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, October 9, 2023
Rogue Valley Weather
After Taking Reports of Irrigation Water Drying Up, Task Force Serves Search Warrants at Two Neighboring Black-Market Cannabis Grows, Discover Clandestine Laboratory, 1,800 lbs. Processed Illegal Marijuana; Code Enforcement Fines Nearly $900,000
Video Available for Download: https://vimeo.com/872004037?share=copy
IMET Cases 23-15461, 23-15560
GOLD HILL, Ore. – Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant at neighboring black-market cannabis grows yesterday. These properties were both located in the 2000 block of Rogue River Highway in rural Gold Hill. While serving the warrant, detectives discovered a clandestine Butane Honey Oil (BHO) laboratory. Jackson County Code Enforcement issued a citation totaling $887,710 for the unauthorized hydrocarbon extraction facility including the use of butane gas, and failure to obtain land use approval for marijuana production. IMET served the search warrant after receiving tips that the irrigation canal water in the local area was drying up.
Overall, investigators seized 1,221 illegal marijuana plants, 1,851 lbs. of processed cannabis, 12 BHO jars, and $17,900 cash. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at either of the locations. Four suspects were on the property when the warrant was served and charges will be filed with the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) and Medford Police Department (MPD) assisted IMET with the warrant service.
Oregon Water Resources Department District 13 Watermasters will issue three separate Notices of Violation (NOV) to the responsible party for three separate well locations. Despite being a paying patron of the Gold Hill Irrigation District and with the canal running through the properties, it was observed that both grow operations were not diverting water from the irrigation district source water during the time of the Watermaster’s investigation. According to Oregon Water Law it is unpermitted to use domestic well water for a commercial grow operation or to water beyond 1/2 acre. Water violations of this kind are subject to both civil and criminal penalties. The Watermaster’s office received several anonymous calls in early September about the tenants on the properties taking more water from the canal than allowed, drying up the allotted source.
While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, MPD, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.
Investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads. No further information is currently available for release.
Oregon State Police arrests Connecticut murder suspect in Josephine County
On October 4, 2023, Oregon State Police detectives assisted the Connecticut State Police with locating and apprehending a murder suspect in Josephine County. Christopher Suarez (31) was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on a nationwide warrant for murder related to a Connecticut shooting that occurred in February of 2023.
During the investigation, it was determined Suarez was associated with an illegal marijuana grow in the Merlin area. A search warrant was served on the illegal marijuana grow with assistance from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Josephine County District Attorney’s Office. During the execution of the search warrant, four greenhouses and 796 marijuana plants were located and destroyed. Additionally, six grams of cocaine, three packages of methamphetamine, and unidentified orange pills were located and seized.
Further information is not available for release at this time due to the on-going investigation.
Sheriff’s Office Introduces Domestic Violence Victims Advocate
PART 2 – Newsweek Podcast Focusing on The Disappearance of Fauna Frey From Lane County
Here One Minute, Gone the Next —– PART 2 – Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel joins investigative journalist Alex Rogue to speak with Here One Minute, Gone the Next about the disappearance of Fauna Frey, the growing friction between citizen investigators and law enforcement, and the lack of resources in missing persons cases. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disappearance-of-fauna-frey-pt2-feat-sheriff/id1707094441?i=1000630100040
PART 1 – John Frey joins Newsweek to discuss exclusive details about the case of his missing daughter that until now have been unavailable to the general public.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of Fauna Frey, call the anonymous tip line at 541-539-5638 or email FindFaunaFrey@gmail.com.
Help Find Fauna Frey #FindFaunaFrey FACEBOOK GROUP
Governor Kotek Ordered Public Flags Flown Half-Staff Over The Weekend In Honor Of Eugene Airman Killed In Colorado Humvee Crash
Governor Kotek on Friday ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff over the weekend in honor and remembrance of Air Force Airman Trinity Reinhart, a Eugene native who was killed in a Colorado Humvee crash last month.
Kotek said she took the action pursuant of her authority under the United States flag code and that the flag should be flown at half-staff until sunset on Saturday, the day of Airman Reinhart’s memorial.
“I send my condolences to Airman Reinhart’s family in the wake of this tragedy and extend my deepest gratitude that she chose to devote her life, though far too brief, to serving others,” Kotek said.
Airman Reinhart was killed in the Sept. 16 crash near Grover, Colorado, about two months before her 20th birthday. A second airman was not seriously injured.
Airman Reinhart was originally from Eugene and a graduate of the Willamette Leadership Academy. She had been assigned since May 19 to the 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron, based at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The Air Force said it initiated an Interim Safety Board immediately after the mishap to gather the facts surrounding the incident. A Safety Investigation Board will be convened to determine the cause of the crash and to recommend measures necessary to prevent future mishaps.
