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,  September 23, 2024

Rogue Valley Weather

9/24 -Tuesday was certainly a hot day for late September across the entire region. Here are the latest observed peak temperatures as of 5 PM.

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.

Seasonal Climate Forecast September – November 2024

https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/naturalresources/documents/weather/dlongrange.pdf

We’re not out of the woods just yet… DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN – Fire  Season still in progress. Many people let their guard down because fall has arrived. Major fires can get started in October and November. Fire season will not end until we really hit full speed on the cooler weather, rain, and snow coming to stay. Until then, be vigilant and do everything you can to prevent the spark that could be the next serious fire.

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

String of Fires Started in Southern Oregon Along I-5 Being Investigated

Agencies will be working together through the investigation to determine the cause of fire for each incident.

Medford’s Outgoing Mail Handling Challenged By Oregon State Senators

Senators Challenge USPS Mail Handling

Demanding that Postmaster General Louis DeJoy reverse his position to relocate outgoing mail operations at the regional postal distribution center in Medford, U.S., Senators Ron Wyden (D) and Jeff Merkley (D) share the grave concerns of the residents of Southern Oregon that the consolidation of processes poses significant negative consequences for the efficiency of postal services and the community.

The Medford processing center has a crucial role- to ensure the mail of residents, businesses, and government agencies is delivered timeously.

The senators say the consolidation of the facility resulted in mail delivery delays, impacting essential services. They said the consolidation is felt by those who rely on prompt and reliable postal services, especially seniors, rural Oregonians, and small businesses in the region.

Highlighting that Oregon state votes entirely by mail, the senators expressed confidence a solution can be found that strengthens the Postal Service and serves the needs of local communities in Southern Oregon with thoughtful consideration. They do not see downgrading the Medford site as a solution.

Oregonians Have Concerns About USPS Mail Services

The USPS Office of Inspector General recently issued a report illustrating Oregonians’ concerns over delays in first-class mail deliveries, echoed the Senator’s letter.

In a Senate speech delivered by Merkley in July, he called attention to the urgent United States Postal Service (USPS) issues affecting Oregonians, focussing on first-hand stories of Oregonians who rely on the Postal Service for everything including staying in touch with loved ones, lifesaving medications, and running their small businesses.

The restructuring plan was labeled by DeJoy ‘Delivering for America’ but Merkely said a better name would be ‘Delaying Mail in America.’ He said despite USPS leadership claims that downgrades won’t slow deliveries, every delivery route will be slower when over 500 miles are added. Merkley says this is already happening in his home state.

Despite the downgrade of services, the USPS continues to raise prices. A single stamp costs 73 cents as of July 14. Merkley said while the USPS calls the new system ‘more efficient and cost-effective,’ he calls it ‘paying more and getting less.’ Rural communities are the most severely affected by the price hikes and delivery delays.

Merkley said DeJoy’s downgrades must be reversed now to restore reliable, affordable mail delivery. He suggests the ‘Delivering for America’ plan be returned to the sender. (SOURCE)

 

Rural Metro Fire – Josephine County – Fire Along Railroad Tracks

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UPDATE 9/24 : As of 07:35 firefighters have accessed the 1/10th acre fire and are establishing water and containment lines. The railroad company has been notified, as some ties have been damaged.

HAPPENING NOW: Rural Metro Fire and ODF Southwest Oregon District are on scene of a fire in the area of Russell Road and Jess Way along the railroad tracks. No structures are threatened.

Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office – JMET Search Warrant: Draper Valley / Davis Creek Roads 

DETAILS: On September 24, 2024, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) executed two search warrants at two conjoined properties in the 500 block of Davis Creek Road and the 200 Block of Draper Valley Road, Selma, regarding illegal marijuana grow sites. The search warrants were executed with the assistance of Josephine County Public Health & Building Safety.

During the execution of the warrants, over 900 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed. Additionally, four firearms and a large amount of cash was seized on scene.

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

The primary suspect was not at the location during either search. They will be charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana, and Unlawful Appropriation of Water if located.

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

EPHS Students design SRO Graphics 

Three Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Roles in Fatal Fentanyl Overdose of Southern Oregon Teenager

MEDFORD, Ore.—Three Oregon men were sentenced to federal prison Thursday for distributing fentanyl that caused the overdose death of a Medford teenager.

Hunter Fenstermaker, 23, a Medford resident, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and six years’ supervised release; Napoleon Gomez, 22, also of Medford, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison and six years’ supervised release; and Conner Lee Francis, 27, of Portland, Oregon, was sentenced to 73 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release. All three were also ordered to pay restitution to the victim’s family.

According to court documents, on September 7, 2021, officers from the Medford Police Department responded to a report of an overdose death of a local 17-year-old high school student. Investigators soon learned the teenager had taken a counterfeit Percocet pill containing fentanyl, and, within days, identified Fenstermaker, Gomez and Francis as the teen’s first-, second- and third-level drug suppliers.

