Rogue Valley News, Monday 8/5 – Jet Boat Collision on Rogue River, Air Quality and Fire Updates & Other Local and Statewide News…

The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com

Monday,  August 5, 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

 Jet Boat Collision on Rogue River

DETAILS: On August 4^th, 2024 at 12:39pm, 9-1-1 received a report of a boat collision on the Rogue River at Two Bit Riffle, about 2 miles downriver from Robertson Bridge. 

The collision reportedly involved a private jet boat and a tour boat operated by Hellgate Jetboat Excursions. Injured parties were being taken to the Hellgate River Lodge by boat to be evaluated by medical personnel.

The Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, Oregon State Police, American Medical Response, Rural Metro Fire and Grants Pass Fire Rescue all responded to the incident.

A total of 5 people were transported by ground ambulances to an area hospital.  Their conditions are unknown at this time. 

The private jet boat sank and boaters should use caution navigating through the area. This investigation is still ongoing and there is no further information at this time. 

Grass Fire on Lear Way between Coker Butte Road and Grumman Drive in north Medford Sunday Afternoon

Medford Fire Department says the fire is knocked down. Was approximately 3 acres. Crews stayed on scene tonight, with investigators on the way to determine the cause and origin point of the fire.

Pack Mules Assisting On Middle Fork Fire In Crater Lake National Park

 · 

Due to limited access on the Middle Fork Fire within Crater Lake National Park, pack mules from Trinity Packers Pack String have been assisting with supplying firefighters with food, camping gear and fuel.

The pack mules can carry up to 150lbs and walk at a pace of 3mph, faster than a person would normally hike.

 

 

Postal workers held a rally Saturday in Medford raising awareness about the changes to mail processing in Southern Oregon and how it could effect future elections.

Representatives from the Southern Oregon arm of the American Postal Workers Union were joined by members of the community at Vogel Plaza in Medford.

They’re demanding the return of postmarking machines, increased transportation between post offices and transfer centers, and a return of mail processing to Medford.

The union says the previous election highlighted shortcomings in the changes made to mail processing.

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. 

 

 

 

Last 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.

This is a neighborhood where children will grow up, adults will grow old, and families will create a tapestry of shared memories and experiences.

 

Heartfelt thanks to Barry and Kathryn. I am awed by their compassion, tenacity, vision, and persistence. And thank you to Governor Kotek for recognizing that New Spirit sets a course for housing development to be reproduced in other parts of the state.

 

Governor Kotek applauds the Medford collaboration as a model for affordable housing, one of her top three policy priorities. She supports the model for other Oregon cities, using a land trust to keep the housing affordable for original and subsequent owners while allowing owners to build equity that they can use toward financial independence.

 

 

Rogue Valley Humane Society  ·  We are very low on cat and almost out of kitten food for our Community Food Bank.

We have gone through a lot of both cat and kitten food this last couple of weeks. Any type, any variety would be greatly appreciated.

 

Our Community Food Bank exists to help folks who need an extra helping hand during a difficult month to feed their pets. Our program has a limited budget and so we rely on generous members of our community to donate some of these goods to continue to help assist our community.

 

In 2023 we fed an average of 700 pets a month! This equates to approximately 70 – 40lb bags of food each month! Many pets have benefited from the community’s generosity, and we can’t thank you enough for your kindness.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

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

 

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

Firefighting efforts this season have been extensive, involving crews and equipment from across the nation—the PNW is a top priority! Despite these efforts, the combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds continues to pose a critical fire risk across the region. This has led to widespread red flag warnings and evacuation orders affecting thousands of residents this summer.

Fires Continue to Consume Acreage on Oregon

According to news and weather reporter Heather Roberts (of radionewsheather.com)

 “The U-S Forest Service is carefully watching weather conditions, as hundreds of thousands of acres burn in the Pacific Northwest. Ed Hiatt, assistant fire director for the region, says August is starting out hot, dry and windy, with a strong chance of dry lightning. 

Some fires received a little rain this past week, but most incidents east of the Cascades saw little to no moisture. Lightning is most likely in far southern Oregon … expanding Sunday into almost all of central and eastern Oregon and up into central Washington. 

