The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com
Monday, December 30, 2024
Rogue Valley Weather
US National Weather Service Medford Oregon
Break from the rain today. Heavy rain is expected late this week and especially this weekend. The Coquille at Coquille is under a flood warning already and additional rivers, creeks and streams could approach bankfull or flood as we head into this weekend. Most areas west of the Cascades are under a marginal risk for excessive rainfall that could lead to flooding, while most of Coos, Curry, Josephine, SW Douglas and western Siskiyou counties are under a slight risk Saturday into Sunday morning. With the risk of flooding please see the river forecasts at water.weather.gov.
We could be in for a New Year’s aurora treat with northern lights potentially visible deep into mid-latitudes tonight and tomorrow (Dec. 30 to Dec. 31).
Due to an incoming solar storm, also known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center issued a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm warning for Dec. 31.
This is great news for those wishing to see the northern lights as the predicted geomagnetic storm could spark auroras as far south as Illinois and Oregon (around 50° latitude). (SOURCE)
Rain and Flooding
Prolonged storm systems brought heavy rain and potential flooding to surrounding areas this weekend. Local rivers could reach flood stages by Sunday and Monday, increasing risks for nearby communities.
Roads, particularly in low-lying areas, may become hazardous. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid driving through standing water. Areas burned by recent wildfires may also face heightened risks of landslides and debris flows.
Beware: Flooding in Many Areas of County
Sandbag FAQ: https://www.rvem.org/News/sandbags-faq Weather Forecast: https://www.weather.gov/mfr/
Residents are advised to monitor local weather updates and river forecasts closely. Emergency kits, sandbags, and evacuation plans should be prepared in case conditions worsen. For updates on weather conditions and alerts https://www.weather.gov/pqr/
Snow in the mountain passes! If you are traveling, check http://tripcheck.com
ODOT: SW Oregon: Crews continue to report high water and flooding on roads throughout southwest Oregon. Watch for downed trees and other debris in the roadway. Fog and freezing temperatures are forecast through Tuesday, including valley areas. Icy roads are possible, especially in the early morning hours. Use caution. Turn on headlights to increase visibility. Check weather forecast and TripCheck.com for the latest conditions.
Ramsey Rd Closed To Thru Traffic At Approx. Milepost 8
Ramsey Road between Old Sams Valley Road and Meadows Road is closed near milepost 8 due to a landslide. Thru traffic is not allowed. Residents may need to use an alternate route.
Ashland’s 26th Community Labyrinth Walk
Ashland’s 26th Community Labyrinth Walk to New Year will take place New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Wesley Hall on the campus of Ashland First United Methodist Church, 175 N. Main St.
The “Sacred Walk to the New Year” is nondenominational and free of charge, and all are welcome to the event. Optional donations of any amount are also welcomed. The event will run from 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, New Year’s Day.
The Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights continues every night thru Wednesday, Jan. 1, at River Forks Park near Roseburg.
Attempted Murder Press Release MPD 24-20879
Medford Police Dept. – 12/27/24 1:16 PM
On December 26, 2024, at approximately 5:59 PM, MPD patrol officers responded to the 1000 block of Beatty Street in Medford for a report of a stabbing. When officers arrived, the male victim was slumped down on the front porch and found to be suffering from several large lacerations to his head, neck, and arms. There was a large amount of blood on the scene and officers provided aid to control the bleeding. Medford Fire personnel arrived a short time later along with Mercy Flights personnel who took over providing emergency medical aid. The victim was quickly transported to a local hospital where he was rushed into surgery.
The victim’s female roommate witnessed the attack and informed patrol officers the suspect was known to her and the victim, as Marzelle. The female advised Marzelle had entered their residence unannounced, grabbed a sword from a wall display inside their home and attacked the male victim unprovoked. The suspect then attempted to attack her with the sword, but she was able to run to a separate room while the suspect fled the residence.
