The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com

Friday,  December 13, 2024

Rogue Valley Weather

APD Case #24-2457  —  Ashland, Ore. – A woman remains hospitalized and a man in jail following a shooting last night in the 40-Block of Alida Street.

Ashland Oregon Police Department

APD is partnering with Ashland High School to help collect winter clothing and canned food donations for the AHS Winter Clothing and Food Drive.

Goodwill Opens New Ashland Store

Goodwill’s new location doubles retail space and adds a Job Connection Center, which helps people develop their work skills

The store opened Thursday at 777 E. Jefferson Ave., less than a mile from the old store on Tolman Creek Road. The old store is now closed.

This doubles the previous store’s sales space and includes a Job Connection, a center that helps people in the community develop and upgrade their work skills. Previously, the Ashland Goodwill store sent people to the Job Connection in Medford some of their training. Having a center in-house will allow the Ashland store offer more internships.

The new Job Connection includes a learning lab and computers, plus trainers to help people enter or move up in the workforce.

The Grants Pass City Council approved a grant to fund the establishment of a low barrier homeless shelter in the city.

The shelter will be located at 10 and 220 Redwood Highway, where the Mobile Integrative Navigation Team (MINT) currently operates. MINT will manage the shelter once it is operational.

Once fully functioning, the shelter is planned to accommodate up to 100 people, with an initial capacity of 50 individuals within the next six months. The city will purchase the buildings at an appraisal price of up to $200,000 each, and MINT will be required to operate the shelter for a minimum of ten years.

While the plan has generated some discussion, including concerns about the timeline, location, and condition of the buildings, it is seen as a step toward addressing homelessness in the city. The shelter will offer a low-barrier model, meaning it will be accessible to a broader range of individuals, and is expected to provide necessary resources to those in need.

The shelter is expected to help reduce homelessness in public spaces and offer vital support services.

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.

Josephine Community Library District   

Visit Grants Pass and Williams every Tuesday or Wolf Creek every second Friday from 3–4 pm for K9 Reading Buddies. During this program, trained therapy dogs provide a non-intimidating environment for children to learn to read out loud. Young readers have the opportunity to explore language and books during this special storytime. josephinelibrary.org/youth-and-family/children/storytime

Pollinator Project Rogue Valley –  Hey, we are a quarter of the way to our 2024 Match!

Thank you to everyone who has generously Stepped Up for Pollinators this year! We can’t wait to color in ALL the bars for our $10,000 Match goal!

Please share with friends and neighbors to help us reach the Butterfly!

Marine Board Seeks Written Public Comments on Proposed Upper Rogue River Rules

– 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.

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/

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

 

Pilots Report Mysterious Lights ‘Moving at Extreme Speeds’ Across Oregon Skies

At least four commercial pilots encountered mysterious lights over the weekend. Researchers theorize they could be flares from numerous Starlink satellites.

At least four commercial pilots encountered mysterious lights zipping through the skies above Oregon this past weekend.

One pilot flying an air ambulance reported a bright light streaking toward his Life Flight plane, with it suddenly reversing back toward the Pacific Ocean.

“Red in color — moving at extreme speeds. I don’t even know how to describe how fast it was moving,” the pilot told air traffic control.

On Sunday night, Dec. 8, the pilot of a United Airlines flight described unexpected lights in the sky above the Eugene area.

“We’re seeing three or four targets. They’re all altitudes. Up and down. It’s pretty crazy,” the pilot told air traffic controllers, who confirmed there was no military activity in the area.

The Life Flight pilot reported one of the lights was going in circles in a “corkscrew pattern” and showed up on his aircraft’s collision avoidance system.

“You are cleared to maneuver as necessary — a left or right to avoid the UFO out there,” an air traffic controller responded in the audio clip posted online.

Several brief video clips taken by pilots and their crew showed lights in the night sky, although objects are difficult to see because of the dark conditions.

“It’s weird. It’s red, circular shape, and it keeps zipping out towards the ocean and then coming back about 20 miles or closer to us — then it zips back to the ocean,” the Life Flight pilot told air traffic controllers on Sunday night.