On February 3, 2022, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a five-count indictment charging Fenstermaker and Gomez with distributing fentanyl, and Francis with possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On April 9 and June 17, 2024, respectively, Fenstermaker and Gomez pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl to a person under twenty-one. On June 24, 2024, Francis pleaded guilty to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.

On May 14, 2024, a fourth individual—John Rocha, 31, of Medford—was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for his role in the Medford teen’s overdose death. Rocha was the teen’s fourth-level drug supplier.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Medford Police Department, and the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement Team (MADGE). It was prosecuted by Marco A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

MADGE is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. MADGE is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and is composed of members from the Medford Police Department, the Jackson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, the Jackson County Community Corrections, FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives. – U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Oregon

Ashland and Central Point PD Investigate Child Exploitation Cases

On Tuesday September 17, 2024 a Jackson County Grand Jury convened to consider additional charges against Craig Johnson. Information presented by investigators and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office resulted in Johnson being indicted on the following charges:14 Counts of Using Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct6 Counts of Attempted Using Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct 2 Counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 1st Degree1 Count of Invasion of Personal Privacy in the 1st Degree

Johnson remains in custody at the Jackson County Jail. The number of known victims in the Ashland area remains at six at this time.

This investigation in on going and additional updates will be proved as the investigation allows.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Lacie Six at APD 541-552-2125Ashland and Central Point PD Investigate Child Exploitation Cases

OSP Fish & Wildlife seeks public assistance – Jackson County take and waste of bull elk 

RFP for Engineering for the Illinois Valley Fire District Hydrant Project

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

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

 firebrandcollective.org/harp/

Southern Oregon hosting workplace safety and health conference Oct. 15-17

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.

Rogue Valley Humane Society  · Donations Always Needed to Help Community

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

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

David Grubbs’ Murder Investigation Remains Active

 The Ashland Police Department’s investigation into the murder of David Grubbs on November 19, 2011 remains open and active. Recently two new detectives have been assigned to look into new leads that have come in.

It has been 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

Here One Minute, Gone the Next —– PART 2 – Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel joins investigative journalist Alex Rogue to speak with Here One Minute, Gone the Next about the disappearance of Fauna Frey, the growing friction between citizen investigators and law enforcement, and the lack of resources in missing persons cases. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disappearance-of-fauna-frey-pt2-feat-sheriff/id1707094441?i=1000630100040 PART 1 – John Frey joins Newsweek to discuss exclusive details about the case of his missing daughter that until now have been unavailable to the general public. READ MORE HERE: https://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-what-happened-fauna-frey-new-clues-uncovered-1827197?fbclid=IwAR3Z3Glru5lIgqiYXbs_nA1Fj8JuCIzM11OHSVHfwIucfq2f_G5y9y5bnmQ If you have any information on the whereabouts of Fauna Frey, call the anonymous tip line at 541-539-5638 or email FindFaunaFrey@gmail.com.

Help Find Fauna Frey #FindFaunaFrey FACEBOOK GROUP

Oregon State Hospital observes 10^th anniversary of memorial for historical cremains

SALEM, Ore. – World War I veterans, a mother of five, a singer and a seamstress – each is among the 92 people whose cremated remains were claimed and returned to their families this year.

Their lives were remembered Tuesday during Oregon State Hospital’s annual ceremony that celebrates the reunification of families. The event also marked the 10^th anniversary of the dedication of a memorial to honor the nearly 3,500 people who lived and died at OSH and other state institutions between 1914 and 1973 whose cremated remains were never claimed.

“One of the most important parts of today and this ceremony is to remember behind every date and name plate is a person – someone who deserves to be remembered and acknowledged,” said Dr. Sara Walker, OSH interim superintendent and chief medical officer, to a crowd that included about 30 family members from across Oregon and one family from Nebraska who attended the event.

“It was important for us to be here because he deserves a decent burial with his family,” said Brian Els, who traveled from Benkelman, Neb., with his wife Marjory to attend the ceremony and claim the remains of his family member, Robert Godfrey.

Els learned more about his family’s connection to Godfrey through research an OSH volunteer posted on findagrave.com. Godfrey was born in Iowa and eventually moved to Oregon where he was a laborer and eventually carpenter. He was a patient for nearly five years before he died in 1941.

“We will take him back to Iowa to be with family,” Els said.

OSH operated a crematorium until 1973 and became the custodian of the unclaimed cremains of nearly 3,500 people who died while living or working at OSH, Oregon State Tuberculosis Hospital, Mid-Columbia Hospital, Dammasch State Hospital, Deaconess Hospital, Oregon State Penitentiary and Fairview Training Center.

Through his advocacy, the late state Sen. Peter Courtney raised awareness about the unclaimed cremains and significant infrastructure needs at OSH. His support led to the creation of the cremains memorial and new and refurbished OSH-Salem facilities. The Salem site was recently renamed the Peter Courtney Salem Campus of the Oregon State Hospital to honor his legacy.

