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 26, 2024
Rogue Valley Weather
Wildfires continue to produce smoke in the Pacific Northwest. Breathe a little easier by keeping up to date on air quality conditions and concerns at Fire.AirNow.gov.
We’re not out of the woods yet — Please take precautions to avoid sparking a human-caused fire, be familiar with evacuation levels, and have a go-kit ready in case you need to leave your home.”
Fire Weather Tools from the National Weather Service
As we prepare for the peak of wildfire season in the U.S., the National Weather Service (NWS) reminds wildland fire managers that we have tools to help you monitor and fight wildfires. Whether it is a prescribed burn, ground fire or crown fire, fire managers can use this information to make decisions on how best to combat fires and keep the public safe.
Fire weather forecasters – The NWS issues Fire Weather Outlooks for the next eight days. These outlooks show areas where pre-existing fuel conditions, combined with forecast weather conditions, may result in a significant threat of wildfires.
Our Fire Weather Program supports land managers and firefighters who mitigate and respond to fires. Our weather forecasts are designed to highlight times and locations where a fire may be exceptionally hard to control. For example, we offer Red Flag Warnings, which mean warm temperatures, very low humidities and stronger winds are ongoing or expected to produce an increased risk of fire danger in 12 to 24 hours for specific locations.
Need a fire weather Spot Forecast? Land managers can request a site-specific, localized forecast for prescribed burns and wildfires to assess a potential threat. NWS recently updated this tool and will deliver additional enhancements to the application later this year. Learn more about the new Spot Forecast tool.
For federal and select state large wildfires, onsite weather forecasting support to firefighters is critical. An NWS Incident- Meteorologist (IMET) can be deployed to your incident command post. IMETs arrive on scene within 12 to 24 hours after activation and can serve up to 14 consecutive days before being relieved by another IMET. https://www.weather.gov/news/241507-fire-weather-tools
Intruder Shot By Medford Resident During Apparent Break In
Scam Calls Defraud Three Local Victims of $17K
UPDATE: Body of Man Who Drowned at Diamond Lake Recovered
DIAMOND LAKE, Ore. – On Friday, August 23, 2024, the body of Chimanbai Patel was located at Diamond Lake.
At 7:43 a.m., 9-1-1 dispatchers received information from a member of the public they had been walking their dog on the west side of the lake when they observed the body in water. Marine Deputies, who were already on their way to continue searching for Patel responded to the scene. Upon their arrival, deputies recovered the body and confirmed it to be Patel.
The Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office responded and began a death investigation. Currently, there are no indications of foul play.
Patel’s family was notified of the recovery.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Diamond Lake Resort, United States Forest Service, Douglas County Search and Rescue, Douglas County Dive Team and all of the community members who assisted in the search.
Rogue Community College – One more open house coming up Tuesday, Aug. 27 at our Redwood Campus in Grants Pass.
School is Back in Session! Please be extra cautious and mindful of the school zones across Medford. Here’s what you need to know:
School Zone Speed Limits:
20 mph on school days from 7 AM to 5 PM.20 mph when children are present.20 mph when lights are flashing.
School Buses: Always stop for school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop signs—even if you’re in the opposite lane of traffic. These buses carry our most precious cargo! Safety First: Our schools are equipped with school crossing signs, pavement markings, and radar speed signs to remind you to slow down.Three Creeks In Jackson County Test Positive For E.Coli
Rogue Riverkeeper, a program within the Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center in Ashland, has detected E.coli bacteria in three Jackson County waterways over the past week.
Wagner Creek at Valley View Road in Talent, Bear Creek at Bear Creek Park in Medford and Little Butte Creek at Harnish Wayside in Eagle Point were all found to contain the bacteria.
Rogue Riverkeeper works to advocate for and protect the health of the Rogue River, with a mission to keep water clean and wildlife healthy. The organization tests at 26 different locations throughout the Rogue River Basin, using Oregon’s state guidelines for recreational water safety. E.coli can enter waterways through an overflow in sewage or the presence of animal waste, when storm runoff flows into streams. Rogue Riverkeeper says that during summers in the Rogue Valley, irrigation water is often returned to local waterways after exposure to agriculture. This can lead to increased bacteria.
