The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com
Friday, August 16, 2024
Rogue Valley Weather
The storm prediction center in Norman Oklahoma has are area under marginal risk of severe thunderstorms for Saturday just east of the interstate 5 corridor in central Douglas County
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
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Busts Burglary Ring Targeting Local Licensed Marijuana Businesses; Crime Spree Leads to 65 Charges for Three Suspects; Investigators Seize Eight Firearms, 500 Lbs. Marijuana
Video Available for Download: https://vimeo.com/999261716?share=copy
JCSO Cases 23-2846, 23-6706, 24-2757, 24-2777, 24-3323, 24-4331
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – After a year-long investigation, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives busted a burglary ring targeting local licensed marijuana businesses in Jackson and Josephine Counties. The suspects committed 16 known burglaries at marijuana farms and storage facilities from April 2023 to June 2024. The suspects arrested accumulated 65 total charges during their crime spree.
JCSO deputies, detectives, and the Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) served two simultaneous search warrants the morning of Tuesday, August 13 on locations in Central Point. Investigators served the search warrants at properties in the 1000 block of Glengrove Avenue and in the 500 block of Mazama Street, both in Central Point. Detectives served a follow-on search warrant at two storage units in the 1400 block of 2nd Avenue in Gold Hill. These search warrants resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of burglary evidence, eight firearms, and 520 lbs. of marijuana. Oregon State Police (OSP) assisted with the warrant service.
The suspects arrested are Mitchell Jeffrey King, 35, of Central Point; Dylan Buck McNerney, 31, of Central Point; and Kenneth Alan Parker II, 48, of Gold Hill. The 65 charges included 32 for King, 23 for Parker, and 10 for McNerney. These charges included multiple counts of second-degree burglary, criminal conspiracy, first-degree aggravated theft, first-degree theft, attempted first-degree theft, first-degree criminal mischief, and unlawful possession of a marijuana item. Additionally, Parker is charged with felon in possession of a firearm.
This case is under further investigation with detectives following additional leads. The case has been referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Additional charges from the Josephine County burglaries will likely be added at a later time. There is no more information available for release.
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.
Former Medford Nurse Wants Civil Case Against Her Put On Hold Pending Her Criminal Case For Drug Diversion
A court hearing next month could determine whether a former Medford nurse accused of criminal assault of 44 hospital patients through drug diversion can “stay,” or pause, a related civil case against her.
Jackson County Circuit Court set a Sept. 9, 2024, date to hear arguments about a motion filed this month for 36-year-old Dani Schofield. The motion comes from her lawyer Sheryl Odems at Portland law firm, Hart Wagner.
Schofield is one of two defendants in a Jackson County civil court case, “Patti L. Wilson for the Estate of Horace Earl Wilson, Plaintiff, v. Asante, an Oregon corporation; Dani Marie Schofield, R.N., Defendant,” filed in February by Justin Idiart with Central Point’s Idiart Law Group.
Schofield also has 44 felony counts of criminal assault in Jackson County Circuit Court, accusing her of causing illness to 44 Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center (Asante) intensive care unit patients from diverting to herself fentanyl intended for them, replacing it with hospital tap water that could cause infection.
Medford Police Department (MPD) investigated the case. It says 14 of those 44 patients have since died, and its medical advisers could not prove conclusively they died because of suspected drug-diversion related illness.
With two cases filed against Schofield — one complaint in civil court for a personal claim and another case in criminal court accusing her of breaking State law — Odems made a court filing last week to support Schofield’s motion for stay of her civil court case, putting it on hold and leaving her out of jail on $4,000,000 bail pending the outcome of her case in criminal court.
Medford law firm Shlesinger & deVilleneuve President David deVilleneuve says today he also is preparing to file in civil court for his clients. He says a stay in Schofield’s original civil case, if granted in next month’s hearing, could pause that case for two-to-three years while the criminal case proceeds.
deVilleneuve says it might not affect his civil case clients because he plans to list only Asante as the defendant.
Schofield’s pending civil case motion invokes her U.S. Constitutional Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, writing that her need to defend herself in her criminal case makes her unable to respond to lawyers’ fact-finding discovery in the civil case when her comments could be used against her in the criminal matter.