Oregon DMV Knowledge Test Now Available Online Without Appointment
Oregon residents can now take the drivers knowledge test online, with no appointment required and at the same cost as an in-person exam.
DMV customers will only need a computer with a webcam and internet access. The tests will be monitored to discourage cheating.
Additionally, juveniles taking the test must be supervised by an adult over the age of 21.
Lauren Mulligan is with the Oregon DMV. She said online testing is meant to help rural customers and people without reliable transportation.
“We’re hoping that the new service will help reduce barriers for customers that might not be able to make it into a DMV office to take their test multiple times,” said Mulligan.
Mulligan said the change is part of an effort to modernize the Oregon DMV and reduce wait times. “DMV in the last few years has gone from three online services to now more than 20,” she said. “And that’ll help make your visit to a DMV office more productive.”
The Class C (regular driver) knowledge test and motorcycle endorsement test are available online in English and Spanish. DMV plans to add additional languages in the future to serve even more customers.
“Testing online allows customers the chance to know that they have passed their exam before coming into the DMV office. This can save some people multiple trips into the office if they don’t pass the first time,” said Joyce. “You don’t need an appointment to come in once you pass online, but do come prepared with all the documentation you need to make sure it is a smooth visit.”
After customers pass their test online, they will need to come into the office with their identity documents, and pass a vision screening. Then they will be issued a permit or be eligible to schedule a drive test, depending on their age.
DMV partnered with an expert in the online testing industry, Intellectual Technologies Inc., to develop the new service. Their online testing platform is already used in other states. Proven identity verification and anti-cheating features protect the safety purpose of the knowledge test. Learn more about online testing at DMV2U.oregon.gov.
FBI Portland Seizes 25 guns, Nearly Nine Kilos of Suspected Cocaine and Makes Five Arrests in Multi-State Takedown
PORTLAND, OREGON – Five people were arrested on Wednesday in a large-scale drug and gun bust throughout three states.
During the operation – which involved over 150 officers, agents and personnel from federal, state and local agencies – law enforcement seized nearly nine kilos of cocaine, 25 firearms (11 from one location), nearly $50,000 in cash and thousands of suspected fentanyl pills.
“The amount of suspected fentanyl alone that we seized in this operation will make a difference in our communities. 25 guns now off the streets, kilos of drugs out of circulation, that’s an impact,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “In a coordinated effort across three states the FBI and our partners, worked seamlessly to cut into the capabilities of these criminal enterprises and we are working hard to put the most violent offenders and facilitators behind bars for as long as we possibly can.”
Five people were arrested in the Portland metro area on a complaint of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Additional charges could follow.
A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Portland Field Office and the Portland Police Bureau conducted the operation with the assistance of the FBI Seattle, FBI Los Angeles, HSI, IRS, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Gresham Police Department, Vancouver Police Department, Oregon State Police, Washington State Department of Corrections, Port of Portland, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the United States Marshals Service.
Governor Kotek Visits Klamath and Lake Counties on Her “One Oregon Listening Tour”
Governor Tina Kotek visited Klamath and Lake counties this week as part of her One Oregon Listening Tour.
On Wednesday, the governor toured Lake County, stopping to meet with local leadership throughout the community.
Kotek said she started off in Christmas Valley to meet with county commissioners and discuss some of the proposals to add solar facilities in the area.
Thursday, Kotek visited Lake Health District to discuss behavioral health and how health districts support the community.
Governor Tina Kotek is committed to visiting every county in Oregon in her first year in office and building strong, working partnerships across our state. These efforts will focus on housing, mental health and addiction care, and education.
You can suggest a stop here: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/pages/one-oregon-listening-tour.aspx
Update on the Rollout of Paid Leave Oregon
SALEM – The latest data for Paid Leave Oregon is on the Oregon Employment Department’s dashboard. The data, through Oct. 2, shows more than 10,000 applications have been approved since Aug. 14.
Applications have increased significantly in recent weeks. About 20,400 benefits applications have been received since Aug. 14.
So far, almost $15 million in benefits have been paid. Benefit payments started going out to Oregon workers with approved claims on Sept. 13.
Paid Leave Oregon Director Karen Humelbaugh said people can speed up their claims by:
- Informing their employer about their leave before they apply
- Using the What You Need to Apply for Benefits Checklist and making sure they upload the correct documents for their type of leave
- Checking their Frances Online account regularly for action notices and messages
- Making sure to put the employer’s name on their claim as it appears on their W2 or paystub
Claims that have incorrect information or where the employer wasn’t notified may be delayed.
Paid Leave Oregon sped up its claim processing time in recent weeks, with a 162% increase since the program started. Staff are working hard to get through claims, but with any new program, there is a learning curve as well as programmatic adjustments.
“This is the first program of its kind in Oregon, and that means there will be bumps along the way,” Humelbaugh said. “However, we are working hard to make sure staff are trained and able to provide a good customer service experience.”
