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 30, 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.”
With hot, dry conditions in the forecast & increased crowds for Labor Day weekend, 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.” — We’ve had an unprecedented fire season already. Don’t be that spark that could lead to a tragedy! Check Conditions
Labor Day Weekend — Don’t Forget Why We Celebrate Labor Day
Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements in the United States.
Labor Day, an annual celebration of workers and their achievements, originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal chapters.
But the history behind the Labor Day holiday is far more complex and dramatic than most might realize, starting with a heated campaign by workers in the late 19th century to win support and recognition for their contributions. In July 1894, President Grover Cleveland finally signed into law legislation creating a national Labor Day holiday in early September.
In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks in order to eke out a basic living. Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages.
People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks.
As manufacturing increasingly supplanted agriculture as the wellspring of American employment, labor unions, which had first appeared in the late 18th century, grew more prominent and vocal. They began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay.
In the wake of this massive unrest and in an attempt to repair ties with American workers, Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed it into law.
Labor Day is still celebrated in cities and towns across the United States with parades, picnics, barbecues, and other public gatherings. For many Americans, particularly children and young adults, it represents the end of the summer and the start of the back-to-school season.
AAA says travel will be busy for Labor Day Weekend – Gas Prices Lowest in Three Years
Airports, highways, beaches and theme parks are expected to be packed for the long holiday weekend as Americans mark the unofficial end of summer the same way they celebrated the season’s unofficial start: by traveling.
The Transportation Security Administration anticipates screening more than 17 million people between Thursday and next Wednesday — a record for the Labor Day period.
AAA says bookings for domestic travel are running 9% higher than last year for the holiday weekend, while international trips are down 4%.
American Airlines plans to have its largest Labor Day weekend operation ever and expects a 14% increase in passengers compared to last year.
Motorists are getting a break on gasoline compared with last year. The nationwide average was recently $3.44 per gallon, compared to $3.86 a year ago, according to AAA.
GasBuddy predicts that national average for gas on Labor Day will be $3.27 a gallon, the cheapest for the holiday since 2021. Over the weekend, Americans could spend $750 million less on gas than they did last year.
Some AAA members said they are waiting until Friday or even Saturday morning before hitting the road. For Oregonians, the Oregon coast is the top destination, followed by Central Oregon, Las Vegas, Washington, and California. 85% of people are expected to head by car to their destination.
The Oregon Coast will probably be one of the most popular destinations. If you haven’t booked a room yet, Travel Oregon communications manager Allison Keeney said you’re probably too late.
“I would suggest calling hotels directly might be the best way to snag a last-minute hotel but preferably we’ve been telling people to plan ahead, plan ahead. So hopefully most people have done that already,” said Keeney.
Some people will head to central Oregon for the long weekend break, while others are heading south to see the sites like Crater Lake.
In either direction, be aware of the traffic impact from wildfires and recovery efforts.
ODOT is advising travelers to keep hot cars off dry grass and keep trailer chains from dragging to prevent any new, disastrous fires from sparking.
Labor Day is also an especially deadly time because of drunk or impaired driving. Law enforcement agencies have announced extra patrols for DUIIs.
