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, March 3, 2025
Rogue Valley Weather
https://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/oregon.php
Oregon will lose money for replanting trees after wildfires – $75 million in grants to help plant trees canceled in Trump’s anti-DEI push – Jackson County Losing $600,000 Grant to Replant After Wildfire Destruction
Jackson County, Oregon, was awarded a $600,000 grant to replant trees after wildfires in 2020 destroyed thousands of homes and charred more than 60,000 trees. The town of Talent lost two-thirds of its trees.
The nonprofit Oregon Urban Rural and Community Forestry, founded in the fires’ aftermath, fought for years to get a single dollar, recalled Mike Oxendine, the group’s founder and director.
The grant money from the Arbor Day Foundation was being used to help low-income and disadvantaged mobile home park residents — among the hardest-hit by the fires — identify and remove hazardous trees badly burned or killed, and replant trees for shade and cooling.
The U.S. Forest Service has terminated $75 million awarded to the Arbor Day Foundation to help disadvantaged communities plant trees. All 105 of the foundation’s sub-awardees have suddenly lost funding. In New Orleans, a group working to replant the urban tree canopy after Hurricane Katrina’s devastation almost two decades ago now wonders if it can even survive.
In Montana, an urban forester’s plan to plant hundreds of trees in a popular park is at a standstill. The money was part of the Inflation Reduction Act’s $1.5 billion for urban and community forestry. The foundation was told the nature of the work doesn’t align with the agency’s new priorities.
Arthur Johnson has lived in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward for nearly three decades, long enough to appreciate the trees that filter pollution from the big ships traveling the nearby Mississippi River and that offer shade on sweltering summer days.
When Hurricane Katrina roared through two decades ago, it wiped out 200,000 trees across the city, including many in Johnson’s neighborhood and several in his own yard. The city has struggled ever since to restore its tree canopy.
Those efforts will be set back by the U.S. Forest Service’s decision in mid-February to terminate a $75 million grant to the Arbor Day Foundation, which was working to plant trees in neighborhoods from Louisiana to Oregon that might not otherwise be able to afford them. The program is the latest victim of a drive by President Donald Trump’s administration against environmental justice initiatives.
For others who were set to get Arbor Day Foundation money, the loss is not existential but still devastating.(SOURCE)
Fatal White City RV Fire
Jackson County Fire District 3 reports that one person along with two dogs died in an RV fire Sunday.
Company Petitions to Revive Jordan Cove LNG Project Through Southern Oregon
On February 24, 2025, OA Partners LLC – a LNG transportation startup based in Arizona – filed a petition with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to retroactively revive the Jordan Cove LNG Terminal project in Coos County, Oregon.
The project was canceled in 2021 after failing to secure the necessary environmental permits and years of opposition from local residents.
The petition cites President Trump’s Executive Order to unleash American energy and expedite permitting for LNG export projects, and asks the court to waive Oregon’s state permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act.
If built, the Jordan Cove terminal would have been able to export up to 7.8 million metric tons of LNG every year; natural gas would have been supplied to the facility by a new 229-mile-long pipeline. (SOURCE)
Homeless Man Shot and Robbed in Grants Pass
A homeless man was shot and robbed early this morning near the Bridge Street Retirement Home, close to the intersection of 5th and Bridge Street. The incident occurred around 2:00 AM, when the victim was attacked by a group of at least three to four individuals.
According to reports, the victim was shot in the upper thigh before being robbed. Witnesses observed the suspects fleeing the scene, running up Bridge Street toward 4th Street. The victim, despite his injuries, was able to provide police with potential names of the attackers.
Authorities have not yet released any suspect descriptions or confirmed if arrests have been made. The condition of the victim is currently unknown, though emergency services responded quickly to the scene.
This attack highlights ongoing concerns about violence against the homeless community in Grants Pass, as well as the need for increased safety measures in the area.
An Eagle Point man is dead after hitting a semi-truck head-on near milepost 6 on Highway 138W in Douglas County early Wednesday morning.
Oregon State Police’s preliminary investigation shows that a Ford Escape, driven by 38-year-old Carl Gregory Miller, was traveling eastbound just before 5 a.m. when it veered into the westbound lane and hit a Kenworth semi-truck head-on.
Police say the Ford immediately burst into flames. Other drivers in the area were able to pull Miller from the burning SUV, however, he died at the scene. The driver of the semi-truck was uninjured. OSP says the highway was impacted for approximately five hours. The agency also believes fatigue may have been a factor in the crash.