Two Horizon Airlines pilots also reported seeing mysterious lights, according to an air traffic controller.

The flights each continued without further incident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acknowledged that a pilot saw unidentified lights but did not provide further comment.

So, what could it be?

“That appears to be Starlink satellites, most likely,” explained scientist and researcher Douglas Buettner, who led a study examining a case of five pilots who saw several bright moving objects over the Pacific Ocean in 2022.

The pilots, flying in two commercial aircraft, took photos and video of unrecognizable objects reported as unidentified aerial phenomena. Buettner and his colleagues determined the bright lights were flare from numerous Starlink satellites, launched by SpaceX to provide broadband internet.

“Literally all it is — it’s the sun hits the satellite just right, and it is being reflected back into your eye,” explained Buettner, deputy chief scientist of the Acquisition Innovation Research Center, led by the Stevens Institute of Technology.

He believes the eye-catching lights spotted by pilots over Oregon were most likely satellite flares — although without better data and clear video, he hasn’t ruled out other possibilities.

“I’ve had two other people look at it, and they say it is consistent with Starlink,” Buettner explained.

In August 2022, people in Oregon witnessed a string of Starlink satellites moving dramatically across the night sky.

Last month, the Pentagon director overseeing unidentified anomalous phenomena told lawmakers the Defense Department has seen an increase in reported UAP sightings, especially since satellite constellations such as Starlink were launched.

“We do have one example that I’m aware of where we were able to correlate a number of observations of interesting lights in the sky, and eventually, we concluded that it was multiple people observing Starlink flares,” Jon Kosloski testified at a Senate hearing. (SOURCE)

Stanley recalls 2.6 million mugs: See the full list of affected products

The recalled double-walled mugs were sold at a number of retailers nationwide including Amazon, Walmart and Target from June 2016 through December 2024.

Around 2.6 million Stanley travel mugs have been recalled in the U.S. after reports of burns caused by faulty lids.

The recall was issued Thursday for all Stanley Switchback and Trigger Action stainless steel travel mugs sold in the U.S. It includes all 12, 16 and 20 oz. versions of the mugs.

According to federal regulators, the threads on the screw-on cap the mugs use can shrink when exposed to heat and torque (like when somebody screws or unscrews the lid), causing the lid to detach.

Stanley reported 91 incidents involving the issue worldwide, including 16 in America. The company said 38 of those incidents caused burns, with 11 being serious enough to require medical attention.

The double-walled mugs come from the brand that went viral on social media, causing a buying frenzy earlier this year.

How to tell if your Stanley mug is included in the recall

All mugs included in the recall will have the Stanley logo on the front and bottom of the mug.

Switchback mugs will have one of the following product ID numbers on the bottom:

12 ounces

• 20-01437

16 ounces

• 20-01436
• 20-02211

Trigger Action mugs will have one of the following product ID numbers on the bottom:

12 ounces

• 20-02033
• 20-02779
• 20-02825

16 ounces

• 20-02030
• 20-02745
• 20-02957

20 ounces

• 20-02034
• 20-02746

You should stop using the mug immediately, and contact Stanley to get a free replacement lid shipped to you. The company can be reached by phone at 866-792-5445 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday, or online here.  Affected customers can also go to www.stanley1913.com and click on the corresponding link to submit a claim for a replacement lid.

The Stanley mugs involved in the recall were widely available on the internet through Amazon and other online stores, and were on shelves at Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Target and other stores nationwide. Their prices ranged between $20 and $50, depending on the model. https://www.Stanley1913TMrecall.expertinquiry.com

Data Center Energy Demands Could Trigger Blackouts

A panel of authorities on the data center industry told Northwest energy planners Wednesday that the tech sector will take all the electricity it can get its hands on, warning of severe consequences.

A panel of authorities on the data center industry told Northwest energy planners Wednesday that the tech sector will take all the electricity it can get its hands on, warning of severe consequences if the region doesn’t respond in time.