For more information on Oregon roads, check tripcheck.com
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95th Annual Southern Oregon Golf ChampionshipsAug 26 – Sep 2Rogue Valley Country Club, 2660 Hillcrest Rd Medford, OR
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Labor Day Sales_2024Sat, Aug 31 – Mon, Sep 2Rogue Valley Mall, 1600 N Riverside Ave Medford, OR
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San Pedro Plant MasterClassTomorrow, 1 – 4 PMRogue Valley International Medford Airport, 1000 Terminal Loop Pkwy Medford, OR
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Field TripTomorrowCrater Rock Museum, 2002 Scenic Ave Central Point, OR
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Medford Cars and CoffeeTomorrowSouthern Oregon Orthopedics, 2780 E Barnett Rd Ste 200 Medford, OR
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Live Music: Jon IveyTomorrow, 3 – 5 PMNaumes Suncrest Winery, 1950 Suncrest Rd Talent, OR
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Friday Night Music with Steve Keim — Schmidt…Today, 5 – 8 PMSchmidt Family Vineyards, 330 Kubli Rd Grants Pass, OR
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Doc Griffin Park – Letter of Intent SubmittedTomorrow, 2 PMDoc Griffin Park, 298 S 5th St Jacksonville, OR
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Hot Summer Nights 2024 ShowcaseToday, 7:30 – 9:30 PMGrape Street Bar & Grill, 31 S Grape St Medford, OR
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Live Music: Shine OnSun, 3 – 5 PMNaumes Suncrest Winery, 1950 Suncrest Rd Talent, OR
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Southern Oregon Golf ChampionshipsTue, Aug 27 – Mon, Sep 2Rogue Valley Country Club, 2660 Hillcrest Rd Medford, OR
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Jen AmbroseTomorrow, 6 – 10 PMPaschal Winery and Vineyard, 1122 Suncrest Rd Talent, OR
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20% Off In-Stores With A Coraline Ticket StubAug 21 – 31Rogue Valley Mall, 1600 N Riverside Ave Medford, OR
Crater Lake to Temporarily Reopen North Entrance for Labor Day Travel
The North Entrance will briefly reopen from 7 a.m. on Saturday through Monday, Sept. 2. — and close again starting 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Credit: National Park Service “The date for reopening is not known at this time,” the National Park Service said. “All other park roads will remain open, except for construction closures on East Rim Drive.”
Afterwards, the only way to get into the park will be from the South and West Entrances on Highway 62, which are typically open year-round. Visitors can easily reach those entrances from Medford and Klamath Falls.
Though, travelers coming from the north in Portland will have to take the longer scenic route through either Eugene to Highway 58 or through Bend to Highway 97.
The National Park Service closed the entrance to allow firefighters to prepare control lines for the Middle Fork Fire burning in the northwest corner of the park. As of Thursday morning, the fire is estimated to be around 5,280 acres and is 37% contained.
Firefighters from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States are joining forces in a collaborative effort to combat the Middle Fork Fire in Crater Lake National Park. This international teamwork brings together a diverse range of expertise and resources to address the complex challenges of the fire.
The combined experience and skills of these dedicated professionals are crucial in managing the incident, while safeguarding the park’s unique environment, and ensuring the safety of the visitors, park staff, and residents. Their coordinated efforts exemplify a strong commitment to effective fire management and global cooperation in the face of environmental incidents. Crater Lake National Park – South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership – SCOFMP
Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes Found in Jackson County
PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Jackson County Vector Control and Jackson County Public Health Division have confirmed the identification of Aedes aegypti (Ae. Aegypti) mosquitoes in the county – the first time the mosquito species has been found in Oregon.
Jackson County Vector Control identified the Ae. aegypti mosquito as part of its routine mosquito surveillance, which monitors different mosquito populations in the county and tests for diseases such as West Nile virus and Western equine encephalitis that are common to the Culex mosquito genus. Mosquito surveillance provides Jackson County Vector Control the ability to determine human risk and implement strategies to control these insects and prevent disease spread.
Adult Ae. aegypti mosquitoes are relatively small and have a black-and-white pattern due to the presence of white/silver scale patches against a black background on the legs and other parts of the body. Ae. aegypti mosquitoes most likely originated in Africa. Since then, the species has been transported globally throughout tropical and subtropical regions, and parts of the temperate world, through global trade and shipping activities. Ae. aegypti cannot fly far, only about 500 feet. These mosquitoes prefer warm and wet weather, and to live in or near homes or in neighboring woods. Changes in climate are allowing Ae. aegypti mosquitoes to expand their range to the western United States.
“Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are a concern in the United States because they can carry and transmit various diseases that can have serious health consequences such as Zika virus, chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever,” said Emilio DeBess, D.V.M., state public health veterinarian based at OHA’s Public Health Division.
These viruses spread to humans through the bite of an infected Ae. aegypti mosquito. The mosquitoes become infected when they bite and feed on someone who is infected with the virus. These mosquitos primarily feed in the daytime and prefer to feed on humans.
“The risk of these infections to local residents is low and depends on the presence or arrival of someone who is currently infected with one of these diseases after infection outside the U.S.,” DeBess said. He added there have been no reports of anyone having acquired viruses from Ae. aegypti mosquitoes within Oregon.
