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,  July 29, 2024

Rogue Valley Weather

Please be aware of the increased fire risk, and follow all current extreme fire danger regulations found here: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/

 

“This latest round of weather is extremely concerning,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said in a statement Sunday. “Our firefighters are doing everything thing they can to rise to this immense challenge, but they are taxed, and we need our fellow Oregonians’ help.

Please take precautions to avoid sparking a human-caused fire, be familiar with evacuation levels, and have a go-kit ready in case you need to leave your home.”

Fire Weather Tools from the National Weather Service

As we prepare for the peak of wildfire season in the U.S., the National Weather Service (NWS) reminds wildland fire managers that we have tools to help you monitor and fight wildfires. Whether it is a prescribed burn, ground fire or crown fire, fire managers can use this information to make decisions on how best to combat fires and keep the public safe. 

Fire weather forecasters – The NWS issues Fire Weather Outlooks for the next eight days. These outlooks show areas where pre-existing fuel conditions, combined with forecast weather conditions, may result in a significant threat of wildfires.

Our Fire Weather Program supports land managers and firefighters who mitigate and respond to fires. Our weather forecasts are designed to highlight times and locations where a fire may be exceptionally hard to control. For example, we offer Red Flag Warnings, which mean warm temperatures, very low humidities and stronger winds are ongoing or expected to produce an increased risk of fire danger in 12 to 24 hours for specific locations. 

Need a fire weather Spot Forecast? Land managers can request a site-specific, localized forecast for prescribed burns and wildfires to assess a potential threat. NWS recently updated this tool and will deliver additional enhancements to the application later this year. Learn more about the new Spot Forecast tool.  

For federal and select state large wildfires, onsite weather forecasting support to firefighters is critical. An NWS Incident- Meteorologist (IMET) can be deployed to your incident command post. IMETs arrive on scene within 12 to 24 hours after activation and can serve up to 14 consecutive days before being relieved by another IMET. https://www.weather.gov/news/241507-fire-weather-tools

Medford Police –  Our Latino Citizens Academy program is less than a week away!

During the program, MPD’s Spanish speaking officers and employees review a variety of topics, including:

– Domestic violence

– Traffic stops

– Identity theft

– Code enforcement issues

This year’s program also features presentations from Municipal Court on traffic school and the Building Safety department on permits.

If you’re interested in joining, the program kicks off 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟯𝟭 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟭 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟲 𝘁𝗼 𝟴 𝗣𝗠 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗣𝗗.

𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩.

Sign up by reaching out to Cultural Outreach Coordinator Lilia Caballero at 541-774-2215 or carmen.caballero@cityofmedford.org.

 

Rogue Valley postal workers will hold a rally  on August 3 at 10 a.m. in downtown Medford at Vogel Plaza to raise awareness about the consolidation of some mail services up to Portland ahead of the November election.

The consolidation of some mail sorting processes was done earlier this year in Medford and Eugene as a way to save the U.S. Postal Service money. The Southern Oregon Local American Postal Workers Union, #342 is hoping those changes can be reversed before the November election.

Part of the consolidation included removing Medford’s postmarking machine, according to Union President Jeremy Schilling. Now mail, including vote-by-mail ballots, is sent to Portland to be postmarked. That’s led to worries about ballots not being counted in time, although USPS has said the change will not affect mail services. Schilling is optimistic that the consolidation process can be undone. “There’s no reason that, if someone wants to send a letter from Talent to Medford, that it needs to go to Portland and then back. That doesn’t logically make sense. So I believe there is an easy path to keeping our local mail local,” he said.

 

The union’s goal is to return the postmark machine and outgoing mail sorting to Medford. Schilling said the machine has been disassembled and is in storage on site. The Medford plant is still operational, including sorting incoming mail. Schilling said residents frequently tell him about delays. “They tell me, like, ‘I mailed this letter, it’s disappeared,’ ‘I mailed this letter, it took three weeks,’ ‘I mailed a letter from Grants Pass to Ashland, and it’s been gone, like nobody knows where it is.’ All kinds of things. The local mail has become a disaster,” he said. “Local mail is, and continues to be, a two-to-three-day delivery product,” said Kim Frum, a strategic communications specialist with the USPS. “According to our data, from the start of the fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2023) through July 12, it takes less than two days to process and deliver mail sent within the 974 (Eugene) and 975 (Medford) ZIP Code areas. 

