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
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Rogue Valley Weather
...AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST SATURDAY... * WHAT...A ridge of high pressure will lead to a strong inversion and stagnant air conditions near the surface that will continue to trap pollutants. This could worsen air quality over time. * WHERE...Valley locations across southern Oregon. West of the Cascades, this includes the Umpqua, Illinois, Applegate, and Rogue valleys. East of the Cascades, this includes Klamath Falls, Sprague River, Chiloquin, Chemult, Silver Lake, Paisley, and surrounding areas. * WHEN...Until 4 AM PST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous. Watch for icy spots on roads. Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems.
A 7.0 earthquake struck off the northern California coast Thursday morning, triggering an unusual tsunami warning for northern California and southern Oregon and an evacuation of local residents and visitors.
The National Tsunami Warning Center, which is based in Alaska, issued the warning shortly after the 7 magnitude quake hit off the northern California coast about 10:44 a.m. It hit 45 miles southwest of Eureka, which lies about 100 miles south of the Oregon border.
Center officials said the earthquake was shallow – about 8 miles deep – and that a swath of the coast in the two states could be affected. In Oregon, the warning covered the area stretching from Brookings and Gold Beach to Bandon, Port Orford and north of Reedsport.
The warning, which lasted about 90 minutes, was the first since 2022, when the center issued a West Coast warning following an earthquake in Tonga.
It Wasn’t Just One Earthquake in Northern California -The Entire Ring of Fire Lit Up
There have been dozens of after shocks after Thursday’s 7.0 earthquake. — **update: tsunami threat is over as of 12 pm PST**However, aftershocks are expected and it’s recommended to be on alert for more potential affects, both in the water and along the affected fault lines.**
People in parts of Northern California and Oregon are being told to move inland after a large earthquake struck near the Oregon border, prompting a tsunami warning for parts of the U.S. West Coast.The Joint Typhoon Warning Center said the tsunami warning spanned from Lane County, Oregon, southward to Davenport, California.
Oregon Agencies Urge Residents and Visitors to Prepare for Earthquakes and Tsunamis
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) are reminding Oregonians and visitors of the importance of earthquake and tsunami preparedness following today’s events.
Thursday at 10:44 a.m., a magnitude 7.0 earthquake occurred offshore 56 miles east of Petrolia, California. The National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska issued a tsunami warning at 10:49 a.m. The tsunami warning extended north to the Douglas/Lane County border in Oregon and south to Davenport, California. The warning was canceled at 11:54 a.m., and no tsunami waves were observed along the Oregon coast.
The earthquake occurred in the Mendocino Triple Junction, which is a seismically active region where three tectonic plate boundaries intersect. The fault system where the earthquake originated is in the Mendocino Fracture Zone, which is the boundary between the Pacific and Juan de Fuca oceanic plates. More information about the earthquake and regional tectonic setting can be found at the USGS event page.
Earlier today, state parks closed beach access points and evacuation notices were issued for portions of the Oregon Coast due to the tsunami warning. With the cancellation of the warning, beach access points are set to reopen at 3:00 p.m. Although the immediate threat has passed, today’s events underscore the importance of being prepared for future emergencies. Taking steps now to ensure readiness can make all the difference during natural disasters.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe and Prepared:
- Know your evacuation routes: Whether you’re at home, work, or visiting the coast, familiarize yourself with local tsunami evacuation routes. Maps are often posted in coastal areas or can be found online using the DOGAMI/NANOOS Tsunami Evacuation Zones portal.
- Sign up for emergency alerts: Stay informed by subscribing to alerts at ORalert.gov for emergency notifications tied to your zip code—including earthquake and tsunami alerts. And turn on the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone, so you will receive alerts based on where your phone is located (important if you are visiting the coast).
- Create a go kit: Prepare a portable emergency kit with essentials such as food, water, medications, and personal documents.
- Review your emergency plan: Ensure everyone in your household knows what to do during an earthquake or tsunami, including where to meet and how to communicate if separated. You can learn more about emergency planning with the free Be2WeeksReady Toolkit.
For Travelers:
- Check Travel Conditions: If traveling, visit www.tripcheck.com for real-time road conditions in Oregon.
- Neighboring States: If your travel extends to California or Washington, check their Department of Transportation websites for updates: Travel | Caltrans, Travel Center Map | WSDOT.
DOGAMI encourages coastal residents and visitors to use this event as a reminder to stay informed about tsunami hazards and to practice evacuation drills regularly. DOGAMI provides additional information about tsunami preparedness at the Oregon Tsunami Clearinghouse. OPRD recommends exploring Oregon’s beautiful coast safely by always being prepared for emergencies. — For more information about earthquake and tsunami preparedness, visit Tsunami Safety. —– Oregon Dept. of Emerg. Management — Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OregonOEM
Be prepared for the unexpected—get your 𝐎𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐩 today!
Choose from a variety of map series to match your preferred scale, format, and level of detail.
All maps use the same reliable data for tsunami inundation zones to help you stay safe.
