Rogue Valley News, Wednesday 7/10 – Salt Creek Fire Update, VOTE for Ashland’s Winchester Inn Nominated by USA Today as a 2024 Best Wine Country Hotel & Other Local and Statewide News…

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

Wednesday,  July 10, 2024

Rogue Valley Weather

Salt Creek Fire – Salt Creek Road, Eagle Point

ACRES – 3,815 CONTAINMENT – 7%

https://share.watchduty.org/i/25039

July 10, 2024 Morning Update: Salt Creek Firefighters Take Advantage of Overnight Conditions, Up Containment EAGLE POINT, Ore. – Containment on the Salt Creek Fire has increased to 7% as firefighters continue to push forward on progress overnight. Mop-up operations on the west side of the fire has allowed for the change, and as these lined areas become more secure, resources that have been dedicated there will be strategically reassigned to other portions of the fire. An infrared (IR) flight was conducted Tuesday, mapping the fire at 3,651 acres. This indicates slight growth from yesterday when conditions were pushing the fire in three significant areas. Firefighters have focused on building up those portions of line and will continue to bolster them today. With this work, 80% of the fire has line built around it, and as these boundaries are strengthened, containment will continue to increase. For Wednesday’s day shift, 555 personnel are working on the fire, including twenty 20-person crews, 21 engines, 12 bulldozers, 13 water tenders. A Rogue Valley Task Force made up of local resources is also available if needed. Temperatures are again expected to be in the triple digits and windy conditions are expected in the afternoon. Increased fire activity is projected during this time and firefighters will be on the lookout for spot fires and areas where fire may cross established lines. Structural firefighters remain dedicated to protecting nearby homes that have been placed in Level 1, “BE READY,” evacuation zones by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management. Learn more about evacuations at: https://protect.genasys.com/ Extreme fire danger is in effect; follow all current fire restrictions to prevent fires. Learn more at: • The ODF Southwest Oregon District: https://swofire.com/ • The RRSNF Alerts and Notices page www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices and website homepage www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou • The BLM OR/WA Fire Management Page: www.blm.gov/orwafire The Salt Creek Fire is located 10 miles east of Eagle Point and was first reported Sunday, July 7, just after 4 p.m. The cause is under investigation. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/7EHhTjV9hg3wCLo4/?mibextid=WC7FNe  

VOTE for Ashland’s Winchester Inn Nominated by USA Today as a 2024 Best Wine Country Hotel

Decades before Wine Enthusiast magazine included southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley as one of the 2022 top five wine regions in the world, the Winchester Inn in Ashland had been celebrating regional vintners and catering to people who travel here to savor award-winning red, white and sparkling wines. Now, the Winchester Inn has been nominated by USA Today as a 2024 Best Wine Country Hotel. Nominees are selected by a panel of experts and voting by the public continues until 9 a.m. July 22.

Vote for The Winchester Inn

Best Wine Country Hotel — The Winchester Inn in Ashland, Oregon, offers a boutique hotel experience that combines comfort and charm, including a gourmet breakfast served each morning as part of the stay. Situated in downtown Ashland, the inn offers convenient access to nearby wineries, outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, and the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-wine-country-hotel-2024/the-winchester-inn-ashland-oregon/ https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/   Burglars Targeting Local Licensed Marijuana Farms and Storage Facilities    Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash – Lower Grave Creek Road     

Oregon Housing and Community Services responds to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling allowing cities to ban people from sleeping outdoors

