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, February 9, 2024
Rogue Valley Weather
Night To Shine Prom in Medford Tonight!
Night to Shine — an annual prom that serves people with disabilities — is coming to the First Baptist Church in Medford this Friday.
According to a news release, the church is located at 649 Crater Lake Ave. and will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Grace Point Fellowship and Inclusion Works will be hosting it.
“I’m so excited Night to Shine 2024 is here again! All around the world, individuals with special needs are going to be celebrated like they should be,” said Tim Tebow, founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation, which sponsors Night to Shine dances across the country. “(We) can’t wait to cheer for every guest as they walk the red carpet, dance the night away with their friends, crown them as a king or queen of the prom and most importantly, tell every single one of them that their life has purpose and they are loved by us.”
There will be a red carpet, hair and make-up stations, limousine rides, corsages/boutonnieres, a dinner, prom favors and a dance floor, the release said. Every guest will also be crowned king or queen.
To learn more about Night to Shine: https://nighttoshineso.org/
For questions or information:
email: ntsinfo@nighttoshineso.org
phone: 541.200.2164
2023 Illegal Marijuana Stats for Josephine County
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Release Date: February 7, 2024
INCIDENT: Illegal Marijuana Search Warrants
INCIDENT DATE AND TIME: January 1st – December 31st, 2023
REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)
DETAILS: From January 1st – December 31st, 2023, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office conducted 53 search warrants on alleged illegal marijuana cultivation operations within Josephine County. Many of these operations have been conducted in partnership with other law enforcement agencies. The operations have also been assisted by Josephine County Code Enforcement, Oregon State Health Administration, the Josephine County Watermaster and Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Department of Agriculture, and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission.
During the year 2023, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office seized:
Total Plants: 129,648
Total Processed: 13,865 lbs
Firearms: 49
Cash: $93,814
Due to the ongoing nature of the investigations, names of suspects, locations, dates, and times of the operations are not being released. As our citizens have seen this past year, the black-market marijuana market is still an issue for our community. Your Sheriff’s Office is committed to combatting the illegal grows within Josephine County.
You can submit a tip by calling the JMET tip line at 541-474-5252 or go to www.josephinecounty.gov/government/sheriff/josephine_marijuana_enforcement_team.php
Union Members Allege Inappropriate Conduct At Jackson County Fire District 5
The union for a fire district in the Rogue Valley is asking its board of directors to take action.
On Tuesday, IAFF Local 2596 President Brady Graham spoke to the board about multiple serious complaints of inappropriate workplace conduct that have been reported to the department.
The district operates three fire stations in Phoenix, Talent and unincorporated Ashland, serving over 23,000 people.
According to a statement from the union, the behavior has been going on for years and has created a toxic work environment.
At the meeting, Graham said the district has failed to address this behavior, which has “created an atmosphere where bullying, harassment, and even sexual harassment are accepted as normal behaviors,” he said.
“Several firefighters have left the District due to chronic low morale, the appearance of favoritism in hiring and disciplinary decisions, and management’s lax enforcement of the District’s harassment policies,” a statement from the union reads.
The statement says the union has lost confidence in the district’s ability to address the concerns since a 2022 investigation into serious misconduct was ignored.
During the meeting this week, Graham asked the board to address this problem. He said the union has also drafted a letter to the district’s legal counsel, and he presented the board with documents he has compiled over the course of a months-long investigation by the union.
Board President Vicki Purslow declined to be interviewed by JPR. Fire Chief Charles Hanley did not respond to a request for comment. (SOURCE)
Missing Person – Hope Hoover
MISSING PERSON – ATTEMPT TO LOCATE
NAME: Hope Susan Hoover
AGE: 32
SEX: Female
RACE: Caucasian
HEIGHT: 5′ 7″
WEIGHT: 150lbs
HAIR: Blonde
EYES: Blue
INFORMATION: Hoover left the evening of 1-22-24 from the northeast area of Grants Pass with a direction of travel unknown. Hoover’s family has not been able to contact her since that time. Hoover did not take any of her belongings when she left. Hoover is possibly driving a 2004 BMW X5, grey in color, 4 door, with Oregon DMV 036LWC.
Please contact the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office with any information.
CASE: 24-2676
OFFICE: 541-474-5123
Grants Pass Murder Suspect Arrested
The 23-year-old victim, in this case, has been identified as Jhonathan R. Davis Jr. (First name spelling is correct).