The State Fire Marshal is mobilizing teams to the Telephone Fire, burning 12 miles northeast of Burns, after the Governor declared a conflagration. It started from lightning July 22nd and as of Thursday (Aug 1)  is estimated at nearly 39-thousand acres and 23-percent contained … it now threatens almost 300 homes.”

Weather updates show some relief from triple-digit temperatures, but over the next week virtually no precipitation for central and eastern Oregon.

Most fires are human-caused and accidental. The most common fire causes we respond to are everyday activities that ODF regulates in the summer in an effort to cut down on these types of fire starts. Help prevent wildfires and Keep Oregon Green by following the current regulations: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/

Organizations are collecting funds and resources for those impacted by Oregon’s wildfires

– The impact of this year’s wildfire season continues to reverberate throughout the state as the number of acres burned reaches 1.2 million.

At this time, the number of acres burned is four times the average when compared to the same point in past seasons. As many as 1,261 fires have burned across the state with more than 100 still active.  

Five megafires, fires that exceed 100,000 acres, are still burning in Eastern Oregon: The Battle Mountain Complex, Lone Rock, Durkee, Cow Valley and Falls fires. These megafires are now between 19% and 99% contained.

Residents in these communities have been deeply affected by the wildfires. As many as 18,000 residents were under a level 1, 2 or 3 evacuation level during the height of the response to date with more than 8,000 still under some type of evacuation warning.  

The full scale of the loss will not be clear for a few months at least. Initial reports show that dozens of people have been injured, and there was at least one wildfire-related death. An air tanker pilot named James Bailey Maxwell, 74, who died in a crash while working in the vicinity of the Falls Fire, north of Burns, on July 25, 2024. 

Initial reports show fires have destroyed as many as 28 homes and 73 structures. Much of the damage has been to grazing land and livestock, heavily impacting the ranching community in eastern Oregon.  

More than 10,000 people are involved in the response including 261 fire crews, 483 engines and 31 helicopters. Local and statewide emergency response departments and agencies are working around the clock to contain the remaining wildfires.

Several organizations are collecting funds and resources for those impacted. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) staff have gathered a list and made it available at Wildfire.oregon.gov. 

Some resources include:

• The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association and the Oregon Farm Bureau are collecting monetary donations.  
• Oregon State University is collecting monetary donations, pledges of any in-kind, and donations of hay, feed and transportation.  
• Wildland Firefighter Foundation supports firefighters on the frontlines who have been injured and families of those killed in the line of duty.

OEM and agency partners want to caution the public to beware of scams when donating, and only give to trusted organizations. Scammers often contact their possible victims by telephone, social media, email or in person so be suspicious of direct asks. Also, be cautious if the person asking for donations creates a sense of urgency and won’t let you think about it or donate later. If you want to donate money to support the wildfire recovery effort, it’s best to donate to the organization directly.

OEM has compiled a library of additional recovery resources with information from multiple agencies to help residents during and after of a fire. 

This library includes but is not limited to:

• Basic needs support: List of shelters, food pantries, replace SNAP benefits, medical equipment replacement and vital document replacement
• Stay informed: Sign up for ORAlerts.gov to stay tuned for updates and additional resources.
• Returning home: Assess damages to home, vehicles and property, report damages to local county emergency management office, file an insurance claim. Follow guidelines for safe cleanup because ash contains hazardous materials. How to avoid scams when rebuilding.
• Mental Health: Help is available 24/7 to anyone who is struggling or experiencing a crisis. Call 988 for support statewide or visit Lines for Life. AgriStress Hotline serves those in the farming, ranching, fisheries and forestry communities. Call 833-897-2474 or visit their website.
• Agriculture resources:  
  • OSU Extension Service’s list of resources for those impacted by wildfires in Oregon.
  • Livestock wildfire resources on the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s website.  
  • Oregon Cattlemen’s Association Wildfire Fund Donations page.
  • Oregon Department of Environmental Quality wildfire resource page.
  • USDA Farm Service Agency’s Disaster Assistance Programs and Disaster Assistance Programs At-A-Glance fact sheet.
  • USDA Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool. 

For additional information about current wildfires, response and recovery, go to Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery. Sign up for ORAlerts.gov to get lifesaving alerts and instructions during emergencies to help you and others stay safe in Oregon.