The United States Supreme Court made its ruling today in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson. In response to the decision, Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) Executive Director Andrea Bell issued the following statement. “For many, we knew this day was coming, and yet it is still devastating. This is a wake-up call for all of us – cities in particular. We cannot succumb to cynicism or confuse this ruling as a mandate. Many of us have either experienced the struggle to make ends meet or know someone who has. In the face of this shared reality, out-of-sight, out-of-mind positions that criminalize sleeping or sheltering in public spaces only exacerbates the experiences of homelessness. “OHCS’ position remains unchanged – we reject homelessness as an inevitable outcome. Every person, regardless of their background or where they come from, deserves a place to call home. Oregon’s shared values serve as a guidepost of hope and progress. In cities, suburbs, and rural towns across the state, our economies and communities are strongest when everyone’s fundamental needs are met. To the people of Oregon struggling to get by: We see you. We value your life. We will continue to work tirelessly on your behalf.” In 2023, Oregon prevented more than 9,000 households from becoming homeless, created over 1,000 new shelter beds, and helped some 2,000 people move from homeless to housed. This was done in partnership with Governor Tina Kotek, the Oregon Legislature, numerous state agencies, and many local community partners who implemented the funding and policy developed through the Governor’s homelessness state of emergency (EO 23-02) and the Affordable Housing and Emergency Homelessness Response Package (HB 2001 and HB 5019, 2023). About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.  

HGTV names Jacksonville Oregon among the most charming small towns in the US

From cities with quaint shops to “fascinating histories,” HGTV released a list of the top 50 charming small towns in the United States, with one southern Oregon hidden gem making the cut.

“There’s something special about small towns,” HGTV said about the list. “Whether it’s the simplicity, the character or the people, they are a quintessential part of American life.” Located in Southern Oregon’s wine county, the historic Jacksonville, Ore. scored a spot on the list, as first reported by The Oregonian/OregonLive. The small town received a shout-out for agritourism like the Applegate Valley Wine Trail and a “premier” arts fest. “Come in the summer to enjoy the Britt Music & Arts Festival, the Pacific Northwest’s premier outdoor summer performing arts event, or explore the town’s independently owned shops, restaurants and hiking and biking trails year-round,” HGTV said, noting the city has also been named among America’s 10 “coolest small towns.” Cities topping the list include Fairhope, Ala., Unalaska, Alaska, Winslow, Ariz., Eureka Springs, Ark., and Carmel, Calif.  

Community members are invited to enjoy Mount Ashland’s summer season

According to the ski area, the restaurant and retail shop inside the lodge will be open every Friday through Sunday from now until Labor Day. Events including movie nights, tie-dye events, and a disc golf tournament will be offered throughout the summer. Mount Ashland is also kicking off a summer program for kids. To find out more, visit the Mount Ashland Summer webpage: https://www.mtashland.com/operating-schedule/

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.

It has been Four Years since Fauna Frey, 45, disappeared in Oregon on a road trip, June 29, 2020, following her brother’s death  —

 

Fires Around the State

Please Help Prevent Wildfires!

Oregon among 27 states with illnesses linked to mushroom-derived candies

Prophet Premium Blends in California recalling Diamond Shruumz products PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon is one of 27 states with cases of a severe acute illness associated with a brand of candies that contain a potentially harmful chemical found in mushrooms, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notified epidemiologists at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Public Health Division July 5 that Oregon is now part of a nationwide FDA outbreak investigation involving products manufactured by Prophet Premium Blends of Santa Ana, Calif. The company has issued a recall of chocolate bars, cones and gummies sold under the brand Diamond Shruumz, including “Micro- and Mega/Extreme-Dose” versions of the products. According to the FDA, the products contain muscimol, a chemical found in mushrooms of the genus Amanita, and which could cause symptoms consistent with those observed in persons who became ill after eating Diamond Shruumz products. These products are not regulated for consumer safety. Reported symptoms that may be related to the recalled products have included those linked to seizures, agitation, involuntary muscle contractions, loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness, nausea and vomiting, abnormal heart rates, and hyper/hypotension. Oregon has one case. The individual has recovered from the illness. CDC reports there now are 58 cases across the country, with 30 hospitalizations. One death also is being investigated. The FDA says Diamond Shruumz-brand products should no longer be available for sale. The products were previously available online and in person at a variety of retail locations nationwide, including smoke/vape shops. They also were available at retailers that sell hemp-derived products such as cannabidiol (CBD) or delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC). OHA and FDA are making the following recommendations:

• Consumers should not eat, sell or serve any flavor of Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones or gummies.
• Consumers should check their homes and discard these products, or return them to the company for a refund.
• These products may appeal to children and teenagers. Parents and caregivers should consider discussing the information in this advisory with their children and take extra care to prevent children from eating them.
• Retailers should not sell or distribute any flavor of Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, or gummies, and should hold the product in a secure location and contact Diamond Shruumz to initiate the return and refund.
• Those who become ill after consuming these products should contact their health care provider and/or call the Oregon Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. Let Poison Center staff know you have recently consumed the Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, and/or gummies.
• Health care providers should report these illnesses to the Oregon Poison Center.

