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, August 2, 2024
Rogue Valley Weather
...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PDT FRIDAY... Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Pollution Advisory...in effect until noon PDT Friday. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory for Jackson, Klamath and Lake counties due to numerous wildfires burning in the region. DEQ also expects intermittent smoke in Eastern Douglas and Josephine counties through at least Friday due to smoke from surrounding fires. The wildfire smoke combined with forecast conditions will cause air quality levels to fluctuate and could be at unhealthy levels. Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on the weather and planned burn operations. Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people. People can take the following precautions to protect their health: - Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air quality. - Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during periods of poor air quality. - People with heart or lung problems and young children are especially vulnerable. These people should stay indoors while smoke levels are high. - Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems. - Avoid using wood-burning stoves and other sources of indoor smoke if possible. For additional information...please visit the web site at https://oregonsmoke.org
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
Pack Mules Assisting On Middle Fork Fire In Crater Lake National Park
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.
Thursday we celebrated the founding of New Spirit, an 87-home affordable neighborhood that will prioritize fire survivors, developed by Kathryn and Barry Thalden.
New Spirit Village (The Village) is an affordable housing effort that’s also part of Almeda Fire recovery in the Rogue Valley.
Rogue Valley Humane Society We are very low on cat and almost out of kitten food for our Community Food Bank.
Many pets have benefited from the community’s generosity, and we can’t thank you enough for your kindness.Joint Task Force Serves Child Porn Search Warrant in Talent Apartment Complex
JCSO Case 24-3127 — The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint inter-agency task force served a search warrant today, July 30 after discovering images of child exploitation were uploaded from an apartment in Talent, Ore. Detectives are interviewing possible witnesses and involved parties, and investigations are ongoing.
SOCET served the search warrant this morning just after 7 a.m. at an apartment complex in the 500 block of Talent Avenue. SOCET began their investigation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the apartment. Talent Police Department and Jackson County District Attorney’s Office assisted with the warrant service.
SOCET was also assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Medford Police Department (MPD), and Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF) investigators. During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined by SOHTCTF for further evidence of child exploitation.
SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), as well as prosecutors from our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County. SOHTCTF is a joint inter-agency task force that consists of investigators from JCSO, HSI, Oregon State Police, and MPD. There is no further information available for release.
Historic Lithia Water Fountain Reopens In Ashland
The historic Lithia water fountain in downtown Ashland recently reopened after being closed for months while officials debated its water quality.
The fountain was shut off out of an abundance of caution after the city shared water sample data with OHA and they considered the chemical contaminants inside to be unfit for public drinking system regulation.
OHA found higher than allowed levels of manganese, sodium, boron and barium, as well as a higher than allowed level of turbidity, or the cloudy quality of the water.
With its reopening to the public, many are celebrating its comeback. It is currently reopened in the midst of an assessment by OHA and the city to determine whether it is being used as a historic landmark or as a drinking source.
While it is currently running the assessment of how many people use it will dictate what it is classified as: The requirement for it to be a public drinking system, or true form of public drinking water supply, is if more than 10 people drink the water from the fountain more than 60 days out of the year.
If it meets that criteria then it will be considered for public drinking use and will need to meet the standards set for public drinking systems.
Many residents are not concerned about this, saying the waters flavor proves it to not be a source of drinking water.
Suspect Wanted for Abandoning Children in Woods Arrested After Multi-County Elude Following Six-Month Nationwide Manhunt
BODYCAM: Sheriff’s Deputies Rescue Infant and Toddler Abandoned in Woods by Suspect On-the-Run — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl6sLtfA6rM
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/bepreparedDecades 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
Help Find Fauna Frey #FindFaunaFrey FACEBOOK GROUP
Major Cattle Losses Feared As Wildfires Rage Across Oregon
Fires burning across the Western United States have farmers and ranchers on alert. Among those fires, the lightning-sparked Durkee Fire has grown to over 288,000 acres as of Monday, merging into the older Cow Valley Fire to total over 422,000 acres.
Six of the Oregon’s largest fires are burning in the eastern region, which is home to most of the state’s cattle. The majority of these cattle are found in Malheur, Baker, and Harney counties, areas known for being major contributors to the state’s top-grossing commodity.
While firefighting crews work to contain the fires, the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association and Oregon State University Extension have begun coordinating response efforts to help farmers, ranchers, and communities deal with the consequences of the fires.
Matt McElligott, a North Powder-based rancher who is president of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association board, spoke with Capital Press discussing the damages.
“It’s too early to definitively say the economic impact and how many head we lost,” McElligott said. “There are rumors out there.”