The motion states:
“… defendant Dani Schofield, R.N., (“Nurse Schofield”) seeks a stay of this case pending resolution of the criminal proceedings commenced against her in Jackson County. Nurse Schofield was recently indicted on 44 counts of assault in the second degree, serious charges which carry significant Measure 11 mandatory minimum sentences. Each of these counts is based on allegations identical to those in this case. The case against Nurse Schofield should be stayed. To require Nurse Schofield to continue defending this case raises significant Fifth Amendment concerns. She has been indicted on serious criminal charges that carry significant penalties. The charges in the criminal case and the allegations in the civil case arise from the same pattern of conduct and thus she will be unable to respond to any discovery in this matter relating in any way to the criminal case. The criminal case also involves voluminous discovery, which will necessitate that Nurse Schofield concentrate her efforts on assisting her criminal defense. Finally, there is a significant public interest in protecting the integrity of criminal proceedings.”
Odems 29-page support declaration for her client is mostly a list of exhibits, including Schofield’s 44-count criminal indictment, Schofield’s jail release conditions on $4,000,000 bail, and “Attached as Exhibit C is a true and accurate copy of an article from ABC affiliate KDRV by Jerry Howard, entitled ‘Former Nurse bailed out of jail, facing 44 drug-diversion assault counts,’ which was posted to KDRV.com on June 21, 2024.”
NewsWatch 12 calls to Odems and Idiart had no response today. After Schofield’s June arraignment for her indictment, Idiart said, “I know there are a lot more people who want stronger charges, yet the prosecutor is limited to criminal charges that the evidence would prove. So we have people looking for justice on the civil side of the law if it’s not on the criminal side.”
Schofield also filed a reply in June to the intial civil case filing, refuting or deferring most its claims against her except the fact that she worked at Asante, Wilson was a patient, and she could have treated him there. She also confirmed her nursing license was not active.
Oregon State Board of Nursing lists Schofield’s Oregon registered nurse (RN) license in a state of, “Voluntary Agreement to Refrain from Practice or to Suspend License Pending Completion of an Investigation.” It also shows her Oregon nursing license expiration date was April 8, 2024.
Idiart and Shlesinger & deVillenueve’s David deVilleneuve said they believed there were more victims that the 44 listed in Schofield’s indictment, including their clients — such as Wilson — who are not listed among the criminal assault victims.
MPD forwarded the names of 44 possible drug-diversion illness victims based on its investigation which it gave to the Jackson County District Attorney’s office in June. MPD says its investigation started in December 2023 when Asante reported possible drug diversion at its Medford hospital. MPD says it’s investigation was narrowed to a time frame from July 2022-July 2023.
A new court filing today in Schofield’s criminal matter orders her to pay the State of Oregon her $20 application fee to request a public defender. The Court denied her request, citing approximately $380,000 in known assets for Schofield, who now lists a north Eagle Point residence for her address. (SOURCE)
MADGE Seizes Over 50 Pounds of Meth and Fentanyl Within Two Days
Medford Police Dept.
On August 6, 2024, the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement team (MADGE) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling northbound on Interstate 5 in the Medford area as a part of an on-going investigation. During this stop, Investigators developed probable cause to seize a vehicle and subsequently served a search warrant, recovering 32 pounds of Methamphetamine and nearly 4.5 pounds of Fentanyl. The investigation is ongoing.
Then on August 8, 2024, in an unrelated case, MADGE Investigators contacted two subjects in a business parking lot in Southeast Medford as a part of an on-going investigation. During this contact a Medford Police K9 alerted on the vehicle, which was seized, and 17 pounds of Methamphetamine was located. 48-year-old Pasqual Padilla was arrested and lodged at the Jackson County jail on charges related to the distribution of a controlled substance.
These two cases showcase the hard work our drug teams are doing on a daily basis in an effort to keep our communities safe.
The MADGE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-support approach. MADGE is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) which is compose of members from the Medford Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, Parole and Probation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI.
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including MADGE.