Drunk Driver Arrested After Collision with Fire Engine in Cave Junction
DETAILS: On February 26, 2025, at approximately 11:47am, deputies from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a traffic crash at the 76 Gas Station in Cave Junction. A private vehicle collided with an Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD) engine that was on-site for refueling.
Upon arrival, deputies determined that the driver of the private vehicle, identified as Alec Varner, exhibited signs of intoxication. Field sobriety tests were conducted, leading to the driver’s arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII).
Both vehicles sustained minor damage; no injuries were reported. The IVFD engine remains operational and will continue to serve the community without interruption.
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes the dangers of impaired driving and urges all motorists to make responsible choices to ensure the safety of our community.
Follow, share, and help spread the word! https://www.facebook.com/MedfordPoliceOR
Help Put Grants Pass Bike Thieves Behind Bars
Jackson County Sheriff Oregon –
Join us for the 2025 Southern Oregon Polar Plunge and 5k Run – Donations will go to Special Olympics Oregon
UPDATE: International Apprehension Of Wanted Subject
Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office
2/26/25 UPDATE: The US Marshals Service retrieved Shawn Higbee from Cambodia and brought him to San Francisco, CA where he was picked up by Josephine County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and lodged in the Josephine County Adult Jail.
12/31/24 Original Information:
RELEASE DATE: December 31, 2024
INCIDENT: International Apprehension of Wanted Subject
INCIDENT DATE: December 17th, 2024
REPORTING DEPUTY: Detective Sergeant Henrich
ARRESTED: Shawn Christian Higbee, DOB: 05/29/1983
CHARGES: Sodomy 1
DETAILS: Over the last several months, our Josephine County Sheriff’s Office Crimes Analyst has been working with the United States Marshals Service (USMS) in an attempt to locate a wanted subject, Shawn Higbee, for the crime of Sodomy 1.
Higbee has had an arrest warrant out of Josephine County since 2019. Higbee had been able to evade apprehension. It was discovered by our analyst that Higbee had fled to Cambodia and had been there for several years. Higbee’s exact location was pinpointed in Cambodia, through the dedicated hard work, training and experience of the analyst. That information was relayed to the USMS, who turned the information over to their international apprehension team.
On December 17th, 2024, Higbee was taken into custody. Higbee is currently lodged in a Cambodian jail and is awaiting extradition back to the United States. Once in country, he will be transported to the Josephine County Jail to face further prosecution regarding the crime of Sodomy 1.
At the time of this press release no further details are being released.
The Medford School Board approved resolution #2025-1 to allow exemptions to the bid requirements for the North Medford High School gym demolition and stabilization work.
The resolution will designate Bret Champion and/or Brad Earl as staff members authorized to approve bids and purchases during the emergency phase.
During the special session board members say there is an immediate need to discuss the demolition of the North Medford High School gym after its collapse, which had been partially caused by snow, though the full cause was still under investigation.
The Medford School Board approved resolution #2025-1 to allow exemptions to the bid requirements for the North Medford High School gym demolition and stabilization work.
The resolution will designate Bret Champion and/or Brad Earl as staff members authorized to approve bids and purchases during the emergency phase.
During the special session board members say there is an immediate need to discuss the demolition of the North Medford High School gym after its collapse, which had been partially caused by snow, though the full cause was still under investigation.
Board members reassured that they would follow all required laws to ensure fairness. With resolution number 2025-1 on the table, the board moved toward a vote, though Michael WIlliams, expressed discomfort about making the decision via zoom without public comment.
Get Ready for More Traffic Disruptions From Infrastructure Repairs in Medford
Medford residents and commuters should brace for a series of traffic disruptions slated to begin February 24 and extend into March.
A range of road and lane closures will be impacting movement around the city as municipal and private construction crews embark on essential infrastructure repairs.
According to the City of Medford’s official announcement, Angelcrest Drive will see lane closures from Highcrest Drive to Cloudcrest Drive for curb and gutter repairs until February 28, with work hours from 7 am to 5 pm. Commuting through Ariel Heights is also expected to be restricted due to road grading and repairs taking place between Cherry Lane and Mary Bee Lane during the same period.
Flaggers will be on-site to manage traffic, but no parking will be allowed in these areas.
Heavy construction will also obstruct passage along Black Oak Drive at Country Club Drive, where Central Pipeline Inc crews will be engaging in storm drain improvements through March 7, causing both road and lane closures.
Ellendale Drive at Crestbrook Road will undergo similar disruptions, with detours marked to assist drivers.
Northwest researchers find Medford, Grants Pass and Bend had the most wildfire smoke from 2019-2023.