 

 

It is the same as this time last year.” USPS has said this shift will improve efficiency and service. It’s among the first consolidation efforts undertaken in its 10-year nationwide plan called Delivering for America, published in 2021, which aims to increase financial stability and modernize the aging network with $40 billion in investments. Further consolidations under the Delivering for America plan were supposed to take place across the country, but after pushback from senators earlier this year, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced they will be paused at least until January. But that pause won’t affect Oregon, where consolidation had already occurred. The union will hold a rally on August 3 at 10 a.m. in downtown Medford at Vogel Plaza. (SOURCE)  

 

Grass Fire at Mile Post 71 I-5 at Sunny Valley Sunday 7/28 4pm

Asante Nurse’s Attorneys Get Judge Disqualified From 44-Count Drug Diversion Assault Case

A former Medford nurse accused of 44 counts of assaulting hospital patients is meeting with her lawyers this week, and they are making changes to her case today. Jackson County Circuit Court today granted a motion by Schofield through her Portland attorney Kristen Winemiller, who filed the motion late yesterday to remove Judge Kelly Ravassipour from the case. Winemiller wrote, “This motion is made in good faith and not for the purpose of delay.”

Schofield has a Monday hearing in the case accusing her of 44 criminal counts of felony assault involving 44 intensive care unit (ICU) patients and her work at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center (Asante) in Medford.

Schofield’s indictment accuses her of using hospital tap water to replace liquid fentanyl pain medication intended for those patients, diverting the drug for her personal usage and causing infections in those patients. Judge Ravassipour signed the one-line court order today to disqualify herself from the case.

Winemiller’s motion to disqualify Ravassipour on behalf of Schofield said without further explanation, “she believes she cannot have a fair and impartial hearing or trial in this matter before Judge Ravassipour.”

The move follows another motion in the case granted by Judge Ravassipour this week to declare the case “a complex case.” Jackson County Senior Deputy District Attorney Patrick Green, who’s prosecuting the case, filed that motion declaring Schofield’s case a complex case, “and assigning a specific judge to hear any and all matters file with the court” regarding the case, to which Winemiller did not object.

NewsWatch 12 reported earlier this week about Schofield’s plan to leave Jackson County while on $4 million bail from Jackson County Jail for her 44 felony counts. She told the court she planned to meet with her lawyers, driving to Portland and Washington starting today. The court issued a travel permit Monday for Schofield. Medford Police Department (MPD) says its investigation of the case started last December when Asante reported possible drug diversion. MPD says 16 of the 44 ICU patients it identified as drug diversion victims have since died.  

JMET Search Warrant: Southside Road in Grants Pass

  DETAILS: On July 25, 2024, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) with the assistance of Josephine County Public Health & Building Safety, executed a search warrant in the 3000 Block of Southside Road, Grants Pass, regarding an illegal marijuana grow site. During the execution of the warrant, over 700 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed. The property also had multiple water and solid waste code violations. These violations could result in the criminal forfeiture of the property. The primary suspect was not at the location during the search. They will be charged with Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana and Unlawful Appropriation of Water if located. At the time of this press release the investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗺𝗼𝗸𝘆 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿! We’re seeing smoky conditions in our area as a result of fires in the region, so here are some resources to help you stay informed and safe:

𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙥𝙨: https://experience.arcgis.com/…/2893aed18896…/page/Page/

𝘼𝙞𝙧 𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝘾𝙝𝙚𝙘𝙠: https://www.airnow.gov/

𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝙐𝙥 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘾𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙣 𝘼𝙡𝙚𝙧𝙩 (the City’s primary notification system): https://member.everbridge.net/1332612387832182/login

𝙆𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙕𝙤𝙣𝙚 (to help you prepare for an emergency evacuation): medfordoregon.gov/evaczones

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱! Fire season is in full swing, and we have several resources designed to help keep you and your loved ones safe:

Sign Up for Citizen Alert (the City’s primary notification system): Citizen Alert – Sign In (everbridge.net)

Know Your Zone (to help you prepare for an emergency evacuation): medfordoregon.gov/evaczones

Preparedness Tips (to help you plan ahead): medfordoregon.gov/beprepared

 

S.