Oregon National Guard Steps Up for Wildfire Crisis

The Oregon National Guard is mobilizing to support wildfire response efforts across the state, with hand crews deployed to Harney County.

On July 31 and August 1, approximately 90 Guard members processed through Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (JRSOI) to form hand crews for wildfire response.

Members from the 142nd Wing, 1249th Engineer Battalion, and 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment underwent this process at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem. Meanwhile, one crew from the 173rd Wing, based in Klamath Falls, conducted their JRSOI at an alternative location.

The Oregon National Guard has also mobilized four aircraft — three HH-60 Black Hawks and one CH-47 Chinook — along with their crews.

Two HH-60s are on standby for medical evacuation, while one HH-60 and the CH-47 are available for fire bucket operations to support statewide firefighting efforts.

Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, The Adjutant General of Oregon, emphasized the importance of these mobilizations. “These operations, where Guard members assist Oregon’s local communities during disasters, exemplify why the Oregon National Guard is the military service of choice for Oregonians,” Gronewold said.

At the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Fire Cache, Guard members received essential firefighting equipment and training, including practice with emergency fire shelters.

Cindy Pacheco, a dispatcher at the ODF Salem Coordination Center, stressed the significance of this training. “The fire shelter deployment practice is extremely important to gain muscle memory in case of an actual entrapment on the fire,” Pacheco explained. “Our firefighters can just act without thinking about how to save themselves in these situations.”

Governor Tina Kotek’s State of Emergency declaration enabled the deployment of four hand crews, each consisting of 22 firefighters, along with additional support personnel.

These teams are initially slated for two-week assignments on the fire lines, providing crucial reinforcement to ongoing firefighting efforts.

However, the actual term of service may be extended or shortened depending on the evolving wildfire situation and operational needs.

The wildfire situation in Oregon remains dynamic and challenging, with Guard members ready to assist where needed to protect Oregon’s communities and natural resources. (SOURCE)

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.

Monitoring Fires in Oregon

Large Fires in Oregon 8/5/24 8:00am 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. 

The Oregon Department of Transportation is grappling with a looming financial crisis, as officials scramble to address a projected budget shortfall of more than $354 million over the next few years

The Oregon Department of Transportation is grappling with a looming financial crisis, as officials scramble to address a projected budget shortfall of more than $354 million over the next few years.

The agency, responsible for maintaining and improving the state’s transportation infrastructure, has been under increasing pressure to find solutions amid rising costs and stagnant revenue streams.

Last year, ODOT narrowly avoided severe cutbacks in winter maintenance due to budget constraints. But the agency says the situation this year is even more dire, with lawmakers and transportation officials bracing for tough decisions ahead.

Governor Tina Kotek is expected to receive ODOT’s proposed budget soon, which is likely to include requests for additional funding to bridge the shortfall. After reviewing it, Kotek will submit her own proposal to the Legislature. State lawmakers, in turn, are considering a package of measures that could include new taxes or fees to bolster transportation funding.

“We want to ensure that our roads and bridges remain safe and well-maintained,” said ODOT communications director Kevin Glenn. “Less snow plowing and reduced maintenance could pose significant risks to public safety and economic activity across the state.”

ODOT’s budget shortfall underscores broader concerns about funding stability for transportation projects across Oregon. The agency’s ability to maintain essential services and infrastructure hinges on securing adequate financial support from state legislators.

AAA: COVID-19 has lasting deadly impact on traffic safety

Residents across Oregon are learning that that even though the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, it has left a lasting deadly impact on traffic safety locally and across the nation.

A new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) finds dangerous behaviors such as speeding, not using seatbelts, and impaired driving contributed to a significant rise in fatal crashes compared to the years before the pandemic.

AAAFTS researchers found that 114,528 people were killed in traffic crashes on U.S. roads from May 2020 through December 2022, a 17% jump in traffic deaths (nearly 17,000 additional fatalities) compared to what would have been expected under pre-pandemic trends:

Traffic deaths outpaced forecasts the most for young adults (20-24), with teens (16-19) taking the top spot in 2021.

Men consistently exceeded estimates by 14% to 19%, while women only did so in 2021 (15% increase).