“At the opening, Senator Courtney described this plaza as ‘a place to replace the darkness and despair…. The hard lessons of the past have provided a brighter future for those still suffering in Oregon,’” shared OHA Director Sejal Hathi, M.D., MBA, during the ceremony. “Oregon Health Authority is committed to providing that brighter future. To fostering a system that works for every child, teen, adult and family experiencing mental illness or harmful substance use and to expanding integrated, coordinated and culturally responsive behavioral health services across our state.”

Since 2014, the cremains of 1,220 nearly 3,500 people have been identified and returned to families through the work of staff and volunteers.

This year, eight people identified as veterans will be buried at Willamette National Cemetery. Over the past 10 years, the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) has helped identify 27 veterans, two children of veterans and a spouse of a veteran listed on the OSH cremains directory for burial when relatives could not be found.

“While we cannot undo the past, we can help provide some form of closure with the distinction and the reverence that our veterans deserve in honor of their lives and military service,” said ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels during the ceremony. “Each of these eight veterans raised their right hand to serve and protect this nation against all enemies foreign and domestic and my heart is full when I consider no matter their background, no matter their race, their religion, branch or conflict, they remembered their sworn oath and their commitment to this nation never wavered. And, today, we gather to show that our commitment to them and their families has and will never waver.”

Current OSH patients and music therapists also performed at the ceremony.

After the ceremony, family members in attendance claimed their relatives’ ashes, along with a rubbing of their relative’s name and the original copper canister that interred their ashes. Families identified each year have the option to receive the items by mail or pick-up at the ceremony. More information about the cremains memorial and directory are online.

Meteor fireball streaks over western Oregon Monday night

Hundreds of people took to social media to report seeing the bright flash at around 10:45 p.m., and a few videos of the event have surfaced online.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1037145427709538

Portlanders and other Oregon residents were treated to a rare sighting of a large meteor fireball late Monday night, according to hundreds of comments, posts and videos on social media.

The fireball was visible for about five seconds to the south of the metro area, according to multiple videos and descriptions posted on Reddit, Facebook and Twitter. Many reports described it as green, with some users adding that they saw a yellow tail.

“It was quick, it was fast, and it was green,” said Jim Todd, director of space science education at OMSI. “Green indicates that it was probably burning copper.”

OMSI received reports from all over Oregon and Washington, including footage of the phenomenon captured by security cameras. The website for the American Meteor Society, where users can submit open-source reports of meteor sightings, logged more than 130 reports of a fireball in the sky between 10:45 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The majority of the reported sightings were in cities and towns throughout the western half of Oregon, but there were additional reports from as far north as Bellingham, as far south as Sacramento and as far east as Boise.

“This was fairly high up, about 60 to 80 miles above us,” Todd said. “And it’s about a meter wide, which is typical for a fireball.”

Based on the reports, the American Meteor Society website estimated that the meteor was moving on a northwestern trajectory and became visible as it passed somewhere above the Umpqua National Forest about halfway between Eugene and Klamath Falls — though it’s worth stressing that the underlying data is crowdsourced and not verified.

Anyone with footage of the phenomenon can help OMSI find the fireball’s exact path by sharing the video with them online.

One thing that’s certain: the event wasn’t part of a regular meteor shower.

“A fireball is totally independent and random,” Todd said. “They have been flown around in space for millions of years and then finally came to an end. Today, after existing for millions of years, it no longer exists.”

Todd is encouraging anyone who witnessed or captured video of the fireball to send their report to the AMS Fireball Log at https://fireball.amsmeteors.org/members/imo/report_intro. He says this is the best way to determine the location and origin, adding reports like these are valuable to help determine reports of the fireball or meteor, and perhaps meteorite fragments, if any. (SOURCE)

Nearly five months in, Oregon wildfire season expected to last into mid-October

Oregon’s forest and fire leaders were succinct in describing this year’s wildfire season to a group of Oregon senators.

“It just won’t quit is essentially where we’re at, and our folks are really tired,” Kyle Williams, deputy director of fire operations at the Oregon Department of Forestry, told the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire on Tuesday.

Williams and two others – Doug Graffe, Gov. Tina Kotek’s wildfire and military advisor; and Travis Medema, a chief deputy for the Oregon State Fire Marshal – told senators the state would likely wrap up its now five-monthlong fire season in mid-October, following a record 1.9 million acres burned. That’s  nearly three times as many acres as the state’s 10-year average.

Medema said projections from the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, which coordinates wildfire resources, showed one or two more “significant event days” before the state is fully out of the 2024 wildfire season.

The Oregon Department of Forestry is currently fighting a 300-acre fire near Coos Bay and the Fossil Complex in eastern Oregon, made up of five fires over nearly 25,000 acres.

“We’re finally on the downhill of the slope,” Williams said, but warned that forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show 10 days ahead of dry and above average temperatures. “What’s next is what we’re focused on, and we’re in good shape. We’re mostly back in the barn ready to go again.”