Access your map here: Oregon Coast Tsunami Clearinghouse- https://www.oregon.gov/…/tsuclearing…/Pages/default.aspx Large-Extent Tsunami Evacuation Maps: https://www.oregon.gov/…/tsucle…/Pages/pubs-evacbro.aspx
ShakeAlert® in Oregon
The Cascadia Subduction Zone is a 600-mile fault that runs from northern California up to British Columbia and is about 70 to 100 miles off the Pacific coast shoreline. There have been 43 earthquakes in the last 10,000 years within this fault. The last earthquake occurred on Jan. 26, 1700, with an estimated 9.0 magnitude; it also sent a large tsunami to the coast of Japan.
The USGS ShakeAlert® Earthquake Early Warning System is an earthquake detection tool, operated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), that uses science and technology to detect significant earthquakes so alerts can be delivered to people on their cell phones before damaging shaking arrives at their location. ShakeAlert can save lives and reduce injuries by giving people seconds to take protective action, such as Drop, Cover and Hold On, or to move away from hazardous areas if they feel shaking or get an alert.
ShakeAlert also can protect people and infrastructure by triggering other pre-programmed actions upon earthquake detection, such as slowing trains to prevent derailments, opening firehouse doors so they do not jam shut, activating hospital generators to ensure continuity of service, and closing valves to protect water and natural gas systems.
ShakeAlert does not predict when or where an earthquake will occur or how long it will last. It detects earthquakes that have already begun, offering seconds of advance warning that allow people and systems to take actions to protect life and property from destructive shaking.
ShakeAlert infrastructure is already in place along most of the West Coast and can be used to trigger automatic-action systems, such as slowing a train, water utility valve shutoffs, opening fire station doors and starting back-up generators.
ShakeAlert became available in Oregon on March 11, 2021, a date that coincided with the 10th anniversary of the magnitude 9.1 Great Tohoku, Japan earthquake.
Learn more about how to protect yourself before, during and after an earthquake or a tsunami and how to Be 2 Weeks Ready. — MORE INFO: https://www.oregon.gov/oem/hazardsprep/pages/orshakealert.aspx
Grants Pass Christmas Parade – December 7th
Southern Oregon Nonprofits Receive $545,000 Funding Boost
Oregon Community Foundation Distributes Record Investments in 2024, Announces New Grant Opportunities for 2025
MEDFORD, Ore. – Healthy meals for kids in Grants Pass. Wildfire resilience education. Expanded services to people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. These are just a few of the projects and programs in Southern Oregon receiving a $545,000 boost from the 2024 Fall Cycle of Community Grants from Oregon Community Foundation. The statewide funder has distributed 26 new grants in Southern Oregon to support capacity building, small capital and new or expanding projects by nonprofits.
The announcement comes on #GivingTuesday, an international day of generosity that follows Thanksgiving.
Statewide, the new round of funding includes 248 grants for nearly $5.8 million. That brings the total awarded in Community Grants by OCF to a record $11.1 million for the year, including funding previously announced in the spring.
“Community Grants are OCF’s ‘open door’ for nonprofits working to improve the lives of people in Southern Oregon in so many ways,” says OCF Board Member and United Way of Jackson County CEO and Executive Director Dee Anne Everson.
“Sometimes that’s wildfire resilience programs or a kitchen that serves kids in need. And other times, what’s needed is a vehicle that helps a program reach rural communities. The goal is to support what’s working.”
The grants are possible because of the generosity of Oregon Community Foundation donors.
Just as the new funding reaches Oregon nonprofits, OCF has opened the next round of Community Grants to be distributed in spring 2025. The deadline is Jan. 14, 2025. Find details here. The goal is to provide equitable access to flexible funding for organizations serving communities’ most pressing needs throughout Oregon.
Find the full list of fall 2024 grantees here. The list below of representative grants demonstrates the breadth of impact the funding has on nearly every aspect of life for Oregonians.
Oregon State Police investigating murder- Josephine County
On Friday, November 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police responded to stabbing on Grave Creek Road, near milepost 7, in Josephine County.
Daniel Wayne Finney (34) of Wolf Creek was located near his vehicle with multiple stab wounds. Finney was able to communicate with the reporting party prior to passing away at the scene. Investigators arrived on scene and located additional evidence of the crime before identifying Keandra Demetrius Blanding (29) of Springfield as the primary suspect.
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office requested the Oregon State Police Major Crimes Section lead the investigation. At approximately 12:00 a.m., on Saturday, November 23, detectives located Blanding’s vehicle in White City. At approximately 1:00 a.m., Blanding was arrested and lodged in the Josephine County Jail.
Blanding was arrested for Murder in the Second Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. On November 24, Blanding was indicted by a grand jury in Josephine County.
OSP was assisted by the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, State Medical Examiner, and the OSP Forensic Services Division.
Due to the on-going criminal prosecution, no further information is available for release.
Medford Police – 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗳𝘁!
Businesses interested in joining these efforts can contact Lt. Don Lane at 541-774-2292. This detail was supported by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission.
Jacksonville Kicks Off Victorian Christmas!
Jacksonville kicked off Victorian Christmas season with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony outside Jacksonville’s City Hall. The Victorian Christmas pays homage to the city’s history as a gold rush town during the mid 1800’s.
Visitors enjoyed hot drinks and snacks while waiting in anticipation for the festive lights to brighten the city.
After all the caroling and storytelling, everyone was welcomed to an evening of holiday shopping in the historic landmark town.