Oregon is home to 4 of the top 5 smokiest cities nationwide
Over the past five years, more than 36 million acres of land have burned in wildfires across the United States. But the impacts of those wildfires reached far beyond the areas actually touched by fire: wildfire smoke carried hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles, affecting millions of people downwind.
Just ask residents of Medford, Grants Pass and Bend, the top three smokiest cities in the country from 2019 to 2023.
Researchers including Dan Jaffe and Haebum Lee at the University of Washington Bothell have developed a new way to quickly determine the number of days communities across the country experienced higher than normal levels of smoke. They combined particulate readings from air quality stations on the ground with satellite imagery.
In addition to Medford, Grants Pass and Bend, several other Oregon cities made their top 10 list: Klamath Falls (#5), Roseburg (#6) and Eugene/Springfield (#10). The smokiest city in Washington was Yakima (#15).
Particulate pollution comes from numerous sources: car and truck exhaust, power plants and other industry, wood stoves, and agriculture. In all of these Oregon and Washington cities, the particulate from wildfire smoke (PM 2.5) comprised at least 30% of the total particulate pollutants residents were exposed to each year.
The tiny particulates found in wildfire smoke are so small that they can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. They can cause minor and serious respiratory issues and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
To try to determine the health impacts of wildfire smoke on communities, the researchers also looked at the number of emergency room visits caused by asthma in different communities. From 2019-23, they linked an estimated 42,500 ER visits to smoke exposure. The analysis showed that high-population metro areas in the Eastern U.S. ranked highest (in the number of individual cases) for these kinds of smoke-related health impacts.
In both Portland and Seattle metro areas, about 15% of all asthma-related ER visits could be attributed to wildfire smoke.
The new research was presented at the American Geophysical Union annual meeting in Washington, D.C. (SOURCE)
Ashland Rolls Out Free Pre-Approved Plans to Spur Residents into Building Affordable Backyard Homes
Seeking to promote affordability and support residents’ diverse needs, the city of Ashland has encouraged its citizens to develop accessory dwelling units (ADUs) within the city and offers guidance on getting plans approved.
The City of Ashland has streamlined the ADU application process to enhance housing options. It now offers a complete set of pre-approved ADU plans that meet local building codes for free to Ashland property owners.
To get ADU plan approval in Ashland, the Ashland Planning Division offers a free consultation. At the meeting, a City Planner will review your site and provide valuable guidance on the permit application process.
The meeting is geared towards helping you understand zoning requirements, building codes, and any other considerations for ADU projects. Find free City of Ashland ADU plans here
Bitcoin Scams
Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office
We understand that hearing facts about your life, home or family can be unnerving and can aid in their attempt to appear legitimate. Much of your information is readily available online such as full names, birth dates, phone numbers, addresses and photos of your home. Scammers use this information to make themselves believable. Once they have convinced you that they are legitimate they will have you deposit money into a Bitcoin machine. These machines are located at numerous locations such as grocery stores, mini markets and various other places. The scammers may keep you on the phone while you are withdrawing money and depositing it into the machines.
If you are contacted by one of these scammers take note of these “red flags” and stop. Talk to your bank, law enforcement or trusted friend before withdrawing money or making deposits. If someone insists that Bitcoin or gift cards are the only form of payment that is accepted, then something is definitely wrong!
If you think there is a possibility of any truth to their claims against you, tell them you will call them back and hang up the phone. DO NOT call back the number they provide. Instead look up the business phone number yourself and call to verify any claims. You can report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission here: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Each of Oregon’s 36 counties has a location on the list. Here are the locations selected this year for counties in southern Oregon.
In our region, he lists the following locations:
Jackson County: Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Josephine County: Oregon Caves. Klamath County: Crater Lake National Park. Curry County: Cape Blanco State Park & Lighthouse. Lake County: Fort Rock.
As a part of the Oregon Treasures Quest challenge, anyone who visits 10 sites in 10 counties is an Oregon Ranger. Visiting 25 sites in 25 counties makes you an Oregon Trailblazer and visiting 36 sites in 36 counties makes you an Oregon Explorer.
Anyone participating in the challenge should send a selfie of each location along with your name, the date of the picture and the name of the location to oregontreasuresquest@merkley.senate.gov.
The Britt Festival Orchestra (BFO) 2025 season, with three weeks of exciting outdoor programming in historic Jacksonville, Oregon, June 12 – 28, 2025.
Under the leadership of four guest conductors, Damon Gupton (June 12-13); Chia-Hsuan Lin (June 15-18); Roberto Kalb (June 21-23); and Normal Huynh (June 26-28) the Orchestra’s 63rd season highlights a feature film alongside beloved classical favorites.
