Rogue Valley News, Monday 8/12 – Missing Medford Doctor Located Deceased by Sheriff’s Search & Rescue, 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 12, 2024

Rogue Valley Weather

...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT MONDAY...

Jackson County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for
Jackson County...in effect until at least 8 PM PDT Monday, August
12.

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

Missing Medford Doctor Located Deceased by Sheriff’s Search & Rescue

JCSO Case 23-3573 RURAL EAGLE POINT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Search and Rescue (SAR) located a crashed vehicle and skeletal remains Tuesday, August 6, in steep, forested terrain on the side of Highway 140 outside of Eagle Point. On Thursday the remains were scientifically identified as Graham Case, of Medford, missing since June 22, 2023.

On Tuesday afternoon, SAR personnel responded to an unrelated call and were conducting a drone search in the area. This tip led SAR to search a broader area and ultimately find what appeared to be a crashed white Mercedes SUV in steep and densely forested terrain alongside Hwy 140. JCSO detectives responded to the scene, located human remains, and confirmed the vehicle as belonging to Case. A Central Point Police Department Medical Examiner arrived on scene and collected the remains with assistance from JCSO and SAR Tactical Rope Rescue Team personnel.

Our condolences go out to Graham Case’s family and friends. Thank you to the responding SAR volunteers, the Medford residents who provided Tuesday’s tip, Dr. Pearson from East Main Dental Center in Medford, and everyone over the past year who participated in the search.

Pedestrian Killed on Rural Central Point Roadway 
Jackson Co. Sheriff’s Office 

 

JCSO Case 24-4304

RURAL CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – A pedestrian is dead after being struck by a car last night in rural Central Point. Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team is investigating the incident. 

ECSO 911 Dispatch received a call on August 10, at 11:30 PM for a pedestrian struck in the roadway by a motor vehicle in the 400 block of Wilson Road outside of Central Point. Jackson County Sheriff’s office (JCSO) deputies responded along with Fire District 3 and Mercy Flights medics. The patient was pronounced deceased on scene around 11:44 PM. The STAR Team, a Central Point Police Department Medical Examiner, and JCSO detectives responded to take over the investigation. 

Next of kin was notified on scene. Deceased is Omar Salas Ibarra, 35, of Central Point. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. 

Initial reports indicate a woman driving a black 1998 Honda Civic traveling eastbound on Wilson Road struck Ibarra while he was attempting to cross the street. No criminal charges for the driver have been filed at this time. This case is under further investigation. There is no more information available for release at this time.

Emergency Conflagration Act invoked for Tiller Trail Fire in Douglas County
Oregon State Fire Marshal – 08/10/24 10:46 PM

The 47th Annual Crater Lake Rim Runs CANCELLED

Crater Lake National Park closes north entrance due to Middle Fork Fire

The north entrance to Crater Lake National Park is closed beginning Tuesday to allow firefighters on the Middle Fork Fire to prepare control lines along the road.

The move will likely slow entrance into the park, officials said, and will add extra time to the drive from the Willamette Valley. Crater Lake National Park remains open and is accessible from Highway 62 on the western and southern routes.

Organizers of the 2024 Crater Lake Rim Runs say their concern for participants and heavy wildfire smoke caused cancellation of the event that was scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024.

JMET Search Warrant: Hogue Drive, Selma 
Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office 

INCIDENT: Marijuana Search Warrant

INCIDENT DATE: August 8, 2024

REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)

ARRESTED: David Conas, 57 years-old

CHARGES: 1- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana

                        2- Unlawful Appropriation of Ground Water

                        3- Unlawful Use of a Vehicle

DETAILS: On August 8, 2024, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) with the assistance of Josephine County Public Health & Building Safety, executed three search warrants on Hogue Drive, Selma, regarding three separate illegal marijuana grow sites. Although all properties were close in proximity, they were not connected, and each operation belonged to a separate group. At least one of the marijuana operations is believed to be connected to an interstate drug trafficking organization.

During the execution of the warrants, over 8,000 marijuana plants collectively were seized and destroyed. Additionally, at one of the properties, a stolen vehicle was located.

All three properties had multiple electrical, water, and solid waste code violations. These violations could result in the criminal forfeiture of the properties. 

David Conas was arrested and charged with Unlawful Use of a Vehicle. Other suspects were not at the locations during the time of the search. If located, they will be charged with Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana and Unlawful Appropriation of Water.

At the time of this press release the investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released.