The bulk of the wildfires have burned through east Oregon grass and shrub, with about 25% of it in forestland, according to the Wildland Mapping Institute. More than one-third of all acres blackened have been on private land, and about 62% has been on federal land. Most wildfires are caused by humans, according to the interagency coordination center, but this year the bulk of blazes have started from natural causes, such as lightning.

The wildfires prompted Kotek to declare a statewide emergency and ask for federal help and regulatory flexibility for farmers and ranchers. She’s also invoked the Conflagration Act 17 times this year, with the latest invocation on Sept. 10 for the Service Fire in Wheeler County. The act unleashes resources to fight blazes that threaten lives, communities or key infrastructure. (SOURCE)

Oregon Department of Forestry is out of money, seeking more to pay for the costliest wildfire season in state history

The Oregon Department of Forestry needs emergency funding to pay for the most expensive wildfire season in state history, with record-high costs of $250 million and counting, KGW reports.

As of mid-September, more than 1.9 million acres of land had burned across Oregon — nearly double the acreage burned in the notorious 2020 wildfire season, and far above any other year in ODF’s recorded history.

“The scale -. people have to see it to understand just how many acres burned across the state this summer,” said Kyle Williams, ODF’s deputy director for fire operations. “Just because the smoke wasn’t present in our more populated areas doesn’t mean that (wildfires) weren’t deeply impactful.”

ODF has now exhausted its funds. In order to pay firefighters and contractors, the department is returning to its usual process of acquiring more money from the state — except this time, it may not be enough. Outside of the legislative session, agencies turn to Oregon’s Emergency Board. Staffed by the Legislative Fiscal Office, the E-Board allocates emergency funds to keep things afloat until lawmakers return. Dozens of state agencies submit requests every few months.

ODF is asking for $47.5 million from the E-Board this September, including a request for $40 million from the board’s general fund.

The E-Board currently has just $43 million in its general fund. If wildfire costs get priority, as they have historically, that strains the budget for any other emergency needs.

“In those E-Board requests there are a lot of really important priorities for other agencies, for other Oregonians, right, not impacted by fire,” Williams said, recognizing ODF’s outsized impact on the board.

The E-Board will decide its allocations on Thursday, September 26, and the LFO recommends that the board pay the $47.5 million to ODF, albeit with a slight workaround: using $20 million from the board’s general fund and $20 million from a separate special allocation reserved for natural disaster emergencies. (SOURCE)

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 9/25/24 9:00am per INCIWEB

https://app.watchduty.org/

Please Help Prevent Wildfires!

In these dry conditions, a single spark can cause a lot of damage. Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page.

Oregon Officials Concerned About Federal Proposal to Move Liquid Nuclear Waste Through State

Thousands of gallons of liquid nuclear waste are slated to be removed from the Hanford Nuclear site in Washington via train through Oregon

A federal proposal to move radioactive nuclear waste from Washington through Oregon and onward to Utah and Texas via truck and rail has raised major concerns among Oregon officials and environmentalists.

The radioactive waste comes from the Hanford Site, near the Columbia River north of Richland, Washington, where 56 million gallons of radioactive sludge – a byproduct of World War II-era plutonium production – still sits 80 years later in 177 underground tanks, some of which are leaking.

To clean up the site and to remove the sludge, federal agencies and the Washington Department of Ecology could decide by the end of the year to move ahead with a proposal , negotiated mostly in private, to cart at least 2,000 gallons of sludge via rail or truck through Oregon to facilities in Utah and Texas that can process it into a grout cement and dispose of it. The proposal doesn’t yet detail a route, but critics have said it would most likely end up on major interstate highways through Oregon, or on a rail line through central Oregon along the Deschutes River, passing near areas like Bend and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation.

The possibility of thousands of gallons of the waste moving through the state as a liquid, rather than in a solid form outlined in previous plans, are among the parts of the proposal that most alarm Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Janine Benner, director of the Oregon Department of Energy.

Both, in recent months, have written to officials at the U.S. Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency and to Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, asking that they shelve the proposal until three critical issues are resolved. Namely, Kotek and Benner want an explanation for why the liquid won’t be solidified before transit, a federal environmental assessment that scrutinizes all the possible impacts a leak or spill could have in transit and greater involvement and outreach with potentially impacted communities.

“The ongoing process for receiving and accounting for input from the state of Oregon, tribal governments and the public on substantive issues relating to the solidification and transport of liquid tank waste is insufficient,” Kotek wrote, “and risks undercutting support for the accelerated reduction of radioactive waste at the Hanford site that is in everyone’s interest.” (READ MORE)

Oregon Names Potato as Official State Vegetable

Oregon has officially designated the potato as its state vegetable, with a dedication ceremony scheduled for Sept. 23 at the State Capitol.

Potatoes are the top vegetable produced in Oregon, with more than 43,000 acres dedicated to the crop. They play a vital role in the state’s agriculture, particularly in rural communities.

Leif Benson, chef and Oregon potato commissioner, discovered six years ago that Oregon lacked an official state vegetable. He collaborated with state senator Bill Hansell, who introduced a bill to give the potato this honor.