The season features seven extraordinary guest artists: pianist Clayton Stephenson performing Ravel’s Concerto in G Major; violinist William Hagen performing Korngold’s Concerto in D Major; violinist Tessa Lark and cellist Wei Yu performing Brahms Double concerto for Violin & Violoncello in A minor; vocalist Sun-Ly Pierce performing Ravel’s Shéhérazade; pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko performing Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 3 in D minor; and violinist Simone Porter performing Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto in D and Ravel’s Tzigane. The season will begin with two evenings of Jurassic Park in Concert whereJohn Williams’ score will be performed live-to-picture by the full orchestra in one of the most beloved films of the 20th Century.
Britt Music & Arts Festival shares extraordinary live performances and arts education experiences that inspire discovery and build community, anchored at the Britt hill amphitheater. Since its grassroots beginnings in 1963, the non-profit organization has grown from a two-week chamber music festival to a summer-long series of concerts in a variety of genres, including a three-week orchestra season, and year-round education and engagement programs. For more information, visit www.brittfest.org
The Jackson County Expo 2025 summer concert lineup taking the stage during the Jackson County Fair in July.
According to the Expo, musical acts including Outlaw Mariachi, Jo Dee Messina, and a Taylor Swift tribute will take the stage in Central Point this summer.
The Jackson County Fair runs from July 15 through July 20. Fair tickets start at $12 and include lawn seats at the Bi-Mart Amphitheater.
Concert ticket prices start at $25 and go on sale to the public on Tuesday. Fair admission is included with the purchase of a reserved seat.
Full 2025 Jackson County Fair Concert lineup:
Tuesday, July 15 – Outlaw Mariachi
Wednesday, July 16 – Jo Dee Messina
Thursday, July 17 – Kansas
Friday, July 18 – Skillet
Saturday, July 19 – Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience
For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit the Jackson County Expo’s website: https://attheexpo.com/fair/
Oregon Housing And Community Services Awards Funding To Jackson County Wildfire Survivor To Buy A New Home
Oregon Housing and Community Services
First recovery grant from the Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program
— A Jackson County wildfire survivor is in a new home after becoming the first homeowner to receive funding from the ReOregon Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP). The program’s funding comes from the federal $422 million Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery to help Oregonians and communities recover from the 2020 Labor Day Disasters.
The new three-bedroom, two-bath manufactured home is a chance to start fresh and get back a sense of normalcy. “I can finally breathe again,” said Joan, which is not the homeowner’s real name as they did not want to be identified. “I’m safe. I’m secure… It’s hard to explain, but I finally feel like I can hit the un-pause button. I can finally begin where I left off.”
HARP, a federally funded program launched in 2024, provides qualified homeowners whose properties were damaged by the wildfires and straight-line winds in fall 2020 with financial assistance to repair, rebuild, or replace their homes. This homeowner chose the Home Purchase Pathway, which allows eligible survivors to buy a stick-built or manufactured home that is already installed.
“This is exactly what these funds were meant to do,” said Shannon Marheine, director of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). “Although we know it’s taken longer than anyone hoped, this is just the first of many recoveries that will come from all of the hard work that OHCS, our partners, and the survivors themselves have put in over the years.”
OHCS has received hundreds of HARP applications for assistance from every county affected by the disasters, and staff continue to review them for eligibility.
“There were so many friendly and supportive people from start to finish with the HARP application,” Joan said. “The professionalism and communication were appreciated and supportive. They were always in touch and leading me to the next step.”
To read more about Joan’s story, visit https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/OHCS/Posts/Post/A-wildfire-survivor-story-of-loss-support-and-recovery-in-her-own-words.
OHCS encourages survivors of the 2020 Labor Day Disasters, who have not yet applied, to fill out an eligibility questionnaire at https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/disaster-recovery/reoregon/harp/Pages/harp-eligibility-questionnaire.aspx.
To learn more about HARP and other ReOregon programs, visit re.oregon.gov, sign up to receive e-mail notifications, or contact the Call Center at 877-510-6800 or 541-250-0938.
About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)
OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.
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.
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’s going on five years now since Fauna Frey, 45, disappeared in Josephine County 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
Wyden Announces Open-to-all Town Hall for Oregonians on March 4
Senator Wyden: “Rather than attend the State of the Union, I’m choosing to hear from residents in the best state of the union.”
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden announced he will co-host a live on-line town hall Tuesday night, March 4 with People’s Town Hall to offer all Oregonians the opportunity to ask questions, share their ideas and offer their views during the State of the Union speech.