Other events in Jacksonville this holiday season include the annual holiday parade at 10 a.m. next Saturday and the new holiday trolley light tour. MORE INFO: https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleOregon For trolley light tour tickets visit Christmasinjacksonville.com
The 33rd annual Safeway Providence Festival of Trees Gala Dinner & Auction on Thursday – Festival taking place this weekend in Medford, and local residents and businesses have been decorating their trees to display to thousands of patrons.
The festival convenor, the Providence Community Health Foundation, has invited community members to celebrate the holiday season at the 33rd annual Safeway Providence Festival of Trees.
The Safeway Providence Festival of Trees is holding its Gala Dinner & Auction: Wednesday, Dec. 4th followed by the festival over the coming weekend when the public can view the decorated trees contributed by philanthropists sharing the spirit of Christmas.
The Festival of Trees details are:
- Festival dates: Saturday, December 7 to Sunday, December 8.
- Times: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Venue: Medford Armory, 1701 S. Pacific Highway.
- Ticket sales: Only at the door.
- Price: Adults- $8, kids aged 3 to 12- $5
- Free admission: Seniors 65 and older and kids under 2 years. On Sunday, kids 12 and under get in for free.
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the grand finale magic at the Safeway | Providence Festival of Trees. Friday, December 6 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tickets are now available: Providencefoundations.org/festival or https://oregoncc.evenue.net/events/OTREE
MORE INFO: https://foundation.providence.org/oregon/southernoregon/events/festival-of-trees
Oregon Environmentalists Take Legal Action to Stop BLM Removing Timber from Forest Near Grants Pass
Josephine County forest, Oregon | Credit: NRCS Oregon
A lawsuit to stop the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from increasing fire hazards with the removal of timber from an old-growth forest north of Grants Pass was lodged on Tuesday by environmentalists in the Medford District Court.
Also at threat is the Last Chance project to protect the threatened northern spotted owl, according to the lawsuit lodged by Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center, Cascadia Wildlands, and Oregon Wild.
The environmentalists express alarm at the impact of forest treatments on thousands of acres critical to spotted owl habitats.
The plaintiffs claim that BLM acted ‘arbitrarily, capriciously and contrary to the federal Land Policy and Management Act’ when it authorized a timber sale on BLM-administered lands in Douglas, Jackson, and Josephine counties.
The timber sale will auction about 8,500 acres of forestland that environmentalists say will hurt efforts to increase forest resiliency.
In its report, the BLM says the commercial harvests will reduce the spread of wildfires through tree canopies and encourage the growth of larger and more fire-resistant trees.
BLM says provision has been made to retain large forest areas in northern spotted owl territory, and that the proposed commercial logging is intended to promote the ‘development of prime owl habitat.’
However, BLM does acknowledge that the project will delay the growth of forestland in northern spotted owl territory by up to two decades but insists that ‘active management…is the best way …to develop high-quality habitat.’
KS Wild spokesperson George Sexton says a table in the BLM environmental assessment report shows that nearly 2,000 acres of the forest will be subjected to hydrological effects – a term used to describe areas where water behaves in the same way it does on land devoid of trees.
Sexton says the reason why environmentalists decided to lodge the legal challenge is to stop BLM ‘from logging practices that remove old growth trees and increase fire hazard.’ Secondly, the lawsuit aims to persuade the BLM to join stakeholders ‘who are trying to increase forest resiliency and decrease fire hazard.’ (SOURCE)
𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀! The contest closes on December 8, so don’t wait to get started!
Grants Pass “Buy-A-Brick” Plaques On Sale For Owl Parking Plaza
Grants Pass 2024 Water Report Photo Contest
Sheriff’s Office issues advisory about motorhome and possible link to missing Prospect woman Deenah Padgett
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is asking for help identifying the owner a motorhome. It could be associated with a missing person from the Prospect area.
JCSO says 68-year-old Deenah Padgett has been missing since August 30 from Prospect, described as a white woman, 4’ 8” tall, weighing approximately 95 pounds with brownish red/greying hair.
JCSO issued an advisory this weekend asking anyone with information about the owner of the pictured motor home or Padgett’s whereabouts to call Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) dispatch non-emergency phone number at 541-776-7206.
. We are still FULL! We asked for more help, and Shelter Friends has agreed to continue generously sponsoring dog adoptions through November 27th! That means there is no fee to adopt a dog. We want to give as many dogs the opportunity to find Homes for the Holidays!
Please help spread the word
Child Sexual Predator Eluded Capture in Idaho, Has Ties to Southern Oregon, He May Be Dressed as a Woman
– A fugitive with ties to the southern Oregon region is on-the-run after eluding capture Tuesday, October 22 in Idaho. Christian Bert Fischer, 42, is wanted in Florida for Traveling to Meet a Minor After Use of a Computer to Lure a Child.
Fischer is a white male, 5’10”, 200 lbs., has blonde hair and blue-colored eyes. He is also known to dress like a woman. Before heading to Idaho, Fischer was in the Portland area. This June and July, he was in Ashland, Lake of the Woods, and Wolf Creek.
U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) task forces throughout the country have joined the search, including the local Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF). If you have any information on Fischer’s whereabouts, contact the local USMS office at (541) 776-4277, the USMS Communication Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.
PNVOTF includes personnel from the U.S. Marshals, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Central Point Police Department. The task force specializes in locating and arresting fugitives wanted for offenses including, but not limited to, murder, assault, sex crimes, failure to register as a sex offender, firearm violations, and probation violations.