Traffic Stop Leads To Seizure of 60 Pounds Of Fentanyl Pills in Jackson County
– A traffic stop by an Oregon State Police K-9 Unit netted 60 pounds of fentanyl-laced pills destined for Portland.
On August 12, 2024, at 8:00 a.m., an Oregon State K-9 Trooper stopped a commercial motor vehicle tractor unit on Interstate 5 in Jackson County for a traffic violation. During a consent search of the vehicle’s cab, the trooper located two 5-gallon buckets filled with blue pills suspected of being laced with fentanyl.
Two suspects, Daniel Pena Gragoso (42) and Josue Itzel Gomez (28), both of Mexico, were arrested and charged with possession and delivery of fentanyl and lodged at the Jackson County Jail.
The seized pills weighed 60 pounds which is the equivalent of about 276,000 individual pills.
# # # OSP Domestic Highway Enforcement Initiative
The Oregon State Police-Domestic Highway Enforcement (OSP-DHE) Initiative is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the OSP-DHE Initiative.
Gold Hill Private Basketball Coach Arrested for Luring a Minor, Detectives Looking for Other Victims
JCSO Case 24-4186 — GOLD HILL, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives arrested a local private basketball coach yesterday, August 12, for inappropriate contact with an underage child.
The suspect, Geordan Victor Sanchez Edmond, 29, of Gold Hill, is charged with one count of luring a minor and is lodged in the Jackson County Jail.
Edmond has given private basketball lessons to children in the local area for the last few years.
Detectives suspect Edmond could have additional victims. If you have any information about the pictured suspect, call the JCSO Tip Line at (541) 774-8333 and reference case 24-4186.
OSP arrests Grants Pass man on child sex abuse charges
OSP Detectives ask anyone with information to come forward
GRANTS PASS, Ore. 14 August 2024 – Oregon State Police detectives recently arrested and charged a Grants Pass man with child sex abuse offenses and are asking additional victims to come forward.
On August 7, 2024, Justin Lee Concha (30) was arrested and charged with multiple sex offense crimes and detectives believe additional victims are likely. Concha is suspected of attempting to meet underage juveniles for the purpose of sex.
He has been charged with five counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse 1, five counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse 2, and Sexual Assault of an Animal. Concha additionally uses an aka of Jay Leslie Frost.
If anyone has information about Concha, please contact OSP’s Southern Command Center at 1-800-442-2068.
ALERT: MISSING PERSON: SPECIAL ATTENTION ALONG HWY 138 EAST
Myrtle Creek Police Department is working on a missing person case involving 69-year-old Kathleen Wilson, who left the Myrtle Creek area on the morning of August 5. Her vehicle, a red or maroon 2012 Chevy Cruz bearing Oregon license plate#747EDB, was last seen heading east on Highway 138E leaving Roseburg just before 7:00 AM.
Her intended destination is Chiloquin, Oregon in Klamath County, where she never arrived. Information so far is that she has medication she did not take with her and was getting confused while driving. She is currently listed as missing and endangered. If you see her or her vehicle, please call 541-440-4471 immediately.
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.
Did you get help from FEMA, insurance, or others after the 2020 Almeda and South Obenchain Fires?
https://firebrandcollective.org/harp/
Rogue Valley Humane Society We are very low on cat and almost out of kitten food for our Community Food Bank.
Many pets have benefited from the community’s generosity, and we can’t thank you enough for your kindness.
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/bepreparedDavid Grubbs’ Murder Investigation Remains Active
The Ashland Police Department’s investigation into the murder of David Grubbs on November 19, 2011 remains open and active. Recently two new detectives have been assigned to look into new leads that have come in.
It has been Four Years since Fauna Frey, 45, disappeared in Oregon on a road trip, June 29, 2020, following her brother’s death
PART 2 – Newsweek Podcast Focusing on The Disappearance of Fauna Frey From Lane County
Help Find Fauna Frey #FindFaunaFrey FACEBOOK GROUP
Oregon National Guard Soldiers prepare for deployment to the Balkans
SALEM, Ore. – A mobilization ceremony for the Oregon Army National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) will be held at the Salem Armory Auditorium, 2320 17th St NE, Salem, Oregon, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, as Citizen-Soldiers prepare for a year-long mobilization.