John Mahan, M.D., chief medical officer of Jackson County Health & Human Services, said, “Jackson County Vector Control and Jackson County Public Health are working closely with OHA and vector-borne disease specialists regarding control of these mosquitoes and risk-reduction approaches.”
Invasive Ae. aegypti mosquitoes need only a quarter inch of water to complete their life cycle. The key to preventing these mosquitoes from becoming an established vector in Jackson County will be to eliminate standing water, even small amounts, and moisture from yards and gardens. Common mosquito breeding sources include flowerpot saucers, tires, kiddie pools, rooted plants in water, containers/buckets, and pet water bowls.
“Many prevention methods that work for other types of mosquitoes apply to Aedes aegypti,” said Geoff Taylor, manager of Jackson County Vector Control.
Those methods include:
- Dumping or draining any standing water around the home.
- Removing containers or objects that can hold water from your yard, such as water saucers from under plants, old tires, tarps, buckets, containers, toys, and other equipment.
- Repairing leaky outdoor faucets.
- Keeping rain gutters cleared.
- Covering, screening, or removing rain barrels, trashcans, bins, buckets, or tubs.
- Wearing mosquito repellent outside. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, some lemon eucalyptus, and para-menthane-diol products are most effective at preventing mosquito bites.
- Sleeping under a mosquito net when outside or in a room without screens.
“Discovery of Aedes aegypti underscores the importance of our mosquito trapping system,” DeBess said. “Tracking and monitoring the types of mosquitoes that exist in Oregon communities is critical. This, in turn, helps us identify potential public health implications and implement measures to reduce risk.”
For more information:
- Aedes aegypti, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/life-cycle-of-aedes-mosquitoes.html
- Potential range of Aedes mosquitoes, CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/php/toolkit/potential-range-of-aedes.html
- Aedes aegypti in California: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/pages/Aedes-aegypti-and-Aedes-albopictus-mosquitoes.aspx
- Jackson County Vector Control District: https://jcvcd.org/
- JCVCD’s Aedes aegypti page: https://jcvcd.org/mosquito/aedes-aegypti/
Medford Hosts 95th annual Southern Oregon Golf Championships This Week
Golfers arrived in Rogue Valley to tee off on Tuesday at the start of the qualifying rounds of the 95th annual Southern Oregon Golf Championships (SOGC).
Hosted by the Rogue Valley Country Club in east Medford, the event is one of the largest amateur match-play golf tournaments in the US and the biggest amateur match-play tournament held on a single course in the country.
Golfers from around the country compete annually in the tournament and the 18-hole bracket play matches start this Thursday. 416 golfers are working towards admission into the weekend’s flights for bracket play this year. On Labour Day, the tournament culminates in the championship round.
The head golf pro at the Rogue Valley Country Club, Tracy Snyder, confirmed the tournament is the highlight of the year for many players who look forward to going outside, and playing with or caddying for their friends.
There is also a social side with parties to attend and participants get to see people they haven’t seen all year long- all a big thing with this event according to Snyder.
Other than the tournament itself, there are daily cocktail after-parties- with a DJ on Wednesday and Thursday, a live band on Friday, and on Saturday there will be a putting contest. MORE INFO: https://www.rvcc.com/sogc/
Suspect Arrested for Grants Pass DV Assault with a Weapon
Thursday morning at approximately 2:30 AM, Grants Pass Police responded to a report of domestic violence that was occurring on George Tweed Boulevard in Grants Pass. Officers arrived and discovered that 21-year-old Aidan Davis had fled the scene after allegedly firing a rifle into the ceiling, attempting to shoot a 22-year-old female, and physically assaulting an elderly male. Both victims received minor injuries during the assault but were not hospitalized.
Grants Pass Police Officers located Davis’s truck abandoned nearby and began a search for the dangerous suspect. Grants Pass Police Detectives, assisted by detectives from the Oregon State Police, arrived to conduct the investigation. The manhunt resulted in the suspect being located inside a residence on SW Esther Lane, where he had allegedly been hiding with the assistance of a 20-year-old female, Alyssa Nichols. The female was arrested for Hindering Prosecution when she exited the residence.