Grants Pass, Ore. – On February 6, 2024, at 4:08 am, a male called 911 to report he had shot another male. Grants Pass Police officers responded to the 1000 block of SE Park Plaza to secure the scene. Upon arrival, 25-year-old Kiernan Fucci exited the residence and surrendered to officers. Inside the apartment, police discovered a male deceased from a gunshot. At this time, the name of the victim is being withheld until next of kin can be notified.
All other occupants of the apartment were confirmed to be uninjured. There was no risk to the public, and the incident was limited to the apartment.
Grants Pass Police detectives were aided in the investigation by the Oregon State Police Major Crimes Unit, Oregon State Police Crime Lab, Josephine County District Attorney’s Office, and Grants Pass Fire/Rescue. The Grants Pass Police Department appreciates the assistance of these agencies as they are frequently involved in our community’s major cases.
Kiernan Fucci was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the charges of Murder in the Second Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-450-6260. Media inquiries should be routed through the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office.
RADE Search Warrant Nets Drugs, Guns, and Explosives — 1 Arrested
The search warrant revealed multiple ounces of methamphetamine, eight firearms (3 were found to be stolen), US currency, and illegal explosives (blasting caps and other high explosives).
Suspect Michael Dills was transported and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. Additional drug and gun-related charges will be referred to the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office.
The RADE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency, prosecutor-supported approach. RADE is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), composed of members from the Oregon State Police, Grants Pass Police Department, Josephine County Community Corrections, and the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office.
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including RADE.
Medford Police Arrest Two Suspects Following Shooting Incident Near Poplar Drive
On February 1 at approximately 8:43 PM, Medford Police responded to 911 calls reporting shots fired in the area of Poplar Drive at Progress Drive. One caller reported that an unknown person was shooting at him as he fled the area. MPD patrol units arrived on scene within several minutes of the first call. Based on evidence at the scene and eyewitness statements, it was quickly determined that gunshots were exchanged between three men associated with a nearby apartment. It was not immediately clear if anyone was actually hit in the gunfire exchange and at least one of the involved suspects was believed to have fled from the scene on foot.
MPD detectives responded to the scene and took two subjects into custody. The investigation continued into the early morning hours and resulted in the arrest of the two suspects listed below. An additional suspect, who has been identified, remains outstanding and the investigation is ongoing. At this time, we believe that no injuries were sustained during the gunfire exchange and that all three subjects involved have been associated in the past.
The listed suspects were arrested and lodged for violation of parole as both were recently released from prison. At the conclusion of this investigation, it is anticipated that additional felony charges could be added.
Suspect #1: Pierpoint, Matthew Ryan (38-years-old), of Medford
Parole Violation – Felony Strangulation/Domestic Violence
Suspect #2: Wright, Devon James (30-years-old), of Medford
Parole Violation – Felon in Possession of a firearm
David Grubbs’ Murder Investigation Remains Active
The Ashland Police Department’s investigation into the murder of David Grubbs on November 19, 2011 remains open and active. Recently two new detectives have been assigned to look into new leads that have come in.
This case remains important to David’s family, the community, and the Ashland Police Department. As detectives continue to pursue these new leads, anyone with additional information is encouraged to reach out to the Ashland Police Department at 541-488-2211.
The reward for information leading to an arrest on this case remains at over $21,000.
Medford Police to Participate in Safety Belt Overtime Enforcement Program
Beginning Monday, January 29 through Sunday, February 11, Medford Police, along with law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon, will be participating in the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Safety Belt Overtime Enforcement Program. Law enforcement agencies will be using federally funded overtime to educate the public about safety belt and child seat laws including a law passed in 2017 increasing safety for children under age two.
ODOT crash data for 2021 shows lack of safety belt or child restraint use was a factor in 32% or 119 of a total 377 motor vehicle occupant fatalities. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading nationwide cause of death for children ages one through twelve-years-old. In 2021, 1,475 children under twelve were injured in Oregon traffic crashes, 16 percent were reported not using a child restraint system. It is estimated that car seats may increase crash survival by 71% for infants under one year old and by up to 59% for toddlers aged one to four. Booster seats may reduce the chance of nonfatal injury among four- to eight-year-olds by 45% compared to safety belts used alone.
In 2017 an Oregon law was passed requiring children to ride in a rear-facing safety seat until they are at least two years old. A child over age two must continue to ride in a car seat with harness or in a booster until they reach age eight or 4’ 9” in height and the adult belt fits them correctly. The 2017 law, which extends the rear-facing requirement from the previous age one to age two, will better protect the child’s head, neck, and spine from potential crash injuries. This is because a rear-facing seat spreads crash forces evenly across the seat and child’s body while also limiting forward or sideways motion of the head.