The unit will be mobilizing as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) and will be participating in the 34th rotation of this mission, known as KFOR 34.
KFOR was established in 1999 following the signing of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and the subsequent Military Technical Agreement between NATO and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Serbia. This agreement, signed on June 9, 1999, ended the Kosovo War and authorized NATO to deploy an international peacekeeping force to Kosovo. Since then, KFOR has been responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment in the region, supporting civil authorities, and ensuring freedom of movement for all citizens. The mission is critical in fostering peace and stability in Kosovo, while political dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia continues.
Col. Peter Helzer, the Commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, looks forward to the upcoming mission. “The 41st IBCT brings a robust set of capabilities to support the people of Kosovo. From security forces to medical and logistical support, Oregonians will contribute to the stability and security of the region as part of the broader NATO effort.”
Before deploying overseas, the 41st IBCT will conduct pre-mobilization operations at Fort Cavazos, Texas, followed by additional training in Germany for to prepare them for the deployment.
“The Oregon National Guard continues its legacy of simultaneously serving Oregonians with domestic operations here at home while also answering the call for federal mobilizations supporting the United States,” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon. “This is what makes the Oregon National Guard the military service of choice for Oregonians.”
The public can also watch the ceremony via live stream on the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1028184892013397/.
Oregon Residents Will Vote In November On A $1,600 Annual Universal Basic Income
A ballot measure to give Oregon residents a $1,600 tax rebate faces bipartisan opposition.
Oregon Rebate, or Measure 118, proposes taxing corporations more to redistribute money to residents.
Democrats and Republicans alike say it would hurt the state economy.
Democrats and Republicans alike are fighting a ballot measure in Oregon that would increase corporate taxes to give residents an annual rebate.
The proposal, known as Ballot Measure 118 or the Oregon Rebate, would add a 3% tax on corporations in the state once they make $25 million a year. The plan was originally known as Initiative 17 . The money would be distributed among state residents, including children, as a $1,600 annual rebate.
Despite the opposition from lawmakers, it’s not up to them. Ballot measures give residents a chance to vote directly on an issue. Oregonians themselves will be able to vote in favor or against the measure in November’s general election.
Antonio Gisbert, the chief organizer behind the effort, told Business Insider he remains optimistic that a majority of voters will support the measure in the general election.
“It kind of does seem a little bit like some of these elected [officials] are more beholden to corporations and corporate interests than they are to the interests of everyday Oregonians,” Gisbert said. “We are super committed in instituting some degree of corporate tax justice.”
Cash payments with no strings attached are gaining popularity in the United States as a way to support vulnerable populations. Guaranteed basic income programs piloted across the nation have found that recipients, who are typically low-income, spend the money on rent , groceries, and transportation.
While guaranteed basic income programs are aimed at specific groups, like low-income residents or new mothers , the Oregon Rebate would benefit all residents, making it more similar to a universal basic income.
While Democrats are typically the primary supporters of basic income programs in city and state governments, many Oregon Democrats joined Republicans in opposition to Measure 118. In a joint statement from state House and Senate Democrats, the legislators said they have concerns about the rebate coming from corporate taxes.
“In these tough times, we all want working families to get every break they can, but Measure 118 is not the answer. We have grave concerns it will slow job growth and cause cuts to critical services like road maintenance, fire fighting, and addiction recovery,” the Democrats wrote in a joint statement shared with Business Insider.
An analysis from the state’s legislative revenue office found that Measure 118, which would increase corporation taxes while reducing personal income taxes, would “significantly” alter how the state draws on tax money to pay for public services.
Citing the revenue report, the coalition of Democrats said the rebates would “increase prices for consumer goods and slow Oregon’s job growth.”
“Meanwhile, the ‘rebates’ would go to every Oregonian — including the ultra-wealthy. As a matter of public policy, we believe this is a bad deal for Oregonians,” they said in the statement.
In a statement on Thursday from the organizers behind Oregon Rebate, Gisbert said the initiative doesn’t need legislators’ support.