Cattle losses in the hundreds and possibly the thousands are possible, he said. Because of the number of big, fast-moving fires on rangeland, “I’m pretty confident it’s going to be in the thousands.”
According to McElligott, OCA is seeking places unaffected by fires to put displaced cattle. Examples include federal Conservation Reserve Program ground, open U.S. Forest Service, or U.S. Bureau of Land Management grazing allotments or private pastures.
Oregon State University Extension is working with the OSU’s Office of Resilience and Emergency Management at the state level to distribute N95 masks to communities affected by wildfires. Pallets of N95 masks are being delivered to OSU locations in the following counties this week: Baker, Harney, Hood River, Grant, Malheur, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa. OSU will coordinate with local partners for distribution.
OSU Extension is partnering with state and local efforts to coordinate hay, livestock feed, and monetary donations. They will also help coordinate the transportation of donations to the affected areas in partnership with Oregon Cattlemen’s Association.
At this time, they are seeking pledges and monetary donations only:
- If you can pledge hay, feed, or help with transportation of goods to neighboring counties, please get in touch with your local OSU Extension contact. This information will not be made public, and will be shared only to the extent needed to support logistics if actual donation becomes necessary.
- We are also accepting monetary donations, through the OSU Foundation, that would be used to buy feed for displaced livestock. To donate, send a check to OSU Ag Extension, Attn: Wildfire relief efforts – Amber Zambrano. 430 Strand Agriculture Hall, Corvallis OR 97331 or call 541-243-4120.
Monetary donations are also being accepted by Oregon Cattlemen’s Association Fund or call 503-361-8941. (SOURCE)
Police Identify Air Tanker Pilot Killed While Fighting Eastern Oregon Fire
Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service – Malheur National Forest
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. It 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 30, 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/2024/07/30/5419/
Monitoring Fires in Oregon
| Incident | Type | State | Incident Size | UpdatedSort ascending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Courtrock Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 19834 Acres | 1 second ago |
| Badland Complex 2024 – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 54615 Acres | 1 minute 32 seconds ago |
| Homestead Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1892 Acres | 1 minute 58 seconds ago |
| Adam Mountain – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 8027 Acres | 3 minutes 25 seconds ago |
| Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD | Wildfire | Oregon | 137221 Acres | 7 minutes 9 seconds ago |
| Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S | Wildfire | Oregon | 1932 Acres | 11 minutes 22 seconds ago |
| Oakridge Lightning Fires 2024 – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | Acres | 22 minutes 2 seconds ago |
| Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 1311 Acres | 24 minutes 41 seconds ago |
| Falls Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 142307 Acres | 36 minutes 26 seconds ago |
| Telephone Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 36668 Acres | 37 minutes 5 seconds ago |
| Crazy Creek – OROCF | Wildfire | Oregon | 28064 Acres | 48 minutes 59 seconds ago |
| Pyramid and Slate Fires – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1 hour 2 minutes ago | |
| Diamond Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 5486 Acres | 1 hour 17 minutes ago |
| Red Fire – ORDEF | Wildfire | Oregon | 428 Acres | 1 hour 19 minutes ago |
| Durkee Fire – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 293882 Acres | 4 hours 2 minutes ago |
| Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 891 Acres | 10 hours 50 minutes ago |
| Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S | Wildfire | Oregon | 178171 Acres | 11 hours ago |
| Winding Waters Complex – OR97S | Wildfire | Oregon | 752 Acres | 11 hours 22 minutes ago |
| Ore Fire – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1452 Acres | 11 hours 56 minutes ago |
| Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP | Wildfire | Oregon | 728 Acres | 12 hours 9 minutes ago |
| Boulder Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 233 Acres | 12 hours 51 minutes ago |
| Cow Valley Fire – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 133490 Acres | 1 day 22 hours ago |
| Salt Creek – OR710S | Wildfire | Oregon | 4102 Acres | 1 week 1 day ago |
| Larch Creek Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 18286 Acres | 1 week 4 days ago |
Large Fires in Oregon 7/31/24 9:00am 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.
Oregon Division of Financial Regulation warns people to be careful before signing assignment of benefits agreement after natural disaster
– With wildfires raging across the state, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) wants to make sure people are taken care of in the event of a catastrophe and warned of those who may want to take advantage of a vulnerable situation.
One of those ways is through an assignment of benefits (AOB) agreement, which is a contract between a homeowner and a third party that transfers the insurance claim rights or benefits in an insurance policy to the third party. This allows the third party, which is typically a contractor, plumber, roofer, or other construction professional, to file the claim, make decisions about home repairs, and collect insurance payments without involving the homeowner.
DFR stresses that you are not required to enter an AOB with a third party to have repairs done – you can file a claim directly to your insurance company.