For help selecting or installing child car seats, consult the seat manufacturer’s instructions, your vehicle owner’s manual, or visit a local child seat fitting station listed at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#inspection-inspection
Registration Open For Rogue Community College’s New Nursing Program Cohort
Jackson and Josephine counties (Jan. 17, 2024) – After receiving approval from the Oregon State Board of Nursing for a new Certified Nursing Assistant 2 (CNA2) program, Rogue Community College has opened registration for the first cohort that starts in February.
The program meets rigorous standards set by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) and enables students to advance from CNA1 to a CNA2 certification. It will provide students with thorough training that aligns with industry standards and helps them prepare for a successful and meaningful career in nursing.
Throughout the program, students will delve into essential topics such as how to collaborate with the healthcare team, nutrition methods, safety risks and emergency care, legal and ethical issues, physical and mental disease processes, observation and reporting, documentation, infection control and interpersonal skills. Students will also gain practical experience during 88 hours of training that will have online and in-person components.
Students will also have the opportunity to apply their skills in real-world scenarios during hands-on, supervised clinical training at a local healthcare facility located in Josephine or Jackson County.
The CNA2 program allows nursing students to gain specialized knowledge and skills that help them grow in their careers, discover new job opportunities and increase their earning potential.
The program positively impacts the local economy, as Southern Oregon has two large hospital systems—Providence Medford Medical Center and Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center—with a variety of employment opportunities available. For more information, email nursingassistant@roguecc.edu.
Fauna Frey, 45, disappeared in Oregon on a road trip, June 29, 2020, following her brother’s death —
https://original.newsbreak.com/@ada-e-1668135/3304227455096-fauna-frey-45-disappeared-in-oregon-on-a-road-trip-june-29-2020-following-her-brother-s-death
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
Central Oregon Resident Diagnosed With Plague
A Central Oregon resident has been confirmed to have a case of the plague, Deschutes County announced Wednesday. It’s the first reported case in Oregon in nearly a decade.
It’s believed the person, identified only as a “local resident,” was infected by their cat.
“All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness,” Deschutes County Health Officer Dr. Richard Fawcett said in a statement.
No other cases have been identified. The county said the case was diagnosed and treated early, posing little risk to the community.
The plague spreads to humans or animals through a bite from an infected flea or by contact with an animal sick with the disease, the County said. The most common animals to carry plague in Central Oregon are squirrels and chipmunks, but mice and other rodents can also carry the disease.
Symptoms of plague usually begin in humans two to eight days after exposure to an infected animal or flea, the county said. These symptoms may include a sudden onset of fever, nausea, weakness, chills, muscle aches, and/or visibly swollen lymph nodes called buboes.
If not diagnosed early, the plague can infect the bloodstream or lungs, making it more severe and difficult to treat, the county said.
Tips from the county to prevent the spread of plague:
- Avoid all contact with rodents and their fleas. Never touch sick, injured, or dead rodents.
- Keep pets on a leash when outdoors and protect them with flea control products. Do not allow pets to approach sick or dead rodents or explore rodent burrows.
- Pet cats are highly susceptible to plague, and infected cats can transmit the bacterium to humans. If possible, discourage their hunting of rodents. Consult a veterinarian immediately if your cat becomes sick after being in contact with rodents.
- Residents should keep wild rodents out of homes and remove food, woodpiles, and other attractants for rodents around homes and outbuildings.
- Do not camp, sleep, or rest near animal burrows or areas where dead rodents are observed.
- Refrain from feeding squirrels, chipmunks, or other wild rodents in campgrounds and picnic areas. Store food and refuse in rodent-proof containers.
- Wear long pants tucked into boot tops to reduce exposure to fleas. Apply insect repellent to socks and trouser cuffs to help reduce exposure to fleas.
The last known case in Oregon was in 2015, the county said, citing the Oregon Health Authority. (SOURCE)
Oregon joins 25 other states, SEC in $3 million settlement with TradeStation crypto program
Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), along with a taskforce of state securities regulators, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced a $3 million settlement in principle with TradeStation Crypto, Inc. over its unregistered crypto interest earning program. The settlement resolves allegations that TradeStation violated state and federal securities laws by offering and selling securities without proper registration or disclosure to investors.