“We’re going to need to build more transmission faster than any time we have in the last 70 years as a region,” said Robert Cromwell, who consults with Northwest power utilities. He said the region is already flirting with rolling blackouts because peak energy demand is already near the region’s capacity to provide electricity.

Data center demand is soaring because of artificial intelligence, which uses massive amounts of electricity for advanced computation. These powerful machines already consume more than 10% of all of Oregon’s power and forecasters say data center power use will be at least double that by 2030 — and perhaps some multiple higher.

If the Northwest fails to add enough generation and transmission to meet the growing energy needs, Cromwell said periodic blackouts are inevitable at times power demand is at its greatest. He used an industry term, “rotating load shedding,” to describe rolling blackouts, which briefly cut off power to homes, businesses and even hospitals that need electricity to provide life-saving care.

“Nothing will change policy faster than elected officials going to constituent funerals, and it won’t be for the better because it’ll be reactionary and less than fully thought through,” Cromwell told Wednesday’s meeting of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.

Oregon has one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing data center industries, owing in large part to some of the most generous tax breaks anywhere in the world. Data centers don’t employ many people, but the wealthy tech companies that run them enjoy Oregon tax giveaways worth more than $225 million annually. (READ MORE)

Albertsons gives up on Kroger merger and sues the grocery chain for failing to secure deal

Kroger and Albertsons in 2022 proposed what would be the largest grocery store merger in U.S. history.

Albertsons is giving up on its merger with Kroger a day after it was rejected in two courts and it is suing the grocery chain, saying it didn’t do enough to secure regulatory approval for the $24.6 billion agreement.

The move came the day after two judges halted the merger in separate court cases. U.S. District Court Judge Adrienne Nelson issued a preliminary injunction blocking the merger Tuesday after holding a three-week hearing in Portland, Oregon. An hour later, Judge Marshall Ferguson in Seattle issued a permanent injunction barring the merger in Washington after concluding it would lessen competition in the state and violate consumer-protection laws.

Kroger and Albertsons in 2022 proposed what would be the largest grocery store merger in U.S. history. The companies said a merger would help them better compete with big retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon.

Under the merger agreement, Kroger and Albertsons — who compete in 22 states — agreed to sell 579 stores in places where their locations overlap to C&S Wholesale Grocers, a New Hampshire-based supplier to independent supermarkets that also owns the Grand Union and Piggly Wiggly store brands.

But the Federal Trade Commission sued to block the merger earlier this year, saying it would raise prices and lower workers’ wages by eliminating competition. It also said the divestiture plan was inadequate and that C&S was ill-equipped to take on so many stores.

On Wednesday, Albertsons said that Kroger failed to exercise “best efforts” and to take “any and all actions” to secure regulatory approval of the companies’ agreed merger transaction.

Albertsons said Kroger refused to divest the assets necessary for antitrust approval, ignored regulators’ feedback and rejected stronger divestiture buyers.

Kroger willfully breached the Merger Agreement in several key ways, including by repeatedly refusing to divest assets necessary for antitrust approval, ignoring regulators’ feedback, rejecting stronger divestiture buyers and failing to cooperate with Albertsons.

“Kroger’s self-serving conduct, taken at the expense of Albertsons and the agreed transaction, has harmed Albertsons’ shareholders, associates and consumers,” said Tom Moriarty, Albertsons’ general counsel, in a statement.

Kroger said that it disagrees with Albertsons “in the strongest possible terms.” It said early Wednesday that Albertsons was responsible for “repeated intentional material breaches and interference throughout the merger process.”

Shares of Albertsons rose more than 2% at the opening bell, while Kroger’s stock rose slightly. (SOURCE)

As new data dashboard shows overdoses increased in 2023, Oregon keeps focus on multi-faceted plan to reduce substance use

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority remains focused on increased efforts to reduce substance use—and is looking at new opportunities to expand prevention, harm-reduction, treatment and recovery services—as a state data dashboard shows an increase in overdoses during 2023.

Overdose fatalities continued to rise in 2023, with more than half of the unintentional overdose deaths involving an opioid or a stimulant, according to a new and updated data dashboard. State health officials are still gathering data for 2024.