Did you get help from FEMA, insurance, or others after the 2020 Almeda and South Obenchain Fires?
https://firebrandcollective.org/harp/
Many pets have benefited from the community’s generosity, and we can’t thank you enough for your kindness.Hearts with a Mission, a program to help local seniors who need assistance, is seeking volunteers.
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 Ranks First In The Nation For Rate Of Homeless Families
Among the grim statisticsin a recent housing report released by the state, one stuck out: Oregon ranks first in the nation for homelessness among families with children.
Why it matters: While the statistics are striking, homeless advocates say they are likely a vast underestimate of a problem that can be difficult to quantify.
By the numbers: Oregon’s rate of homelessness among children is 19.9 for every 10,000 kids, according to the report, which relied on point-in-time survey data, a census count conducted on one night.
- The second-ranked state, Hawaii, had a rate less than half that of Oregon, with 7.2 of every 10,000 kids experiencing homelessness.
- The national average was just 1.4.
Yes, but: Brandi Tuck, executive director of the nonprofit Path Home, has been working with homeless families for nearly two decades and says those numbers are likely deceptive undercounts.
- Homeless families are what Tuck called the “invisible homeless,” often hiding their status to protect their children, avoid the stigma of homelessness and maintain employment.
Friction point: Tuck noted that the 2023 point-in-time survey found 6,300 people experiencing homelessness in Multnomah County.
- But statistics from the Department of Education show nearly 3,500 students in the county experiencing homelessness.
- Imagining that each of those students has at least one parent — and possibly younger siblings not yet in school — shows the gravity of the undercount, Tuck said.
State of play: Scott Kerman, executive director of the Old Town nonprofit Blanchet House, said single mothers — who are often fleeing domestic violence or other trauma — face special challenges because the city has no women-only emergency shelters that offer day-of accommodations.
- “When a family shows up and says we have no place to sleep, it’s devastating to not have answers for them because the answers don’t exist,” Kerman told Axios.
Threat level: Tuck said the trauma of being homeless for children has lasting development and health impacts that could lead to housing insecurity later in their own lives.
- “They’re the pipeline of inflow into the homeless system for decades to come,” Tuck said.
What they’re saying: Roxy Mayer, a spokeswoman for Gov. Tina Kotek, told OPB the report “describes a stark reality.”
- “After decades of underbuilding, Oregonians face a housing affordability crisis that worsens homelessness and financially burdens too many Oregon families,” Mayer said.
The big picture: Tuck said the top priority should be to get as many families off the streets and into housing as soon as possible, but these families need services — case workers, rent assistance and child care — to maintain stability.
- “You can’t just put people in housing and expect them to be resilient or figure it out themselves,” Tuck said. “People need support.”
- Julia Comnes, a spokeswoman for Multnomah County, said the county funds a number of programs specifically aimed at preventing family homelessness, including eviction prevention, family shelters with private rooms and permanent supportive housing programs.
- (SOURCE)
Oregon approves largest solar + storage project in the US – The 1.2-GW Sunstone Solar project will start construction in 2026
The United States’ largest proposed solar project, Sunstone Solar, received its final discretionary approval from the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC). The approval was the final step in the state’s evaluation and public engagement process and authorizes project owner Pine Gate Renewables to proceed with constructing the 1.2 GW solar and 1.2 GW storage project.
“Oregon’s energy facility permitting process is one of the most rigorous in the entire country,” said Ben Catt, Chief Executive Officer of Pine Gate Renewables. “The recent unanimous permit approval is a testament to the way our team worked with stakeholders to provide a win-win for Oregon and the Morrow County community.”
Pine Gate worked extensively with Morrow County and agricultural organizations to create a program that aims to offset the project’s impact on the local agricultural economy. The first-of-its-kind initiative will invest over $1,000 per project acre into a county-managed fund for programs that support the local agricultural economy and improve the long-term viability and resilience of Morrow County’s wheat farms.
“The fight against the climate crisis depends on a variety of successful energy solutions like Pine Gate Renewables’ solar power and energy storage project in Eastern Oregon,” said Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR). “This is just another example of the important federal investments I fought for in the Inflation Reduction Act, and I will continue to advocate for tech-neutral solutions in our tax code that promote innovation and efficiency in Oregon and across the nation.”
Pine Gate is in discussions with customers and local utilities to purchase the electricity and environmental attributes of the energy produced by the project which will interconnect to the Bonneville Power Administration via the Umatilla Electric Cooperative system. The project will begin the engineering and procurement process in early 2025 ahead of phased construction starting in 2026.
“As a lifelong resident of Morrow County, I’m excited for Sunstone Solar to move forward so the local community can benefit from the economic opportunities that the project will bring,” said Ken Grieb, a wheat farmer and landowner in the project. “Pine Gate has demonstrated how large energy facility development can be done thoughtfully and collaboratively.”
Pine Gate owns and operates 17 other solar projects in Oregon. The company acquired the Sunstone Solar project from Gallatin Power Partners in 2022. (SOURCE)
Oregon Ecosystem Efforts Get $10M Federal Funding
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) America the Beautiful Challenge has awarded $10,105,326 in federal funding to support four projects that enhance Oregon’s ecosystem conservation and restoration efforts.