While not all strains of E.coli cause sickness, it’s used as a metric to detect for other bacteria in water. Symptoms that can arise when swimming in bacteria-filled water include nausea, stomach cramps, fever, chills, skin rashes and eye infections. The Oregon Health Authority recommends anyone with these symptoms to contact their physician.
“We want to protect that water quality and make sure that people who live here understand that our actions, whether they’re on our private property or our rural land, affect water quality,” Oyung said.
Rogue Riverkeeper’s last test indicated that Lithia Creek, Lost Creek Lake, and the Rogue, Applegate and Illinois rivers were all safe for swimming and wading. A list of safe swimming locations tested by Rogue Riverkeeper can be found at this link. (SOURCE)
The division cited JAM Construction Inc. following an inspection of a jobsite in Central Point where work was being done on the roof of a house.
The employer failed to ensure that employees who were working on the roof installed and implemented fall protection, according to the inspection. As a result, employees were exposed to potential falls of up to 13 feet to the ground. JAM Construction violated a rule requiring employers to ensure that fall protection systems are provided, installed, and implemented where employees are exposed to a hazard of falling 6 feet or more to a lower level.
This was the third time since April 2022 that JAM Construction violated fall protection requirements. Oregon OSHA issued a penalty of $103,438 for the third repeat violation. The division also issued an “other-than-serious” citation to the company for failing to provide documentation showing employees had received fall protection training.
Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, workers have a right to a safe and healthy workplace, and employers must maintain safe and healthy workplaces.
In the construction industry, falls are one of the leading causes of death.
“Any employer who directs workers to do job tasks at heights must make sure those workers are protected against fall hazards. It is a requirement, not an option,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “To repeatedly fail to put the safety of workers first only increases the risk of serious injury or even death.”
During the inspection, the company corrected the fall protection violation identified by Oregon OSHA.
The total penalty issued against JAM Construction included a standard penalty reduction based on the size of the company. Under Oregon OSHA’s rules, penalties multiply when employers commit repeat offenses.
Employers have 30 calendar days after receiving a citation to file an appeal.
In addition to its enforcement activities, Oregon OSHA offers employers free resources to help improve workplace safety and health. These resources include the division’s Fall Protection Suite of online video training courses and its A-to-Z topic page about fall protection. The Fall Protection Suite includes courses addressing fall protection fundamentals, construction, roofing, and ladder safety.
Employers are encouraged to use free resources – available now from Oregon OSHA and involving no fault, no citations, and no penalties – for help protecting their employees:
Consultation services – Provides free help with safety and health programs, including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training
- Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
- Field offices
- Online
- Email: consult.web@dcbs.oregon.gov
Technical staff – Helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites
- Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
- Online
- Email: tech.web@dcbs.oregon.gov
About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
ACLU Sues Medford Police For Allegedly ‘Spying’ On Liberal Groups
The ACLU of Oregon filed suit Tuesday against the Medford Police Department, claiming it has illegally been compiling secret files on individuals and groups who protested against the Minneapolis police murder of George Floyd, pushed for LGBTQ+ rights, criticized the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade and advocated for homeless people and drug users.
The suit alleges that the southern Oregon police department monitored social media accounts and combed news stories to build files against individuals and groups when they weren’t suspected of any criminal activity.
“Simply put, MPD is abusing its power to spy on activists whose views it dislikes — and, not only that, building and maintaining files about such people and organizations without any justifiable law enforcement purpose, a blatant violation of Oregon law,” states the lawsuit, filed in Jackson County Circuit Court.
The suit doesn’t seek a dollar amount. Rather, it asks a judge to order police to stop the practice.
The suit alleges police kept files on the following plaintiffs: the Rogue Valley Pepper Shakers, which advocates for queer and unhoused people; Stabbin Wagon, which seeks to prevent drug overdoses; and Melissa Jones, a former executive of Stabbin Wagon.