𝐕𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞: At 6:52 PM Grants Pass 911 Communications received a report of a grass fire in the area of Foothill and Pearce Park Road.

 

Grants Pass Engine 7308, Battalion 4, and Rural Metro Fire – Josephine County arrived to find a 1/2 acre fire in grass. The fire was upgraded to a second alarm. ODF Southwest Oregon District responded with a full response including a dozer and Helicopter.

 

The forward progress was stopped at nearly 4 acres. No structures were damaged.

White City Oregon lottery winner purchased $1 million ticket with dead mother-in-law’s credit card

Christina Goodenow’s millionaire prospects were tarnished after police learned she used her dead mother-in-law’s credit card to buy a $1 million ticket

An Oregon woman may be stripped of her $1 million lottery ticket after police discovered she allegedly used her dead-mother-in-law’s credit card to buy it.

White City resident Christina Goodenow, 38, may have purchased a winning ticket, but she allegedly did so through illegal means—stealing her deceased relative’s credit card. The winner now faces multiple theft charges along with forgery and possession of methamphetamines, said Oregon law enforcement officials who conducted a search of her home Thursday.

“I’ll be fascinated to see how this shakes out,” Lottery spokesman Chuck Baumann said. “In my 12 years with the Oregon Lottery, this is the first time I’ve encountered something like this.” The suspect is said to have bought the winning ticket Oct. 9 using a credit card that once belonged to her late mother-in-law who died more than a year ago.

The woman traveled to Oregon Lottery headquarters in Salem a few days later on Oct. 12 to accept the prize, opting for the reoccurring payments of $33,500. This was projected to pay out the $1 million grand prize over the course of 20 years. Investigators began their probe in Goodenow’s finances once they learned she’d allegedly used the stolen credit card to buy several other items beside the ticket.

On Thursday, police were said to have found methamphetamine inside the woman’s home but very little money, George said. “Our investigation is still trying to determine what happened to the $33,500,” George said.

If convicted of the charges, Goodenow’s lottery win becomes null and void, police Lt. Tim George said. State lottery officials did not divulge further details because the investigation is ongoing. (SOURCE)

Grants Pass Fire Receives Oregon State Fire Marshal Type 3 Wildland Fire Engine HB7369

Joint Task Force Serves Child Porn Search Warrant at Ashland Residence

JCSO Case 24-2380 —- ASHLAND, Ore. – The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint inter-agency task force served a search warrant today, August 6, after discovering images of child exploitation were downloaded from a residence in Ashland, Ore. Detectives are interviewing possible witnesses and involved parties, and investigations are ongoing.

SOCET served the search warrant this morning just after 8 a.m. at a residence in the 10 block of Pine Street. 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 residence. Ashland 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), 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 Medford Police Department. There is no further information available for release.

Task Force Busts Highway 234 Black-Market Cannabis Grow, Destroys 39K Illegal Marijuana Plants Saving an Estimated 1.5 Million Gallons of Water; Code Enforcement Issues $64K in Fines

Video available for download: https://vimeo.com/995520133?share=copy

IMET Case 24-12261 — RURAL CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant Friday morning, August 2nd, at a black-market cannabis grow in the 5900 block of Highway 234 in rural Central Point. IMET detectives seized approximately 39,000 illegal marijuana plants, $3000 in cash, and two firearms. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. IMET detained seven people on the property and charges are being referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies, and Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers. Jackson County Fire District 3 responded to this same property on April 16, 2024, after receiving reports of three large piles of prohibited material had been set on fire.

The Oregon Water Resources Department Enforcement section will issue a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the responsible party for the unauthorized appropriation of water from Snider Creek. This type of water violation is subject to both civil and criminal penalties. Due to the age of the plants, Watermasters estimate that roughly 1.5 million gallons of water was saved by stopping water use at this time. 

During the search warrant, Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene and issued a total of $64,000 in fines to the landowner and a known responsible party at the site. Fines were for violations related to solid waste, non-permitted construction of a large pole barn structure, non-permitted electrical installations, and failure to obtain land use approval for marijuana production. The solid waste violations issued as a result of this search warrant were related to plastic materials including PVC piping, plastic sheeting, and other miscellaneous materials that were burned and buried in April of this year.

Code Enforcement had previously cited the landowner for the above ground waste prior to the materials being buried and set on fire. Ashes and residual materials remained near the burn piles which is a violation of the County’s solid waste ordinance. Code Enforcement issued a second citation for failing to properly dispose of those residual materials.

While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, Homeland Security Investigations, OSP, Medford Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.

Investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads. No further information is currently available for release.

Did you get help from FEMA, insurance, or others after the 2020 Almeda and South Obenchain Fires?

You can schedule an appointment directly with our Intake Specialists through our website https://firebrandcollective.org/harp/

Visita la página de HARP en nuestro sitio web para pedir cita hoy mismo.

firebrandcollective.org/harp/

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.

 

 

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

Wildfires Expected To Burn Until Fall Rains Arrive

Multiple wildfires across the Northwest will likely burn until fall weather arrives. In the meantime, more lightning and new fires are expected.

“Our planners are taking a realistic look at current wildfires, expected new fires, and the resources we have to help us safeguard human lives and property while enhancing our ability to respond to wildfires in high-risk areas,” said Jacque Buchanan, Regional Forester for the Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service.

Fire managers are developing strategies to maximize success, while minimizing the risk of injury or death to emergency responders. Among other tactics, crews on long-duration wildfires will develop a network of primary and contingency containment lines to stop flames approaching communities, power lines, water systems and other resources. You can support firefighters by following fire restrictions and emergency closures.

Oregon sets record for acres burned from wildfires

Wildfires in Oregon have burned more acres of land this year than any since reliable records began, according to data from the Northwest Interagency Center.

A total of 1,399 fires have burned 1.49 million acres or 2,200 square miles, surpassing the 2012 total of 1.2 million acres and the 2020 total of 1.14 million acres.

This year, humans have caused 976 fires that burned 900,103 acres while lightning has ignited 423 fires that burned 592,509 acres.

Gigantic grass fires on the east side of the state have defined this season, just as they did in 2012.

Much of the acres burned this season have come from megafires such as the Falls Fire (146,250 acres), Cow Valley Fire (133,490 acres), Lone Rock Fire (137,222 acres) and Battle Mountain Complex (181,941 acres).

In 2012, the Long Draw Fire, the largest fire in Oregon’s modern history, burned 557,000 acres. It was joined by the Holloway and Miller Homestead fires to combine for just under a million acres, all in southeast Oregon.

The most destructive wildfire year in Oregon’s history was 2020, when the Labor Day Fires fueled 1.14 million acres burned but destroyed 4,009 homes and killed nine people.

The largest forest fire of the modern era was the 500,000 acre Biscuit Fire, which burned in southwest Oregon in 2002. Forest fires tend to last longer and often have a greater impact overall.

The modern era is considered to have begun in 1992. There were plenty of large wildfires before that, but tracking total acres burned was difficult statewide, officials have said.

Emergency Conflagration Act invoked for Tiller Trail Fire in Douglas County

– On Saturday night, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Tiller Trail Fire in Douglas County. The fire sparked Saturday around 3 p.m. and is estimated to be between 3,000 to 5,000 acres in size. The Oregon State Fire Marshal has activated its Green Incident Management Team and three structural task forces. 

On Saturday afternoon, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized a structural task force from the Rogue Valley through Immediate Response.

“Over the last few days, we saw several fires spark on the west side of the Cascades. The fire danger across Oregon is extremely concerning. We are bringing in the full force of the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to help protect homes and critical infrastructure near the Tiller Trail Fire,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple Said. “Historically, August has been a challenging month in terms of wildfire, and this one is shaping up to be no different. I am calling on all Oregonians and visitors to do everything they can to prevent sparking another wildfire.” 

According to the Douglas County Sheriff, there are levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices in place. Please follow the Douglas County Sheriff for the latest evacuation information.

The OSFM Green Team will be briefed at 10:30 a.m. Sunday and will be in unified command with an Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team. 

About the Emergency Conflagration Act
The Emergency Conflagration Act is invoked by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, allowing the state fire marshal to mobilize state resources to wildfires to protect life and property.

The conflagration act is invoked following ORS 476.510-476.610 when Governor Kotek determines threats to life, safety, and property exist because of the fire, and the threats exceed the capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.

8/12 – Mon @ 7:30am #updateoregonfires202492 ACTIVE FIRES IN OREGON2 new Active firesFire Details: BE PREPAREDCLICK Links Below to get real time active fires, evacuation zonescontainment, and structural damage loss. Good job Firefighters #ActiveFires#lanecountyoregonareaupdates#lookupthefireCLICK HERE link below to see location of fires’shttps://experience.arcgis.com/…/6329d5e4e13748b9b9f7f3…/CHECK YOUR EVACUATION RISK

CLICK the Wildfire Dashboard link below – click the map tab and then put in your address. #checkfirerisk#checkevacuation#oregonfires#LaneCountyFires#firesafety#evacuationzones#OregonFires2024WILDFIRE DASHBOARD https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/…/a6c8f8e58ad642f4813732233…

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/

Wyden, Hoyle pledge meals and pay for firefighters, tout arrival of New Zealand fire crews

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle, both Oregon Democrats, said they were working to improve catering at fire camps and make permanent firefighter pay increases at a news conference Friday.

