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
Monday, August 21, 2023
Rogue Valley Weather
TONIGHT – MON 08/21 LOW 62 °F
TOMORROW – TUE 08/22 HIGH 81 | 55 °FMostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 81F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
AIR QUALITY ALERT ISSUED: 12:57 PM AUG. 20, 2023 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
…AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM PDT TUESDAY…
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Pollution Advisory…in effect until 5 PM PDT Tuesday.
Wildfires burning in the region combined with forecast conditions will cause air quality levels to fluctuate and could be at unhealthy levels, especially in Josephine, Jackson Douglas and northern Klamath counties.
Check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog http://oregonsmoke.org , DEQs Air Quality Index, or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.
– Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people.
– Protect yourself and your family when smoke levels are high:
– Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed. If its too hot, run air conditioning on recirculate or consider moving to a cooler location. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
– Use a high efficiency particulate air(HEPA) filter in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers.
– Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
– If you have a breathing plan for a medical condition, be sure to follow it and keep any needed medications refilled.
For additional information…please visit the web site at https://oregonsmoke.org
Arson Suspected in 10 Greenway Fires in Four Days
Updated to add: The fires were also kept at a minimal size in large part due to the preparation work the County took in the spring, such as brushing and mowing this section of the greenway, as well as partnering with ODF to install fire breaks.
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – Over the past four days a total of 10 small fires have started along the northern end of the Bear Creek Greenway. Fortunately, firefighters have stopped all the fires before they had a chance to spread.
Law enforcement and fire officials are investigating the possibility of a potential arsonist on the loose. Fire officials and law enforcement need the public’s help. If you see any suspicious activity along the Greenway, please report it immediately so law can investigate. The best way to report criminal activity is through the Sheriff’s App “Submit a Tip” feature. Download the App here: https://apps.myocv.com/share/a72997501
You can also call the JCSO Tip Line at (541) 774-8333. To report a crime in progress or if you see a fire start, call 911.
Update: Smith River Fire Complex Evacuation Information — From O’Brien, Oregon, Hwy 199, south of Rough & Ready Creek to the California border.
Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office
UPGRADED: LEVEL 2 – BE SET!
EVACUATION ORDERS FOR SMITH RIVER COMPLEX FIRE:
WHERE: From O’Brien, Oregon, Hwy 199, south of Rough & Ready Creek to the California border.
Find preparedness resources here: https://rvem.org
Sign up for Citizen Alerts here: https://member.everbridge.net/1332612387832182/login
Act early if there is any reason you might need extra time. Leave right away if you feel you are in immediate danger.
Please continue to monitor as many new outlets and social media as possible since conditions can change quickly. This may be the only alert you receive.
Please be sure to keep friends and family members informed that do not have access to regular news resources and/or social media.
U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
· New Starts Caused by Thunderstorms Challenge Initial Attack Crews
8.20.23 These storms produced approximately 200 cloud to ground strikes with rain totals varying from 0 -.5 inches depending on location. Fire lookouts continue to identify new starts. There are currently 41 confirmed fires across the Wild Rivers, High Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains Ranger Districts of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF) that range in size from a single tree to the Kanaka fire on the Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District at 40 acres.
Air and ground resources have been brought in from all over Oregon to assist with these fires, including 4 rappel crews, 2 Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs), 4 Large Air Tankers (LATS), two Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems (C 130 aircraft/MAFFS), two type 1 (heavy capacity) Helicopters, 1 air attack aircraft, 1 reconnaissance aircraft and 1 lead plane.
Smokejumpers and other aerial firefighting resources have been brought in to support these initial attack efforts with more arriving this evening. Smokejumpers are working the Kanaka Fire today and will send another load again tomorrow.
Lightning is predicted through Tuesday for portions of our geographical area. RRSNF has ordered more resources to support the ongoing efforts and in anticipation of additional starts and the forecasted lightning.“
Firefighters continue to do an amazing job in these tough conditions and the additional resources that we have ordered will reinforce and help keep new and existing fire footprints to a minimum,” states Deputy Fire Staff of Operations Mike McCann. “In cooperation and coordination with our partners, Medford BLM and ODF, initial attack will remain aggressive to protect the communities we serve.”
Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Jackson County
Jackson County, Ore.—West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected in east Medford on July 18, 2023. This is the first WNV detection in Jackson County this year. In 2022, WNV was found in a total of eight mosquito samples; all 2022 detections occurred in August or September. The mosquitoes were collected by the Jackson County Vector Control District (JCVCD) as part of a routine surveillance program and tested using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Residents are advised to take basic precautions against mosquitoes since West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. People should consult their health care providers if they experience any flu-like symptoms. Health care providers can contact the Jackson County Health Department for information on West Nile virus testing.