Oregon’s US Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced that the funding, part of a larger $122.4 million NFWF America the Beautiful Challenge initiative, will support 61 new conservation and restoration projects nationwide.
The initiative advances President Biden’s ongoing commitment to conserving American lands and waters by supporting locally led community conservation and restoration projects.
The goals of the NFWF projects are to plant trees, restore wetland habitats, improve wildfire resilience, and open streams for fish passage.
61 grants were announced across 42 states, three US territories, and 19 Tribal and Native Nations, and at least $8.7 million in matching contributions will generate, bringing the initiative’s impact on conservation to $131.2 million.
In Oregon, the funding was allocated to:
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: $4.5 million to create a network of oak and prairie habitat in the Willamette River Basin, incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge and improving access for Tribal members to culturally significant areas.
- Crook County Soil and Water Conservation District: $3.5 million to enhance sagebrush ecosystems. The project will benefit desert species like sage-grouse and pronghorn over 13,000 acres, apply herbicide to 7,000 acres of invasive annual grasses, and develop a local native seed supply inventory on over 100,000 acres. The project aims to improve grazing management while reducing the impact on wildlife.
- McKenzie Watershed Alliance: $1.5 million to restore 335 acres of floodplain and wetland habitat on the South Fork McKenzie River, creating a high-quality habitat for at-risk species.
- Heart of Oregon Corps: $605,326 to enhance watershed health and reduce wildfire risk in the Deschutes Basin. The Corps works with conservation projects of local youth crews.
Oregon Ecosystem Projects
The key role of community commitment in conservation efforts was highlighted by Wyden. Merkley, a key role-player in securing the funding, confirmed that the ecosystems, waterways, and wildlife are the lifeblood of the Pacific Northwest.
He said, “We need to do everything we can to protect them as climate chaos threatens permanent habitat loss.”
Wyden also noted that groups and communities across Oregon have stepped up collaborative efforts to strengthen US lands and waters. He said, “I am excited to see how they will use these investments to ensure healthier, more resilient natural resources for generations to come.”
References – https://www.nfwf.org/programs/america…
Court Documents Show Police Investigating Coos County Boy Found Dead As a Murder
Court documents show police are investigating the case of a missing Coos County boy who was found dead in the woods as a potential murder.
Five year old Joshua James McCoy was found deceased on Tuesday, November 12th about two miles from his home on Stage Road in Hauser. He was found naked in the woods.
Joshua, who was autistic and non-verbal, had been reported missing three days earlier. Court documents indicate Joshua’s mother, Angela German called her friend who lives in Utah and told her that Joshua was missing. Documents also say German told her friend instead of police because of past “bad experience with law enforcement.”
A search warrant was served to search German’s home less than a week after Joshua was found dead and her car was seized for forensic testing. The search warrant affidavit says German took ketamine and barbiturates to help her sleep.
Court records show that during an interview with police, German said she and Joshua laid down for a nap around 1:30 p.m. and when she awoke around 3 p.m. she discovered he was not in the house. However later during that same interview, she said they fell asleep around 10 a.m. and she woke up at 1 p.m. Documents also say that during that interview she “also made comments about Joshua being naked and dead in the woods.”
The affidavit says Joshua was found less than two miles from his home, he was approximately 20 feet off the roadway. He was naked with no scratches or marks on his legs or feet. He was not muddy anywhere except for some dirt on his hands. Documents say the medical examiner examined Joshua where he was found and said his body had “no signs of trauma, no petechia, and no scratches or cuts that would be consistent with Joshua walking through the briars or blackberry bushes.”
Tire impressions were also found in the mud near where Joshua was located. German’s car was found to have muddy tires.
Deputy Lee with the Coos County Sheriff’s Office says a search warrant will always be requested when a death is involved. “It’s not necessarily because there’s crime afoot, but it’s just to ensure that if there is, everything is done the right way,” Lee said.
German’s friend told detectives German and Joshua used to live with her in Utah, but were asked to leave because of German’s treatment of her son. It was just two weeks after leaving Utah that Joshua went missing.
Court documents say the Department of Human Services in Oregon has been investigating German’s alleged alcohol use, along with alleged mistreatment and neglect of her son for several months. Oregon DHS had even recently issued a pick up order. Documentation also show the Utah Department of Human Services was investigating German.
Lee could not confirm or deny that German was being investigated for murder. However the search warrant affidavit says there is probable cause to believe that Angela German is involved in the crimes of Murder II.
Oregon Gov. Kotek’s $39.3 billion proposed budget has more for housing, homelessness, schools
Lawmakers will use Kotek’s budget as a starting point for crafting the next two-year budget
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek wants the state to spend more than $2 billion on homelessness and housing and send a record $11.4 billion to public schools as part of a budget focused on maintaining existing programs with little cash to spare for new initiatives.
Her total spending plan, including federal funding that the state doesn’t have much control over, is $137.7 billion for the two-year period from July 2025 to June 2027. Her proposed general fund and lottery funds budget, where Kotek and lawmakers have more discretion, is $39.3 billion. Infobox: Read Gov. Kotek’s budget highlights and full 476-page recommended budget.
That’s a sharp increase from the $33.5 billion general fund and lottery funds budget lawmakers approved in 2023, but it doesn’t reflect much new spending. Instead, the state is grappling with the same budgetary pressures as many Oregonians: Revenue is higher, but so are costs.