Grants Pass Police Officers surrounded the residence and called for the resistant Aidan Davis to exit. Officers deployed a loud diversion device in front of the residence, which caused Davis to change his mind and quickly exit the front of the house. Aidan Davis was arrested and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts of Domestic Violence Menacing, Domestic violence Assault in the Fourth Degree, Domestic Violence Strangulation, and Attempted Domestic Violence Assault in the First Degree.
Since this is a Domestic Violence case, no further details will be released to protect the innocent victims involved. The Grants Pass Police Department would like to thank the community members who assisted with the investigation and those inconvenienced during the police response, investigation, and arrest. Additionally, the Grants Pass Police Department thanks its law enforcement partners for assistance, including the Oregon State Police.
Fatal Crash – Interstate 5 – Jackson County
Jackson County, Ore 26 Aug 2024- On Monday, August 26, 2024, Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 43, in Jackson County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Chevrolet Trailblazer, operated by Shawn L. Hayes (f)(74) of Medford, struck a tire from a commercial motor vehicle that was lying in the slow lane. The Chevrolet lost control and rolled into the median.
The operator of the Chevrolet (Hayes) suffered reported minor injuries.
A passenger in the Chevrolet, Debbie S. Hyden (74) of Yucaipa (CA), was declared deceased.
The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Rogue River Police Department, Rogue River Fire and Rescue, Mercy Flights, and ODOT.
Jackson County DA Speaks on Intruder Shot By Medford Resident During Apparent Break In
Days after a fatal shooting in Medford, where police say someone shot a man who broke into a home and came at a resident with a knife, Oregon’s self defense laws are again in the spotlight.
The Jackson County DA’s office can’t speak to what happened specifically in that case, but said it would talk to us generally about Oregon law.
Senior Deputy DA Michael Cohen says you can use deadly force if you reasonably believe your life is in danger.
If someone’s trying to break into your home, or has broken into your home. If someone is about to use deadly physical force on you; gun weapon. If a reasonable person believes that that’s what they’re doing to you, coming at you with, that’s a situation which deadly physical force is allowed to be used in self defense.
He says the amount of force used in self defense must be proportional and within reason. Each situation is handled on a case by case basis.
AllCare Health Awards $183K to the Maslow Project
The Maslow Project, a Medford non-profit that helps homeless youth, is getting $183,600 in grant money from AllCare Health. The grant is part of AllCare’s commitment to distribute $1.9 million in CCBF funding to southern Oregon communities this year.
According to AllCare, the grant comes from Community Capacity Building Funds or CCBF.
The money will be used for technology upgrades to enhance service delivery, workforce development to build staff capacity, and essential operational and business expenses. It will also be used to support outreach and engagement activities.
Follow The Maslow Project on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaslowProject
Scam Calls Defraud Three Local Victims of $17K
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.
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’s Ban on ‘Ghost Guns’ Takes Effect This Weekend
“Ghost guns,” which are 3D-printed firearms without serial numbers, will be prohibited across Oregon starting Sunday September 1st.
Jonathan Levinson / OPB
The unserialized guns are assembled at home and can be easily purchased online, but can’t be picked up in a metal detector. The ban comes after a federal judge denied a legal challenge that tried to block the prohibition.
In 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2005 banning ghost guns. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, a Democrat, pushed for years to get legislation banning ghost guns.
“Unserialized guns are bad for everyone except criminals who don’t want to get caught,” she said at the time.
Starting on Sept. 1, 2024, all firearms built after Oct. 22, 1968, must have a serial number. Violating the law could result in a fine of $1,000 for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders could face higher fines and potentially incarceration.
Starting in July of 2023, Oregon law also prohibited the sale, transfer and import of unserialized firearms and the possession, sale and manufacturing of firearms that could not be detected by metal detectors or X-ray machines.
“Responsible gun ownership means respecting the gun laws of our state, and that now includes a ban on unserialized and undetectable ‘ghost guns.’” Rosenblum, who is not running for reelection, said in a statement. “For the safety of your families and communities, please make sure you understand our new law and that you are in compliance.”
The Oregon Department of Justice has issued a fact sheet to explain key parts of the new law and a list of federally licensed gun dealers in the state that can serialize firearms. (SOURCE)
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.
PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires
- Immediately call 911 to report fires.
- Drones and other unmanned aircrafts are illegal to fly near fires.