“It’s pretty hard to fight fires if you can’t feed your firefighters,” Wyden said. He said the issue had been fixed.

In addition, Wyden touted the arrival of a fire crew from New Zealand to help on wildfire burning in Lane County, he said.

Hoyle said once Congress reconvened, she would push for a raise for firefighters, approved after the pandemic, to be made permanent. Hoyle stressed that fires in Oregon are likely to get worse before they get better.

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.

It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.  

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 – Updated Daily

Large Fires in Oregon 8/12/24 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. 

Klamath County Announces Grant Program to Help Farmers Battle Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Infestations

— Klamath County is facing a significant challenge as grasshoppers and Mormon crickets have wreaked havoc on crops, rangelands, and natural habitats. These pesky invaders are threatening the livelihoods of the county’s farmers and ranchers, the food supply, and the overall health of the ecosystem.

In response, the Oregon Legislature has acted by passing SB 5701, Section 408 (2024), along with a Temporary Administrative Order. These measures provide financial assistance for pest management efforts aimed at reducing the impact of these insects on agricultural crops. Klamath County has been granted $100,000 by the Oregon Department of Agriculture to help tackle the problem.

To distribute these funds, the County has set up a reimbursement grant program. A special grant committee has been formed, including representatives from the Klamath Irrigation District, Klamath Drainage District, Van Brimmer Ditch Co., and two at-large citizens. This committee will review applications from affected farmers and ranchers and make funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners.

Farmers and ranchers can apply for these grants from August 15 to October 31, with the application window closing at 5:00 PM on October 31. Unfortunately, late submissions will not be accepted. The grant committee will meet in November to review the applications and provide their recommendations to the Board of Commissioners who will make the final determinations for payment.

The application can be found online on the Klamath County Grants Website.

While the County recognizes that $100,000 won’t cover all the damage caused by these infestations, they are grateful to be able offer some help to those who need it most.

For more information, please contact the Klamath County Grants Office at 541-851-2264

As new school year looms, health officials urge measles vaccination

Highly effective MMR vaccine the best way to prevent highly infectious virus

PORTLAND, Ore. — With the start of the new school year around the corner – and as a measles outbreak continues in three Oregon counties – health officials are urging parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated against the highly infectious virus before classes begin.

A total of 25 confirmed cases of measles have been reported in Clackamas, Marion and Multnomah counties, all among unvaccinated individuals. Two people have been hospitalized, and there have been no deaths. Ten of the cases are 9 and younger; 10 cases are ages 10 to 19; and five cases are 20 and older.

Marion County has the most cases with 16, followed by Clackamas County with eight and Multnomah County with one.

Paul Cieslak, M.D., OHA medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations, joined Clackamas County Health Officer Sarah Present, M.D., for a media briefing this morning to give an update on the outbreak. A recording of the media briefing is available on OHA’s YouTube channel at this link.

Cieslak said state and county epidemiologists have seen several waves of measles cases since mid-June, “so now about two months of sustained transmission of measles.” It’s the largest measles outbreak the state has seen since 2019, when Oregon experienced 28 cases that were linked to a much larger outbreak in Clark County, Wash.

“Before 2019, you have to go all the way back to the early 1990s to see case counts this high,” Cieslak said. “The reason is we maintained very high vaccination rates and very high population levels of immunity. Unfortunately, we’ve seen an erosion in the percentage of people who are getting vaccinated against measles.”

Since about 2000, an increasing number of parents have chosen nonmedical exemptions from state school vaccination requirements for their children. Before that year, only about 1% of kindergarteners had vaccination exemptions; since then, the number has risen steadily, and during the 2023-2024 school year, the exemption rate reached 8.8%.

“In Clackamas County, as in other Oregon counties, pockets of unvaccinated people raise risk of infection in communities where they live,” Present said. “That’s why the counties reach out to every case that’s been identified and try to determine exactly where they’ve been while infectious.”