“People understand this from their own household budgets,” Kotek said at a press conference in Astoria last week. “While our economy is strong and wages are up, and people, if you just look at the numbers, are making more, their expenses are up. And in the case of the state, our expenses for health and human services have really grown, so the expenditure line is outpacing the money coming in the door.”
Initial reactions to her recommended budget were mixed, with some advocacy groups saying it didn’t go far enough and Republicans criticizing it as squandering money.
Her recommended budget doesn’t include layoffs or cuts to services, but it also has few new programs. When state agencies crafted their budget requests, Kotek limited them to a 1% increase over 2025-27 levels. She also asked them to prepare lists of where they could cut by 10% by focusing on core services and making sure to maximize federal funding.
“It was a hard exercise for some folks,” Kotek said. “But I believed, and do believe, that Oregonians, in this moment, would be better served by committing time and energy to practical considerations rather than well-meaning hypothetical wish lists. Developing my budget was an effort grounded in the reality of our state and our resources.” READ MORE: https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/12/02/oregon-gov-koteks-39-3-billion-proposed-budget-has-more-for-housing-homelessness-schools/
Recall at Albertsons and Safeway
Some store-made deli and produce items at Albertsons and Safeway stores are being recalled due to potential salmonella contamination. The items included contain recalled bulk cucumber supplied by Baloian Farms of Arizona.
Following this recall initiated by Baloian Farms, Albertsons is voluntarily recalling select deli and produce items that contain bulk cucumber. The following is a list of recalled items at Albertsons and Safeway locations in Oregon and southern Washington. All items are store brand, most have sell-through dates between December 2 and December 5:
o Ecomm tray vegetable & dip
o Tray vegetable & hummus 16 inch
o Ecomm tray vegetable & hummus
o Tray vegetable & hummus 18 inch
o Vegetable & dip tray 16 inch
o Vegetable &; dip tray 18 inch
o Tray vegetable 16 inch
o Tray vegetable 18 inch
o Ecomm tray vegetable
o Cucumbers sliced 7 ounces
o Cucumbers sliced 14 ounces
o Premium vegetable tray (sell-through dates between December 4 and December 7).
Consumers who have purchased these items, should throw them out or return them to their local store for a refund. Questions can be directed to Albertsons Companies customer service at 1-877-723-3929. Salmonella can cause serious, sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms can include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Additional items have been recalled at Albertsons and Safeway stores in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Three Subjects Arrested on Child Luring Charges in November
Lincoln City Police
During the month of November 2024, Lincoln City Police Officers conducted several counter-child-luring operations on social media and developed probable cause to arrest three separate adults. These operations are used to investigate adults who inappropriately communicate with children.
In each of these cases, Officers posed as juveniles online and were contacted by the suspect who offered or agreed to meet with the fictitious juvenile for a sexual encounter. As of today, all three cases have been brought before a Lincoln County Grand Jury, who agreed there was sufficient evidence to support the arrest and prosecution. LCPD was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Toledo Police Department, and Dallas Police Department during these investigations.
Nicolas Mckenna, age 34, of Otis, Oregon was arrested in Lincoln City on November 12, 2024. His charges include Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child 1st Degree. His bail was set at $1,000,000.
Joseph Thomas, age 41, of Toledo, Oregon was arrested in Toledo on November 16, 2024. His charges include Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child 2nd Degree. His bail was set at $250,000.
Danny Hicks, age 58, of Dallas, Oregon was arrested in Dallas on November 29, 2024. His charges include 3 counts of Luring a Minor, 2 counts of Online Sexual Corruption of a Child 2nd Degree, and Purchasing Sex with a Minor. His bail was set at $1,000,000.
LCPD wants to encourage parents to monitor their children’s social media activity and discuss with them the possible dangers of communicating with strangers online. These investigations are conducted in an effort to reduce criminal activity and to further enhance the safety of our community.
Oregon State Parks Offering Discounted Parking Passes – Give the gift of the outdoors and save this season with the Oregon State Parks 12-month parking permit sale during December.
Shoppers can buy the annual parking permits for only $25 (regularly $30) from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31. The permit is good for 12 months starting in the month of purchase at the 25 parks that currently charge for parking.
The annual permit is an even better option for frequent park visitors in 2025 when day-use parking fees will increase from $5 to $10 on Jan. 2, 2025.
Purchasing permits is easy. Visitors can buy them online at Oregon State Parks store. They’re also available at select park stores operated by friends’ groups, park visitor centers and local businesses throughout the state. For a complete list, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.
The daily parking fee is required at the 25 parks that charge for day-use parking unless visitors have a 12-month or 24-month parking permit or a same-day camping receipt. The parking fee does not apply to those who hike, bike or use public transportation.
The 24-month permit is $50 and is also available at OregonStateParkStore. The cost for the 12-month and 24-month permits is not currently increasing. The permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle.
Oregon State Police announces winning entry in the “Name Our K-9” Contest
YouTube Video Link: Name Our K-9: Violet and Millie
Oregon State Sr. Trooper Scott Show needed an official name for his new drug-detection K-9. He had the idea to let Oregon elementary school students name the two-year-old female Belgian Malinois. On Oct. 17, 2024, OSP launched the “Name Our K-9” contest. At the time, no one knew we would end up with a very special name for one family.