The settlement stems from a comprehensive investigation led by state securities regulators in Alabama, California Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Washington, and Wisconsin and coordinated under the auspices of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) enforcement section committee.
“This settlement sends a clear message that crypto-related businesses must comply with state securities laws or face serious consequences,” said DFR Administrator TK Keen. “DFR is committed to protecting investors and the integrity of the financial markets from those who do not comply with our requirements.”
TradeStation, a Florida corporation formed in 2018, provides crypto-asset-related financial services to retail and institutional customers in the U.S., including investing and trading services. From around August 2020 to June 2022, TradeStation offered a crypto interest earning program to U.S. investors. Under this program, investors could passively earn interest on crypto assets by loaning them to TradeStation. TradeStation maintained total discretion over the revenue-generating activities utilized to earn returns for investors. The company offered and promoted its crypto interest earning program in the U.S. via its website and various platforms.
TradeStation is alleged to have failed to comply with state registration requirements and, as a result, investors were sold unregistered securities in violation of state laws and additionally were deprived of critical information and disclosures necessary to understand the potential risks of TradeStation’s crypto interest earning program.
For the states participating in the settlement, TradeStation will pay a fine of $29,411.76 each and cease offering, selling, or renewing its crypto interest earning program until such activities are compliant with applicable state and federal securities laws. TradeStation has repaid investors, including interest and earnings.
DFR urges investors to exercise caution when dealing with crypto-related businesses and to report any suspicious activities to one of our consumer advocates, who can be reached at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or .fiancialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.fiancialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.
About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and www.dcbs.oregon.gov.
El Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon aumento el contenido de su Sitio Web en Espanol el 23 de enero.
(Salem) – El Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon ha ampliado el contenido y los recursos disponibles en su sitio web en español. A partir del 23 de enero, las personas que visitan el sitio web de ODHS en español ahora pueden ver 65 páginas transcreadas adicionales para un total de 110 páginas. Transcreado significa que el contenido de estas páginas fue traducido por personal de habla hispana en lugar del traductor de Google, como ofrecen la mayoría de los sitios web para la traducción de idiomas.
A continuación se encuentran algunos aspectos a destacar del sitio web:
- Las personas pueden encontrar el sitio web en español haciendo clic en “Sitio en Español” en la parte superior derecha del sitio web principal o escribiendo servicioshumanos.oregon.gov en su navegador.
- El sitio web incluye una navegación y una barra de búsqueda más completas para que las personas encuentren lo que necesitan más rápido.
- Las personas pueden navegar fácilmente entre las versiones en Español y en Inglés de las páginas transcreadas haciendo clic en el botón “Español” o “English” debajo del encabezado de las páginas.
- Las personas que hablan otros idiomas pueden usar el botón “Languages” en la parte superior derecha del sitio web de ODHS para ver una versión traducida por Google del sitio web de ODHS en 10 diferentes idiomas.
Además, las personas ahora pueden utilizar la función del Buscador de Oficinas en español, lo que facilita no solo la búsqueda de oficinas locales, sino también información importante como servicios específicos y mensajes sobre cierres de oficinas.
Estas nuevas páginas brindan a comunidades de habla hispana que buscan servicios y recursos, así como al personal y socios que los apoyan, prácticamente el mismo nivel de información que está disponible actualmente en el sitio web principal de ODHS.
Newly expanded Oregon Department of Human Services Spanish website launched January 23
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human services has expanded the content and resources available on its Spanish website. As of Jan. 23, people visiting the Spanish website can now access an additional 65 transcreated pages for a total of 110 pages. Transcreated means the content on these pages was translated by a native Spanish speaker instead of Google translate, as most websites offer for language translation.
Here are some highlights on the Spanish website:
- People can access this Spanish website by selecting “Sitio en Español” on the top right side of the main website’s banner or by typing servicioshumanos.oregon.gov on their browser.
- This expansion includes a more robust navigation and search bar allowing people to find what they need faster.
- People can navigate easily from Spanish to English versions of the transcreated pages by clicking the “Español” or “English” button under the header of the pages.
- People that speak other languages can use the “Languages” button on the upper right of the ODHS website to get a google translated version of the ODHS website in 10 different languages.
Additionally, people are now able to use the Office Finder feature on the Spanish site, making it easier not only to find local offices, but also important information like specific services and messages on office closures.
These additional pages provide Spanish speaking communities seeking services and resources, as well as staff and partners that support them, with virtually the same level of information that is currently available on the ODHS main website.