- Fireworks, incendiary/tracer ammunition and exploding targets, are prohibited during fire season (May-October).
- Use caution when target shooting. Clear a 20-foot radius around the target by removing all vegetation and rocks.
- Ensure vehicles and trailers are properly maintained
- Make sure chains and other metal parts are not dragging.
- Keep exhaust systems clean and use spark arrestors.
- Do not park on dry grass.
- Carry extra water, shovel, and/or a fire extinguisher with you.
- Ensure your campfire is completely extinguished before leaving your campsite by making sure it is cool to the touch.
- Please don’t smoke and if you do, don’t throw out cigarette butts.
- Please be mindful and think about your actions
To ensure all Oregonians remain safe during the 2024 wildfire season, we urge everyone to stay tuned into these communications channels and follow all official safety guidelines related to air quality and recreation:
Watch Duty app: Download this app on your smartphone to understand where wildfires are in real time as well as monitor air quality and other metrics. https://app.watchduty.org
Northwest Interagency Coordination Center: During fire season, this web-based interactive map is updated daily with current fire perimeters and locations. This website acts as the wildfire resource coordination center for the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, Oregon Dept of Forestry, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington Dept. of Natural Resources and the National Park Service. https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/index.aspx
InciWeb the Incident Information System: The federal interagency all-risk incident information management system provides an interactive map with real-time location information on wildfires. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire News: The official wildfire news blog for the Oregon Department of Forestry. Look here for all wildfire news related to state forest lands. https://odffire.com/
Keep Oregon Green: A partnership comprised of statewide and interagency groups working together to promote awareness of the risk and causes of wildfires and how to be prepared in case of a wildfire emergency. https://keeporegongreen.org/
OregonLive Wildfire Map: A project managed by OregonLive that incorporates data from InciWeb, National Interagency Fire Center, Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, NOAA into an easy-to-use map tool. https://projects.oregonlive.com/wildfires/map
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Air Quality Monitoring Data: A real-time map and cell phone application you can use to track air quality, including wildfire smoke impacts, across the state. Check your app store for OregonAir. https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map
Purple Air – Air Quality Map System: Real-time air quality information using crowdsourced data and data from EPA air sensors. https://map.purpleair.com/1/mAQI/a10/p604800/cC0…
NOAA High Resolution Rapid Refresh Data Visualization: The High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency(NOAA) is an experimental data visualization tool for wildfire smoke. Be sure to turn on the “Vertically Integrated Smoke” layer to see smoke paths. https://hwp-viz.gsd.esrl.noaa.gov/smoke/index.html
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 Past 2 Weeks 8/30/24 9:00am per INCIWEB
| Incident | Type | State | Incident Size | UpdatedSort ascending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandstone Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 702 Acres | 10 minutes 38 seconds ago |
| Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 2085 Acres | 11 minutes 38 seconds ago |
| North Willamette Complex – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 4487 Acres | 29 minutes 56 seconds ago |
| Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP | Wildfire | Oregon | 5281 Acres | 43 minutes 38 seconds ago |
| Diamond Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 11152 Acres | 1 hour 17 minutes ago |
| Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S | Wildfire | Oregon | 25267 Acres | 10 hours 58 minutes ago |
| Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 13091 Acres | 11 hours 36 minutes ago |
| Crazy Creek – OROCF | Wildfire | Oregon | 86968 Acres | 14 hours 35 minutes ago |
| Homestead Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 5910 Acres | 15 hours 36 minutes ago |
| Red Fire – ORDEF | Wildfire | Oregon | 755 Acres | 21 hours 7 minutes ago |
| Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD | Wildfire | Oregon | 137222 Acres | 3 days 15 hours ago |
| Dixon Fire – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1970 Acres | 6 days 20 hours ago |
| Falls Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 151689 Acres | 1 week ago |
| Telephone Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 54005 Acres | 1 week ago |
| Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S | Wildfire | Oregon | 183026 Acres | 1 week 2 days ago |
| Warner Peak Fire – ORSHR | Wildfire | Oregon | 65866 Acres | 1 week 3 days ago |
| Courtrock Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 20019 Acres | 1 week 5 days ago |
| Town Gulch – ORWWF | Wildfire | Oregon | 18220 Acres | 1 week 6 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.