Someone with measles can spread the virus up to four days before the tell-tale rash appears, and their symptoms may be mild during that time. As a result, the counties and OHA have been sharing information about specific locations that cases are known to have visited, so “we can let members of the public know they may have been exposed to measles,” Present said.

She noted that since measles is so contagious, an estimated 95% of a population needs to have received two doses of measles vaccine to be able to protect the most vulnerable members of the community via community or “herd” immunity.

Getting the MMR vaccine can also help families avoid the burden of having to isolate at home for several weeks if they are exposed to measles. According to state law, an unvaccinated person exposed to the virus must be excluded from school or child care during the period when they could become sick, which is usually for 21 days after exposure. And this exclusion can be extended if there are more measles cases. 

“It’s really an important time to make sure students and their families are up to date on vaccinations as we go into the new school year,” Present explained.

Learn more about measles at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.

Klamath County Major Crime Team Investigating Third Homicide Since End Of June

Another homicide investigation is underway in Klamath Falls following the shooting of an unknown victim Thursday morning.

A news release from Klamath Falls Police Department (KFPD) said there was a report of a shooting at 10:03 a.m. at 3201 Quarry St.

“KFPD responded to … a welfare check on the the resident after receiving a third-party report that the resident had been shot,” the release read. When law enforcement arrived on scene, the victim was deceased.

KFPD Captain Rob Reynolds said the victim has been identified as Timothy Allen Ayers, 72, who was the current resident of the home.

The Klamath County major crime team was activated for a homicide investigation.

As of Friday afternoon, no suspects have been identified. “We do have some people of interest,” Reynolds said. “But we are soliciting the community’s help. Any information to assist in this investigation is crucial.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Snyder at (541) 883-5336, or call the anonymous tip line at (541) 883-5334.

The shooting on Quarry Street is the third incident of suspected homicide since late June, following the murder of two teenage sisters earlier this summer.

It is also the fourth incident of a shooting that comes just one week after a man was shot near Klamath Union High School during a youth soccer camp on Aug. 1. Authorities are still searching for suspect Andrew Wyatt Gregory.

Outdoor Marijuana Grow Operation Seized In Klamath County

A search warrant executed Thursday at a property in Klamath County led to the seizure of more than a thousand illegal marijuana plants. Klamath County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) served the warrant at a property on Tiger Lane near Bonanza.

A news release from KCSO said the law enforcement discovered an open-field grow operation with 1,035 marijuana plants. An additional 160 marijuana plants were also found on the adjacent private property, “causing significant damage and scarring of the landscape,” the release said. Authorities estimated the grow operation illegally used 135,000 gallons of water.

The property owner, Jose Obed Rodriguez Viveros, 39, of Modesto, Calif., was not on scene. Two arrests were made at the sight: Luis Gustavo Jimenez-Segoria, 25, and Eduardo Jimenez-Menera, 26, both of Fresno, Calif.

Jiminez-Segoria and Jimenez-Menera were arrested and charged with unlawful possession and manufacture of marijuana, second-degree criminal mischief and second-degree criminal trespass.

Oregon National Guard Unit Mobilization Ceremony Before Deployment To Middle East

About 230 members of the Oregon Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, accompanied by many family and friends, were formally recognized during their mobilization ceremony held at Pacific University on Friday as they prepared for a year-long mobilization in the Middle East.

Prior to departing overseas, they will undergo training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma to enhance their proficiencies on the equipment and systems that they will operate as the primary air defenders that American and Coalition partners rely on for force protection, the Oregon Military Department said.

After completing their training the service members will be assigned to Iraq and Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, whose mission is to advise, assist and enable partner forces to secure lasting defeat of terrorist elements across the Central Command Area of Responsibility.

“The 218th Field Artillery has an exceptionally rich unit history and lineage in which you now are part of,” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon National Guard during his remarks to the soldiers and family members in attendance. “You will now be task organized as Task Force Defender, for the mission to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Remember the heavy responsibilities that rest upon your shoulders.”

As part of Task Force Defender, the Oregon Citizen-Soldiers will be conducting rocket, artillery, mortar and unmanned drone defense operations in the Middle East.

Winning Mega Millions Lottery Tickets Sold in Oregon

There were no tickets sold with all six numbers in the latest drawing of the multi-state Mega Millions lottery, pushing the estimated jackpot for Tuesday’s drawing to $435 million.

One ticket each with five numbers, but missing the Mega number, was sold in Oregon and Tennessee. They are each worth $1 million, lottery officials said.

The numbers drawn Friday were 12, 32, 38, 40, 57 and the Mega number was 21. The estimated jackpot was $405 million.