Washington sexual assault suspect pleads guilty; Investigators seeking information on any additional victims
On January 30th, 2024, a Washington man pled guilty in Marion County Circuit Court in connection with a 2023 sexual assault. The investigation was conducted by detectives from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the case was prosecuted by Marion County Deputy District Attorney Katharine Semple.
Ronald Junior Collins II, 34, pled guilty to multiple charges, including:
• Rape in the First Degree • Strangulation (2 counts) • Assault in the Fourth Degree (2 counts)
Collins was sentenced to 100 months in the Department of Corrections.
The investigation into this incident began in February 2023. Detectives learned Collins met his victim online. Collins was arrested in Washington state in June 2023 and extradited to Marion County.
Due to the nature of the crimes, investigators believe there may be additional victims in Oregon and Washington. Investigators are asking anyone who may have been a victim to report this activity to their local law enforcement. Anonymous tips can be submitted by texting TIPMCSO and your tip to 847411.
Oregon Receives $60 Million For Rental Support And Social Services
The Biden administration announced this week it’s awarding more than $3 billion to thousands of programs nationwide to fight homelessness.
That amount, for 2003 Continuum of Care grants, marks a new high, the administration said.
“We are doing all we can to get people off the street and into permanent homes with access to services,” said Marcia Fudge, the Housing and Urban Development secretary in a release. “That is why we are making sure the service providers on the frontlines of this crisis have the resources they need.”
The grants include more than $60 million for Oregon nonprofits and other entities to support programs that house young people and others from Portland, Medford and Ashland to Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties. A total of 140 applicants won grants ranging from more than $8 million to $10,000. More than $50 million is allocated to current programs to keep them going, while more than $4 million is aimed at keeping young people housed. More than $2 million is for new initiatives in Clackamas, Lane, Marion, and Multnomah counties, along with about the same amount for planning initiatives.
Oregon’s six Democratic lawmakers in Congress – Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Reps. Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Val Hoyle and Andrea Salinas – welcomed the money in a joint statement.
“These new and continuing awards are vital for communities and individuals in need of critical housing resources and support. I won’t stop working to ensure Oregonians in every corner of the state have access to safe, dependable, and affordable housing,” Merkley said.
A large share of the money is going to nonprofit and government programs in the Portland area.
Home Forward, the public housing authority for Multnomah County, won the biggest grant of nearly $8.4 million. The money will be used to fund several ongoing programs that currently serve nearly 500 households by helping them with rent and social services.
“We are very grateful to HUD for this vital funding support that allows us to keep up with rent increases while maintaining our current service levels for the nearly 500 households in our community who rely on this assistance,” Martha Calhoon, a spokesperson for Home Forward, said in a statement.
The programs help a range of low-income people, including those with chronic addictions or who’ve been chronically homeless, people with HIV who have a mental disability, veterans who’ve been homeless, households with at least one person with a disability and heads of households suffering from severe and persistent mental illness.
Most are on Medicaid, and they pay 30% of their adjusted gross income for rent. If they have no income, they pay nothing.
A total of 12 agencies involved with the grant provide housing, addiction treatment, mental health and other social services. Those agencies include Central City Concern, a large provider based in Portland; Multnomah County; Cascadia Health, one of the largest behavioral health care agencies in the state; and the Veterans Affairs.
Central City Concern won its own grant of $3.4 million, the second biggest. Spokesperson Juliana Lukasik said the money is dedicated to a program that provides long-term housing stability for people with high needs, including those with addictions, severe and persistent mental illness and the chronically homeless.
Those in the program pay 30% of their rent. Last year, the program served about 185 people, including nearly 160 who’ve been chronically homeless. Lukasik said about 60% had retained housing for more than five years while about 95% had stayed housed for more more than one year.186 client served
Like Home Forward, Central City Concern works with other agencies, including the Native American Rehabilitation Association, to provide health care and other services, and it uses people who’ve experienced homelessness themselves as peers to help those in the program.
The third biggest grant, nearly $3 million, went to the Washington County Department of Housing Services. A spokeswoman, Emily Roots, said in a statement that the money will be used to help house about 200 households. To qualify, participants must have a disability and be chronically homeless at the time of acceptance into the program.
They are required to pay 30% of the rent, and they’re housed in apartments, Roots said. A variety of services are offered such as behavioral health treatment, aging and disability services, HIV/AIDS services and general case management. (SOURCE)