The Jackson County Vector Control District suggests the following steps to protect against mosquitoes:
- Eliminate or treat any sources of standing water around your home.
- Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use repellants containing DEET, oil of lemon/eucalyptus, or Picardin. Always follow the label directions.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.
- Ensure that screen doors and windows are in good condition and fit tightly.
Jackson County Vector Control District: https://jcvcd.org/
Oregon Health Authority: http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/DiseasesAZ/WestNileVirus/Pages/survey.aspx
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/ index.htm
Old Garden Valley Structure Fire in Douglas County
8/20/23, On Sunday morning at 03:15 am Douglas County Fire District No.2 responded to a reported House fire on Old Garden Valley road. Crews arrived on scene to find the living room, the front deck, and attic on fire. Two small grass fires were started when fireworks from the garage ignited and started the nearby grass on fire. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the grass fires and keep them from spreading to near by properties.
All the occupants were able to exit the home and were uninjured.
DCFD No.2 responded with 3 fire engines, 3 water tenders, 1 ambulance, and 1 Command vehicle. DCFD No.2 was assisted by DCSO, Avista gas, and PP&L.
Douglas County Residents Can Create a Free RapidSOS Ready Emergency Health Profile to Share Critical Health Data with 911 in an Emergency
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. – Douglas County residents now have the ability to create a free Emergency Health Profile to share medical information with Douglas County 9-1-1 dispatchers in the event of an emergency. The opt-in program is available by creating the emergency health profile at emergencyprofile.org.
RapidSOS, the world’s first emergency response data platform, teamed up with The American Heart Association, The American Red Cross, and Direct Relief to launch this initiative in an effort to get first responders critical health information in an emergency.
9-1-1 telecommunicators are forced to rely on the limited information a phone call can provide, which can sometimes result in dispatching delays and first responders arriving on scene under-informed. In partnership with public safety, RapidSOS created an emergency response data platform that securely links life-saving data from over 350 million connected devices to over 4,800 Emergency Communication Centers nationwide – protecting more than 300 million people in the U.S. This data helps Douglas County 9-1-1 accelerate response times and provides first responders with incident-specific information prior to arriving on-scene.
Douglas County 9-1-1 became RapidSOS Ready in 2023. The dispatchers use the RapidSOS Portal, a browser-based tool, to access accurate caller location and additional life-saving information when responding to 911 calls.
“Being able to receive a caller’s opt-in health information will aid our dispatchers in an emergency which will result in proper pre-arrival instructions and informing emergency responders,” Lt. Brad O’Dell said. “We urge our community to create their free Emergency Health Profile and ensuring that they are able to share critical data with 9-1-1 to help save lives.”
How can you become RapidSOS Ready?
People can create their free Emergency Health Profile by visiting emergencyprofile.org and entering pertinent medical and profile information, such as:
• Name, DOB, and address
• Pre-existing conditions
• Allergies
• Medical Notes (ex. Mental health concerns, developmental disabilities, etc.)
• Emergency contacts
“Our 911 agencies and first responders do incredible work every day to keep our communities safe,” said RapidSOS Senior Director of Public Safety, Karin Marquez. “We hope that the Emergency Health Profile will provide Douglas County 9-1-1 telecommunicators and first responders with another tool to help them respond quickly and provide the appropriate care during a caller’s time of need.”
To ensure data privacy, information is associated with an individual’s phone number and is only made available to first responders when a 911 call is placed from the associated phone number. To learn more and create a free Emergency Health Profile, visit www.emergencyprofile.org.
About Douglas County Emergency Communications
Douglas County Emergency Communications (DCEC) 9-1-1 is a division of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. DCEC is staffed with an Operations Manager, four shift supervisors and seventeen telecommunicators.
DCEC is the 9-1-1 answering point for all of Douglas County. The communications center receives, and dispatches calls for police, fire, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). All telecommunicators are Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certified using state approved pre-arrival instructions.
The Douglas County 9-1-1 system is enhanced. The phone number and address where the call is originating is displayed on a computer screen in the communications center.
There are 8 incoming 9-1-1 lines and 16 business telephone lines. There are 13 radio channels, seven of which are monitored 24 hours a day. DCEC dispatches for 28 fire agencies and nine ambulance services.
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.
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.
Moderate to extreme fire behavior was observed on the Smith River Complex. The 2 fires that are impacting SW Oregon are the Holiday and Kelly Fires. Significant growth occurred on the Kelly fire extending its footprint North, South and West.
Heat signature mapping shows that the Kelly and Holiday fires could combine soon. The Holiday Fire has crossed into Oregon as of early this morning.
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) resources continue to be proactive by reopening old fire containment features and identifying areas of opportunity in protection of life and property.