For more information:

• CDC investigation page, https://www.cdc.gov/environmental-health-studies/outbreak-investigation-diamond-shruumz-products/index.html#cdc_generic_section_1-outbreak-investigation-summary
• FDA investigation page, https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-illnesses-diamond-shruumz-brand-chocolate-bars-cones-gummies-june-2024
• FDA product recall page, https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/prophet-premium-blends-recalls-diamond-shruumz-products-because-possible-health-risk

Oregon youth suicide data shows action needed to close equity gaps

Despite culturally responsive suicide prevention efforts, racial inequities remain Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 or chat online at 988Lifeline.org. Specialized support is also available through the Veterans Crisis Line (press 1 or text 838255), in Spanish (press 2 or text “AYUDA” to 988) and for LGBTQIA2S+ youth and young adults (press 3 or text “PRIDE” to 988). 988 is also available for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing through American Sign Language videophone services. Salem, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Youth Suicide Intervention and Prevention Plan (YSIPP) annual report, which contains new analysis of 2022 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) death by suicide data, shows the risk of youth suicide continues to be a concern in Oregon, particularly for youth of color. In 2022, the most recent year of finalized data from the CDC, 109 Oregon youth ages 24 and younger died by suicide, Oregon’s first year-to-year increase since 2018. Despite the 2022 increase (up from 95 deaths in 2021), there were 16% fewer youth deaths in 2022 compared with a peak of 129 deaths in 2018. Moreover, preliminary data, which will not be finalized until spring 2025, suggest that 2023 will not see a further year-to-year increase in youth suicide rates. The 2022 data show that Oregon had the 12th highest youth suicide rate in the U.S. Suicide remains the second-leading cause of death in Oregon among this age group. The YSIPP annual report also highlights Oregon’s investments in this area, including support for statewide programming in youth suicide prevention, intervention and postvention services. The report details important advances in youth suicide prevention in Oregon, such as the addition of 343 suicide prevention trainers in the state, including 67 who speak languages other than English. In a letter to Oregonians accompanying the report, OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke notes, “We have made some progress to create a system of suicide prevention that is better connected and better resourced. Yet, the tragedy of youth suicide remains. We need to do more, particularly for young people of color.” Data highlighted in the report show that stark racial disparities remain, both in Oregon and nationwide. Oregon deaths by suicide for youth identified as white have decreased overall since the overall peak in 2018, but the number of suicides for youth of other races and ethnicities either remained similar to 2018 or have increased. OHA’s suicide prevention team, along with the hundreds of suicide prevention trainers, advocates, community members and champions around the state, including the Oregon Alliance to Prevent Suicide, are working to implement key initiatives for youth suicide prevention discussed in the YSIPP. This includes programming that supports young people to find hope, help and strength, training programs to teach youth-serving adults how to recognize warning signs of suicide, and advanced skills training for providers to be equipped to help clients heal from thoughts of suicide. OHA and its partners are also working hard to launch culturally specific initiatives to increase protective factors that support youth in Oregon. In 2023-24, these efforts have included:

• Tribal prevention programs amplifying “culture as prevention” and hosting train-the-trainers for OHA’s “Big River” youth suicide prevention programming, which is available across the state at low or no cost.
• Black, African and African American youth-serving adults creating and sustaining the Black Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition, which is helping to bring healing to Black communities and creating spaces for young people to gather and feel a sense of belonging. Oregon also was one of eight states invited to participate in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Black Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative Policy Academy, which was highlighted as a key “Health Equity in Suicide Prevention” strategy in the federal government’s recently released 10-year 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
• OHA infused an additional $500,000 of funding to increase the availability of suicide prevention training and trainers who are Latino/a/x, Spanish-speaking or both.
• Oregon’s suicide prevention leaders are also working with Joyce Chu and Chris Weaver of the Culture & Suicide Prevention Institute, to infuse their cultural theory and model for suicide prevention into existing trainings, policies and programming. This work, which will increase attention to culturally specific risk and protective factors in Oregon’s suicide prevention efforts, is also an equity initiative highlighted in the 2024 National Strategy.