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/  

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  —

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. READ MORE HERE: https://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-what-happened-fauna-frey-new-clues-uncovered-1827197?fbclid=IwAR3Z3Glru5lIgqiYXbs_nA1Fj8JuCIzM11OHSVHfwIucfq2f_G5y9y5bnmQ 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

Police Identify Air Tanker Pilot Killed While Fighting Eastern Oregon Fire

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office announced Sunday that the pilot was James Bailey Maxwell. The 74-year-old flew approximately 24,000 hours during his more than five decades of flying professionally, according to a U.S. Forest Service statement. His plane was found in a steep, forested area of the fire. The exact location has not been made public. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash. As of Sunday, the Falls Fire has grown to cover an area of about 222 square miles (142,307 acres), but is now 57% contained. The fire is human caused.  

Large wildfires have burned tens of thousands of acres across the PNW, with human activity and lightning being a significant contributing factor. The uptick in human-caused fires, which include those started by campfires and debris burns strains firefighting resources significantly​. Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.

 

Recreational users play vital role in preventing wildfires in state forests

—The heat of summer makes shade-covered state forest an appealing destination for many.

“July and August see the most visitors to our state forests,” said Joe Offer, Oregon Department of Forestry’s Recreation Program Manager. “With that increase of visitors is also an increase in wildfire danger since 70 percent of wildfires are human caused.”

ODF posts fire danger levels and public use restrictions on information boards in recreation areas and on most access roads to state forests. There are four levels: Low, Moderate, High and Extreme, with corresponding restrictions for certain activities. As the forests dry out and the humidity levels decrease, the fire danger levels typically increase—and so do the restrictions to help prevent fires.

“The vast majority of our visitors want to do the right thing,” said Offer. “The largest obstacle is a general lack of awareness about what is allowed or not allowed at each level, and what fire prevention items they should have with them while recreating on state forest land.”

For example, as levels reach Moderate and High, recreational fires are only allowed at designated sites within metal fire rings. Additionally, during the entire designated fire season, anyone traveling on state forestlands is also required to have a shovel and a gallon of water or a 2.5-pound ABC fire extinguisher in their vehicle at all times.

“Few people are aware of the requirements for carrying a shovel and water or fire extinguisher while on ODF managed forestland. However, just having that equipment with you could mean the difference of saving the forest from a fire or not,” said Offer. “Similarly, anyone riding an off-highway vehicle (OHV) during fire season is required to have a fire extinguisher with them at all times for the same reasoning.”

Beyond the requirement of carrying a fire extinguisher, all OHVs must have exhaust guards and spark arrestors. However, even those design features don’t make them completely fire safe. Due to the possibility of starting a fire during the driest and most dangerous fire conditions, ODF mandates that offroad trail riding is prohibited from 1-8 p.m. when High fire danger levels are met, while all offroad riding is fully prohibited in Extreme fire danger.

Year round there is no smoking, launching of sky lanterns, or use of exploding targets, trace ammunition, or fireworks on any state forestland.

All ODF district and local offices post fire danger levels and can answer questions on restrictions.

“Another quick and easy way to see the fire danger levels is to visit our fire danger levels website,” said Offer. The link: Oregon Department of Forestry Public Fire Restrictions Tip: Click on the left-hand column hypertext titled: “ODF Statewide Fire Danager” and it brings up a layer with a color-coded map for the four levels.

If state forest visitors see others not following the rules they can report it to any ODF staff member.

“Our main goal is awareness and education about the restrictions to protect lives and the forest,” said Offer. “And we ask that all visitors to the forest do their part to help educate others on rules and restrictions as well.”

Lastly, if anyone sees a wildfire while visiting the forest they should call 911 immediately and give the best location information possible so firefighters can find it and put it out quickly.

Oregon Residents Reminded to be Ready for Potential Power Outages

Salem, Ore. – As wildfires continue to burn throughout the state and extreme weather events impact communities, Oregon residents are reminded to be prepared for potential power outages. Wildfires and extreme weather can cause power outages, and weather and other conditions in specific geographies may cause electric utilities to adjust system settings, which can result in more frequent and longer outages, or even in certain cases, implement public safety power shutoffs (PSPS). A PSPS is a safety measure designed to help protect people and communities in high fire-risk areas by proactively shutting off electricity during extreme and dangerous weather conditions that might result in wildfires. Utilities may also need to deenergize lines to protect equipment from nearby fires, or to protect personnel fighting fires.

Be prepared in advance 

Prepare your home and businesses in the event a wildfire or weather incident leads to a power outage. 