All efforts continue to be a joint effort by RRSNF, Medford BLM and ODF. An additional order for resources was placed last night by RRSNF and Medford BLM for varying types of specialized heavy equipment and additional hand crews, as good work continues by all cooperating agencies across SW Oregon. The Flat Fire remains in the same footprint as previously reported
Governor Kotek Names Erin McMahon As New Head Of Oregon Department Of Emergency Management
Governor Kotek appointed a retired Army officer to lead the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and oversee the state’s response to disasters ranging from wildfires to pandemics to the homelessness crisis.
Erin McMahon, a retired Army brigadier general who most recently worked as a senior adviser at the Virginia-based McChrystal Group, needs to be confirmed by the state Senate when it meets in September.
“After over 15 years of supporting emergency management operations at the national level – including during the COVID-19 health emergency and dozens of climate-related catastrophes – I will capitalize on my prior work with FEMA and other federal partners to develop a strategic plan for emergency management that will help our communities before, during and after disaster,” McMahon said in a statement. “I am honored to serve Oregonians in times of crisis and beyond.”
McMahon previously served as principal deputy general counsel for the U.S. National Guard Bureau, where she supervised a team of 60 attorneys and advised top Department of Defense leaders on critical issues, including Oregon’s 2021 wildfires. While that season wasn’t as destructive as the 2020 fires that burned more than a million acres, the state had more than 1,000 fires that burned close to 520,000 acres in 2021.
“As our state responds to wildfires, extreme weather events, and other rapidly changing emergencies, the person leading the Oregon Department of Emergency Management must be able to anticipate and respond to a broad range of crises that Oregon will inevitably encounter,” Kotek said in a statement. “Erin McMahon brings over 20 years of experience leading teams in response to large-scale emergencies at the state and national level. I am confident in her ability to support Oregonians across the state and look forward to seeing her positive impact and leadership at ODEM.”
McMahon, the first woman to serve in her role with the National Guard, also led programs to combat military sexual assault.
A spokeswoman for the Oregon Department of Emergency Management deferred to the governor’s office on McMahon’s salary, and a Kotek spokeswoman did not immediately respond Friday afternoon.
Andrew Phelps, the department’s prior director, was one of several agency heads who stepped down after Kotek’s election last November. He began work in 2015 at what was then the Office of Emergency Management and led as the office became a standalone agency and navigated the COVID pandemic and 2020 Labor Day fires, the two most expensive and wide-reaching emergencies in Oregon history.
Matt Garrett, the former director of the Oregon Department of Transportation, has served as interim director for the past several months. He served as Brown’s principal adviser on 2020 wildfire recovery and coordinated the state’s support for last year’s World Athletic Championships in Eugene after retiring from the transportation department in 2019. (SOURCE)
Sheriff’s Bust Two Illegal Marijuana Sites In Klamath County
Police shut down two illegal marijuana sites in Klamath County today, resulting in the arrests of two men and the destruction of 2,815 plants.
According to a news release from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, the first site was located off of Bliss Road south of Sprague River, with 1,907 plants spread across 10 acres of land. The value of the crop was estimated to be $11 million.
“The amount of water estimated to have been used was 1,029,000 gallons over the growing season,” the release said. “No persons were contacted at the location. Investigation into misuse of a residential well is underway.”
Police then discovered a second site on Meadow Lane, south east of Sprague River, the release said.
“Two subjects were located and taken into custody. 908 illegal marijuana plants were destroyed in two separate greenhouses. The value of the illegal marijuana crop was estimated to have been approximately $5.25 million,” the release said. “Approximately 490,000 gallons of water had been used to grow this illegal crop. Investigation into misuse of a residential well is underway.”
The men — 41-year-old Anthony Charles Stone and 50-year-old Christopher David Mizzel have been charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful manufacturing of marijuana.
Oregon Health & Science University and Legacy Health Plan To Merge
Oregon Health & Science University and Legacy Health say they have signed a letter of intent to merge, bringing together two large providers in the Portland region.
If regulators sign off on the deal, the two organizations will form a 10-hospital system. OHSU and Legacy formally announced the merger plans Thursday.
The new system would have more than 32,000 employees, more than 100 locations and more than 3 million patient visits annually, OHSU and Legacy said. The merged organization would have a combined revenue of more than $6 billion, according to reporting by The Oregonian.
Legacy, which has struggled financially, would become a part of OHSU. The organizations say they expect the deal to be completed in 2024.
As part of the agreement, OHSU intends to invest about $1 billion over 10 years to support “primary- and community-based services.” The organizations said it would lead to additional sites of care, services and clinical programs.
Danny Jacobs, president of OHSU, said he envisions “exciting potential” with the combination of the systems.