Paid Leave Oregon covers paid family leave, medical leave, and safe leave for working Oregonians. Employees apply through Frances Online.
Detailed information for employees, including eligibility requirements, tutorial videos, a benefits calculator, and much more, is on the Paid Leave website at paidleave.oregon.gov.
### The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. Everyone has a right to use OED programs and services. OED provides free help. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, braille, large print, audio and other formats. If you need help, please call 971-673-6400. TTY users call 711. You can also ask for help at OED_Communications@employ.oregon.gov.
October Events Raise Awareness About Earthquake Preparedness
Oregon is home to several fault lines that cause dozens of earthquakes every year. The most known earthquake threat is the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a 700-mile fault located off the Pacific coast that puts Oregon at risk for a 9.0+ magnitude earthquake.
A quake of that size could cause five to seven minutes of shaking, followed by a tsunami that would devastate coastal areas. October features several events reminding Oregonians to prepare and protect themselves before the ground starts shaking.
Wireless Emergency Alerts
“One of the most important steps people can take is to enable Wireless Emergency Alerts, or WEA, on their cell phones,” said Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Erin McMahon. “WEA are short emergency messages sent to your phone to warn of an impending natural or human-made disaster, like an earthquake. WEA messages can provide immediate, life-saving information.”
ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning Notifications
People in Oregon, Washington and California who’ve opted into WEA automatically receive ShakeAlert earthquake early warning notifications for earthquakes in their area with a magnitude of 4.5 or greater, which can offer critical seconds of warning to seek cover from falling objects and brace themselves. ShakeAlert uses science and technology to detect significant earthquakes quickly and sends an alert to people on their cell phones. The alert makes a distinctive sound and displays a text message reading, “Earthquake detected! Drop, cover, hold on. Protect yourself.” This message is also available in Spanish for phones set to receive alerts in that language. Some cell phones with text-to-voice capability may read out the message text.
Great Oregon ShakeOut
An effective and no-cost way for individuals and families to practice earthquake safety is to register for The Great Oregon ShakeOut, a self-led earthquake drill taking place at 10:19 a.m. on Oct. 19. Nearly half a million Oregonians have already registered, pledging to Drop, Cover and Hold On for at least 60 seconds as if a major earthquake was occurring at that moment.
“Knowing what to do when the earth starts shaking helps people reduce their risk and better protect themselves to prepare for earthquakes,” said Director McMahon. “Most emergency management experts and official preparedness organizations agree that Drop, Cover and Hold On is the appropriate action to reduce the chance of injury from falling objects and flying debris during earthquakes. When people practice these simple steps, it becomes a routine that allows instincts to kick in when shaking starts.”
When the ground starts to shake, or you receive an earthquake alert on a cell phone:
- Drop immediately onto hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and allows you to stay low and crawl to a nearby shelter. If you use a wheelchair or walker, lock your wheels.
- Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If there is no nearby shelter, crawl next to an interior wall away from windows. Remain on your knees and bend over to protect vital organs.
- Hold On until the shaking stops. If under a shelter, hold onto it with one hand and be ready to move with the shelter if it shifts. If there is no shelter, hold onto your head and neck with both arms and hands.
If you’re near the ocean and feel a large earthquake, Drop, Cover and Hold On until the shaking stops. Then walk inland and up to high ground. Do not wait for an official warning, as a tsunami could come ashore in a few minutes. Learn more about earthquake preparedness on OEM’s website.
ORAlert and Be 2 Weeks Ready
OEM also encourages people in Oregon to sign up for local emergency alerts from their county or tribe at ORAlert.gov; be informed and knowledgeable about the hazards where they live; and have an emergency plan and enough food, water and supplies to survive for at least two weeks following any disaster. The agency’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program offers several resources in multiple languages to help people prepare. Learn more at oregon.gov/oem.
Oregon State Parks ready for Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse
Oregon State Parks offers prime viewing spots for the Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse. Visitors to parks within the path of annularity will watch the moon partially cover the sun, which creates a ‘ring of fire’ because the moon appears slightly smaller as it passes.
“Our park staff are ready to help visitors safely view this phenomenon,” said JR Collier, deputy of Statewide Operations.
He added that a limited number of free eclipse glasses will be available at Oregon State Parks on the day of the event.
He also emphasizes that safety is crucial while observing an eclipse.
Use ISO 12312-2 certified solar filters, avoid damaged filters, and consider projection methods. The eclipse glasses from the 2017 event are expired and shouldn’t be used.
Travelers coming to Oregon should prepare for potential traffic congestion, check local weather conditions, and pack essentials, including water, food, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Whether you’re an experienced eclipse enthusiast or a first-time observer, prioritize safety, and plan your trip to witness the ‘ring of fire’ against Oregon’s breathtaking landscapes and clear skies.
For more information and updates about viewing the eclipse from an Oregon state park, please visit https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=327.
https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx
