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, December 15, 2023
Rogue Valley Weather
...AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Stagnant air is expected, which may lead to deteriorating air quality. * WHERE...Valleys of southern Oregon and northern California. * WHEN...Until 10 AM PST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Air stagnation is likely to result in diminishing air quality with time, especially in and near areas with significant sources of air pollution. Diminished air quality is likely to cause health issues for people with respiratory problems if precautions are not taken. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr
Ashland to Be the Center of Wildfire Resilience Research by Oregon State University
Oregon State University researchers are receiving $750,000 in grants to launch a collaborative wildfire resilience research study. The research will be done in Ashland, where one of the most recent wildfires occurred.
A team of researchers and a doctoral student will be using coving engineering and forestry in order to understand just how wildfires interact with the built environment. The hope is that they will be better able to prepare in the case of an eventual wildfire.
The funds, from the US Forest Service and the National Science Foundation, will create a new doctoral program and research center. Erica Fischer of OSU’s College of Engineering will serve as principal investigator on the grant. She said a team of researchers and a doctoral student will use forestry and civil engineering to understand how wildfire interacts with the built environment, and how to prepare for it.
“How do we train the next generation of scientists to be able to study this,” she said. “How do we train the next generation of professionals to be able to work in communities and address this really big problem?”
She said the student will be embedded in Ashland, a community impacted by the 2020 Almeda wildfire.
Fischer said the research could also improve preparedness, identifying key points where fire trucks should be stationed, what homes and infrastructure are most at risk, and modeling evacuation routes and economic recovery.
“You get a real life example of what could happen,” she said.
Researchers from University of Oregon, University of Washington, the UK and Australia, will also collaborate on the project. The international angle is because of the importance of understanding how different communities approach risks of wildfires, as well as the societal implications in the event of a wildfire.
Sheriff’s Office Teams with Child Welfare for Foster Kids Toy Drive
The Victim of An Assault in November in Medford has Died – 22 Year Old Man Charged with MurderA 22-year-old Oregon man faces murder charges after a 51-year-old woman he allegedly attacked and viciously beat with a can of soup succumbed to her injuries and died in the hospital.
Anthony Siple was charged with two counts of second-degree murder , one count of first-degree manslaughter, and one count of first-degree robbery in connection with the slaying of Jessa D. Delyon, authorities said.
According to a news release from the Medford Police Department, officers responded at about 6:16 a.m. on Nov. 18 to an emergency call regarding a disturbance on North Keene Way Drive, about 275 miles south of Portland, Oregon.
Police said callers reported a man attacking a woman who could be heard”screaming.”
Moments later, 911 dispatchers received a phone call from the suspect, identified as Siple, who said he “had just assaulted a female and made somewhat incoherent statements,” authorities said.
Officers arrived within three minutes and contacted Siple as he walked away from the scene with evidence that he had been involved in an assault, authorities said.
He was immediately taken into custody, police said.
The victim was found nearby, in serious condition. She was taken to a hospital, where she was listed in critical condition before dying on Dec. 5, authorities said.
Siple was booked at the Jackson County Jail and initially charged with one count of attempted murder and one count of first-degree assault.
Police also said there is no indication Siple and Delyon knew each other before the attack. Police described the suspect using a blunt object that they recovered, police said. Officers said the victim frequently made morning walks and lived in the area.
According to a report from Medford, Oregon, NBC affiliate KOBI, the blunt instrument used to assault Delyon was an unopened can of soup.
“While stranger-on-stranger assaults are extremely rare, the police department cautions people to remain vigilant during outside activities,” Medford Police Lt. Geoff Kirkpatrick said in a statement. “Being in groups, walking during daylight hours, carrying protective measures, and remaining aware of your surroundings are all important steps for your continued safety. Our heart goes out to the victim and her family.”
On a GoFundMe page , Deylon’s daughter mourned the loss of her mother.
“My mother died December 5th. We donated her heart, lungs, liver and both kidneys and saved the lives of 5 people. We also donated her pancreas and skin cells to research. She wanted to do both and I’m so glad I got to make sure she contributed to both organ donation and medical research. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and who has donated… I’m not sure what else to say.. Roman, Dillon and I are grateful for the donations.. it has helped ease the stress of me missing work.. Hug your loved ones this holiday season. We’re missing a huge part of our family this year.. it’s never going to be same.”
Further information about the prosecution of this case and any case specifics can be referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s office. (SOURCE)
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 Tina Kotek Visits Lane County as Her One Oregon Listening Tour Ends
Governor Tina Kotek ended her One Oregon Listening Tour of the state’s 36 counties Thursday by visiting communities throughout Lane County impacted by the 2020 Labor Day Wildfires.
Kotek’s final stop on her statewide tour was in Leaburg, an unincorporated community on the McKenzie River that was devastated by the Holiday Farm Fire.
During a press conference held Thursday afternoon at the Lane County Public Service Building, Kotek described her conversations with residents as “sobering,” saying local businesses especially are struggling to rebuild.
“That was a really helpful conversation that made me think, what can we do as a state to fill in some gaps there,” she said. “My commitment is to make sure those communities impacted by the 2020 wildfires do recover. And we are still on that path. And for small businesses in particular, it is a very tough recovery.”
Kotek said wildfire relief, especially for groups that the federal government hasn’t assisted, will be a top priority in the next legislative session.
She said she’s also focused on housing overall, such as improving the stock for coastal communities that depend on tourism, but have nowhere for service workers to live. She said she’s also looking to boost resources to build more low-income options.
She said she’s hopeful that over the next few years, the state will meet her housing goal of 36,000 new units a year.
Governor Kotek told reporters Thursday that during her listening tour of state’s 36 counties, she directly met with at least 1,000 Oregon residents.
Oregon State Police Traffic Stop Near Albany Results in Major Drug Seizure
A traffic stop in Linn County led to a major drug seizure including methamphetamine, heroin, a loaded firearm, and cocaine.
On Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, an Oregon State Police trooper initiated a traffic stop on Interstate 5 just south of Highway 34 near Albany after observing a traffic violation. The trooper contacted the single occupant of the vehicle and obtained legal authority to search the vehicle. As a result of the search, the following items were seized:
- 42 pounds of methamphetamine
- Seven pounds of heroin
- A loaded pistol
- A small amount of cocaine
Allan Alexis Medina of Puyallup, WA, was arrested for several crimes related to the seizure. The investigation is ongoing and no additional information is available for release at this time.
# # # About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Klamath Falls Police Investigating A Murder In Front Of A Downtown Restaurant After A Man Was Stabbed Tuesday Night
As of Thursday afternoon, no arrests have been made in the stabbing death of a Klamath Falls man on Main Street Tuesday night.
On Tuesday, December 12th, 2023, at approximately 8:50 p.m. members of the Klamath Falls Police Department and Oregon State Police responded to a reported stabbing in front of Rooster’s Steak House, located at 205 Main Street in Klamath Falls.
Officers arrived on scene and found 53-year-old Andre Nikito Gardner had suffered multiple stab wounds. On-scene officers rendered aid to Gardner until medical personnel arrived on scene. Gardner was transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center where he later died from his injuries.
The responsible party in this incident has been identified and all information obtained through investigation will be forwarded to the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office for review at Grand Jury.
This case is under investigation, if you have information regarding this case; please contact the Klamath Falls Police Department at 541-883-5336. Anonymous information can be left at the Klamath Falls Police Tip Line number 541-883-5334. (kfpd)
Many Oregonians Frustrated With State’s New Family And Medical Paid Leave Program Delays
Some Oregonians who applied for benefits through the state’s new paid family- and medical-leave program are reporting frustrating delays receiving their checks, technical issues during the application process and long wait times to speak to customer service representatives.
The program has been inundated with fraud attempts, contributing to the problems.
A state dashboard shows that program officials have processed more than 28,000 applications, about 80% of what they’ve received, and paid out nearly $104 million so far. There are about 7,000 applications still waiting to be processed, although a portion of those claims are new or could be fraudulent.
A significant number of Oregonians facing benefit delays say they have run into issues with the state’s identity verification process, a step officials put in place to combat the large number of fraudulent application attempts.
AAA Reports Lower Holiday Gas Prices
Gas prices continue their downward movement in all 50 states as the holidays approach. Most gas stations in Oregon are now selling regular gas for less than $4 a gallon, and nationwide, about 60% of all fuel locations have gas below $3 a gallon. Lower crude oil costs and the typical lower demand for gas this time of year are the driving factors behind lower pump prices. For the week, the national average for regular drops nine cents to $3.14 a gallon. The Oregon average falls eight cents to $3.91.