An AOB can be a useful tool for getting repairs done, as it allows the repair company to deal directly with an insurance company when negotiating repairs. It also allows the insurer to pay the repair company directly. However, an AOB is a legal contract, so policyholders need to understand the rights they are signing away and make sure the repair company is trustworthy. Here are some reminders:
- With an AOB, the third party, like a roofing company or plumber, may file your claim, make repair decisions, and collect insurance payments without your involvement. They can also sue your insurer, and you can lose your right to mediation.
- Once you have signed an AOB, your insurer only communicates with the third party.
- It is possible the third party may demand a higher claim payment than the insurer offers and then sue the insurer when it denies the claim.
“It is important for homeowners to know their rights and understand what they are agreeing to with an assignment of benefits,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, Oregon insurance commissioner and director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “Importantly, you are signing away your right to control many decisions related to the repair of your home. While this arrangement can be a good thing with the right contractor, it can result in a headache if it ends up in the wrong hands.”
DFR reminds homeowners to be diligent and alert for fraud. Home repair fraud is common after a natural disaster, and some contractors may prey on victims in hopes of making a quick buck. It is usually a good idea to do business with local businesses or trusted companies. Check references and talk to your friends and family. You should also always confirm that a contractor is licensed in the state of Oregon. Your insurance company may also have recommendations, and you should get more than one bid for your repairs.
Anyone who has questions or feels they may have been taken advantage of can always contact one of our consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or through email at .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.
For more information about AOB agreements, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers additional resources and information. DFR also has resources on understanding homeowners insurance and other insurance tips, including a brochure designed to help homeowners avoid disaster scams.
Oregon Division of Financial Regulation lowers health insurance rates. Preliminary decision would reduce rates in individual and small group markets
– Each year, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) conducts a transparent health insurance rate review process for health plans that comply with the Affordable Care Act for small businesses and people who buy their own coverage rather than getting it through an employer.
Conducting a yearly rate review ensures that premium rates charged to Oregonians adequately cover health care costs without being too high or too low. This transparent process includes public hearings and a public comment period. Once a year, insurance companies submit to the division their rate change requests for the next year. These requests are rigorously reviewed by division actuaries during a monthslong public review process.
In May, six health insurance companies submitted health insurance rates in the individual market with a weighted average increase of 9.3 percent. Following an initial public hearing and public comment period, DFR has issued a preliminary decision lowering those rates to an average 8.1 percent increase. The lowered rates were driven by an actuarial review by the division that found several components of the company rate filings to be above division actuarial parameters. The Department has the authority to review and revise rates to ensure they are “reasonable and not excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory,” pursuant to ORS 743.018 (4).
“Our new health rate review guide helps to bring clarity and make the process more accessible. I’m glad we were able to find ways to save Oregonians money in a time when budgets are tight,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, Oregon insurance commissioner and director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “Our health insurance market is competitive, and we have five carriers offering plans in every Oregon county next year, which gives Oregonians more options to shop for plans to fit their budget.”
As part of this year’s health rate review filings, Moda became the fifth company to offer health insurance in every single county in Oregon after expanding into Benton, Linn, and Lincoln counties. Moda joins BridgeSpan, PacificSource, Providence, and Regence as health insurance companies who provide coverage in all parts of Oregon. It is the first time that five insurers have offered plans in every county.
In the small group market, which serves small businesses with one to 50 employees, eight insurance companies submitted health insurance rates with a weighted average increase of 12.3 percent. DFR’s analysis resulted in lowering the requests of two companies. The average increase range is now 5.7 percent to 16.3 percent, for a weighted average increase of 12.2 percent. The increase was due in large part to medical costs and inflation.
DFR’s review also showed that the Oregon Reinsurance Program continues to help stabilize the health insurance market and keep rates lower. This program works to offset risk experienced by insurers, ultimately lowering premiums. Reinsurance lowered rates by at least 6 percent for the seventh straight year. In fact, this year it saved consumers 8.4 percent.
See the attached chart for the full list of rate change requests.
The division has created a Consumer Guide to 2025 Health Insurance Rate Filings to explain how rates were arrived at and the adjustments made. This guide provides comprehensive detail as to the key components of the 2025 rates and an explanation to adjustments made by the division.
The division has also created a general Consumer Guide to Health Insurance Rate Review to help explain how rates are determined each year.
DFR will hold a virtual hearing Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 1 p.m., for final public comment on the preliminary rates. A link for the hearing and the consumer guides can be found at www.oregonhealthrates.org.
Final decisions will be made in August after the public hearing and comment period end.
Summer wave of COVID-19 cases has yet to subside in Oregon
Oregon health officials say the variant that’s spreading is very contagious, but not as severe as the original virus that was first detected over four years ago.