Alfonso Ramirez, interim director of OHA’s Equity & Inclusion Division, reflected on the power of suicide prevention that centers connections to culture and belonging. Ramirez said, “Thanks to our community partners and leaders, we’ve recognized how important it is to also focus on the cultural strengths and wisdom that have been passed on for generations across communities. As we do work in this way, we experience a bit of healing ourselves.”

Grants awarded to historic property and archaeology projects across the state

Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, awarded 18 grants totaling $299,999 for historic properties and archaeology projects. Six of the grants were awarded in the Diamonds in the Rough category. This grant funds façade enhancements that restore the historic character of the property. The other 12 grants were in the Preserving Oregon category for properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and for archaeology projects. Funded projects:

• Façade restoration grants in Baker City, Independence, Lebanon, The Dalles, Union, and Malheur County.
• One archaeology project:
  • Southern Oregon University Lab for study of the Maxville site in Wallowa County.
• Preservation of 11 historic properties:
  • Elks Lodge building, Medford
  • Butler Perozzi Fountain, Ashland
  • Giesy Store, Aurora
  • Masonic Lodge building, Baker City
  • Antelope School building, Antelope
  • Eltrym Theater, baker City
  • Santiam Pass Ski Lodge, Linn County
  • Gordon House, Silverton
  • Rock Creek Cemetery, Clackamas County
  • Hanley Farm, Jackson County
  • Old Post Office building, Weston

These grants are approved by the State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation, a nine-member group that reviews nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The members are professionally recognized in the fields of history, architecture, archaeology and other related disciplines. For more information about the grant program, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.gill@oprd.oregon.gov“>Kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

Diverse cannabis entrepreneurs receive a $110,000 boost from Oregon-based Nimble Distro

Oregon wholesale cannabis distribution company has directed 50 cents of every pack of KITES pre-rolls sold to local nonprofit NuProject since September 2021 Milwaukie, Ore., July 10, 2024—A $35,000 low-interest loan that allowed a Black woman-owned cannabis company to grow into a booming business. A networking event that opened doors for an Indigenous woman to grow her company’s market share.

