a rest area on I-5 starting September 5th
GRANTS PASS, Ore— The Valley of the Rogue State Park day-use area will no longer include an interstate rest area starting Sept. 5.
Oregon State Parks and Recreation (OPRD) will continue to manage the park as a day use area and campground with a focus on recreation.
The park is located at milepost 45 on Interstate 5 between the cities of Gold Hill and Rogue River in southern Oregon. The next closest rest area is 18 miles north at Manzanita Rest Area (Map of Oregon rest areas).
The Valley of the Rogue day-use area will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hours will change seasonally. Overnight parking will be prohibited in the day-use area and restrooms will not be available when the area is closed. The park will continue to operate its campground with 175 campsites including full hook-up sites, tent sites, group sites and yurts.
OPRD staff will post information about the transition in the park, and Oregon Department of Transportation will remove the blue “Rest Area” signs posted along Interstate 5.
As a combined rest area and day-use area, the park had more than 2 million visits per year. That volume of visitation put a strain on park resources, staff and facilities.
The transition from rest area to day use will provide staff additional time and resources to focus on expanding recreation opportunities at the park.
“We look forward to exploring future projects and opportunities that will enrich the visitor experience, which could include upgraded facilities, increased access to the river, new landscaping and additional interpretive panels and trails. We are excited to welcome visitors to this area as a destination to recreate and enjoy the park,” said District Manager Dani Padilla.
The day-use area includes two restrooms, a fenced area for dogs off leash, access to the Rogue River Greenway Trail, a boat launch for the Rogue River, picnic tables, an Applegate Trail interpretive kiosk and interpretive and wood carving displays.
In addition to the Manzanita Rest Area, there are facilities for northbound travelers at the Ashland Welcome Center near milepost 13 for RV’s and passenger vehicles; and Ashland Port of Entry at milepost 18 for commercial vehicles. The Suncrest Rest Area is available for southbound travelers at milepost 22.
Marijuana Search Warrant 08/16/23 Another Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office Illegal Grow Bust
INCIDENT DATE: August 16, 2023
REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)
CHARGES: 1- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana
2- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana
DETAILS:
On August 16, 2023, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) with the assistance of Josephine County Public Health & Building Safety, executed a search warrant in the 1000 block of Naue Way, Cave Junction, regarding an illegal marijuana grow site.
During the execution of the warrant, 380 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed.
The property also had multiple solid waste code violations. These violations could result in the criminal forfeiture of the property.
The primary suspect was not at the location during the search. They will be charged with Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana if located.
At the time of this press release the investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released.
The restoration project for the Butte Creek Mill is entering its last push.
As part of the final fundraising efforts, Jim Belushi, brother of the famous John Belushi and star of the TV show “according to Jim”,, is putting on Comedy on the Rogue at Belushi Farms.
Tickets went on sale today at http://comedyontherogue.com. The night will include Jim Belushi’s Board of Comedy and music from Belushi’s band.
Volunteer Jay O’Neil said they need about $300,000 to finish the restoration project. Most of the work that needs done still is repairing the basement that was damaged by water during the fire.
Tickets will be on sale until late September, or until they sell out. Belushi owns property in the Rogue Valley and has settled there.
Grant program extended to help fire-harden homes, businesses damaged by 2020 and 2021 wildfires
(Salem) – The Oregon Building Codes Division is partnering with counties on a grant program to help owners of homes and businesses rebuild after the 2020 and 2021 Oregon wildfires.
People who own a home – including a manufactured home – or business that was damaged or destroyed by the 2020 or 2021 wildfires can receive money for using more fire-resistant methods and materials when they rebuild. Those who have already rebuilt also qualify.
The grant program was due to expire June 30, 2023. However, the Oregon Legislature extended the program and expanded it to include 2021 wildfire survivors. To date, the program has dispersed more than $3.3 million to help more than 800 wildfire survivors build back more fire-resistant homes and businesses.
Fire hardening is an important tool to help make homes more resistant to fire. Fire hardening includes actions that can be taken to make a home or business more resistant to damage from a wildfire, such as using materials for siding and roofing that resist ignition during a wildfire, installing fire-resistant windows to protect openings, or using attic ventilation devices that help reduce ember intrusion.
“These improvements are particularly effective at preventing ignition from embers, which can travel great distances from wildfires,” said Alana Cox, administrator of the Oregon Building Codes Division. “We are pleased to be able to extend and expand this program, which is helping people affected by the wildfires build back more fire-resistant communities.”
To learn more and apply, visit https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/Pages/firehardening.aspx.
To qualify for the program, a person must own a home or business that was damaged or destroyed in the 2020 or 2021 Oregon wildfires. See the table below for a menu of fire-hardening improvements, including more fire-resistant roofs, siding, and windows that qualify for grant money. Eligible applicants can receive grant money through their county building department after completing one or more qualifying improvements.
### The Building Codes Division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit oregon.gov/bcd and dcbs.oregon.gov.
Just south of the Oregon border along Hwy 199, the Diamond, Holiday, Kelly, and Prescott fires along with multiple other fires in the area have been grouped together in the “Smith River Complex.” This is along the route from Grants Pass to the coast.
Smith River Fire Complex Updates:8-18-23Acres: 7,593 (6:24 am) Containment:0%
According to the USFS, the complex is being hit with an aggressive initial attack by firefighters and additional resources have been ordered for support. Caltrans District 1 said Highway 199 is completely closed in Del Norte County between Pioneer Road and the Agricultural Inspection Station near the Oregon border due to the Smith River Complex. Anyone who tries to travel on Highway 199 in this area will be turned around.
State releases 2020 Labor Day Wildfire After-Action Review
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has released the 2020 Labor Day Wildfire Disaster Recovery Operations After-Action Review.
The 2020 Labor Day Wildfires and Straight-Line Winds event marked the first full activation of the Oregon Disaster Recovery Plan and called for an unprecedented recovery operation in Oregon, employing approximately 1,500 professionals from around the country and within the state.
Oregonians impacted by the 2020 wildfires received just over $39 million in relief from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs guided by OEM staff, and they continue to receive assistance from Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs).
Nearly $500 million has been obligated to repair infrastructure and rebuild communities, with more to come. OEM anticipates facilitating Public Assistance projects and local jurisdiction support with LTRGs and Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COADs) for decades.
View the After-Action Review on OEM’s website.
Stan Thomas, OEM Deputy Director and Mitigation and Recovery Section Division Director, is available for phone and online interviews. Please schedule with OEM Public Affairs Officer Chris Crabb at is.crabb@oem.oregon.gov“>chris.crabb@oem.oregon.gov.
Software upgrade may impact ONE Customer Service Center call wait times
Need to know:
- People in Oregon can call the ONE Customer Service Center to apply for or get help with their medical, food, cash, and child care benefits.
- The ONE Customer Service Center phone software will be upgraded over the weekend outside of its normal operating hours, no service interruptions are expected.
- The ONE Customer Service Center may have longer call wait times through Aug. 25 as the system is implemented.
- No service interruptions are expecting during this time and the ONE Customer Service Center will continue to take calls and provide support during its normal business hours of Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pacific Time.
- There are many other ways people can apply for and manage their benefits to avoid potentially longer wait times.
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is alerting people in Oregon that they might experience longer wait times when they call the ONE Customer Service Center through Aug. 25. The ONE Customer Service Center provides phone support to people in Oregon calling to apply for or get help with their medical, food, cash, and child care benefits.
The State of Oregon will be upgrading the phone software used by the ONE Customer Service Center from Aug. 18 to Aug. 21. The upgrade will take place over the weekend and outside normal business hours. ODHS does not expect any service interruptions, however, the upgrade may result in longer wait times for callers.
The ONE Customer Service Center, which can be reached by phone at 1-800-699-9075, will continue to take calls and provide support during its normal business hours of Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
There are many other ways people can get support and information about their medical, food, cash, and child care benefits:
- Online at: benefits.oregon.gov
- Visiting or calling an office near you: Find an office.
- Through the free Oregon ONE Mobile app available on Apple and Android app stores
- In your language: Help in Your Language
- By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
- By fax at: 503-378-5628
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
- Oregon Department of Human Services help center
About the ONE Eligibility system – The ONE Eligibility system allows people in Oregon to apply for medical, food, cash and child care benefits with one application online, by phone or in person at any ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs, Aging and People with Disabilities or Area Agency on Aging office.
About the Oregon Department of Human Services – The mission of ODHS is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
Human Remains Discovered In Corvallis Landfill During Investigation Into Missing Woman
The discovery of human remains in a Corvallis-area landfill is likely connected to the disappearance and death of an Oregon City woman last month, according to an update from the Oregon City Police Department.