OHA launched the update of its Oregon Overdose Prevention Dashboard to provide more timely data, highlight emerging trends, and give users the ability to download the data. The dashboard is an interactive tool for tracking state, county and demographic trends related to fatal and non-fatal overdoses.

The updated dashboard shows the extent to which polysubstance use is contributing to fatal overdoses and disparities in overdose deaths:

• Overdose fatalities continued to rise, from 1,383 deaths in 2022 to 1,833 in 2023.
• 53% of unintentional overdose deaths in 2023 involved both an opioid and a stimulant.
• Fatal overdose rates remain high in non-Hispanic, Black and American Indian/Alaska Native communities.

Oregon is working aggressively to stem the rise in overdoses with a multi-faceted plan intended to reduce substance use and get life-saving treatment to people faster and more efficiently. This includes:

• Expanding naloxone distribution and other harm reduction efforts to better align with community needs, including through our Save Lives Oregon project.
• Increasing access to medically assisted treatments for substance use.
• Scaling up peer support and intervention programs across the state.
• Stabilizing and supporting the substance use treatment workforce.
• Continuing education and prevention campaigns.
  • The Legislature last year approved more funding for education for school-aged youth on the risks of substance use.
• More funding directed toward supplying schools with naloxone. Every middle and high school in the state is eligible to receive up to three opioid response kits, each with eight doses of naloxone.

In addition, since July 2021, the State of Oregon has reached agreement on national lawsuits against several companies—opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies—for their roles in the opioid crisis. Through these agreements, nearly $600 million will be awarded to Oregon over 18 years. These funds will support substance use and overdose prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery strategies.

Finally, Gov. Tina Kotek’s 2025-2027 budget proposes $90 million for capacity-building for adult mental health services, substance use disorder residential treatment, and withdrawal management; $40 million for supporting deflection coordinators, peers and counselors who give individuals struggling with addiction the opportunity to avoid legal consequences and to seek treatment instead; and $25 million for targeted residential and community-based behavioral health and substance use disorder capacity, expansion of mental health services, prevention services for school-based health centers, and funding to expand youth suicide prevention work.

“Oregon’s overdose crisis has affected every community across the state, and the highly sensitive and traumatic nature of these events has caused harm, trauma and loss that impact the well-being of everyone,” said Liz McCarthy, overdose epidemiologist in OHA’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program (IVPP). “The impact fatal and non-fatal drug overdoses have on our communities shows how important this data can be, especially for data-driven decisions.”

Developed by the OHA IVPP, the updated dashboard gives public health officials, local agencies, and community organizations improved access to critical data. These resources aim to better inform efforts to reduce drug-related overdose.

The final 2023 death certificate data was only recently released. It typically takes nearly a year (and in this case 11 months) for all of the pending information, such as toxicology reports, to be gathered and analyzed. OHA will release 2024 data as soon as it is available.

“Our team decided to update our Overdose Prevention dashboard based on feedback we received from the community and people who use the data,” McCarthy said. “The update allows users to explore the latest trends in overdose deaths, hospital visits and the substances involved, as well as download the data for more in-depth analysis.”

The dashboard covers a range of drug categories including fentanyl, heroin, opioids and stimulants, with data on overdose fatalities, emergency department discharges and hospital discharges.

A new page focuses on Oregon’s State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) data. The new page offers additional information on unintentional overdose deaths in Oregon. One highlight is the “Drug of Interest” section for information on emerging substances, such as xylazine.

Oregon Guard leadership, support services meet with affected personnel following active threat event

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon National Guard Leadership met this morning with affected personnel following an active threat incident yesterday on December 10, 2024, at the Clackamas Armed Forces Readiness Center (AFRC), located on Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Ore.

All members of the Oregon National Guard, State of Oregon employees and U.S. Army Reserve personnel who work at the building were accounted for, and the threat was resolved by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office without incident.

“While these types of situations are unsettling, they also remind us of the strength of our community and the importance of staying connected to those we serve alongside,” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, the Adjutant General, Oregon. “We will continue to work together to ensure our organization remains a safe, resilient, and professional environment.”