Benson credited the Oregon Potato Commission for advancing the initiative. “With their support, it happened,” Hansell said.

Hansell and senator Elizabeth Steiner, a candidate for treasurer, will attend the plaque dedication. The event will also feature a French fry cart from Lamb Weston for attendees to enjoy.

Gary Roth, executive director of the Oregon Potato Commission, said the designation celebrates the hard work of Oregon’s farmers.

“It’s a designation our farmers are very proud of, and the event is going to be a heck of a lot of fun,” Roth said.

The Oregon Potato Commission, founded in 1949, represents five growing regions and supports research, trade, and market development to boost Oregon’s potato industry. (SOURCE)

Statewide plan and goals for preserving Oregon’s historic places released

The Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has released the 2024-2033 Oregon Historic Preservation Plan. The statewide plan offers a comprehensive approach to preserving special traditions, collections, and places, and describes how to coordinate the efforts of the many people and organizations involved in this vital work.

The plan highlights four key issues:

• Building the Heritage Community: Strengthen organizations that preserve our past by supporting the development of their leaders, staff, and volunteers and their connections to an increasingly diverse community.
• Preservation Planning: Identifying, Evaluating, Designating, and Treating Cultural Resources: Save historic places that represent Oregon’s history by identifying them, planning for their future, and finding more resources for their preservation.
• Federal, State, and Local Government: Statutes, Rules, Ordinances, and Processes: Increase government efficiency, transparency, and accountability in administrating cultural resource laws and encourage agencies to support preservation efforts.
• Information Technology Tools: Develop statewide technology resources, including a public web-based database and submission system to manage federal and state programs and digitize historical documents, collections, and research materials held at institutions across the state.

The plan includes goals and objectives to address each issue, and work to include more people and broaden the scope of the history preserved it threaded through the response to each issue.

People who are doing the work of preserving and sharing Oregon’s historic resources are referred to in the plan as the heritage community, and they are the people who help achieve the goals of the statewide plans. These include federal, local, and tribal governments and local landmark commissions, museums, archives, libraries, historical societies, educational institutions, advocacy groups, and building, design, finance, and real

estate professionals, and other people and organizations that understand the value of these resources in Oregon’s communities. The plan emphasizes how these actors can take action and work together to enhance livability, community connection, and economic development through preservation of and access to cultural resources.

The plan also highlights how people and organizations can use the plan to enhance their efforts. Access the 2024-2033 Oregon Historic Preservation Plan online at oregonheritage.org in English and Spanish. Printed copies can be requested by emailing egon.heritage@oprd.oregon.gov“>Oregon.heritage@oprd.oregon.gov or calling 503-986-0690.

To develop the issues, goals and objectives, the SHPO used several engagement methods including an online public survey, online public input sessions (including general topics and specific topics like disaster resilience and diversity and inclusion), online meetings with agencies, local governments, state committees and commissions, Tribes and other statewide and regional organizations.

Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), includes the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The Oregon SHPO locally administers National Park Service (NPS) programs created by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, including the identification and designation of historic properties and archaeological sites; tax and grant programs; and the Certified Local Government Program (CLG), a partnership program between local jurisdictions and the state and federal government. The SHPO office is funded in part through a grant from NPS. The SHPO also coordinates closely with other Oregon Heritage programs, including the Oregon Heritage Commission and Oregon Main Street, Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries, and various grant and technical assistance programs. SHPO is also guided by the Oregon Heritage Plan and the mission and goals of OPRD.

To learn more about the Oregon SHPO and Oregon Heritage programs, visit www.oregonheritage.org.

$9.3 Million Raised to Fight New Corporate Tax that Could Boost the Income of Every Oregonian by $1,600 a Year – Voters Will Decide on Measure 118

If voters decide to approve Measure 118, they will pave the way for the largest universal basic income program in the country, funded by corporations with total sales in Oregon exceeding $25 million. The money derived from this taxation will be distributed equally among residents of all incomes and ages and will become effective by 2025.

Oregon residents will vote this fall on the new corporate tax that proponents say will alleviate poverty and stimulate the local economy. The Legislative Revenue Office estimates that $1.3 billion will be generated by the end of the biennium next June, with significantly higher amounts in future years.

The windfall will be distributed among Oregonians in the form of direct cash payments or refundable tax credits.

If the new corporate tax is approved, Oregon will become the second state to offer residents a basic income. Alaska has been distributing a part of the income from all mining revenues to its residents annually. Each resident received $1,312 last year.

Opposition to Measure 118 is Vociferous

However, opposition to the new corporate tax proposal is vociferous.

Among those adding their voices to the opposition are Governor Tina Kotek, Democrat and Republican lawmakers, dozens of businesses, and many nonpartisan research groups. They argue that the tax could stop businesses from operating in Oregon, siphon funds away from needed state services, and ultimately lead to higher prices.

Dozens of business groups say the tax will harm consumers because it will force price increases. They are also opposed to the proposal that businesses will be taxed on gross sales and not on net profit, unfairly targeting companies with small profit margins such as construction companies and grocery stores.