A description of the suspect and his clothing was provided to additional patrol officers who began searching the area. At this time Medford Fire personnel reported seeing a subject matching the suspect description in the area Jackson and Biddle. When officers arrived in the area additional information was provided by citizens and the suspect was ultimately located at Riverside and 10th Street where he was taken into custody without incident.
MPD Detectives responded and took over the investigation. The suspect was interviewed and admitted to the attack with the intent to kill the victim. The suspect advised this was due to the victim telling him he was no longer welcome at the victim’s residence a few days prior.
The victim is currently in stable condition at the hospital in ICU. The suspect was lodged at the Jackson County Jail on the following charges:
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- Attempted Murder
- Assault 1
- Burglary 1
- Attempted Assault 1
Suspect: Marzelle Omari Tyree Culver – 24 yrs.
Medford P.D. Case 24-20879 – Lieutenant Don Lane 541-774-2292
Two Oregon Men Die in Forest After Going Missing While Looking for Sasquatch
Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue
**NEVER GIVING UP: A CHRISTMAS SEARCH FOR TWO LIVES LOST IN THE MOUNTAINS**
On Christmas Day, while many enjoyed warmth and celebration with loved ones, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue answered an urgent call: two hikers were missing in the snow-covered mountains. Without hesitation, volunteers left their holiday gatherings, packed their gear, and stepped into the wilderness for what would become one of the most grueling missions of the season.
For three relentless days, over 60 dedicated SAR volunteers and first responders from Washington and Oregon braved brutal conditions. Torrential rain, deep snow, and freezing temperatures turned the mountains into a treacherous maze of swollen creeks, standing water, and steep slopes coated with snow, mud, and thick, tangled vegetation. Yet, the rescuers pushed forward. Hasty teams, swift water specialists, K9 units, and drone operators worked tirelessly—building makeshift bridges from materials on-site, clearing paths through thick forest, and searching every inch of the rugged terrain.
At mission’s SAR Base, technology became a lifeline. Teams used Starlink satellite internet to stay connected, 25-foot mast antennas to improve two-way radio communications, and SARTOPO tracking software to monitor every team in the field in real time. These tools allowed rescuers to coordinate seamlessly, especially in the mountains where no cell service exists. On day two, a Coast Guard helicopter entered the mission, using a brief weather window to conduct strategic grid flights. Its ability to cover vast, hard-to-reach areas added an essential advantage to the search, supporting ground teams working tirelessly below.
By nightfall on day three, both hikers were located deep in the wilderness. Reaching them and bringing them out to help give family members closure required extraordinary physical strength, ingenuity, and perseverance from every rescuer involved. Creeks had to be crossed, obstacles climbed, and frozen ground navigated, all while maintaining the safety and well-being of the entire team.
The Strength of TeamworkThis mission was a true testament to the power of collaboration. It was only possible through the incredible efforts of Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SCSOSAR) Hasty Team, K-9 team, Swift Water Team, and Drone Team and our dedicated partners:• Klickitat County Search and Rescue members and their K-9 team, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, Inc. members and their Drone Team, Silver Star Search and Rescue members, Hood River County Sheriff’s Office Crag Rats SAR, Wasco County Search and Rescue • United States Coast Guard Helicopter Crew from Astoria, Oregon• Skamania County Sheriff’s Office and Sergeant Taylor as Incident Commander.
These teams came together, sacrificing their time, energy, and holidays to ensure every possible effort was made to bring the hikers home.Every member of the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the loved ones lost in this tragic incident.
Oregonians Need To Watch Out For ‘Smishing’ Packages
Many folks are still expecting holiday packages this week, and the United States Postal Service is warning customers not to fall for what are known as smishing scams.
Smishing, said John Hyatt – a strategic communication specialist with the USPS – is the practice of sending fake text messages to smart phones, asking users to click on a link to resolve a zip code or other issue with a pending package.
He warned that personal data is what the sender is after.