• Be two weeks ready – Gather food, medical supplies, batteries, pet supplies, among other things, needed by family members during an outage or evacuation for up to two weeks. Learn more about what supplies to consider. 
• For individuals with a medical condition that requires power, contact your electricity service provider in advance of an outage to register a Medical Certificate. This certification provides added benefits and helps the utility ensure they meet your needs in the event of an outage. 
• Make sure your utility service provider has current contact information to receive notifications by updating your account online. If uncertain which electric utility serves your area, visit https://www.oregon.gov/energy/energy-oregon/pages/find-your-utility.aspx.
• Keep cell phones fully charged in anticipation of an outage. Consider a car-charger for cell phones and other electronic devices.
• Plan for livestock water needs in the event well pumps lose power.
• Have a plan to relocate to an alternative location for power needs, or if you can, consider a backup generator.

During a power outage

• Avoid downed power lines, including anything near downed lines, at all costs.
• Stay clear of fire personnel and utility crews working to restore service in your community. 
• Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns for emergency lighting. Do not use candles or other potential fire hazards. 
• Turn off lights and unplug electric appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer to help avoid a surge to the system when service is restored. After turning off all the lights, turn one light on to know when power has been restored. 
• Use generators safely – Do not run the generator inside the home or garage or anywhere near a window or vent, as these spaces can capture deadly levels of carbon monoxide. Learn more about proper use of a generator to avoid hazardous conditions. 
• Check on elderly neighbors or individuals with special needs who might need additional assistance.
• Call your electricity service provider to report an outage, do not call 911.

Natural gas tips

• If required to evacuate, no need to shut off natural gas.
• If natural gas appliances do not operate properly once electricity is restored, call your natural gas service provider. 
• If natural gas service is shut off, do not turn on yourself. Call your natural gas service provider to restore service. 
• If you smell natural gas, evacuate immediately and call 911. 

Stay informed

• Contact your electricity provider or log in to your account and make sure all contact information is current so you can receive alerts and messages.
• Visit Oregon Alert to find your local alert system. Provide current contact details and sign up for wildfire alerts. 
• Before traveling visit Trip Check for details on road closures and conditions.
• Check air quality in Oregon.
• Visit State of Oregon Fires Dashboard.

 

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management encourages people traveling by car to be fire safe

Salem, Ore.—July 25, 2024 — If you are travelling by car this summer, especially if you are headed to Eastern Oregon, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) are encouraging you to be fire safe and prepared.

The 2024 wildfire season is shaping up to be one for the record books. With Govenor Tina Kotek invoking the Emergency Conflagration Act for Durkee and Battle Mountain Complex Fires, there are now three large complex fires burning through acres of land east of the Cascades. Fire officials and OEM are asking people to take every precaution possible to avoid adding to the problem.

While you are packing and preparing to take off and explore our state, it’s important to stay up to date on road closures with Tripcheck.com; connect with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) about campfire restrictions; and make sure you have emergency supplies in case you get stranded.

Here is a list of items to consider for a basic emergency car kit:

• Jumper cables
• Flares or reflective triangle
• Car cell phone charger
• Blanket
• Map
• Cat litter or sand for tire traction in ice
• Flashlight and extra batteries  
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help if the air is smokey or dusty
• Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape to shelter in place if needed
• Wet wipes, garbage bags, toilet paper and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Printed maps of the local area in case you lose service
• Cell phone and a backup charger
• Cash or traveler’s checks
• A fire extinguisher you know how to use

Finally, pack extra water and snakes in case you get stuck for a while.

In addition to packing an emergency kit, ODOT wants to remind travelers to use U.S. 20 to move east or west across central and eastern Oregon, and if you must travel, consult Tripcheck.com and check conditions for your route. It is also important to make sure your car is tuned up, has plenty of gas and the tires are in good condition.

Here are more tips to be a fire safe traveler:  

• When pulling off the road, stay on paved surfaces when possible.
• Avoid the side of the road where dry grass and other fuel can come in contact with your vehicle’s hot components and spark a fire.
• Don’t toss lit cigarettes, or any flammable materials, out your vehicle’s window.  
• Extinguish all smoking materials completely and never in dry grass.  
• Secure chains and make sure they aren’t dragging. That can cause sparks.  