The Adjutant General with leadership from the unit, brigade and state levels met with affected personnel, together with representation from medical command, behavioral health, religious support, and the Resiliency Directorate.

“The safety and well-being of our Soldiers, Airmen, civilian staff, and the surrounding community is our top priority,” Gronewold said, “and we are grateful to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and all the initial responding law enforcement agencies, for their swift and professional response, which prevented harm and ensured the safety of everyone involved.”

Camp Withycombe not only houses the Clackamas Armed Forces Readiness Center, home to multiple Oregon Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve units, but also serves as a supply depot and home to a training and equipment repair facility. The Oregon Military Museum is also located on Camp Withycombe.

Prosecutors Says Coos County Boy Was On the Radar of Child Welfare Workers When He Died and No Arrests Expected

Hypothermia and exposure contributed to the death of the 5-year-old Coos County boy whose body was found 2 miles from home last month, the Coos County district attorney said Wednesday.

Joshua James McCoy went missing Nov. 9. Joshua’s mother, Angela German, 43, told authorities she woke up from a nap she had taken with her son only to discover he was gone. The boy had autism, didn’t talk much and did not like to wear clothes, she said. Feeling uncomfortable in clothing is a common response for people with autism.

Three days later, on Nov. 12, the boy’s naked body was found down the road from his home on Stage Road in the unincorporated Coos County community of Hauser.

District Attorney Paul Frasier told The Oregonian/OregonLive on Wednesday that while the case remains under investigation, he does “not anticipate any arrests will be made in the near future.”

He said authorities are awaiting the results of toxicology tests and that the autopsy showed hypothermia was a “contributing cause of death.”

The child’s body was found partially under a bush about 20 feet from the road, according to a probable cause affidavit written by Coos County Sheriff’s Deputy BradLee Davis in support of a search warrant of German’s property.

Investigators saw no scratches, bruises or marks on his body. A deputy medical examiner examined Joshua’s body at the scene and found no signs of trauma, the deputy wrote.

The affidavit spells out the early hours of the investigation — and German’s involvement with child welfare authorities in two states.

Oregon child welfare authorities had recently obtained a “pick up order” for the boy that had been signed by Coos County Circuit Judge Matthew Muenchrath, the court filing states, though it does not provide a date when the order was signed.

German had been on the radar of the Oregon Department of Human Services for at least six months when the child disappeared. Child welfare workers opened a case on the family in May due to allegations of “neglect and mistreatment towards Joshua,” the affidavit says.

State workers documented “alcohol use, filthy home with food on the floor and human feces in the home,” according to the affidavit. The court filing says the Department of Human Services had a record of another welfare check and a second referral related to German’s care of her son in July.

German’s involvement with Oregon child welfare authorities contributed to her decision to leave for Utah, where child welfare officials also opened their own investigation, according to the affidavit.

Investigators were able to arrange “an emergency ping” by the carrier, which showed the phone within about a mile-and-a-half radius of the home, according to the affidavit. Joshua’s phone was 10 feet from his body when he was found. (SOURCE)

Designation of the Longest U.S. Highway as the “National Medal of Honor Highway”

– This week, U.S. Route 20, the nation’s longest road stretching from Newport, Oregon, to Boston, Massachusetts, will be officially designated as the “National Medal of Honor Highway” under legislation approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday. The 12 states along US Highway 20 account for about 62 percent of all 3,516 Medal of Honor awards presented since the Civil War.

The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military award for valor, presented by the President in Congress’ name. This section of U.S. Route 20 will honor 29 Medal of Honor recipients connected with Oregon who acted with “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at the risk of his life” during combat with an enemy of the United States thus receiving our nation’s highest award for military valor during 8 wars over a 108-year period.

I was honored to support this effort and am even more gratified to have my House colleague’s support to pass it in the House this week.