Oregon building trade union leader Willy Myers says the tax could incentivize larger corporations to leave Oregon, taking jobs with them and creating an affordability downward spiral.

Although the tax measure only applies to gross sales exceeding $25 million, smaller businesses are concerned that they too could be impacted… ‘we cannot afford to lose high income earners that spend their money in small businesses,’ says Sarah Shaoul, the founder of a Portland advocacy group for independent retailers, Bricks Need Mortar.

The CEO of Oregon Business and Industry, the state business lobby spearheading the anti-tax measure campaign, Angela Wilhelms says the tax will stagnate wage increases and available jobs, both are unlikely components ‘of a recipe to lift people into prosperity.’

Families Could Become Ineligible for Federal Benefits

According to a state report, Measure 118 could make families receiving the tax windfall ineligible for federal benefits such as food stamps.

However, while Measure 118 antagonists refer to the state report saying the tax will hamper economic growth in Oregon over the next decade, proponents point to the fact that the state report says its estimates have been made with ‘considerable uncertainty.’

Proponents Say Tax Could Alleviate Poverty

Supporters of the next tax point out that the extra income to Oregonians will help alleviate poverty and stimulate the local economy. The tax measure will also ensure that larger corporations pay their fair share of the tax burden.

The measure will help families ‘to thrive and not just survive’ says Stacey Rutland, a resident of Portland who works as an adviser to the pro-Measure 118 campaign.

Funding the promotion of the next tax measure is Oregon Rebate PAC, which has only managed to obtain eight endorsements on its website, none of which are elected officials. Proponents have managed to raise $171,000 since the corporate tax measure qualified for the ballot. (SOURCE)

OSP asking for the public’s help to locate wanted man —  Oregon State Police

Suspect wanted for sex crimes in Oregon and Alabama

– Oregon State Police and the Mobile (Alabama) Police Department are seeking the public’s help to locate Adam Renk (39) who is wanted in both states for sex crimes against child victims.

On June 21, 2024, OSP detectives responded to a sexual abuse disclosure made by a minor. The minor disclosed Renk as the perpetrator. Renk has since been indicted on multiple crimes against a child victim under the age of 12. He is charged with Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree, Sodomy in the First Degree, and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.

As part of their investigation, OSP detectives learned Renk had been charged in another case involving a minor victim in Mobile, Alabama. The Alabama charges include Child Sexual Abuse and Torture involving an 11-year-old victim. The victims in the two states are not related. Alabama law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Marshals Service are attempting to locate Renk who posted bond in Alabama and was released from pre-trial custody.

Renk was last seen leaving Alabama on August 7, 2024. He has ties to Oregon and Wasco County. He is believed to be traveling in a converted Ford Ambulance that is now painted two-toned white over gray. Renk is a white male, 6 ft. 1 in. tall, 175 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair.

Anyone with information about Renk’s whereabouts or information about possible additional victims is asked to contact the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office at 541-506-2580 or OSP Detective Cassie Bantz through dispatch at 800-442-0776 or by dialing OSP (677) on a mobile phone.

Oregon election officials say data entry error added 306 noncitizens to voter rolls, two voted

State election officials and Gov. Tina Kotek stressed that the error was caught and won’t affect the 2024 election

The Oregon agency that issues driver’s licenses erroneously registered more than 300 non-citizens to vote, though state officials say only two people actually cast ballots.

State Elections Director Molly Woon told the Capital Chronicle that she received a call late Thursday afternoon from the administrator of the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services division of the Oregon Department of Transportation, telling her that DMV staff caught a data entry error that led to the division wrongly classifying some noncitizens as citizens. State election officials spent Friday reviewing that information and working with county clerks to ensure those people won’t receive ballots unless and until they prove they’re eligible to vote.

The error is not large enough to impact the outcome of the state’s elections – more than 3 million people are registered to vote in Oregon, and the 306 cases identified by state officials are 0.01% of the state’s voters.

Ben Morris, chief of staff to Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade, said the DMV is continuing to investigate whether there are any more issues, and there is time to rectify any additional mistakes. Ballots won’t be mailed to voters for another month.

“We can say that this error will not impact the 2024 election, and I want to emphasize that point as much as possible. This error will not impact the 2024 election,” he said.

The error, first reported by Willamette Week, resulted from DMV staff erroneously marking noncitizens who obtained driver’s licenses as citizens, such as by miscategorizing foreign birth certificates as U.S. birth certificates and foreign passports as U.S. passports.

Since January 2016, Oregon has automatically registered citizens to vote when they obtain or renew driver’s licenses, permits or nonoperating IDs. A 2019 state law, meanwhile, eliminated a requirement that applicants prove they’re citizens or legal residents when obtaining a driver’s license.

People applying for driver’s licenses need to bring proof of their identity – like a birth certificate, passport, naturalization documents or visa – as well as proof of an Oregon address, such as a utility bill or rental agreement. Only applicants who provide documents that prove citizenship, like a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport or certificate of naturalization, are supposed to be registered to vote.