U.S. Forest Service Hiring in Oregon
The U.S. Forest Service is looking to shore up its wildland firefighting force in the Pacific Northwest. Recruitment events will take place across Oregon next month, with stops in Bend, Sandy and La Grande on September 12th, in an effort to hire a couple hundred permanent seasonal positions.
“That’s our goal, is to hire up to 200, maybe even a little more if we can, into these what we call entry level, perm-fire-hire positions, which are typically your six to nine-month timeframe employment within the agency,” said Jason Heinz who works in regional workforce development for the Forest Service. He added those jobs are spread around Oregon, Washington and Alaska, and in most cases fill a currently vacant position. Heinz says several factors make it more difficult to recruit wildland crews.
“We are increasing the number of individuals that work for the agency, our fire seasons are getting longer, burnout is a real thing. And so, we’re trying to work on adding more capacity to our crews so that we can have a better work-life balance.” — Applications can be submitted now through September 24th. Visit USAJobs.gov to apply.
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/
The US Department of the Interior (DOI) has released the scheduled date for the first-ever offshore wind energy lease auction off southern Oregon.
The US Department of the Interior (DOI) | Floating Wind energy lease auction off southern Oregon.
The two areas have the potential to provide up to 3.1 GW of generation capacity and, if fully developed, could power approximately one million homes with clean energy, according to DOI. Areas in the federal waters off Oregon are deemed most suitable for floating wind technology.
The two Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) in Oregon, the Coos Bay WEA and the Brookings WEA, will be auctioned on 15 October 2024 by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).
The Coos Bay (Lease Area P-OCS 0566) Wind Energy Area offshore Oregon is located approximately 32 miles (approximately 55 kilometres) from shore and covers 61,203 acres (approx. 248 square kilometres).
The bigger Brookings (Lease Area P-OCS 0567) Wind Energy Area spans 133,792 acres (approx. 541 square kilometres) and is located approximately 18 miles (approx. 29 kilometres) from shore. (READ MORE)
The next chapter in Oregon’s fight against fentanyl starts next week
The new programs to treat drug users will look different across Oregon counties as law enforcement officials and outreach providers map out local strategies with limited resources
Oregon is about to embark on a new experiment as it seeks to stem the tide of fentanyl overdoses across the state.
Starting Sunday, 14 counties in Oregon will start deflection programs that are intended to help people enter recovery and avoid criminal charges and jail. The timing of the programs coincides with the start of a new misdemeanor penalty for low-level drug possession.
Both are the product of House Bill 4002, which state lawmakers passed this year after fentanyl overdoses killed about 1,400 Oregonians in 2023, up from 280 in 2019. The bill recriminalizes possession of small amounts of drugs, while prioritizing recovery instead of jail time.
The bill allows – but does not require – counties to set up programs to help people avoid criminal charges and get help, whether through treatment or other recovery services. The programs require law enforcement, community mental health providers and prosecutors to work together for the best response. Under the law, people who don’t have access to the programs or decline them will be offered treatment and the expungement of their charges if the case goes to court.
So far, officials in 28 of Oregon’s 36 counties intend to start new programs. Of those, 14 will start by Sept. 1, while the others will launch later this year or early next year, grant applications filed with the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission show.
The new law unwinds part of Measure 110, which voters passed in 2020. That measure decriminalized low-level drug possession and put a system of $100 citations in place to encourage people to seek help. But law enforcement said the citation system lacked teeth and failed to motivate people to enter treatment.
The new law didn’t entirely undo Measure 110. It preserves the provision to put a share of cannabis revenue toward addiction programs and services, including peer mentors, harm reduction and housing services.
In the upcoming months, lawmakers, prosecutors and treatment providers will closely watch the impact of the approach each county takes. READ MORE: https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/08/28/the-next-chapter-in-oregons-fight-against-fentanyl-starts-next-week/
Oregon joins federal antitrust lawsuit over rental pricing software
The lawsuit, joined by eight states and Washington D.C., alleges that RealPage’s software helps landlords keep rental prices high, even in a down market
Oregon’s attorney general has joined other states, the District of Columbia and federal government in an antitrust lawsuit against a company selling property management software that recommends rental prices to landlords.