After almost 800 entries and a week of online voting, the winning entry of “Millie” was selected. Receiving almost half the votes cast, the winning entry was submitted by five-year-old Violet of Winston in honor of her twin sister Millie, who unexpectedly passed away earlier this year.
Kylee Stewart, Violet and Millie’s mother, said, “Millie and Violet were inseparable. Although they were complete opposites, they shared a love of animals. When we came across the “Name Our K-9” contest, Violet knew she wanted to enter her sister’s name.”
“Nobody planned for there to be this much meaning behind naming the K-9,” said Sr. Trooper Show. “To have our dog end up with a name that’s got some significance and is meaningful to this family is really wonderful.”
K-9 Millie is certified through the Oregon Police Canine Association as a drug-detection dog. She and Sr. Trooper Show are assigned to the Albany Patrol Office for drug interdiction along Interstate 5 and throughout the state. As an ongoing tribute, OSP will recognize K-9 Millie’s drug seizures, when possible, with a special nod to the little girl who inspired her name.
“On behalf of myself and the entire Oregon State Police family, it is an honor to be part of this special memorial to Millie Melton,” said Superintendent Casey Codding. In recognition for winning the naming contest, Violet received a letter and certificate from Superintendent Codding and an OSP uniform patch. She also received a Belgian Malinois plushie personalized with the OSP logo and the name “Millie” generously donated by Hero Industries.
OSP is continuing to recognize the contest finalists with presentations to students across the state. We send a heartfelt thank you to the 778 students who submitted entries in the “Name Our K-9” contest. “K-9 teams play an important role in keeping our communities safe and it was exciting to have so many students participate in the contest in such an engaging and meaningful way,” said Superintendent Codding.
Contest finalists:
- “True” submitted by Michael B. from Creswell Christian Academy in Creswell.
- “Showtime” submitted by KariAnn G. from Eastwood Elementary in Roseburg.
- “Pearl” submitted by Bailey P. from Jefferson Elementary in Medford.
- “Mable” submitted by Mrs. Moles’s second-grade class from Prairie City Elementary in Prairie City.
- The school with the most entries: Hillcrest Elementary in North Bend.
About the Oregon State Police
The Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that protects Oregon’s people, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Ways to get and give help this holiday season
‘Tis the season for connection and caring for one another. But we also know this time of year can be challenging for many families. So whether you need a little extra support, or are looking for ways to give back to your community, we’ve got some suggestions to make the holiday season special.
Ways to get holiday help:
1. Visit the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) holiday resources webpage
Our 2024 holiday resources webpage has a list of local organizations that can provide hot meals, toys, winter clothes and more for families and individuals this holiday season. The page is available in English and Spanish, and you can sort the list by county to find resources in your area.
2. Connect with 211info
Not seeing anything near you on our list? Dial 2-1-1 to connect with someone who can guide you to the support you need. You can also visit 211info.org, enter your zip code, and search for “Holiday Gifts/Toys,” “Christmas Baskets,” or “Christmas Meals.”
3. Reach out to your local ODHS office
We’re here to help! Our local office staff often know about upcoming events and resources in your community. We can also help you learn more about services that be accessed year-round, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Oregon Health Plan (OHP), and more.
Ways to give holiday help:
1. Donate to ODHS or a community organization
ODHS partners with many community organizations that collect donations, like food, clothes, and toys, that support children in foster care, older adults, families in need, and more. For 2024, we’ve compiled a list with some of the ways you can donate to help the families ODHS serves. Don’t see anything on the list in your area? Contact your local ODHS office for more suggestions. You can also make a financial contribution to ODHS and specify how you want it to be used by emailing dhs.volunteerservices@odhs.oregon.gov.
2. Volunteer
Your time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. At ODHS, we have several temporary volunteer opportunities this holiday season for things like wrapping donations, delivering gifts, and helping at holiday parties for children in ODHS care. Email dhs.volunteerservices@odhs.oregon.gov to learn about holiday openings or to get involved longer-term. If that’s not for you, we also recommend reaching out to local nonprofits or community centers with missions you believe in to see how you can help.
3. Build community connections
Sometimes, the best way to give back is by simply showing up. Attend local events, check in on your neighbors, and spread the word about the ways to get help that we listed above. A little kindness and connection can go a long way!
Oregon Lottery Transfers $947 Million Back to State
– The Oregon Lottery will return more than $947 million to the state for the 2024 fiscal year – a $48 million increase from the previous year. Lottery generated $940 million in profit and reduced reserves nearly $8 million, enabling the higher return.
Unclaimed prizes for the year totaled $8 million and will also go back to the state. The funding directly benefits state parks and natural habitats, public schools, veteran services, outdoor school, and economic development. Oregon Lottery is self-funded through the sale of games, not tax dollars, and voters and the Legislature designate where the money goes.
“Oregonians help support the state programs they care about by playing our games,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We continue to celebrate the wins of our players, the retailers who sell our games, and the public programs lifted up by these funds in our communities.”
Lucky lottery players earned payouts totaling nearly $16 billion for the year. Including a record-breaking $1.3 billion Powerball win in the spring, 13 players took home prizes worth $1 million or more. Prizes big and small account for about 92% of the Lottery dollars played.
Sales commissions on Lottery games also support retailers, many of whom are small business owners. The 3,800 Lottery retailers across Oregon collectively earned close to $310 million in commissions this year.