Kara Taylor, 49, was reported missing on July 27 by a man she’d been living with, identified as Jamon Peter Fritsch, 47. The case almost immediately aroused suspicion because Taylor left behind a 22-year-old daughter with special needs who she cared for in the same home.
Less than two weeks later, police arrested Fritsch and charged him with Taylor’s murder.
According to investigators, Fritsch had made multiple trips to Home Depot to purchase zip ties, tarps and a saw blade. A search of the home that Fritsch and Taylor shared revealed evidence of blood, police said.
Following his arrest, investigators say Fritsch admitted to killing Taylor and dismembering her body. He told investigators that they wouldn’t find her remains because he’d dispersed them in garbage bins across multiple municipalities, according to a state prosecutor.
According to a Wednesday statement from Oregon City police, investigators began a search of the Coffin Butte Landfill near Corvallis on Friday. Although the search took several days, investigators did eventually discover human remains at the site that are believed to belong to Taylor.
“The Oregon City Police Department would like to publicly thank Republic Services, who owns and operates the landfill, and its employees for their assistance throughout the investigation and search,” the agency said. “Investigators have been working tirelessly to uncover everything they can about the facts surrounding Ms. Taylor’s disappearance and death, so that we can provide her family and friends with the answers they deserve as they navigate and grieve her loss.”
The remains were taken to the Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s office for further examination and positive identification.
Fritsch has been indicted in connection with Taylor’s death and is being held without bail at the Clackamas County jail on charges of second-degree murder and first-degree abuse of a corpse. The investigation is ongoing.
Taylor’s friends and family released a statement following Fritsch’s arrest last week, saying in part:
“Kara was a very loving and caring person who would do anything for anyone if she knew it would make a day in their life better. She was trusting and had faith in others and believed there was good in everyone. Her time here was shortened, but the ones that had the blessed opportunity to be part of her life will be forever grateful for the time spent with her. As the phenomenal mom Kara was, she unfortunately leaves behind a 22-year-old special needs daughter named Nicole. “The difficult times these are, your thoughts and prayers are appreciated in finding Kara and bringing her home to Rest.” (SOURCE)
Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Ties a Record Low at 3.4% in July
Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.4% in July, down from 3.5% in June. This was the sixth consecutive monthly drop in the unemployment rate, down from a recent high of 4.8% in January. The July rate equaled Oregon’s record low of 3.4%, which was reached in November and December 2019. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.5% in July, which was very close to Oregon’s July rate.
In July, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 6,800 jobs, following a gain of 5,700 jobs in June. July’s gain was nearly double the average increase of 3,700 jobs per month during the prior 12 months.
Over-the-month job gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+3,400 jobs); government (+1,600); professional and business services (+1,000); and construction (+900). Declines were largest in financial activities (-600 jobs); manufacturing (-500); transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-500); and private educational services (-500).
Over the past 12 months, three major industries—health care and social assistance; leisure and hospitality; and government—have added nearly all of Oregon’s net new jobs, with each up by close to 10,000 jobs while expanding by about 4% to 5%.
Health care and social assistance grew by 13,900 jobs, or 5.2%, contributing the most new jobs since July 2022. Each component of health care rapidly added jobs in the past 12 months. Nursing and residential care facilities added 2,800 jobs, or 5.7%, since July 2022. The industry remains slightly below its peak employment, reached in early 2020. Similarly, hospitals added 1,900 jobs, or 3.3%, over the year. Despite the recent growth, the industry was slightly below its March 2020 peak employment level. Meanwhile, ambulatory healthcare services added 2,400 jobs, or 2.5%, in the past 12 months and reached a record high of 98,300 jobs in July.
Durable goods manufacturing cut 700 jobs in July. Since July 2022, several of its component industries each cut a few hundred jobs. The bright spot was transportation equipment manufacturing, which added 400 jobs over the past 12 months. Nondurable goods manufacturing added 1,300 jobs.
Next Press Releases – The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the July county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, Aug. 22, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for August on Wednesday, Sep. 13.
Notes:
All numbers in the above narrative are seasonally adjusted, except the component industries within health care and durable goods manufacturing.
The Oregon Employment Department and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) work cooperatively to develop and publish monthly Oregon payroll employment and labor force data. The estimates of monthly job gains and losses are based on a survey of businesses. The estimates of unemployment are based on a survey of households and other sources.
The Oregon Employment Department publishes payroll employment estimates that are revised quarterly by using employment counts from employer unemployment insurance tax records. All department publications use this Official Oregon Series data unless noted otherwise. This month’s release incorporates the January, February and March 2023 tax records data. The department continues to make the original nonfarm payroll employment series available; these data are produced by the BLS.