DMV administrator Amy Joyce said in a statement that the DMV discovered the error while “proactively analyzing” its system ahead of the 2024 election. The erroneous registrations it identified were based on foreign passports being entered as U.S. passports. The department is continuing to go through registrations tied to birth certificates, and that may take another two weeks, she said.

The DMV added a new prompt on its data entry screen to ensure front desk staff accurately enter citizenship information and has begun daily auditing of all transactions to verify materials are accurate before sending them to the Elections Division, Joyce added.

Woon said the secretary of state’s office is continuing to look into the two people who were not citizens when they were automatically registered to vote and will forward the issue to the start Department of Justice if it appears they violated the law.

“I want to emphasize that these folks were registered by no fault of their own,” she said. “I think that will certainly be taken into consideration. The first order of business, however, will be to see if the citizenship status of these people has changed. Because these records date from 2021 to today, it’s possible that their status has changed, and perhaps they are citizens, and that’s why they have a voter record. We’ll need to do a little bit more digging to sort that out first.”

Gov. Tina Kotek said in a statement that she has been fully briefed on the situation and will continue to closely monitor it. She noted that it would affect 0.01% of the state’s registered voters and will not impact the 2024 election in any way.

“Oregon’s electoral system is one of the most secure, effective and accessible in the nation,” Kotek said. “The error in data entry which may have affected the voter eligibility of some Oregonian’s voter registration was discovered because the Oregon DMV and the secretary of state were doing their due diligence ahead of the 2024 election.”

Griffin-Valade said safeguarding the integrity of elections is her top priority, while praising automatic voter registration.

“When my office was made aware of this error, we moved quickly to update the voter rolls,” she said. “I am also personally calling on the DMV to take immediate action to improve its processes to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Automatic voter registration has been hugely beneficial for thousands of eligible Oregon voters to ensure access to our democracy. I’m confident the DMV is rectifying this error and improving their process, so it doesn’t happen again.”  (READ MORE)

These 2 Oregon towns are among 10 most expensive in the US, according to study

LendingTree looked at towns with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 with the most expensive median home values.

Towns with smaller populations don’t always mean that housing there is inexpensive. Hood River and Astoria are among the 10 most expensive towns in the country, according to a recent study featured in a New York Times article.

LendingTree analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey to find “micropolitan” areas — or regions with a population of 10,000 and 50,000 — with the most expensive median home values. A total of six Oregon towns ranked among the 50 micropolitan areas in the U.S. that the study looked at. Below is a look at how they stack up.

Hood River

Ranking: No. 7 out of 50
Population: 23,965
Median home value: $492,500
Metro with comparable median home value: Portland, Oregon ($484,800)

Astoria

Ranking: No. 10 out of 50
Population: 41,190
Median home value: $407,700
Metro with comparable median home value: Austin, Texas ($390,500)

Prineville

Ranking: No. 16 out of 50
Population: 24,987
Median home value: $368,200
Metro with comparable median home value: Las Vegas, Nevada ($368,800)

Brookings

Ranking: No. 18 out of 50
Population: 23,404
Median home value: $353,200
Metro with comparable median home value: Baltimore, Maryland ($357,800)

The Dalles

Ranking: No. 25 out of 50
Population: 26,639
Median home value: $298,200
Metro with comparable median home value: Dallas, Texas ($299,000)

La Grande

Ranking: No. 39 out of 50
Population: 26,286
Median home value: $243,400
Metro with comparable median home value: New Orleans, Louisiana ($242,600)

Click here to see the full list

What’s behind expensive homes in some small towns?

The authors of LendingTree’s report point out that there are many towns in the country with home values that are just as expensive, or even more costly, than those in large metro areas. Those towns are often popular vacation spots for people who can afford to spend more on homes, driving up prices in areas with limited housing supply. However, housing can still be expensive in towns that aren’t vacation destinations due to a lack of housing supply, the authors wrote.

Editor’s note: the analysis focused on micropolitan areas, which are named for their largest town or city but also include all nearby communities, similar to how the term “Portland metro area” includes cities like Beaverton and Gresham. As a result, the listed populations are significantly larger than the populations of the named towns alone. (SOURCE)

(Salem) – The application deadline for the new Summer EBT program has been extended to midnight Sept. 30, 2024. The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. Eligible families should 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) urge families to check their eligibility and apply before the extended deadline. Remember, once benefits are received, they must be used within 122 days.

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

1. Participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
2. Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
3. 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 enrolled in a school during the 2023-2024 school year who were eligible for the National School Lunch or Breakfast Programs, should still apply to determine their eligibility.

Families are encouraged to visit sebt.oregon.gov or contact the Summer EBT Call Center to verify their eligibility and apply. ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said, “We are grateful to our federal partners for making this extension. The extra time is so important for us to reach families who may be eligible because we know access to nutritious food is critical.”

“Staying engaged in school and active in life requires proper nutrition,” said ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “We know that there are many more families out there who have children who may be eligible for the $120 Summer EBT benefit and this important extension boosts our opportunity to reach them.”