“Basically, criminals trying to obtain personally identifying information about a person,” said Hyatt, “such as accounts, user names, passwords, dates of birth, credit card numbers – things like that.”
In 2020, the Internet Crime Complaint Center reported over 240,000 victims of smishing, phishing, and other fraudulent schemes – costing over $54 million, with the average person losing about $800.
Smishing texts can be relentless this time of year, but Hyatt said you should never follow the message prompts.
“When you get a suspicious text message,” said Hyatt, “if you click on those links, it will take you to a website that could be downloading onto your phone – and once you submit that information then they use it for nefarious purposes.”
Hyatt said you will only receive text messages from the USPS if you have gone online and registered for such services.
“You can sign up to receive text messages about a tracking number,” said Hyatt, “or you can go into the tracking service and put the number in and then ask for text message updates, or even an email update on usps.com.”
He said the USPS informed delivery program is being used by millions of Americans to receive legitimate messages about what packages are on the way. Go to the USPS.com website for more information.
Guided First Day Hikes at 30 Oregon State Parks on New Year’s Day
— Whether you prefer a sunset hike along the coast or a paved wooded trail inside city limits, First Day Hikes has a hike for you on New Year’s Day, Wednesday Jan. 1.
Rangers and volunteers will lead 37 guided First Day Hikes at 30 parks around the state with distances ranging from a quarter-mile stroll to a 5-mile trek. Hikes are free, and the $5 day-use parking fee is waived on that day at the state parks that charge for parking.
America’s State Parks sponsors the First Day Hikes program nationwide to encourage everyone to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has participated since 2012.
“First Day Hikes has become a fun tradition for both visitors and staff on New Year’s Day. Rangers and volunteers get a chance to share park history, geology, wildlife and plants, and visitors get to experience an adventure with friends and family to start the new year,” said Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Visit the Oregon First Day Hikes web page to see the list of parks hosting hikes. Additional hike information such as hike times, meet-up locations and trail terrain are available via the park links on the web page. A few hikes require registration including Champoeg, Detroit Lake, Emigrant Springs and Smith Rock.
If you have questions about accessibility or to request reasonable accommodations needed for you to participate in a hike, see contact information for each of the hikes.
Remember to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife.
Share photos of First Day Hikes on Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikesor tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.
About America’s State Parks
America’s State Parks is an alliance of state park systems in all 50 states. The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) promotes and advocates for the state park systems across America in providing conservation and management of natural and cultural resources, quality outdoor recreation experiences, and connecting children and families to nature and the outdoors. With collectively more than 9,817 park areas covering over 20 million acres of land, and visitation of nearly 9 million people annually, state park systems across the country are an integral part of protecting natural and cultural resources while providing guests amazing access to the outdoors. Learn more about America’s State Parks at stateparks.org.
NEW YEAR, NEW LAWS: Changes to Make Oregon Safer, Cleaner, and More Affordable in 2025
SALEM, OR – On January 1, 2025, new laws will go into effect to make Oregon safer, cleaner, and more affordable. These changes will directly impact the day-to-day lives of Oregonians, covering everything from stopping drug use on public transportation and lowering the cost of prescription drugs to making it cheaper to repair electronic devices and increasing transparency in public education. “Oregonians aren’t satisfied with the status quo, and neither are we. These changes in the new year mark just one phase in our mission to improve quality of life in Oregon.
Information about the key laws going into effect from the 2024 Legislative Session on January 1, 2025 can be found here: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/senatedemocrats/Documents/2024-Session-Accomplishments.pdf
Never drink and drive. Even one drink can impair driving ability.Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if that person has been drinking.If you’re hosting a gathering, make sure everyone has a sober ride home.Call 911 immediately if you see a suspected drunk driver.Always wear your seat belt. It’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), in partnership with multiple local law enforcement agencies, will conduct a Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) High-Visibility Enforcement Patrol on New Year’s Eve, aiming to deter impaired driving and ensure safer roadways for all.