“The Medford Police are monitoring people like me because of what we care about, not for anything related to crime,” said Toren McKnight, co-founder of the Rogue Valley Pepper Shakers, in a news release issued by the ACLU.
But City Attorney Eric Mitton refuted the lawsuit’s claims, saying in a written statement Tuesday that the police aren’t judging “individuals’ political, religious, or social views” as the department keeps tabs on various groups.
“The Medford Police Department reviews publicly available social media to address legitimate public safety concerns related to public rallies and protests,” Mitton said. Those concerns include “potential traffic disruptions,” “possible breaches of peace” and “potential conflicts between protesters and counter-protesters,” he said.
Police Chief Justin Ivens added: “This ensures our ability to address potential safety concerns while safeguarding those exercising their constitutional right to free speech.” (SOURCE)
Hivve Art Hubb is now accepting members!
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.
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 more than 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 Department of Transportation – As the 2024-25 college football season nears, expect heavy traffic on the weekends of home games for University of Oregon and Oregon State University.
If you’re traveling on these game days, plan ahead and explore your transportation options! Traffic is especially heavy on days when both teams have home games, or when they play each other: Aug. 31, Sept. 14 (UofO vs OSU) and Nov. 9.
Expect all-day traffic congestion in the #WillametteValley on these dates as thousands of fans travel to and from the games. Remember, there are many ways to get around in Oregon! You can walk or roll, take a bus or train, or share a ride. Learn more, plan a trip, or find a ride at GetThereOregon.org.
Fans should also consider their public transportation options, such as the Amtrak Cascades passenger train, which service to and from Eugene during University of Oregon football home game weekends. Train or POINT Intercity Bus Service riders can avoid traffic and parking hassles, and once in town, can ride the Lane Transit District Autzen Express bus.
Oregon State Fair Runs Through September 2nd
185 Acres of Amazing Things to Explore!!! https://oregonstatefair.org/
If you missed out on pre-fair deals , there are still ways to save on specific days.
Admission on opening day is $5 courtesy of sponsor Mattress Firm. The $5 tickets can only be purchased that day at the gates and is a half-price or better deal on regular admission for children 6-12 ($10) and adults 13-64 ($12). Fair admission is $3 for seniors (65 or better) and free for children 5 and under.
“Share at the Fair Day” is Wednesday, Aug. 28, with $2 off admission when you donate two cans of food. The deal cannont be combined with any other offer. The National Association of Women in Construction will build the state of Oregon and an Oregon Trail wagon out of nearly 10,000 cans of beans. After the fair, they’ll dismantle the sculpture and donate the cans to Marion Polk Food Share.
Free admission for children ages 6-12 is Thursday, Aug. 29, saving families $10 a kid. Ages 5 and younger are free every day during the fair.
“Heroes Day” is Monday, Sept. 2, with free admission for military, first responders, teachers, health care workers and their families.
Free parking passes are available with purchase at Oregon Wilco stores through Sept. 2, or while supplies last. The limit is one per purchase, with no minimum dollar amount required. Wilco locations include Salem, Silverton and Stayton. MORE INFO: https://oregonstatefair.org and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oregonstatefair
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.