The PDF version of the news release can be found at QualityInfo.org/press-release. To obtain the data in other formats such as in Excel, visit QualityInfo.org, select Tools, then choose LAUS or CES under the Economy header. To request the press release as a Word document, contact the person shown at the top of this press release.
To file a claim for unemployment benefits or get more information about unemployment programs, visit unemployment.oregon.gov.
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.
El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.
Certified Burn Manager Program now accepting applications
Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Certified Burn Manager (CBM) Program is now accepting applications for both burn managers and qualified training providers. The overall purpose of the program is to reduce barriers to prescribed fire in Oregon and protect certified burn managers and landowners from civil liability.
The program, created by Senate Bill 762 (2021), increases capacity for prescribed burns on non-federal, ODF-protected lands through leadership training and a certification program. Through the certification program, individuals seeking to become burn managers learn how to properly plan and oversee a prescribed burn.
When a landowner or community within an ODF protection district uses a certified burn manager, and follows the required burn plan, it protects both from civil liability. The certified burn manager can manage a burn anywhere within ODF protection, whether on their own property or that of other landowners. A potential burn manager does not need to be a landowner to become certified.
Expanding access to safely conducted prescribed burns benefits Oregonians by maintaining healthy forests and reducing risks to public safety. Reintroducing periodic fire to fire-adapted landscapes reduces the potential for high-intensity wildfires along with the huge volume of smoke they produce.
ODF is seeking applications from individuals interested in becoming certified burn managers and training providers with experience creating and delivering wildland fire training to deliver content based upon a detailed certified burn manager instructor guide and final exam provided by ODF. Apply online at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/prescribed-fire.aspx.
The first day of fall practice was met with tragedy at Newport High School. Boys soccer player Yael Felix-Trejo died on Monday night after falling ill during practice.
According to Lincoln County School District, sophomore Felix-Trejo felt ill while at soccer practice. Felix-Trejo’s parents and 911 were notified and Felix-Trejo was taken to the Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital, where he died.
Monday was the first day of fall practices for Oregon high schools for the 2023-24 school year. It was also Oregon’s hottest day of the year, with some parts of the state reaching over 100 degrees. Being a coastal town, temperatures in Newport did not get as high as other parts of the state, with the National Weather Service logging temperatures in the low 60s.
Newport High School had a care room open and had counselors available on Tuesday for any students looking for mental health help. Tuesday was also the school’s Fall Sports Parent Night, where attendees could write a card or note to Felix-Trejo’s friends and family.
The FBI Is Offering a Reward of up to $15,000 for Information Leading to the Arrest and Conviction of the Individual(s) Responsible for the Murder of Adrian Perdomo
PORTLAND, OREGON – The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Portland Field Office and the Portland Police Bureau are asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual(s) responsible for the shooting death of 26-year-old Adrian Perdomo one year after his murder.
On August 14, 2022, Perdomo was walking past Northgate Park, located at 9415 N Geneva Avenue, Portland, Oregon, around 10pm when investigators believe he was assaulted and then shot and killed. Several casings were found near the victim.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the murder of Adrian Perdomo.
“Adrian Perdomo was out for a walk when he was killed outside a Portland city park,” said Matthew Schlegel, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “This week marks one year since his murder and we believe there were witnesses there that night who could help bring his family the closure they deserve. We hope the $15,000 reward will encourage anyone with information to reach out to the FBI.”
In addition to the reward, the FBI will also be utilizing Lamar digital billboards throughout the Portland metro area to encourage anyone with information to contact the FBI.
If you have any information concerning this case, please 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. https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/adrian-perdomo
Gas prices have hit their highest levels since last October.
Triple-A reports rising crude oil prices are causing gas prices to rise. Crude oil is up nine percent over the
last month into the upper 70s and low 80s per barrel. The national average gained four cents to three-86. Oregon’s average is up three cents at four-69.
Medford has the highest prices at four-80 a gallon and Pendleton has the least expensive gas at four-51. Diesel in Oregon jumped 15 cents to four-76. The national average for diesel increased 12 cents to four-33.
Help your wildland firefighters. Most human-caused fires are avoidable. Help your wildland firefighters by actively practicing wildfire prevention. The fewer human-caused fires they have to respond to, the less our resources are strained and the more we can protect our firefighters from fatigue and burnout.