Maintain your car and carry the right equipment  

• Maintain proper tire pressure as driving on rims will throw off sparks.  
• Prevent vehicle fires by having your vehicle serviced regularly by a professionally trained mechanic.
• Heat and electrical sparks that come into contact with leaking flammable car fluids can easily start a car fire.  

There are tips on how to prevent wildfires on the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website.

You can find more tips on how to prepare your car for road trips at Ready,gov/car or check out Be 2 Weeks Ready to help build your self-reliance and community preparedness.  

Oregon Department of Transportation –  If you plan to travel across the state in the coming days, make sure you carefully plan your route.

I-84 and many other highways in #EasternOR may be closed or unreliable due to wildfires. Visit TripCheck.com for the latest closure points and details.

Due to current fire activity, we expect continued and/or more I-84 closures. Do not rely on this route in the upcoming days. Many other eastern Oregon highways are also closed or impacted as well.

Wildfires are unpredictable and we have no estimate on opening times for any fire-impacted highways. Previous plans for a nighttime only closure of I-84 to remove brush along the highway were upended when the wildfire quickly reached the interstate. Fire crews are actively fighting fire from I-84.Travelers should use U.S. 20 to move east or west across central and eastern Oregon during this current period of fire activity. If you must travel, consult TripCheck.com and check real-time conditions for your ENTIRE route.

Tips while traveling in #ORfire season:

1. Don’t blindly follow GPS directions or detour on local or forest roads. These roads are not suitable for interstate traffic. If a highway is closed on TripCheck, it is likely that nearby local roads are also closed due to wildfire in the area. TripCheck is updated 24/7 by dispatch staff.

2. Expect power outages near wildfires. Treat non-working traffic lights like a four-way stop. Roadside message boards and TripCheck cameras may also be out in these areas.

3. Carry extra supplies including food, water, necessary medications, etc. for all your passengers, including pets.

4. Driving in smoke is like driving in heavy fog. Slow down but keep a steady pace and stay alert. Slow driving gives you more time to respond to unexpected conditions. Turn on headlights when driving in smoky areas.

5. The best place to wait for a highway to reopen is at home. Do not travel to the closure points and wait, closures could last for days. Find fire information, including a fire overview and map, smoke forecast and sign up for local emergency alerts by visiting wildfire.oregon.gov

Oregon Department of Emergency Management Oregon State PoliceOregon Department of ForestryOregon State Fire Marshal

ODF Wildland Situation Report – July 28, 2024

ODF’s Situation Report is to help create a snapshot of large fire information, weather and prevention information. To read the full report, visit  https://odffire.com/2024/07/28/odf-wildland-situation-report-july-28-2024/

Monitoring Fires in Oregon

Incident	Type	State	Incident Size	UpdatedSort ascending
Pyramid and Slate Fires – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon		1 minute 52 seconds ago
Courtrock Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	17066 Acres	1 minute 52 seconds ago
Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD	Wildfire	Oregon	137221 Acres	2 minutes 3 seconds ago
Oakridge Lightning Fires 2024 – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	Acres	3 minutes 56 seconds ago
Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	1306 Acres	5 minutes 39 seconds ago
Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	891 Acres	40 minutes 21 seconds ago
Falls Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	142307 Acres	48 minutes 1 second ago
Telephone Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	26000 Acres	54 minutes 29 seconds ago
Durkee Fire – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	288690 Acres	2 hours 18 minutes ago
Red Fire – ORDEF	Wildfire	Oregon	423 Acres	9 hours 40 minutes ago
Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	172334 Acres	9 hours 40 minutes ago
Adam Mountain – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	5720 Acres	10 hours 17 minutes ago
Mineral – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	1201 Acres	10 hours 17 minutes ago
Jack Saddle – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	1248 Acres	10 hours 17 minutes ago
Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S	Wildfire	Oregon	1617 Acres	10 hours 19 minutes ago
Clark 900 – OR770S	Wildfire	Oregon	3747 Acres	10 hours 19 minutes ago
Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP	Wildfire	Oregon	714 Acres	10 hours 19 minutes ago
Homestead Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	1466 Acres	10 hours 24 minutes ago
Diamond Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	4990 Acres	10 hours 33 minutes ago
Ore Fire – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	1400 Acres	13 hours 36 minutes ago
Badland Complex 2024 – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	54566 Acres	13 hours 37 minutes ago
Puddin – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	392 Acres	15 hours 26 minutes ago
Quartz – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	974 Acres	15 hours 34 minutes ago
Cow Valley Fire – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	133490 Acres	17 hours 27 minutes ago
Crazy Creek – OROCF	Wildfire	Oregon	14712 Acres	22 hours 30 minutes ago
Salt Creek – OR710S	Wildfire	Oregon	4102 Acres	6 days 15 hours ago
Larch Creek Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	18286 Acres	1 week 2 days ago

Large Fires in Oregon 7/29/24 7:30am per INCIWEB

Please Help Prevent Wildfires!