Monitor Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily
Large Fires in Oregon 8/26/24 9:00am per INCIWEB
| Incident | Type | State | Incident Size | UpdatedSort ascending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandstone Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 702 Acres | 5 minutes 8 seconds ago |
| Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 2067 Acres | 5 minutes 9 seconds ago |
| Diamond Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 11152 Acres | 13 minutes 43 seconds ago |
| Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP | Wildfire | Oregon | 5280 Acres | 13 minutes 43 seconds ago |
| North Willamette Complex – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 4457 Acres | 18 minutes 18 seconds ago |
| Red Fire – ORDEF | Wildfire | Oregon | 753 Acres | 2 hours 5 minutes ago |
| Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 13064 Acres | 2 hours 9 minutes ago |
| Homestead Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 5898 Acres | 15 hours 20 minutes ago |
| Crazy Creek – OROCF | Wildfire | Oregon | 86963 Acres | 1 day 1 hour ago |
| Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S | Wildfire | Oregon | 25265 Acres | 1 day 18 hours ago |
| Dixon Fire – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1970 Acres | 2 days 21 hours ago |
| Falls Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 151689 Acres | 3 days 11 hours ago |
| Telephone Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 54005 Acres | 3 days 11 hours ago |
| Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S | Wildfire | Oregon | 183026 Acres | 6 days ago |
| Warner Peak Fire – ORSHR | Wildfire | Oregon | 65866 Acres | 6 days 23 hours ago |
| Courtrock Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 20019 Acres | 1 week 1 day ago |
| Town Gulch – ORWWF | Wildfire | Oregon | 18220 Acres | 1 week 2 days ago |
| Cliff Mountain – ORWWF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1108 Acres | 1 week 3 days ago |
| Porcupine Fire – ORBUD | Wildfire | Oregon | 6491 Acres | 1 week 6 days ago |
| Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD | Wildfire | Oregon | 137222 Acres | 1 week 6 days ago |
| Badland Complex 2024 – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 54563 Acres | 2 weeks 1 day ago |
| Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 1313 Acres | 2 weeks 2 days ago |
| Durkee Fire – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 294265 Acres | 2 weeks 4 days ago |
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.
Wildfires increase mercury in Pacific Northwest headwater streams, USGS study shows
A new study from the U.S. Geological Survey looked at how wildfires impact mercury concentrations in headwater streams in Idaho, Washington and Oregon
Researchers with the U.S. Geological Survey found wildfires are increasing mercury concentrations in Pacific Northwest headwater streams.
Mercury is a naturally occurring metal found in rocks and soil. But under the right conditions, it can be converted into methylmercury, a highly toxic form that accumulates in organisms such as fish and humans, said Boise-based USGS research hydrologist Austin Baldwin, who led the study.
Baldwin said the purpose of the study was to fill the gaps of previous studies.
“A lot of the studies of the effects of wildfires on mercury previously focused on maybe one specific watershed, or have looked at the effects in a downstream lake or reservoir, but there hasn’t been a lot of work done on headwater streams,” he told the Idaho Capital Sun.
In the new study, which was published last month, Baldwin and his team of researchers sampled soils, water, sediment, instream leaf litter, streambed algae and aquatic invertebrates in 36 headwater-stream watersheds in Idaho, Washington and Oregon.
They sampled the sites between 2021 and 2022 — one year after they had been burned by wildfire. They also collected samples from 21 similar but unburned watersheds to compare mercury concentrations.
The amount of total mercury and methylmercury in water particles was 89% and 178% higher in the areas affected by fires.
So why is this a cause for concern? Collin Eagles-Smith, a USGS research ecologist, said the concentrations in the study are from headwater streams, which are at the top of watersheds.
“In general, the mercury is really low in those systems,” he said. “What we saw in vertebrates and streams weren’t terribly high concentrations, but they did increase with fire. In those environments, I don’t know that mercury poses a direct exposure threat to humans or wildlife or food webs.”
However, the concern is more mercury being carried downstream.
“If that mercury is made more mobile and transports downstream, it could end up in reservoirs or larger rivers where there are predatory fish, top predators that humans would catch and consume,” he said. “In those scenarios, there could be an increase in risk of exposure if that work is transported downstream to those other types of environments.”
Eagles-Smith, who sampled locations in the Oregon Cascades, said some of the results of the study were surprising.
“When there’s a wildfire, the soils get really hot, and we know that the organic matter is burned and vaporizes,” he said. “The question was — does all that mercury just volatilize and end up in the atmosphere, or is some of it left behind? And if it’s left behind, is it more mobile to be moved downstream?”
Eagles-Smith said the team was “a little surprised” to see that the concentrations were elevated in the water after the fire.
The study also found that concentrations of mercury increased with the severity of the fire.