“Our opponents can keep paying lip service to their donors and we’ll keep working to turn out voters in November,” Gisbert said in the statement. Read the original article on Business Insider
Wildfires Expected To Burn Until Fall Rains Arrive
Although rain, cooler temperatures, and higher humidity are expected in some parts of the region, 
conditions are still dry enough for active fire behavior. Significant lightning with little precipitation is forecast for eastern Oregon today with Red Flag Warnings in effect. PLEASE: Do your part to prevent human-caused starts and follow all fire restrictions.
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.
8/16 – FRI @ 6:00am #updateoregonfires202485 ACTIVE FIRES IN OREGON5 new Active firesFire Details: BE PREPAREDCLICK Links Below to get real time active fires, evacuation zonescontainment, and structural damage loss.
https://experience.arcgis.com/…/6329d5e4e13748b9b9f7f3…/
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/
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.
65 firefighters from Australia, New Zealand arrive in Northwest to help fight region’s wildfires — Wyden, Hoyle pledge meals and pay for firefighters
A contingent of 65 senior firefighters from Australia and New Zealand has arrived in the Pacific Northwest to assist in combating the region’s large wildfires.
Australian firefighters meet for morning briefing for the Coffee Pot Fire located on the Willamette National Forest.
After receiving briefings at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, the firefighters were assigned to various large wildfire incidents across the Northwest, including the Willamette Complex South on the Willamette National Forest and the Pioneer Fire on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Over the next several weeks, they will be filling key leadership and operational positions such as helibase managers, division supervisors, task force leaders, and safety officers.
“We are deeply grateful to our colleagues from Australia and New Zealand for their critical support,” said Jacque Buchanan, regional forester for the USDA Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region. “Their expertise is essential as we continue to face a prolonged and extreme fire season.”
Mutual wildland fire assistance between the U.S. and these countries goes back more than 20 years. This marks the eighth time since 2000 that Australia has sent firefighters to the U.S.
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 last 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.
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
| Incident | Type | State | Incident Size | UpdatedSort ascending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Willamette Complex – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 4268 Acres | 31 seconds ago |
| Town Gulch – ORWWF | Wildfire | Oregon | 18215 Acres | 2 minutes 18 seconds ago |
| Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S | Wildfire | Oregon | 24934 Acres | 12 minutes 24 seconds ago |
| Diamond Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 10455 Acres | 16 minutes 46 seconds ago |
| Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 12783 Acres | 18 minutes 41 seconds ago |
| Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP | Wildfire | Oregon | 5119 Acres | 21 minutes 39 seconds ago |
| Red Fire – ORDEF | Wildfire | Oregon | 659 Acres | 30 minutes 48 seconds ago |
| Sandstone Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 696 Acres | 1 hour 3 minutes ago |
| Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1938 Acres | 1 hour 3 minutes ago |
| Telephone Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 54034 Acres | 1 hour 5 minutes ago |
| Falls Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 151680 Acres | 1 hour 6 minutes ago |
| Cliff Mountain – ORWWF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1108 Acres | 1 hour 7 minutes ago |
| Homestead Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 5597 Acres | 1 hour 46 minutes ago |
| Warner Peak Fire – ORSHR | Wildfire | Oregon | 65002 Acres | 1 hour 54 minutes ago |
| Dixon Fire – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1997 Acres | 11 hours 1 minute ago |
| Crazy Creek – OROCF | Wildfire | Oregon | 86870 Acres | 12 hours 50 minutes ago |
| Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S | Wildfire | Oregon | 183026 Acres | 13 hours 5 minutes ago |
| Pyramid and Slate Fires – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | Acres | 13 hours 14 minutes ago |
| Courtrock Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 20019 Acres | 16 hours 16 minutes ago |
| Porcupine Fire – ORBUD | Wildfire | Oregon | 6491 Acres | 3 days 21 hours ago |
| Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD | Wildfire | Oregon | 137222 Acres | 3 days 22 hours ago |
| Badland Complex 2024 – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 54563 Acres | 5 days 20 hours ago |
| Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 1313 Acres | 6 days 11 hours ago |
| Winding Waters Complex – OR97S | Wildfire | Oregon | 752 Acres | 1 week ago |
| Durkee Fire – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 294265 Acres | 1 week 1 day ago |
| Cow Valley Fire – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 133490 Acres | 2 weeks 1 day ago |
Large Fires in Oregon 8/16/24 9:00am per INCIWEB
Please Help Prevent Wildfires!