“Drivers are enjoying lower pump prices in time for holiday shopping and travel. Gas prices should continue to decline this month, as holiday travelers hit the road for Christmas and New Year’s,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.
The national average is at its lowest price since December 2022. The Oregon average is at its lowest price since last March.
The national average for regular has been steadily falling since reaching its year-to-date high of $3.88 on September 18. The Oregon average has been moving lower since reaching its year-to-date high of $4.77 on August 30.
AAA projects 2023 to be the second-busiest for holiday travel since 2000 when AAA began tracking holiday travel, only behind 2019. AAA projects 115.2 million Americans (33.8% of the population) will travel 50 miles or more for the Christmas and New Year holidays. This is up 2.2% from 2022. About 1.63 million Oregonians will pack their sleighs for a holiday trip. Find all the details and tips for travelers in the AAA holiday travel news release.
Get $5 off annual Oregon State Park parking permit in December
Give the gift of the outdoors and save this season with the Oregon State Parks 12-month parking permit sale during the month of December.
The permit hangtag once again features whimsical designs from Portland artist El Tran. Holiday shoppers can buy the annual parking permits for only $25, which is a $5 savings starting Dec. 1 and running through Dec. 31. The permit is good for 12 months starting in the month of purchase.
Purchasing permits is easy. Buy them online at the Oregon State Parks store (use the drop down menu to pick your favorite design). Parking permits are also sold at some state park friends’ group stores and select local businesses throughout the state. For a complete list of vendors, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.
Parking costs $5 a day at 25 Oregon state parks unless you have a 12- or 24-month parking permit or a same-day camping receipt. The 24-month pass is $50 and is also available at store.oregonstateparks.org. The permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle.
People in Oregon can now manage state benefits with the Oregon ONE Mobile app
People can now securely manage their medical, food, cash and child care benefits through the State of Oregon from the convenience of their mobile devices using the new Oregon ONE Mobile app. People first will need to apply for benefits online, in person at a local office or over the phone.
The app is available for free in the Apple and Android app stores. It is an official State of Oregon app created by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). The app’s development was partially funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“At ODHS we are committed to meeting people in Oregon where they are with as many ways as possible to manage their benefits, check application status and share needed documentation, like when they get a request for information during a renewal,” said Nathan Singer (he/him), director of the ODHS Oregon Eligibility Partnership. “People can now manage their benefits in-person, by mail, by fax, by telephone, online and on their mobile phone using the Oregon ONE Mobile app, which is available in English and Spanish.”
Interview with OEP Director Singer available on YouTube
Oregon ONE Mobile app video on YouTube
New Oregon ONE Mobile app video link
- Create a ONE Online account.
- Access their existing ONE Online account.
- Report changes to household information including address, contact information and income.
- Upload requested documents using a smartphone camera.
- Get updates on application status and check if it is approved, denied, or pending, and what actions might need to be taken.
- See and download notices that were mailed.
- Find the next renewal date for their benefits.
- Get important, time-sensitive alerts and notifications about benefits on mobile devices.
- View benefit issuance history for food and cash payments.
People who serve as Authorized Representatives for people with benefits are also able to use the app.
How to manage your medical, food, cash and child care benefits:
- By phone at: 1-800-699-9075. All relay calls accepted.
- Online at: benefits.oregon.gov
- Through the free Oregon ONE Mobile app available on Apple and Android app stores
- In person at an office near you: Find an office.
- 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 food resources in your community: needfood.oregon.gov.
- 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 Oregon Department of Human Services
The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve well-being and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
About the Oregon Eligibility Partnership
The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services. OEP supports state staff who determine eligibility for people applying for and receiving medical, food, cash and child care benefits. It also manages the ONE Eligibility System used to process applications and deliver benefits to eligible individuals and families in Oregon. One in three people in Oregon receive benefits through the ONE Eligibility System. OEP administers the ONE Eligibility system in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).###
https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx
Update- as of 11/15/23, Bailey has still not been found, but Tyler Burrows was arrested and taken into custody in Trail, Oregon.