Baldwin and his team sampled several locations in Idaho, including where the Buck Fire near Yellow Pine and the Grouse Fire near Featherville took place in 2020. They also collected samples from the sites of the 2021 Woodhead Fire near Council and the 2021 Snake River Complex Fire, south of Lewiston.
Because of climate change, there are more frequent and more severe wildfires, Baldwin said. But solutions exist.
“This practice of prescribed burns that has a lot of other benefits as well, might actually help keep mercury concentrations bound,” Baldwin said. (SOURCE)
Oregon Farm Bureau
Thanks to the generous support of our agricultural community, we are now receiving both monetary and feed donations through our Wildfire Relief Fund. If you are a farmer or rancher affected by the wildfires, please take a moment to complete our short application for relief. https://www.oregonfb.org/
Thousands of Birds Die of Bird Flu and Botulism At Wildlife Refuges In Southern Oregon
At least 5,000 birds have died so far this summer at a network of wildlife refuges on the Oregon-California border, sparking fears of another large outbreak of disease and calls for more water releases in a region roiled by drought and water uncertainty made worse by climate change.
The deaths are likely caused by a rare combination of avian flu and botulism, said John Vradenburg, supervisory biologist at the refuge complex. Virus-caused avian was confirmed at one of the refuges in July, Vradenburg said. Avian flu has been on the rise in recent years, leading to die-offs in poultry and wild birds.
Botulism, which paralyzes birds from the bottom up until they are unable to fly and then to breathe, is caused by a toxin produced by soil-dwelling bacteria. Tests are still pending for botulism at the refuge complex, but symptoms closely match past botulism outbreaks, Vradenburg said.
The six refuges, known collectively as the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex, contain the largest wetland network west of the Mississippi River. They’re a stopping point for 80% of the birds that migrate on the Pacific Flyway, a major north-south flyway for a diverse number of migratory birds in the Americas that use the refuges to rest, water and feed.
In 2020, at least 60,000 waterfowl and shorebirds died of botulism at the refuges, the worst outbreak in over four decades. READ MORE: https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2024/08/thousands-of-birds-die-of-bird-flu-and-botulism-at-wildlife-refuges-in-southern-oregon.html
 UPCOMING EVENTS – Virtual presentationSept. 6 | noon to 1 p.m. AIA Oregon will present “Earth: Update on the Oregon Resilience Plan,” the first session in a five-part virtual program on resilience. The other four sessions will take place Sept. 13, Sept. 20, Sept. 27 and Oct. 4. The Oregon Resilience Plan was adopted in 2013 and proposed a 50-year plan to protect lives and keep commerce flowing following a sizable earthquake and tsunami. It looked at impacts on critical lifeline infrastructure and buildings, businesses and the workforce, and on coastal communities overall. In this program, architect Jay Raskin will review the plan, discuss its concepts and recommendations, review the state of its implementation, its impact and the challenges ahead. Cost: $10 per session or $45 for the series for AIA members, or $25 per session or $112.50 for the series for nonmembers, or free for students. REGISTER NOW » |
Measure 110 shows overall client gains with some exceptions
SALEM, Ore.— Measure 110 service providers reported continued increases in client engagement in all areas since the establishment of the statewide networks, excluding slight declines in client counts during the sixth quarter of reporting, from Oct. 1 through Dec. 30, 2023.
The largest gains in client numbers between the fifth and sixth quarter were in supported employment and housing services (29 percent and 10 percent),respectively.
Over the same time, screening services dropped by 23 percent. However, screening services have registered overall gains of 346 percent since the inception of the Measure 110 networks.
The remaining service categories remained relatively stable.
Modest fluctuations in client counts are expected as the statewide networks near full capacity.
Overall, however, Measure 110 providers reported a pattern of strong demand over the 18 months Behavioral Health Resource Networks have been in existence. Measure 110 providers have now reported six quarters of data and expenditures since July 1, 2022, when the first network was established.
Over those 18 months, supported employment services reported a 573 percent increase in client growth. Housing services has realized gains of 317 percent and peer supported services showed a 256 percent increase.