In these dry conditions, a single spark can cause a lot of damage. Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page.
Oregon Housing and Community Services to receive $8 million in federal funding for the creation of 153 affordable homes for people with disabilities
— Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is awarded $8 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create 153 affordable homes for people with low incomes living with disabilities.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is hard at work delivering results to make everyday life better for people. These investments are a continued testament to this,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Under the leadership of Governor Kotek, OHCS remains relentless, through the lens of humanity, to advance housing progress that creates a better future for the people and the communities we serve.”
OHCS is one of 18 state housing agencies awarded more than $138 million in HUD funding through the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) for Persons with Disabilities program. The Northwest Region received a total of $16 million, with neighboring Washington state awarded $8 million to create 158 units of housing.
About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) – OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low [KH1] [HH2] [HH3] and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.
New program awards $5M to small forestland owners for fish habitat improvement
Salem, Ore.–The Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat Program (SFISH) funded its first-ever round of projects, awarding more than $5 million in grants to 20 projects throughout Oregon.
The program, administered by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), collaborated with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and key stakeholders to prioritize forest road improvement projects that improve fish habitat on forestlands owned by small forestland owners.
“The projects will restore passage to more than 74 miles of habitat for native salmon and trout and improve water quality by replacing or removing 37 culverts across 19 watersheds,” said Josh Hanson, SFISH Coordinator for ODF’s Small Forestland Owner Office.
The SFISH Program was established by the Legislature in 2022 to provide grants to small forestland owners to implement road improvement projects that result in environmental benefits to fish species addressed in the Private Forest Accord Report. The fund can also be used to mitigate risks to natural resources arising from forest roads.
“Project planning is underway, and most projects will start next summer,” said Hanson. “Some projects may require extended planning, with implementation occurring in the summer of 2026.” Several fish species will benefit from the funded work, including steelhead trout, cutthroat trout, Chinook, Coho, and Chum salmon. Two projects funded east of the Cascades will benefit Columbia River Redband Trout.
To be eligible for the program, a landowner must own less than 5,000 acres of forestland in Oregon and harvest no more than an average yearly volume of 2 million board feet of merchantable forest products. A landowner can apply for an SFISH grant at any time, and length of time waiting for funding is considered when awarding grants.
“The program anticipates awarding more money for projects in July 2025,” said Hanson. “So be sure to check the SFISH webpage for program updates.”
For more information and an application for an SFISH grant contact your local ODF office or visit the SFISH webpage.
Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Employment Rises by 8,500 Jobs in July
In July, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 8,500 jobs, following a revised decline of 700 jobs in June. July’s gains were largest in professional and business services (+2,300 jobs); health care and social assistance (+2,000); government (+1,800); and construction (+1,400). Declines in July were largest in leisure and hospitality (-700 jobs) and retail trade (-500).
Professional and business services added 2,300 jobs in July, following a drop of 1,700 in June. The July gain was led by the addition of 2,000 jobs in the component industry administrative and waste services. Despite the one-month increase, professional and business services cut 2,900 jobs, or -1.1%, in the past 12 months, with each of its three component industries also declining by close to 1% since July 2023.
Health care and social assistance expanded rapidly, adding 2,000 jobs in July and 16,300 jobs over the past 12 months. Social assistance grew by 7,500 jobs, or 10.3%, in 12 months. Meanwhile, the health-care component industries each added more than 2,000 jobs since July 2023: nursing and residential care facilities (+3,500 jobs, or 6.6%); ambulatory health care services (+3,700 jobs, or 3.7%); and hospitals (+2,300 jobs, or 3.9%).
Despite gains in health care and a few other industries, several industries cut jobs over the past year. Four major industries declined by at least 1,000 jobs since July 2023: retail trade (-6,600 jobs, or -3.2%); financial activities (-1,300 jobs, or -1.3%); professional and business services (-2,900 jobs, or -1.1%); and manufacturing (-1,900 jobs, or -1.0%).