Black Americans, who comprise approximately 12% of the U.S. population, accounted for approximately 34% of the entire rise in traffic fatalities relative to how many would have been expected based on the pre-pandemic trend.

Hispanic Americans, 19% of the U.S. population, accounted for approximately 25% of the increase.

Adults 25 years and older with no education beyond high school exceeded estimates by 12% to 16%

Notably, the new research highlights a disparity in the pandemic’s impact on traffic safety. Black and Hispanic Americans, already disproportionately affected by traffic fatalities, saw even more significant increases from 2020 through 2022. Similarly, those with less education experienced a much sharper rise in fatalities compared to college graduates.

“Our study points to an ongoing disturbing trend of risky driving behaviors, which we noted in previous research earlier in the pandemic,” AAA Foundation President and Executive Director Dr. David Yang said. “There are still far too many road users who lose their lives in preventable crashes. The findings from this latest AAA Foundation study underscore the importance of addressing traffic safety from an equity perspective – communities across the United States must provide safe transportation options to meet the needs of their users.”

Here are key findings in the study:

Risky driving spiked: Speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol remain significant contributors to fatal crashes.

Lack of seatbelt use: The increase in occupant deaths was almost entirely among those not wearing seatbelts.

Fatal crashes across age groups: Drivers and victims of all ages up to 55 saw a significant rise in fatal crash involvement, with men disproportionately affected.

Late-night danger zone: Contrary to initial assumptions, the increase in fatal crashes wasn’t limited to times when the pandemic cleared previously congested daytime roads. Late nights and early mornings saw the most significant spikes.

Unequal impact: The pandemic exacerbated existing disparities in traffic safety. Socially and economically disadvantaged counties and racial and ethnic minorities were disproportionately impacted.

According to the AAA, the research underscores the need for:

Equitable transportation solutions: Providing safe transportation options for vulnerable populations benefits everyone.

Holistic safety approaches: Addressing broader traffic safety issues beyond just the pandemic’s effects.

Safe System framework offers a comprehensive strategy to improve overall road safety.

“Our AAA Foundation research shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting negative impact on traffic safety in the U.S., with impaired driving, speeding, and not wearing a seat belt all contributing to a surge in crash fatalities. These behaviors continue long after the pandemic ended,” AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds said. “We have a lot of work to do to provide equitable access to safe transportation for all if we truly have the goal of reducing fatal crashes.”

Research methodology – The research reported here seeks to understand how traffic safety on U.S. roads has changed since the onset of the pandemic by comparing the number and characteristics of traffic fatalities during this period to what would have been expected if the pandemic had not occurred and pre-pandemic trends continued.

Data from the fatal crashes in the decade before the pandemic were used to develop statistical models that were then used to predict how many fatal crashes would have been expected during the pandemic period, without the pandemic.

About the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety – Established in 1947 by AAA, the Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization.

The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by researching their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur.

This research informs the development of educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users. (SOURCE)

Shooting Near Klamath Union High School On Tuesday At A Youth Soccer Camp — Here is an update in the form of a Media Release from the Klamath Falls Police Department:

On July 30th, 2024, at approximately 2:57 p.m., Klamath 9-1-1 Communications District received a report of a shooting that  occurred at Modoc Field across from Klamath Union High School. The initial report was a man had been shot by another man wearing a face mask, and the shooter had left in a grey sedan towards the downtown area. Law enforcement officials from the Klamath Falls Police Department, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Police responded immediately to the scene.

They located a man who had been shot and lifesaving measures were immediately administered to the shooting victim until they were relieved by medical personnel from the Klamath County Fire District. The victim was transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center and later to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, Oregon and is in critical condition.

Local law enforcement began an extensive search for the suspect vehicle to identify and locate the person responsible for this shooting. The Klamath County Major Crime Team was activated, and the investigation is ongoing.

The suspect vehicle was found approximately two hours later in the Pilot Travel Center parking lot located at 3817 Hwy 97 North in Klamath Falls. The vehicle was unoccupied and after an extensive search of the area, the shooting suspect was not located. A person of interest in this case did arrive while law enforcement was still on scene, and that person cooperated with investigators. Law enforcement officials continued following up on all available leads throughout the night and a suspect had been developed as a result. The suspect has been identified as 44 years old Andrew Wyatt Gregory of Klamath Falls. His whereabouts are still unknown, and we are requesting the community’s assistance in finding Gregory so he can be held accountable for his actions. Gregory should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see him or know his whereabouts, please do not approach him and immediately call 9-1-1.