In the state of Oregon, COVID cases are once again on the rise. Though the state reports nearing a summer peak of cases, health officials said the good news is that cases aren’t rising at an alarming rate like we’ve seen before.
“Four and a half years into this, no one wants to be talking about COVID, but here we are,” said Dr. Dean Sidelinger, Oregon’s top health officer. “Welcome to summer and welcome to COVID. There’s plenty of things we can do to protect ourselves, but right now, there’s plenty of COVID circulating in our community.”
Dr. Sidelinger said that the virus now spreading is a variant of the omicron virus that was discovered more than three years ago. This summer, state health officials are also seeing a spike in cases of FLiRT variants, a series of variants named after the technical names for their particular mutations.
“These omicron variants have proven to be very contagious, but also (do) not cause more severe disease — and that our vaccine, which was developed before the current omicrons variant came out, is still offering some protection in the short term.” Sidelinger said.
Health officials are using various means to track the virus these days, including testing wastewater to determine how prevalent the virus is and what strain of the virus is spreading. Sidelinger said that the state isn’t seeing a rise in hospitalizations due to the virus spreading, but said positive test results have been trending upward for the last few weeks. He said 11.8% of all tests recently are coming back positive.
“In that sense, it’s good that we’re not seeing an increase in hospitalizations, but we know that people who have not been vaccinated and perhaps people who have never been sick before can still get fairly sick,” Sidelinger said.
In southwest Washington, Clark County’s health department said that they, too, have seen an increase in cases recently, but said that things have started to slow down.
Sidelinger said it may be a few more weeks before things slow down in Oregon, going into the fall.
“The indicators of COVID spread in Oregon, as they are in many other states particularly on the West Coast, are still going up, but they’re not going up at a very fast rate. So, hopefully we will start to see a peak and then a coming down over the next several weeks.”
In the fall, the CDC expects to release an updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone ages 6 months and older. (SOURCE)
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.
OSP and PPB arrest 10 for distribution of fentanyl
Targeted mission in downtown Portland nets more than 240 grams of fentanyl
PORTLAND Ore. 30 July 2024 – Recently, Oregon State Police and the Portland Police Bureau partnered on a drug enforcement mission targeting drug dealers in downtown Portland. The mission resulted in ten arrests for distribution of fentanyl.
The Wednesday, July 17, 2024, mission was part of an ongoing effort among the two agencies to disrupt fentanyl use and distribution in the city. The mission brought together PPB’s Central Bike Squad, OSP’s Drug Enforcement Section, and Mobile Response Team which has been deployed for downtown Portland enforcement efforts since October 2023. Since its initial deployment, the team has completed more than 40 missions.
During the operation, the interagency team seized 243.3 grams of powdered fentanyl, 2.6 grams of methamphetamine, $2,131 in U.S. currency, and one firearm. Twelve individuals were arrested, with ten charged with distributing fentanyl.
Arrestees and charges include:
- Charles Thomas (33), residence unknown, charged with distribution of a controlled substance – fentanyl
- Casey Caebe (36), residence unknown, arrested on an outstanding warrant
- Shafi Mursal (36) of Portland, charged with distribution of a controlled substance – fentanyl
- Herdiese Bates (41) of Portland, charged with distribution of a controlled substance – fentanyl
- Baker Mursal (32) of Beaverton, charged with felon in possession of a firearm and arrested on outstanding warrants
- Isais Mercado (31), residence unknown, charged with distribution of a controlled substance – fentanyl, giving false information, and an outstanding warrant
- Oliverio Martinez, (27), residence unknown, charged with distribution of a controlled substance – fentanyl and attempted escape
- Michael Karim, (23) of Beaverton, charged with distribution of a controlled substance – fentanyl
- Daryl Johnson (49) of Portland, charged with distribution of a controlled substance – fentanyl
- Cameron Cain (26) of Aloha, charged with distribution of a controlled substance – fentanyl and menacing
- Amanda Cabrales (34) of Milwaukie, charged with distribution of a controlled substance – fentanyl
- Alfredo Perez-Rendon, (27) of Tualatin, charged with distribution of a controlled substance – fentanyl and outstanding warrants
Martinez attempted to escape from arresting troopers; however, was apprehended by members of the OSP and PPB bike teams without incident.
Oregon Health Authority and Centers for Disease Control data shows fentanyl has surpassed methamphetamine as the leading cause of overdose deaths in Oregon. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), seven out of ten pills seized by law enforcement contain a potentially fatal dose (2 mg) of fentanyl.
The Oregon State Police and Portland Police Bureau were assisted in the mission by the Linn County Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (LINE) and the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF).
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.
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
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