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.1% in both June and July and has been in a tight range between 4.0% and 4.2% since October 2023. The U.S. unemployment rate rose from 4.1% in June to 4.3% in July.
Child Care Infrastructure Fund Program Accepting Applications
State Opens First Competitive Grant Application for Infrastructure Investments in Child Care Facility Establishment, Expansion and Improvements.
SALEM, ORE. – Today the portal for the Child Care Infrastructure Program opened and began accepting applications. While Oregon has been a leader in investing in early learning, previous investments have been limited to services. These grants will finance the development of new and existing early learning and child care facilities. The competitive application and Fund is administered by Business Oregon and is the first statewide capital investment to provide financial assistance for a variety of child care infrastructure development opportunities. The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is providing technical assistance through First Children’s Finance and Northwest Native Chamber.
“We know that Oregon is a child care desert and many families struggle to find affordable, quality child care that meets their needs. At the same time, we also hear from early learning providers facing major barriers in locating or developing adequate physical spaces to set up child care facilities or to expand programs,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “We’re grateful to Oregon legislators and Governor Tina Kotek for having the foresight to launch the Child Care Infrastructure Fund which will help to expand access to child care and preschool facilities across the state.”
In 2023, Oregon legislators passed HB 3005 which allotted $50 million in lottery bonds to Business Oregon to administer the Child Care Infrastructure Fund. Investments in infrastructure are critical to expanding early learning and care opportunities and to providing the care Oregon workers need to grow the economy. Without access to care, parents and caregivers, particularly women, leave the workforce, which has implications for Oregon’s economy.
There are many longstanding challenges to finding suitable early learning facility space including complex zoning and permitting processes. It can be equally challenging to secure capital to make improvements or maintain facilities. Early learning providers are often small business owners, many of whom are eager to expand to meet the growing need for child care in communities across the state.
With this new funding opportunity, providers will be supported in the grant application process. DELC has contracted with Northwest Native Chamber and First Children’s Finance to assist with technical assistance including supports for culturally specific providers and Tribes. This first round of funding will award a total of $10 million in grants to selected applicants. Award decisions will be announced in November of 2024. There will be a second opportunity to apply for funding later in the winter and will award $15 million followed by an additional $25 million available in 2025.
The application portal for the Child Care Infrastructure Program opens on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. and closes on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 4:59 p.m. Access to the portal can be found on the Business Oregon Child Care Infrastructure webpage at www.oregon.gov/biz. To view the information webinar please visit the CCIF landing page of the DELC website. If you have questions when preparing the grant or completing the Child Care Infrastructure Program application, please contact one of the Technical Assistance providers below:
| First Children’s Finance Point of contact: Heidi Hagel-Braid Email: egon@firstchildrensfinance.org“>infoOregon@firstchildrensfinance.org Northwest Native Chamber Point of contact: Amber Faist Email: t@nwnc.org“>CCIFSupport@nwnc.org |
About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care – The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC.You can also connect with DELC on Facebookor sign up for news alerts and updates
Salem Dispute leads to shots fired, one fatality, two wounded — UPDATE
Suspect identified, wanted by police — Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit detectives ask for the public’s help in a 2023 homicide case.
On the evening of February 13, gunfire rang out in a northeast Salem neighborhood after a verbal dispute between several men gathered in the street near Arbon DR and Vallejo ST NE. The incident left Alejandro Silva-Ramirez and two other victims with gunshot wounds. Silva-Ramirez, age 27 of Salem, died on‑the-scene. The adult and teen who were also struck by gunfire survived their injuries.
Evidence developed in the investigation led to Fermin Flores, age 33 of Salem, as the suspect in the incident. Flores, who also uses the name Alejandro Chavez Mando, has a warrant for his arrest on the charge of second-degree murder.
Detectives have exhausted all efforts to locate Flores and request the public’s help with this case.
Flores is a Hispanic male adult, with black hair and brown eyes, is 5 foot 3 inches in height, and has a slender build. He generally wears his hair shaved and may have facial hair.
Anyone with information about Flores’ whereabouts is asked to call the Salem Police Tips Line at 503‑588-8477. If you see Flores, call police authorities. Do not approach him. He is considered armed and dangerous.
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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