The lawsuit against Texas-based RealPage accused the company of gathering confidential rental data from more than 16 million units nationwide to create software that enables landlords to coordinate prices rather than compete. It said that RealPage has a monopoly in the rental management software, controlling at least 80% of that market.
“Its dominant position is protected by substantial data advantages due to its massive reservoir of ill-gotten competitively sensitive information from competing landlords,” the lawsuit said. “RealPage replaces competition with coordination. It substitutes unity for rivalry. It subverts competition and the competitive process. It does so openly and directly – and American renters are left paying the price.”
Filed Friday in U.S. District Court in North Carolina, the lawsuit comes at a time of soaring rents in Oregon, especially in the Portland area. Under normal market conditions, renters would benefit from competition among landlords, who would limit hikes when the economy is booming and reduce rents when the economy is tight to make housing more affordable, the lawsuit said. But it said RealPage’s software stymies competition, something that Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said was against the law.
“RealPage’s use of its AI pricing algorithm effectively acts as a hub for property managers and landlords to share confidential, competitively sensitive information and to engage in a pricing alignment scheme to avoid competition,” Rosenblum said in a statement. “It undermines a fair rental market and constitutes a violation of Oregon and federal antitrust laws (the Sherman Act).”
Jennifer Bowcock, a RealPage spokesperson, said in a statement that the company would “vigorously” defend itself against the allegations. She said its revenue management software was built to be “legally compliant” and that the company had worked “constructively” with the Department of Justice for years and that in 2017, the agency had reviewed its software and not found anything objectionable.
“We believe the claims brought by DOJ are devoid of merit and will do nothing to make housing more affordable,” Bowcock said.
The lawsuit names areas in 24 states – Arizona, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Ohio, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington – where at least 30% of property managers use RealPage’s software. In Oregon, they include 54,000 units in the Aloha-Beaverton area and in central Portland, where a one-bedroom, one-bath unit can cost more than $2,200 a month.
“Americans should not have to pay more in rent because a company has found a new way to scheme with landlords to break the law,” U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.
Rosenblum added that housing is a major concern in Oregon, where rents have soared in recent years.
“At a time when housing affordability is a top concern for Oregonians – and for countless Americans beyond our state’s borders – the issues of fairness and competition could not be more critical,” she said.
Besides Oregon, attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington joined the lawsuit.
The U.S. Department of Justice – joined by Oregon and other states – has also filed antitrust lawsuits against Amazon, and Meta, Facebook’s owner. In December, Google agreed to pay $700 million to resolve an antitrust suit involving its Play Store, and in March, the U.S. Department of Justice, Oregon and other states sued Apple, also claiming monopolistic behavior to stem competition. (SOURCE)
More Providence workers vote to join a union; company continues to stall in other contract negotiations
Tualatin, Ore. – In what is becoming a regular occurrence, another group of healthcare workers employed by Providence Oregon have voted for union representation with Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). RNs, physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), speech language pathologists (SLPs), LPNs, and others who work for Providence Benedictine say they organized because of a lack of transparency by the administration, increased patient load and having to use paid time off for low census. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) was responsible for overseeing the elections where an overwhelming majority of workers voted yes.
“I have been at Providence for 11 years, but I have been a physical therapist for 36 years, and I understand the importance of balancing the high but rewarding demands of quality patient care and the systems behind it,” said Julianna Harder, physical therapist at Providence Benedictine. “We are professionals who care greatly about our work, but we need to feel a sense of agency in what we do, for our own sustainability as much as for the benefit of our patients. Over the years, Providence has become a large corporation, and employees have felt the impact of that in our daily work. For instance, policies have been implemented with no say from the employees, and we feel that if any policies do impact our day-to-day lives as well as those of our patients, it’s paramount to have a voice on such matters. Our goal in forming a union is to work collaboratively and effectively to improve employees’ working conditions, viable expectations, and patient care ability.”
Providence Benedictine caregivers visit patients in Marion, Polk, Benton and Linn Counties. They will join the existing Providence Home Health and Hospice bargaining unit.
Since February 2023, just over 1,000 caregivers from Providence Oregon have voted to unionize. Employees have repeatedly said they are organizing to provide better patient care citing Providence’s emphasis on the bottom line at the expense of patients and staff. Caregivers are fed up with Providence’s laser focus on increasing profits at the expense of patient care and are demanding to spend more time with individual patients and families through improved scheduling, recruitment and retention.