Since 2016, Oregon Lottery has maintained the highest level of accreditation for responsible gambling from both the National Association of State and Provincial Lotteries/National Council on Problem Gambling and the World Lottery Association’s (WLA) Responsible Gambling programs. Oregon is one of only eight lotteries in the U.S. to reach this level by the WLA.
The Lottery’s financial year runs from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. A final audited report is posted to Oregon Lottery’s website under “Proceeds and Financials.”
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $15.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.
Holiday Express Steams Up – Rides run every Friday – Sunday through Jan. 4.
The countdown is on! The first day of the highly anticipated Holiday Express is almost here, and it’s your chance to ride a train pulled by a historic steam locomotive—an unforgettable experience like no other.
Santa’s nearly ready—list checked, elves prepped, lights sparkling, and candy canes in hand. The only thing missing is YOU!
Get your tickets now for this beloved annual tradition. Create lasting memories with friends and family aboard the Holiday Express. Rides begin Nov. 29 and run every Friday – Sunday through Jan. 4.
Special Offer: Get 10% off select rides from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8! But don’t wait, tickets are selling fast.
Be part of the magic this holiday season. Reserve your seat today! Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Media contest invites Oregon high school students to promote young worker safety; entries due Feb. 21, 2025
Salem – High school students across Oregon are encouraged to put their video or graphic design skills on display by competing for cash prizes as part of a larger cause: increasing awareness about workplace safety and health for young workers.
The 2025 media contest, organized by the Oregon Young Employee Safety (O[yes]) Coalition, calls on participants to create an ad – through a compelling graphic design or video – that grabs their peers’ attention and convinces them to take the Young Employee Safety Awareness online training.
Participants get to choose the key message, theme, or tagline they believe will go furthest in capturing their audience and moving it to act. The target audience? Teen workers or teens who are preparing to work for the first time. The contest is now open for submissions. To compete, participants may submit either a graphic design or a video that is no more than 90 seconds in length.
Participants are expected to choose their key message, theme, or tagline in a wise and positive manner, including constructive and effective messages and language.
The top three entries in each of the two media categories will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500. In each category, the first-place winner’s school, club, or organization will receive a matching award. Moreover, O[yes] will use the best of the submissions as ads in its ongoing efforts to improve on-the-job safety and health protections for teens.
While they carry out their projects, participants must ensure the health and safety of their team. No one should be endangered while creating their video or graphic design project.
The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.
Participants are encouraged to submit entries online. Submissions may also be mailed on a USB thumb drive or delivered in person.
For more information about the entry form and rules, contest expectations, and resources – including previous contest winners – visit the O[yes] online contest page.
The contest sponsors are local Oregon chapters of the American Society of Safety Professionals, Construction Safety Summit, Central Oregon Safety & Health Association, Hoffman Construction Company, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon OSHA, SafeBuild Alliance, SAIF Corporation, and the Oregon Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) Alliance.
### About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
About the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition (O[yes]): (O[yes]) is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing young worker injuries and fatalities. O[yes] members include safety and health professionals, educators, employers, labor and trade associations, and regulators. Visit youngemployeesafety.org.
Lend Your Voice to Shape the Future of Emergency Management in Oregon!
SALEM, OR – November 19, 2024 – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) invites all Oregonians to participate in shaping the future of emergency management across the state. On February 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., OEM is hosting its second annual town hall where community members and partners from all backgrounds can provide input and feedback on the agency’s 2023–2025 Strategic Plan and the OEM Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) plan.
The Strategic Plan serves as a blueprint for OEM’s commitment to delivering excellent customer service and building resilience within Oregon’s communities. The IDEA plan guides emergency management practices that address the needs of all communities, fostering equitable outcomes and inclusive resilience statewide. Feedback from this town hall will help guide OEM’s efforts to improve emergency preparedness, response and recovery in ways that serve every community across the state—before, during and after a disaster.
The town hall is open to everyone, and no prior emergency management experience is required. Closed captioning will be available, and a video and audio transcript of the event will be accessible upon request after the event.
Event Details:
Event: Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s second annual strategic planning and IDEA town hall
Date: February 11, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Meeting will be virtual; link will be sent as event nears.
Your feedback is critical in helping OEM serve Oregon’s diverse communities better and to foster an inclusive approach to emergency preparedness and resilience. We look forward to hearing from you at this important event.
For more information or questions, please contact Bobbi McAllister at obbi.mcallister@oem.oregon.gov“>bobbi.mcallister@oem.oregon.gov.
Tips To Purchase a Permit to Cut Your Christmas Tree From an Oregon National Forest
The holiday season is upon us, which means the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree is on. For those looking to bring home a real tree, permits are available now for all Oregon national forests.
Christmas tree permits are available for purchase online at recreation.gov (with an added $2.50 processing fee charged by the website) and at local U.S. Forest Service offices or from local vendors.
Permits are $5 each, and each permit allows the cutting of one Christmas tree. Households can purchase a maximum of five permits.
For downloadable maps of tree-cutting areas and a list of local vendors selling tree permits, go to bit.ly/WNFtree .
Fourth-grade students can receive a free tree permit by getting their Every Kid Outdoors pass and entering the voucher or pass number when prompted on Recreation.gov or by visiting a Forest Service office.
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