Black and African American client counts have steadily increased over the past four quarters. Over that time, the data show that people reporting as American Indian or Alaska Native had the highest rates of any race/ethnicity group in accessing Measure 110 substance use treatment programs.
Measure 110 network providers report the number of clients they serve and the number of encounters they have with their clients as a measure of overall engagement. Some clients may receive multiple services within a network or within multiple service networks.
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) maintains a comprehensive Measure 110 data reporting dashboard that includes quarterly data, expenditures, key demographic information, and aggregated narrative summaries for the 42 statewide service networks.
The deadline for the next round of reporting for expenditure and program data is in October and will cover the time from April 1 through June 30. OHA expects to publish that data in December.
To learn more, visit OHA’s Measure 110 webpage.
Umatilla Man Faces Federal Charges for Making Threats of Sexual Violence Against Children and Possessing Dozens of Photos and Videos Depicting Child Sexual Abuse
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Umatilla, Oregon man who is alleged to have made several hoax phone calls threatening sexual violence against children and possessed dozens of photos and videos depicting child sexual abuse has been indicted in federal court.
Thomas Loren Goatley, 20, has been charged with receiving and possessing child pornography and making interstate threats.
According to court documents, between approximately January 5 and April 30, 2024, Goatley is alleged to have made more than 60 phone calls to various schools, police departments, emergency lines, and animal shelters in at least 12 states. During many of these calls, Goatley claimed that he was sexually assaulting a child, or that he was about to do so. While investigating these threats, special agents from the FBI discovered Goatley was also the subject of numerous CyberTipline Reports submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) indicating that he was active in receiving and distributing child sexual abuse material.
On July 22, 2024, investigators executed a federal search warrant on Goatley’s person and residence in Umatilla, and he was placed under arrest. A later search of Goatley’s cell phone revealed dozens of illicit images and videos depicting child sexual abuse.
On July 23, 2024, Goatley made his initial appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was detained pending further court proceedings. He was arraigned Thursday and pleaded not guilty. A four-day jury trial is scheduled to begin on October 22, 2024.
Receiving and possessing child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison with a five-year mandatory minimum sentence. Transmitting interstate threats is punishable by up to five years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Umatilla Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Mira Chernick, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Kroger and Albertsons head to court to defend merger plan against US regulators’ objections
Kroger and Albertsons will defend their plan to merge – and try to overcome the U.S. government’s objections – in a federal court hearing scheduled to begin Monday in Oregon.
The two companies proposed what would be the largest supermarket merger in U.S. history in October 2022. They say joining together would help them rein in costs and better compete with big rivals like Walmart and Costco.
But the Federal Trade Commission sued to try to block the deal, saying it would eliminate competition and raise grocery prices in a time of already high food price inflation. The commission also alleged that quality would suffer and workers’ wages and benefits would decline if Kroger and Albertsons no longer competed with each other.
The FTC is seeking a preliminary injunction that would block the merger while its complaint goes before an in-house administrative law judge. In a three-week hearing set to begin Monday, U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson is expected to hear from around 40 witnesses, including the CEOs of Kroger and Albertsons, before deciding whether to issue the injunction.
The attorneys general of Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming all joined the case on the FTC’s side.
Kroger, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates 2,800 stores in 35 states, including brands like Ralphs, Smith’s and Harris Teeter. Albertsons, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 2,273 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco and Shaw’s. Together, the companies employ around 710,000 people. (SOURCE)
Oregon Consumer Nonprofit Rolls Out New Legal Services To Help Scam Victims
The nonprofit Oregon Consumer Justice is rolling out new legal services to help people who have fallen victim to illegal scams.
OCJ was established in 2015. Until now, it has been focused on changing public policy in the Oregon Legislature. Now it’s hiring attorneys and opening to the public.
“We’re focused on autos, which is a big thing – purchasing a car, a used car, a new car, or warranties,” OCJ Executive Director Jagjit Nagra explained.