This effort is made possible by grant funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
This collaborative effort will include the Oregon State Police, Medford Police Department, Eagle Point Police Department, Ashland Police Department, Phoenix Police Department, and Talent Police Department. Officers from these agencies will be working alongside deputies throughout the evening and into the early morning hours of New Year’s Day.
“New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, but it’s crucial to remember the importance of responsible behavior,” said JCSO Deputy Aaron Grissom. “Impaired driving puts everyone on the road at risk. This saturation patrol demonstrates our commitment to keeping our community safe by aggressively targeting those who choose to drive under the influence.”
The saturation patrol will focus on areas throughout Jackson County known for higher incidents of DUII arrests and crashes. Law Enforcement will be actively looking for signs of impairment, including:
• Erratic driving behavior
• Speeding
• Lane deviations
• Other traffic violations
“We encourage everyone celebrating New Year’s Eve to plan ahead for a safe ride home,” added Deputy Grissom. “Designate a driver, use a ride-sharing service, or take a taxi. Making responsible choices can prevent tragedies and save lives.”
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and its partner agencies remind the public that:
• Driving under the influence of intoxicants is illegal and carries serious consequences, including jail time, fines and license suspension.
• Even one drink can impair driving ability.
• If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
• Always wear your seat belt—it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
• If you see a suspected impaired driver, call 911 immediately.
This multi-agency DUII High-Visibility Enforcement Patrol is part of the ongoing efforts to reduce impaired driving incidents and promote traffic safety throughout Jackson County.
The start of each new year is a time to reflect on the past year and make plans for the future. It holds a special magic, with a promise of new opportunities and the possibility to change our lives for the better.
We want everyone to ring in the New Year safely and your local law enforcement departments want you to have a happy weekend too. The goal is zero deaths due to impaired driving over the New Year’s holiday weekend.
Don’t Drink & Drive this New Year’s Eve —– If you are drinking, don’t drive. If you’re driving, don’t drink. A simple rule for life can save a lot of lives. Please don’t drink and drive.
Local agencies and OSP will have extra troopers focused on impaired driving throughout the state on New Year’s Eve. If you plan to consume impairing substances, always make plans for a sober ride home such as taxis or ride share apps or designating a completely sober driver.
OSP station commanders in Oregon have shared that impaired driving has become a prolific problem in the region. They are asking for the public’s help in reducing impaired driving to keep Oregonians safe while traveling this holiday weekend.
NEW YEAR’S SAFETY
Among all the fun and noise of a New Year’s celebration, it’s important to ensure festivities are safe. If alcohol is involved, there should be people in attendance who are designated to stay sober and ensure safety. While laws can help prevent mishaps, people making the right choices and being respectful of each other will help keep people safe while still having fun. The responsibility and much of the liability of a safe party remains with the host. If you are hosting a party, there are safety measures you can implement to keep people safe and reduce liability during New Year celebrations.
Party Safety Tips:
- Use common sense. This includes not driving after drinking or using substances.
- Designate a non-drinking driver before the party.
- Utilize public transportation where available.
- Consider spending the night at the party location.
- If you are hosting a party, ensure that nonalcoholic drinks are also served.
- Communicate with neighbors before the party. Work together to respectfully address noise levels and other potential disturbances.
- Have the courage to refuse serving a friend a drink if they are acting strange or are intoxicated.
- Do not pressure friends to drink if they say no, have a drinking problem, or are already intoxicated.
- Consider the safety and welfare of pets. Loud music, people, and fireworks can result in distress.
- Ensure that pets have ID tags with current information on them and that they are safely secured before the party. Ensure pet licenses and microchips are updated so they can be easily reunited with you.
- Candles, fireworks, kids, and pets don’t mix. Keep them away from each other.
Have a Safe and Happy New Year’s
We’ll be back in the office on Thursday, January 2, 2025
– NEVER FORGET –
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.
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
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1109674113319848
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