“OHSU has enjoyed a decades-long relationship with Legacy Health, united by a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of people in Oregon and beyond,” Jacobs said in a statement. “Now, we have an opportunity to join together and take a decisive next step that will help deliver on our promise to ensure the best access and care for all who need us, today and in the future.”
Kathryn Correia, president and CEO of Legacy Health, said the merger will expand their ability to serve patients.
“In addition to ensuring access to high-quality essential health care for patients, the combined system will continue to be the region’s most exceptional place to work and learn, while supporting research and education for the next generation of health care professionals,” Correia said in a statement.
This summer, Legacy acknowledged that it was struggling with its financial losses. Legacy lost $172 million in its 2023 fiscal year, The Oregonian reported.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Legacy said it’s faced higher costs that are outpacing revenues. Legacy has been challenged with patient staying for longer periods, since the organization hasn’t been able to discharge patients to post-acute facilities due to their own staffing issues.
OHSU generates $4 billion in revenue annually, while Legacy brings in $2.5 billion, according to The Oregonian.
While merger activity in the healthcare industry has declined this year, more hospital deals are happening, and analysts expect to see more deals.
There were 20 announced hospital mergers and acquisitions in the second quarter of 2023, the highest number since the first quarter of 2020, according to a report released last month by Kaufman Hall, the healthcare consulting firm.
Kaiser Permanente has announced plans to acquire Geisinger Health. Kaiser is forming a new organization called Risant Health, and Geisinger, based in Pennsylvania, will be its first member. Risant will look to acquire other hospitals in the next few years, officials say.
BJC HealthCare of St. Louis and Saint Luke’s Health System of Kansas City announced May 31 that they plan to merge and form an integrated academic health system. The two systems plan to form an organization with 28 hospitals and $10 billion in combined annual revenue.
University of Michigan Health completed its acquisition of Sparrow Health in April. Two Wisconsin hospital systems, Froedtert Health and ThedaCare, said in April that they plan to consolidate.
Analysts say they expect to see more deals as health systems and hospitals see strategic opportunities, or they realize they need to find partners to keep the doors open.
Biden administration proposes $106 million for Western salmon and steelhead recovery
The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board is set to receive $20 million, with millions more headed to tribal partners
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is recommending sending $106 million to 16 salmon and steelhead recovery efforts in five Western states, the federal agency said Thursday.
NOAA and the Department of Commerce recommended grants to state agencies with salmon protection missions, tribes and tribal partnerships in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and California.
The funding “provides an important opportunity to bolster salmon and steelhead recovery and invest in the communities that rely on them,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement.
NOAA is an agency within the Commerce Department. The recommendations must be approved by the NOAA Grants Management Division and Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Law Division before they are considered final.
The grant recommendations received a funding boost this year from the bipartisan infrastructure law enacted in 2021, which provided $34.4 million, and Democrats’ climate, social policy and tax law that President Joe Biden signed one year ago Wednesday, which provided an additional $7.5 million.
The remaining $64 million comes from annual congressional appropriations to the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, a NOAA Fisheries program, according to NOAA spokesman Matthew Burks.
The largest allocations are recommended for state-level agencies, offices and boards. They are:
- $25.5 million for Washington state’s Salmon Recovery Funding Board,
- $20.2 million for the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board,
- $18.6 million for California’s Fisheries Restoration Grant Program,
- $9 million for the Idaho Governor’s Office of Species Conservation,
- And $6.8 million for the Alaska Sustainable Salmon Fund.
Except for Idaho’s, all the state agencies listed are primarily grant-making bodies.
The remaining 11 grants are recommended for tribal programs and partnerships, including:
- $6.3 million for the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission to administer among its 20 Western Washington member tribes,
- $5.3 million for the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission to administer among its four member tribes in Idaho, Oregon and Washington,
- $3.6 million for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe in Washington to address fish passage in Cabin and Johnson Creeks,
- $2.7 million for the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians to restore habitat for threatened Oregon Coast coho salmon and to improve habitat and fish passage in tribal waters,
- And $2 million for the Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim Consortia in Alaska to monitor and research salmon populations.
The grants are intended to help state and tribal experts continue work that has demonstrated success in helping strengthen salmon and steelhead populations and habitats, the NOAA release said.
The funding is meant to improve recovery efforts of 28 salmon and steelhead species listed under the Endangered Species Act, the NOAA statement said. It would also provide benefits to the Southern Resident killer whales and Cook Inlet beluga whales, according to the agency. (SOURCE)
If you’ve ever wanted to help the state now is your chance.
Governor Tina Kotek is urging Oregonians to apply for over 130 open positions on 12 new boards and commissions that were created by the Legislature.
They include hospital discharge challenges, juvenile justice, cybersecurity, universal health and more. Kotek says true progress requires each and every one to be engaged. Applicants should apply on the state’s website. https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/SOR_External_Career_Site
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.