More opportunities like these will be available in Oregon and beyond through a partnership between cannabis wholesaler Nimble Distro and NuProject, an Oregon-founded nonprofit that supports diverse cannabis entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship and network connections. Nimble Distro has donated $110,000 to NuProject since September 2021. And the need is great. Black women, for example, received less than 1% of the $288 billion that venture capital firms funded in 2022, according to the Fearless Fund, a venture capital fund that awards Black women entrepreneurs. “Intention is plenty; action that drives change is rare,” said Jeannette Ward, president and chief executive officer of NuProject. “Nimble is an example all companies should follow. Their regular, unrestricted funds have become the lifeblood of our organization. In turn, we have enabled the growth of a more diverse cannabis industry across the U.S.” Nimble Distro donates to NuProject 50 cents for every sold pack of KITES, a 10-pack of pre-rolls sourced from producers who share the company’s values. “We have built reparations into our cost of goods to help create generational wealth for communities disproportionately harmed by the War on Drugs,” said Joy Hudson, chief executive officer and co-founder of Nimble. “Our business and giving model allow us to make tangible and ongoing impacts on critical issues.” Nimble’s contribution a game-changer for diverse founders – NuProject has funded more than $3.7 million to historically excluded founders primarily via low-interest loans and grants. NuProject has also delivered more than 2,500 hours of entrepreneur coaching to a network of more than 200 founders. Nimble’s funding stream allows NuProject to fund diverse-owned businesses at a rate that eclipses traditional lenders. For instance, NuProject recently granted a $35,000 low-interest loan to Calyxeum, a Detroit-based cannabis grower, wholesaler, and retailer owned by Rebecca Colett and LaToyia Rucker, two Black women with degrees in science, health and technology. NuProject’s loan covered Calyxeum’s start-up costs, allowing the business to boom in its first five years. Calyxeum now operates two cannabis growing facilities and one processing facility. It opened its first retail dispensary in April 2024 in Detroit. Beyond growing a booming business, Colett and Rucker have also created a business incubator for Black women in cannabis and a nonprofit that leads neighborhood improvement projects. Growing an ecosystem for a better world — Nimble and NuProject have also supported Majik Edibles, an Oregon-based, Indigenous woman-owned producer of fine THC-infused baked goods. Majik co-founder and owner Christine Walsh came close to closing Majik’s doors in the fall of 2021 when shifts in the cannabis market made it nearly impossible to be competitive. Walsh received an economic justice grant from NuProject, which she credits with saving her company. NuProject also introduced Walsh to Nimble co-founders Joy Hudson and Marissa Rodriguez at a networking event, and their connection was instantaneous. Nimble began distributing Majik’s products in October 2022. “Our partnership with Nimble and NuProject is based on a shared purpose of forging the cannabis industry forward in a way that lifts up historically excluded founders and creates the space we deserve/need and the world we envision,” Walsh said. Hudson refers to their partnership with Majik and NuProject as an ecosystem building a better, more equitable world. “Partnering with Majik is this really perfect completion for us of our global vision for Nimble of doing well and doing good,” said Hudson. Support for additional nonprofits – Nimble supports other local nonprofits through sales of other in-house products, including Northwest Abortion Access and Pride Northwest. To date, Nimble has donated:

•  Nearly $6,100 to the Northwest Abortion Access Fund through sales of Broomsticks, a high-end green witch-inspired 1-gram pre-roll.
• $5,530 during Pride Month 2023 to Pride Northwest through sales of Orchid Essentials, Nimble’s revolutionary vape cartridges and batteries designed and formulated to deliver the best user experience and ultimate satisfaction.

Learn more about Nimble by visitingwww.nimbledistro.com. About Nimble Distro — Nimble Distro is a leading wholesale distribution company in the cannabis industry. Powered by a proficient logistics and manufacturing engine, Nimble Distro drives profitability and positive social impact by forging collaborative partnerships with premier cannabis cultivators and processors. With a focus on product excellence and community engagement, Nimble Distro is committed to reshaping the future of the cannabis industry.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium New Tufted Puffin Oregon License Plates on Sale

One of Oregon’s most adorably iconic seabirds is coming to the front and back of a car near you. The Oregon Coast Aquarium has opened voucher sales for its new tufted puffin license plates.

The design, featuring a tufted puffin floating in the ocean and gazing down at some fish below, was created by the aquarium’s graphic design and marketing coordinator, Cam Mullins. Starring a tufted puffin—one of Oregon’s iconic seabirds–funds from the new license plate will benefit both the Aquarium’s animals and their wild counterparts. You can purchase a voucher now and exchange it at the DMV once the physical plates are available. We need to sell 3,000 vouchers to reach the production stage—meaning the sooner 3,000 vouchers are sold, the sooner production begins, and the sooner you’ll have your puffin plates in-hand. Read the full story at aquarium.org/puffin-plate-debut: photo by OCAq’s Jeremy Burke Tufted puffins are native to Oregon and nest on the rocky coast. The aquarium has a Seabird Aviary that sustains a flock of these sea birds and the profits from the license plates will go to benefit these puffins and their wild counterparts. The voucher is available for purchase on the aquarium’s website. The cost covers the $40 surcharge fee and the money left over after the deduction of the DMV’s fees will go to support the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s rehabilitation and conservation efforts. The aquarium is building a new marine wildlife rehabilitation center with hopes of doubling the number of animal patients it can offer care to. FOLLOW on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium   https://www.facebook.com/groups/1109674113319848