In these dry conditions, a single spark can cause a lot of damage. Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page. 

SNAP Double Up Food Bucks Benefits for Oregon Residents

You can use Double Up dollars when purchasing eligible items at participating farmers markets across the state. Just bring your SNAP EBT card with you to a participating farmers market and visit the information booth before you begin to shop.

Adapted from the Fair Food Network’s national model, Oregon Double Up Food Bucks makes it easy for low-income Oregonians to eat more fruits and vegetables while supporting family farmers and local economies. Double Up is Oregon’s first statewide incentive program, designed to be convenient for shoppers.

The program doubles the value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (sometimes called “SNAP” or “food stamps”) benefits at participating farmers markets, grocery stores, and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farms so shoppers can bring home more fresh produce.

Double Up is currently offered at over 85 farmers market locations, 35 grocery stores and more than 40 CSA farms across the state — with new locations joining the program each year.

For every $1 in SNAP you spend, you will get $1 of Double Up Food Bucks to spend on more fresh fruits and vegetables, up to $20 per transaction. For example: if you spend $20 in SNAP benefits, you’ll get an extra $20 free that you can use to buy more produce. Learn more at OregonFoodBank.org/DoubleUp.

Drug Price Transparency Program seeks input on prescription increases

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation’s (DFR) Drug Price Transparency Program is seeking the public’s input on high prescription drug prices. Consumers are encouraged to report prescription drug price increases on DFR’s website, dfr.oregon.gov/rxdrugprices.

If anyone needs help completing this form, or has questions, they can call the message line at 833-210-4560 (toll-free) and leave a message with the best time to call back. Individuals can also reach DFR by email at x.prices@dcbs.oregon.gov“>rx.prices@dcbs.oregon.gov.

Getting information directly from consumers will help DFR have more accurate information about how consumers are affected by high or increased costs of their prescription drugs. This will help the division inform the Oregon Legislature in DFR’s annual report, which is expected to come out in December. Consumers can also view the data on the DFR website and provide stories for the annual hearing and report.

“We recognize that prescription drug costs are increasing and the impact this has on Oregonians on a daily basis,” DFR Administrator TK Keen said. “Our hope is to get input from the public so we can inform policymakers and researchers alike on prescription drug costs.”

### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Volunteers sought for advisory committee on new option for in-home services

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) seeks volunteers to join an advisory committee to help develop a new option for in-home services. This option will be called Agency with Choice and will launch in 2026.

Through Agency with Choice, older adults and people with disabilities who receive Medicaid-funded long-term services and supports may choose to work with a new type of agency to hire a direct-care worker. This new type of agency will help individuals hire an in-home care provider, complete all the required paperwork, train the provider and pay them.

Planning for the 2026 launch of Agency with Choice is underway. To support planning efforts, the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities is seeking volunteers to join the Consumer Advisory Committee on Agency with Choice to help guide the creation of the program. This committee will include individuals who receive Medicaid in-home services and will meet virtually every month.

ODHS is looking for volunteers to serve on the committee who:

• Currently receive Medicaid in-home services from a homecare worker, personal care attendant, or in-home care agency or have received these services in the past;
• Are older adults or adults with a physical disability or behavioral health need;
• Understand the value and potential benefits of in-home services;
• Have reliable internet or phone service for virtual meetings (no travel necessary);
• Will actively participate in discussions and provide feedback; and
• Will be able to consider the needs of all people who receive in-home help.

As many as 15 people will be selected for the committee to represent all parts of the state. People who are interested in joining may apply online at https://forms.office.com/g/JjW1hd5viY.

Applications must be submitted by August 5, 2024, to be considered for membership in the committee. For help completing the application or to ask a question, please send an email to: AWC.Info@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

How to get more information

If you want to learn more about Agency with Choice, please see the “initiatives and outreach” section on our web page: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/agency/Pages/apd.aspx. Information will be added as it is available.