“We’re also looking at debt,” he said. “Whether you’re talking about credit card debt, medical debt, or student loan debt – or you owe money to the government. And finally, we’re looking at insurance.”
Unlike most legal aid organizations, OCJ does not have income requirements. “Our doors are open to anyone and everyone,” Nagra said.
The nonprofit has two lawyers: a paralegal and a researcher. “So we have four people on our legal team,” said Nagra. “That legal team will be growing over the next year or two. I would venture to say maybe doubling in size.”
While that’s good news for struggling consumers, it is not expected to be enough to help everyone who contacts OCJ. “The need in the consumer space is so large that, quite frankly, even if I had 100 lawyers it would be nearly impossible,” Nagra said.
The nonprofit is funded by money that remains unclaimed in class action lawsuits, as well as donations. It recently published a free comic book to help consumers avoid some of the pitfalls involved in buying a used car. (SOURCE)
Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Busts Illegal Grow Near Keno
On Thursday, August 22, 2024 the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at the property belonging to, Moua Y Lo, located on the Oregon and California border south of Keno, Oregon. Surveillance of the property revealed a large illegal marijuana operation.
Moua Y Lo, 62, of Waunakee, Wisconsin was not on scene. A recommendation of criminal charges will be sent to the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office for:
- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana (ORS 475B.337)
- Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana (ORS 475B.349)
- Unlawful Use or Appropriation of Ground Water (ORS 537.535)
The on-scene investigation confirmed a large illegal marijuana grow operation containing two unpermitted greenhouses and 1,216 marijuana plants in various stages of growth. Including 180-pounds of processed and packaged marijuana ready for distribution. Also discovered and seized was a 1979 Freightliner water-truck suspected of illegally transporting and furnishing water to several nearby illegal grow sites. Infrastructure for drying processed marijuana and potentially harmful fertilizers were also discovered. It is estimated more than 170,000 gallons of water was illegally misappropriated to grow this amount of marijuana.
Investigators observed a considerable amount of trash and debris consisting of thousands of feet of plastic drip tubing, plastic greenhouse coverings and more scattered throughout the property.
Persons hauling water in Oregon, or receiving water deliveries, are required to maintain records and to present those records to law enforcement. “The seizure of a water-truck used in the illegal manufacturing of marijuana creates a significant interruption to this form of criminal enterprise. Interruption, and keeping these criminals from profiting, has been the two-fold goal since we began our eradication efforts years ago.” said Sheriff Chris Kaber.
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Basin Inter-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team, Oregon State Police, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Klamath County Solid Waste, Klamath County Code Enforcement, Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon State Water Master.
COVID Cases Surge in Oregon As Wastewater Readings Show Outpacing Virus Levels Elsewhere In Nation
The level of COVID-19 detected in Oregon wastewater has surged this summer, outpacing virus levels detected in other western states and across the nation in recent weeks, federal data shows.
COVID-19 has been on the rise in Oregon since late April, driven by omicron variants, said Dr. Paul Cieslak, medical director for communicable diseases and immunization at the Oregon Health Authority.
The rate of people testing positive for COVID climbed from 3.1% in April to over 18% during the last week of July, according to data reported to the health authority.
The number of COVID patients hospitalized in Oregon increased to 223 at the beginning of August, compared to 79 at the end of April.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Wastewater Surveillance System shows that virus levels detected in Oregon sewage began a rapid climb at the end of June, fell slightly at the end of July and ticked up again in August. As of the week ending on Aug. 10, Oregon’s wastewater viral activity level measured at 22.78 compared to a national average of 8.8 and a reading of 14 in other Western states. Anything over 8 is considered “very high,” the CDC website says.
Cieslak said Oregonians should make sure they’re up to date on the currently available COVID-19 vaccine and make a plan to get an updated dose when the vaccine for the 2024-25 COVID season becomes available. Oregonians should avoid large indoor gatherings and consider masking, especially in enclosed areas, Cieslak said. Those at higher risk should make a plan for getting tested and treated quickly if they develop COVID-19 symptoms.