Since June 28, 2024, more than 336,198 eligible school-aged children have been issued $40.3 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.

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 midnight Sept. 30, 2024.

To learn more:

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

Local Mt. Bachelor, Oregon Buyer Group Launches New Website

Mount Bachelor Community Inc.—the local group seeking to purchase Mount Bachelor after the resort was put up for sale by its current owners POWDR Corporation—has launched a website.

The site is divided into three main groups, each detailing aspects of Mount Bachelor Community Inc .

The ‘Contribute’ tab provides several channels for those interested in getting involved with the project, whether that’s volunteering or donating (“We’ll soon be launching a GoFundMe campaign to support our effort to purchase Mount Bachelor as a community,” the site reads). One field allows web visitors to share their personal Mount Bachelor story.

Another tab details investment opportunities with Mount Bachelor Community Inc. and covers two investor types: accredited investors and community contributions.

The final tab provides further details about Mount Bachelor Community Inc.’s mission, which, according to the website, is “to own and manage Mt. Bachelor with a focus on environmental care, supporting mountain enthusiasts, and reinvesting profits to boost the local economy.” Mount Bachelor Community Inc. aims to achieve B Corp status, a designation offered by B Lab, a non-profit that recognizes companies for their commitment to various social and environmental criteria. Notable outdoor industry B Corps include Patagonia and Taos Ski Valley.

The push for community ownership, helmed by Chris Porter and Dan Cochrane, is holding a kickoff event on October 12th. More details about the event are forthcoming.

“It’s been an overwhelming amount of support from people who want to donate their time, donate their money, invest, just pledge their support, or be involved,” Porter told POWDER last week, describing the community response to he and Cochrane’s effort. “So many people have reached out to us.”

Further information about the status of the Mt. Bachelor sale isn’t known. POWDR Corp. noted that they’ve received interest in the resort, but hasn’t named any specific parties. The sale doesn’t have a timeline and will “take as long as it takes,” according to Stacey Hutchinson, POWDR Corp.’s vice president of communications and government affairs.

POWDR Corp.’s latest planned sale—Killington, Vermont—will result in local passholder ownership, but that exchange may not have any bearing on what the company intends to do with Mt. Bachelor. In the meantime, Porter and Cochrane are committed to returning Mt. Bachelor to local skiers and snowboarders.

“We’ve really caught lightning in a bottle here,” said Porter.

To check out the website and learn more about the project, click here. — (SOURCE)

Press Release: Make Waves — Registration for the 2024 Beach & Riverside Cleanup is Now Open

 – SOLVE invites volunteers to make a global impact this September by joining the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup. From September 20 through September 28, families, community members, student groups, and nature enthusiasts from all stages of life will gather across Oregon and Southwest Washington for a 10-day event series with a variety of projects to choose from. Registration is now open for this vital community effort to protect and restore our coastlines, rivers, and public lands.

Connecting Local Actions to Global Movements – September 21 is International Coastal Cleanup Day, uniting millions of volunteers worldwide to protect our coasts and waterways from harmful trash and debris. This global movement amplifies the impact of local efforts, uniting communities for cleaner environments. The Beach & Riverside Cleanup wraps up on September 28 with National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event, focusing on trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and native tree planting.

Join the Effort – “After a season of heavy use, our rivers and beaches need care,” says Kris Carico, SOLVE’s Chief Executive Officer. “This event is a cherished tradition and a powerful force for change. We encourage everyone to get involved and make a lasting impact on our environment.”

SOLVE will host over 50 project sites across Oregon and SW Washington, from the Oregon Coast to the Willamette Valley and beyond. Last year, more than 1,500 volunteers removed 20,000 pounds of trash. Since 1986, the event has cleared over 2.5 million pounds of litter from Oregon’s natural areas. Volunteer registration is open for posted events and SOLVE is still seeking additional projects. Interested event leaders should register their events as soon as possible to fully maximize SOLVE’s support, resources, and everything needed to host a successful event.

New Supply Hubs for Event Leaders – This year, SOLVE is making it easier for event leaders by launching five supply hubs at South Beach, Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Cape Blanco, and Sunset Bay. These hubs are equipped with reusable supplies like litter grabbers, vests, and buckets sponsored by Knife River. This partnership with Oregon Parks and Recreation strengthens SOLVE’s mission to provide even more volunteers with reusable supplies and host cleanup events with sustainability in mind.

Be Part of the Change – Join thousands of volunteers to protect our waterways, restore natural areas this September, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier Oregon. As the event dates approach, more details on project sites and opportunities will be released. For more information and to register, visit https://www.solveoregon.org/beach-riverside.

2024 Sponsors – SOLVE’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup 2024 is proudly supported by Chevron, Clean Water Services, Daimler Truck North America, Fred Meyer, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., Here is Oregon, Keen Footwear, Knife River, KOIN, Metro, NEEF, Oregon Parks and Recreation, and Owens Corning.

About SOLVE – SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information.

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