The Klamath County Major Crime Team consists of detectives from the Klamath Falls Police Department, Oregon State Police, and the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office. The Klamath County District Attorney’s Office and Klamath Community Corrections also provide support to the team. If any members of the community have additional information regarding this investigation, you are encouraged to call the Klamath Falls Police Department at (541) 883-5336 and contact the lead detective, Det. Witmer. If you want to remain anonymous, you can call our anonymous Tip Line at (541) 883-5334.

Measles outbreak in Oregon continues to spread

The outbreak of 23 measles cases coincides with spreading cases of whooping cough, which have surpassed 400 this year

The measles outbreak that started in mid-June in Marion County has spread to at least 23 residents in three counties.

And it’s probably not over.

“We continue to see cases, and we have not been able to connect them all, suggesting that there are other cases out there,” said Dr. Paul Cieslak, the Oregon Health Authority’s medical director and top immunologist.

Only one person in the outbreak has been vaccinated and two people have been hospitalized, the health authority said. 

Cases of pertussis or whooping cough also are spreading, with seven  cases reported last week, bringing the year’s total to more than 400. The virus has infected people in 13 Oregon counties this year.

With the start of the school year looming, the health authority urged parents to get their kids up to date on their vaccinations.

Vaccine requirements

To see what shots your kids need, check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website: https://tinyurl.com/4nrzctnfMeasles and whooping cough vaccines are required for the nearly 550,000 children attending kindergarten through high school in Oregon, though parents can obtain a non-medical exemption if they watch an online training module or talk to a provider and have them sign a certificate.

Cieslak said the measles vaccine is particularly effective: One dose is 93% effective at preventing an infection and two doses are 97% effective.

The measles virus does not mutate significantly the way other viruses like COVID do, Cieslak said.

In 2000, the World Health Organization said it was eradicated in the U.S. But with foreign travel and unvaccinated people, it’s re-emerged. This is the highest number of cases in Oregon for several years. There was only one case last year and none the previous three years, state data shows.

Oregon has traditionally had among the highest unvaccinated rates in the country. In May the health authority said that nearly 9% of the state’s kindergartners had a nonmedical exemption this year, forgoing at least one required shot. That compares with about 8% in 2023 and almost 7% in 2022, marking the second consecutive yearly increase in the unvaccinated rate.

Besides Oregon, there are nearly 170 measles cases in other states, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The outbreak emerged last month. The Oregon Health Authority reported that an adult in Clackamas County developed a rash on June 11 and that a child subsequently got sick as well.

More cases appeared among unvaccinated children who apparently had not been in contact, health officials said. To date, there are eight cases in Clackamas County, 13 people in Marion County and two in Multnomah County, with 10 younger than 10 years, eight teens and five adults.

The disease is highly infectious. It spreads in the air when someone coughs or sneezes and the viral particles can linger in the air for two hours. Symptoms can begin up to three weeks after exposure and can include flu-like symptoms and a rash that appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Patients can develop ear infections, lung infections and diarrhea. The disease can also cause swelling of the brain and be fatal. One of two of every 1,000 cases are fatal.

Two of the people infected in Oregon have been hospitalized. The health authority did not provide any more information about who they were or how severe their symptoms were or whether they’ve been discharged. Nearly 50% of people with measles across the country have been hospitalized this year, sometimes to prevent them from spreading the virus, the CDC said. Eighty-five percent were not vaccinated.

People who are pregnant and not vaccinated, infants younger than 1 and those with weakened immune systems face the greatest health risk from measles and whooping cough.

Whooping cough is more prevalent than measles, with 10,000 cases reported nationwide before COVID hit. During the pandemic, cases dropped as people tried to avoid respiratory infections. But they’re now on the rise, approaching pre-pandemic levels, the CDC said.

In Oregon, Lane County has had the most cases this year – 123 – followed by 77 in Multnomah County and 57 in Clackamas. Cases peaked this year in May, with 115 reported. That dropped to 92 in June. (SOURCE)

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)

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

 

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