While more Providence employees are taking the leap to organize with ONA, thousands of others are at the bargaining table trying to reach fair contracts. Nurses at Providence Newberg, Providence St. Vincent, Providence Hood River, Providence Willamette Falls, Providence Medford, and Providence Milwaukie have spent 10 months at the bargaining table trying to come to an agreement on safe staffing, healthcare benefits, and competitive wages to recruit and retain more nurses. In June the nurses from the six facilities held a three-day strike after Providence walked away from bargaining. Providence’s response was to prevent nurses from returning to work for an additional two days. Caregivers with Providence Portland, Providence Seaside, and Providence Home Health and Hospice return to the bargaining table in September. In 2023 the three bargaining units walked out for five days and later reached fair contracts. Meanwhile, providers (physicians, PAs, NPs, CNMs and RNs) with Providence Women’s Clinic (PWC), Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Providence Immediate Care Clinics, and Providence Medford are attempting to negotiate first contracts but have seen many of their proposals diminished or rejected outright.
“It should come as no surprise that more healthcare workers are organizing. Nurses, doctors, service workers, techs, therapists and other employees are saying ‘time’s up’ and standing up to the callous treatment by Providence executives,” said ONA Board Member and Providence Willamette Falls Bargaining Unit Chair Virginia Smith, RN. “This is about more than money, this is about respect and trusting caregivers to do the job that they studied and trained to do. The people that sit across from us at the bargaining table spend no time with patients, insist they know best and refuse to listen to our expertise. If Providence executives continue this pattern of behavior, you can expect many more workers to organize unions.”
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of 20,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.
Missing Texas Woman Found in Klamath Falls
Morgan Guidry Arrest / Missing Person: Brenna Swindell located —- At approximately 12:32 a.m., patrol officers from the Klamath Falls Police Department had received an automatic license plate reader (ALPR) alert regarding a vehicle flagged as stolen out of Texas in our area. The patrol officers searched the area and located the vehicle near South 6th St and Klamath Avenue. The officer continued to follow the vehicle and waited for an additional patrol unit before attempting to make a traffic stop.
While waiting for the additional unit, the officers were notified the vehicle was associated to Brenna K. Swindell, who is listed as a missing / endangered woman out of Travis County, Texas. They also learned she may be with her estranged boyfriend, 36 years old Morgan Guidry, who had a felony arrest warrant for family violence.
Once the additional patrol unit arrived to assist, a high-risk traffic stop was conducted and both Mr. Guidry and Ms. Swindell were located inside the vehicle. Mr. Guidry was taken into custody without further incident, transported to the Klamath County Jail, and lodged on the felony warrant out of Texas. Ms. Swindell was found unharmed and was able to call her parents in Texas to make travel arrangements to return to Texas.
 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 » |
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 is poised to undergo a significant policy shift on September 1, as House Bill 4002 comes into effect, reinstating criminal penalties for the possession of hard drugs.
This new legislation marks a substantial reversal from Measure 110, which was passed in 2020 and decriminalized the possession of small amounts of various drugs while emphasizing treatment over criminalization. House Bill 4002 seeks to undo many of the changes enacted by Measure 110, particularly regarding hard drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
Under the new law, possession of these substances will again be subject to criminal charges, a move supporters believe will address concerns about public safety and drug misuse. Proponents of House Bill 4002 argue that reinstating criminal penalties is crucial for creating a clear deterrent against public drug use. They assert that this approach will ensure that individuals are aware of the serious consequences associated with drug possession, potentially leading to reduced drug use and improved public safety.
Local police officials have also voiced their support for the bill, stating that it will provide them with necessary tools to address drug-related issues more effectively.
Previously, under Measure 110, law enforcement had limited options beyond referring individuals to treatment programs, a situation they believe left gaps in their ability to intervene. However, the shift back to criminalization has faced significant criticism.
Opponents argue that reinstating criminal penalties could undermine the progress made in treating drug addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. They worry that this approach may lead to increased incarceration rates among individuals struggling with substance abuse, potentially worsen social and economic challenges.
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.
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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