Missing Oregon Man’s Vehicle Found Abandoned On California Logging Road
The vehicle of a man reported missing out of Tillamook County, Oregon was found abandoned on a logging road in northern California earlier this week.
According to the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, 69-year-old Gregory Alan Russell was reported missing from the Tillamook County area on August 5. However police say the initial report indicates Russell drove away from his home on August 1, but wasn’t reported as missing until four days later.
Police later learned that Russell was seen at a casino in the North Bend area prior to traveling to California. He reportedly had contact with people he knew in Trinity County, however the sheriff’s office believes none of those individuals knew Russell had been reported missing.
On Tuesday, Russell’s vehicle was found parked on a logging road in the Deerlick Springs area, however Russell was not in the area. According to the sheriff’s office, “Russell has in the past had some peculiar behaviors in regards to his actions and it is believed that he wandered from the vehicle into the woods.” The following morning, search and rescue efforts began and are currently ongoing.
Russell is described as 5 foot 10 inches and 190 pounds. He has green eyes and brown hair. Anyone who has seen Russell or knows his whereabouts are asked to contact the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office at 530-623-2611.
Mt. Bachelor Ski Area Up For Sale
Bachelor ski area has decided to put it and two other properties up for sale, the company confirmed Thursday. Officials at Powdr Corp., the Utah-based corporation that has owned Mt. Bachelor since 2001, said it could take six months or longer for a sale to go through.
“The upcoming ski season and Bachelor’s employees will not be impacted,” said Stacey Hutchinson, Powdr Corp. vice president of communications and government affairs.
In the next few weeks Mt. Bachelor, Eldora ski resort in Colorado and SilverStar in British Columbia will be listed with JP Morgan Chase. The company has already sold Killington Resort and Pico Mountain in Vermont. It is retaining its ownership in Copper Mountain in Colorado and Snowbird resort in Utah, as well as the Woodward brand, which includes camps and ski mountain centers and two national park concession contracts.
When Powdr Corp. merged with Mount Bachelor ski area in 2001 it outbid the Pape Co. of Eugene, according to The Bulletin’s reporting in 2001. It wasn’t until years later, in 2016, that Powdr purchased Sun Country Tours, also based in Bend and for sale. With that acquisition, the ski area was able to expand summer activities that were approved by the U.S. Forest Service.
Mt. Bachelor ski area has 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain, making it the seventh largest ski area in North America, according to the company website. It’s popular because of its light, dry snow and long season. Generally the season begins right after Thanksgiving and runs through spring. Each year it gets about 400 inches of snow.
Share your experiences and thoughts on e-bikes in Oregon State Park survey
SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is inviting the community to share their experiences and opinions on electric assisted bicycle (e-bike) and other electric micromobility (e-micromobility) devices in an online survey through Aug. 31.
OPRD is seeing an increase in the use of e-bikes and e-micromobility devices in Oregon State Parks, which can present both opportunities and challenges.
Earlier this year, the Oregon Legislature adopted a 3-class classification system for e-bikes based on the type of motor, level of electric assistance and speed capabilities. OPRD plans to update its e-bike rules later this year in line with these changes.
Currently, electric assisted bicycles that fit the definition under Oregon law (ORS 801.258) may ride on bicycle trails 8 feet and wider unless otherwise marked at Oregon State Parks or on beaches where motor vehicles are allowed. However, e-bikes, when used by a person with a mobility-related disability, are considered other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMD) by the ADA, which means they’re allowed for accessibility.
By participating in this survey now, the public can inform OPRD about their current e-bike and e-micromobility use, concerns and opinions. Additional opportunities for public involvement will be available through the rulemaking process.
This online survey only takes a few minutes to complete. Respondents can also choose to enter a drawing for an annual state parks parking permit upon completing the survey. Responses will be accepted until midnight August 31, 2024.
Taking part in this survey will help the agency gain a better understanding of the role of electric devices in outdoor recreation.
OPRD encourages everyone to follow the rules and guidelines for riding safely in Oregon State Parks. Learn more about riding safely at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=350.
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
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