The vehicle of a man reported missing earlier this week was found near Crescent Lake on Friday.

Paul Flores, 40, of Stockton, Calif., was reported missing by family on Tuesday, according to a news release from Klamath County Sheriff’s Office.  Missing person posters on Facebook say Flores had been on a trip to Washington when his car broke down. “After keeping in touch with family (and) friends (that) his vehicle broke down in Crescent Lake, he was going to walk and pinged a location to a friend so he wouldn’t get lost,” the missing poster statement reads. Flores was said to have sent another ping near the Pilot Truck Stop in Chemult.

According to SourceOne news outlet, Flores’ niece said her uncle stopped responding after informing family that he was getting a ride back to his vehicle. SourceOne also reported that Flores had been traveling to Moses Lake, Wash., to visit his son, nieces and two grandchildren.

The family said Flores was traveling on U.S. 97 when his car broke down. The KCSO news release said the vehicle, a silver 2007 Toyota Highlander with California plates, was found on a forest road north of Chemult.

Flores is described as 5 feet tall, 210 pounds, has full tattoo sleeves and may be wearing glasses. He was last seen wearing red shorts, a white shirt and Nike shoes. Anyone with any information as to the whereabouts of Flores is asked to contact KCSO immediately at (541) 883-5130.  

Oregon Wildlife Agencies Want Your Help Tracking Roadkill

This summer, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Zoo started asking Oregonians to do their own tracking and upload pictures of roadkill.

“The state wants to get a better idea about where different animals, different species are getting struck and killed by cars,” said Rachel Wheat, the ODFW wildlife connectivity coordinator. If Oregon’s naturalists can identify roadkill hotspots, then maybe the state can reduce the number of animals killed in interactions with people each year by removing vegetation that attracts wildlife to a specific area or by building a wildlife crossing. Roadways and vehicular traffic are a significant contributor to fragmentation of habitat and impacts to wildlife, including injury and mortality. The purpose of this project is to improve our understanding of the impacts of roads on Oregon’s wildlife, and to identify roadkill hot spots and vulnerabilities among a diversity of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. This information can help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and make roadways safer. To sign up and for more information visit: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/roadkills-of-oregon  

Recently timeout.com listed the best parks in the United States and Oregon was the only state in the Northwest that made it to the top 10.

Even if you haven’t visited this park on the edge of the Oregon Coast, most likely, you’ve seen it on the big screen. This park, with an amazing outlook toward the Pacific Ocean, has been the backdrop in films including Twilight, The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop. You’ll see information signs on them and other points of view extending to Haystack Rock, a sea slack in Canyon Beach, and the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Wander amid Sitka spruce forests and along a network of hiking trails, including the Clatsop Loop Trail, a two-and-a-half-mile-long historical loop. It partly follows the Corps of Discovery route, which is the Lewis and Clark Expedition military unit that trekked through the present-day park. Or spend time on the sand at Indian Beach. https://www.timeout.com/usa/things-to-do/best-state-parks-in-us  

Bags of rice recalled in seven US states as they may contain ‘rodent parts’

Wehah Farms has issued a recall of 4,600 cases of its Lundberg Family Farms Sustainable Wild Blend Gourmet Rice in seven states . This is due to the potential presence of a “foreign object that appears to be of rodent origin.”

  The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this as a Class II risk recall, indicating that the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. The affected products are sold in 1lb bags with the lot code 231004 and a best-before date of October 4, 2024. The recall affects products sold in Arizona, California , Florida , Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Wisconsin, according to Newsweek. It remains unclear how the product became contaminated with rodent parts. FDA recalls are classified into three levels, with Class II being the second most serious type. The FDA sets limits on the amount of “extraneous materials” that can be present in food, stating: “maximum levels for these defects in foods produced under current good manufacturing practice and uses these levels in deciding whether to recommend regulatory action.” According to the FDA: “Extraneous materials include any foreign matter in a product associated with objectionable conditions or practices in production, storage, or distribution.” They provide examples such as “Examples of filth may include any objectionable matter contributed by animal contamination such as rodent, insect, or bird matter; or any other objectionable matter contributed by unsanitary conditions.” The FDA stated: “Some foods, even if they are produced in acceptable conditions, may contain natural or unavoidable defects that at low levels are not hazardous to health.”  

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.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx

 

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