The Mega Millions game is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. Virgin Islands. https://www.oregonlottery.org//

Seeking proposals to run Smith Creek Village, other concessions at Silver Falls

SILVERTON, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking proposals to operate Smith Creek Village retreat center, South Falls Café and two historic ranches at Silver Falls State Park.

Smith Creek Village is a retreat center on the south side of Silver Falls that includes lodging (13 cabins and 4 lodges) and a restaurant with a commercial kitchen, dining room and seating area with lots of natural light

“Silver Falls is one of the crown jewels of the park system, and this is an incredible opportunity to be a part of this breath-taking destination,” said Willamette Valley District Manager Sarah Steele.

The park is one of the most popular in the state with an estimated 1.5 million day-use visits per year and features the nationally recognized Trail of Ten Falls. 

In 2021, OPRD signed an agreement with Silver Falls Hospitality to run two services— Smith Creek Village and the historic ranches—and a separate agreement with Oregon Commission for the Blind to run South Falls Café. Both contracts will expire at the end of October, prompting a new request for proposals. The new 10-year contract will include all three business opportunities.

The opportunity includes:

• Smith Creek Village, a retreat at the south end of the park with a restaurant, dining area, and lodging including 13 individual cabins and four group overnight lodges as well as outdoor event space, historic buildings, meeting areas and a commercial kitchen. 
• South Falls Café, a popular café near the trailhead for the Trail of Ten Falls with a full kitchen and indoor and patio space at the South Falls Lodge. Concession services at the South Falls Café currently include casual dining, food to go, and snacks for picnicking and hiking. 
• The Davidson Ranch and the Foothills Ranch, two large overnight facilities with commercial kitchens for private retreats and group lodging for weddings and other gatherings. 

OPRD is looking for a business or individual to run all three opportunities. The deadline to apply is Aug. 30. OPRD will host an open house 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 16, and 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 17 for prospective concessionaires. Registration is required. Email utler@oprd.oregon.gov“>Winona Butler by 2 p.m. Aug. 14 to register.

Silver Falls is expected to see continued growth with work now underway to develop the North Gateway: a new campground, visitor center and park improvements slated to open in 2026. 

The park offers everything from camping, hiking and biking to picnicking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Several of the park’s structures date back to the Civilian Conservation Corps established in 1933. The architecture features the now-iconic look of stone facades and timber beams seen at Silver Falls Lodge. 

Those who are interested in learning more can contact Contract Specialist Winona Butler at utler@oprd.oregon.gov“>winona.butler@oprd.oregon.gov or go OPRD’s website and click on the Silver Falls Concession Opportunity. The deadline to apply is Aug. 30, 2024.  —   Photos of the properties are available for download. 

Act now to secure Summer EBT benefits

(Salem) – As summer begins to wind down, families have a limited window to secure essential food assistance through the new Summer EBT program. The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. With the application deadline quickly approaching on Sept. 2, 2024, it’s crucial for eligible families to act now.

Thousands of families may be unaware that they qualify for this essential benefit. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) are urging families to check their eligibility and apply before the deadline. Remember, once benefits are received, you have 122 days to use them.

Most eligible children received their benefits automatically on June 28, 2024, if their households:

• Participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Are Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members in households with incomes under 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level 

Children in foster care also automatically received Summer EBT. 

However, families who did not receive benefits automatically, particularly those with children in Head Start programs that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs, should still apply to determine their eligibility.

Families are encouraged to visit sebt.oregon.gov or contact the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328) to verify their eligibility and apply. ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said, “Making sure children have access to nutritious food throughout the summer is critical. This small action could provide significant support to families in Oregon.” 

Interview with ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht

Since June 28, 2024, more than 329,000 eligible school-aged children have been issued $39.5 million in Summer EBT food benefits. More than 60 percent of families receiving benefits in the initial issuance were able to immediately use benefits on existing Oregon EBT cards; the rest received new cards in July.

“The results of the Summer EBT launch so far have far exceeded our expectations, but we know that there are many more families out there who have children who may be eligible for the $120 Summer EBT benefit,” ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams said. “We encourage our schools and Summer Meals providers to have flyers on site to raise awareness and get our families the benefits they qualify for.”

Interview with ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams

Act now and don’t let this opportunity pass by. Make sure your family receives the assistance it deserves by applying for Summer EBT before Sept. 2, 2024.

To learn more:

• Call 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328). The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
• Visit sebt.oregon.gov.

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.

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

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