I would also like to mention a Central Oregon Veteran, Dick Tobiason, who set out on a mission 11 years ago to name Highway 20 in honor of our Medal of Honor Veterans. Tobiason is the chairman of the Bend Heroes Foundation, which he founded in 2010 with his son. Bend Heroes Foundation has been coordinating the designation of 11 more state Medal of Highways and has led the charge in getting U.S. Route 20 designated in Congress. Dick Tobiason has made it his life’s work to ensure that Veterans and their families get the recognition they deserve. His lifetime of service and dedication to the Oregon Veteran community have been instrumental in bringing this recognition to fruition. I salute his efforts, his tenacity, and his relentless advocacy on behalf of Oregon Veterans and their families.

A full copy of the legislation renaming U.S. Route 20 as “The National Medal of Honor Highway” can be found by clicking here. A link to my letter regarding the U.S. Highway, here. —- (SOURCE)

Gas Prices Have Changed In Oregon In The Last Week

The national average for a gallon of gasoline is teasing drivers further this week, dipping to nearly $3 as the winter cold sets in, according to AAA. Travel demand is expected to dip through January, potentially pulling prices down further.

“The national average is tantalizingly close to falling below $3 a gallon, and it could happen in a few days,” AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said in a statement.

GasBuddy, which tracks prices at thousands of retail gas stations across the country, recorded a $2.99 national average on Monday. The company’s analyst Patrick De Haan said in a statement that the milestone meant “that gasoline prices are slowly continuing to normalize after the massive shock waves brought on by COVID.”

Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Oregon. Gas prices are as of December 6.

Oregon by the numbers
– Gas current price: $3.52
– Week change: -$0.04 (-1.2%)
– Year change: -$0.46 (-11.5%)
– Historical expensive gas price: $5.55 (6/15/22)

– Diesel current price: $3.83
– Week change: -$0.03 (-0.7%)
– Year change: -$0.77 (-16.8%)
– Historical expensive diesel price: $6.47 (7/3/22)

Metros with most expensive gas in Oregon
#1. Portland-Vancouver (OR only): $3.68
#2. Grants Pass: $3.67
#3. Medford-Ashland: $3.53
#4. Salem: $3.44
#5. Eugene-Springfield: $3.36
#6. Pendleton: $3.36
#7. Albany: $3.33
#8. Bend: $3.32
#9. Corvallis: $3.29

States with the most expensive gas
#1. Hawaii: $4.56
#2. California: $4.38
#3. Washington: $3.98

States with the least expensive gas
#1. Oklahoma: $2.53
#2. Mississippi: $2.63
#3. Texas: $2.63

This story features writing by Dom DiFurio and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.

Winter Whale Watch Week returns to the Oregon Coast Dec. 27-31

OREGON COAST, Oregon— Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week on the Oregon Coast Friday, Dec. 27 through Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Trained Oregon State Park volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help visitors spot gray whales on their southward migration to the calving lagoons in Mexico.

The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast. A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online at the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching

“Now is a perfect time to see the whales as their population rebounds on the Oregon Coast,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced an end to an Unusual Mortality Event impacting gray whales. Since then, the estimated population has increased by roughly 30% from 14,530 last year to 19,260 this year, according to NOAA. The numbers are on the rise overall, but the calf count is still low as the population continues to rebound.

“While there are more gray whales to see now on the Oregon Coast, the calves remain a rare and important sight,” said Michael Milstein, public affairs officer with NOAA Fisheries.

Winter Whale Watch Week provides an opportunity to see not only the gray whales but other coastal wildlife including birds and other marine mammals with help from trained volunteers and rangers.

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 27-31. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.

All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and always keeping an eye on the surf. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.

For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org.

Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch Week on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch24.

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.

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!

The Salvation Army out of Monmouth says it received a very special gift in one of its red kettles this season.

In Polk County, an anonymous donor dropped in a gold coin apparently worth $3,000. That’s according to a local jeweler where the Salvation Army took it to get appraised. The good deed-doer dropped the rare coin in a kettle at a Bi-mart. The Salvation Army says the one-ounce coin is over a hundred years old.

The organization says it hopes the act of kindness will inspire others to donate what they can, so the non-profit can make the season bright for those in need.

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.

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