“In this unprecedented time in American history, my top priority is making sure Oregonians from every corner of our state can keep weighing in directly with me,” said Wyden, who’s held 1,105 open-to-all town halls throughout Oregon in fulfillment of his promise to hold at least one town hall each year in each of the state’s 36 counties.“Rather than attend the State of the Union, I’m choosing to hear from residents in the best state of the union. That’s been my priority at more than 1,100 town meetings. And there’s no reason to make different choices this Tuesday.”
The on-line town hall on Tuesday, March 4 will begin at 6 pm PT (7 pm MT) and can be watched here on Facebook Live. Oregonians who want to ask a question during the virtual town hall can submit their questions in advance here.
“Senator Wyden has long led the way in town hall accessibility,” said Nathan Williams of People’s Town Hall, a town hall series from the founders of Town Hall Project.“At this crucial moment in our democracy, we encourage Oregonians from across the state — and political spectrum — to join this conversation with their senior senator.” https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFKAPSHvntYZDREE8cCJiiP3KEhHaAwNNv2r1zEwq6BxYDXQ/viewform
Search for Missing Child – Siletz, Oregon
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon
· Media Release March 2, 2025, 6:00pm — Search for Dane Paulsen – Update On Saturday March 1, 2025, at about 4:25pm , the Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a missing 2-year-old male (Dane Paulsen) from his residence near Milepost 21 on HWY 229, north of Siletz, Oregon.
A vehicle and an adult male, both of which were not known to the family, were noted near a bridge close to the residence approximately 30 minutes prior to the juvenile’s disappearance. Through a community tip, this vehicle and operator have since been located. Following further investigation, this subject and the vehicle are no longer a point of interest. We thank our community for sharing information and tips related to this investigation.
At the time of Dane’s disappearance, he was playing in the front yard of their residence and out of sight of his parents. Dane is friendly and fearless, and is comfortable around strangers and water, but cannot swim. Dane is known to love water and vehicles.
At this time, Dane is still missing. Investigators are following up on numerous leads, including investigating various leads provided by our community. We have multiple Search and Rescue Teams and Sheriff’s Posse, along with community volunteers, searching the area. Marine Teams and divers are searching the river. The Lincoln County Major Crime Team and the FBI are also assisting with investigative leads.
At this time, Dane’s disappearance does not meet the criteria to use the Amber Alert system. Our team will continue to share updates and information via FlashAlert and social media. There is no evidence at this time to suggest criminal actions are involved in this incident.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, including the enforcement division, Search and Rescue (SAR), and Mounted Posse, is being assisted by Oregon State Police, Lincoln City Police Department (PD), Newport PD, FBI, Siletz Valley Fire, Lane Co SO, Clackamas Co SO, Polk Co SO, Corvallis Mountain Rescue Unit, Mary’s Peak SAR, and Region 3 K9.
So far, 382 acres have been searched and 283 miles have been covered. The following resources have been deployed in the initial 24 hours of Dane’s disappearance:-
- 88 Certified Searcher and Rescue Members
- 4 Watercraft
- 4 Divers
- 4 Drones
- 6 Human Trailing K9s
- 40 Investigators
- 138 Community Volunteers
- Family resources are being provided by the FBI’s Victim Services Division.
How Can the Community Help: Although our teams will continue to work through the evening, community members are not encouraged to continue their search until daylight tomorrow.- Those that are interested in joining search efforts can go to the staging area and check in with the camp host at Elks Toketee Illahee campground at 20590 Siletz Hwy, Siletz, Oregon 97380.- Continue to report information that is relevant to Dane’s disappearance or may bring him home to the tip line: 541-265-0669 — Once again, we thank our community for their compassion and assistance. Our team and the community are working tirelessly to bring Dane home.
On March 1, 2025, at approximately 4:25 PM the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a missing 2-year-old child at a residence near milepost 21 on Siletz River Highway in Siletz, Oregon. Members of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Siletz Valley Fire, Oregon State Police, Newport Police Department, Lincoln City Police Department, and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue responded to the scene. Emergency personnel immediately began searching the residential property and surrounding areas on foot and air with the assistance of aerial drones. The drones have cameras and thermal imaging equipment.
The child, Dane Paulsen, was last known to be playing in the yard of the residence at the time of his disappearance. He was wearing a grey fuzzy hoody with ears, blue and white shoes, and black pants. Dane has brown hair and green eyes. (See attached photo.)
The Sheriff’s Office has also listed a late 90’s gold colored station wagon as a vehicle of interest. A vehicle matching this description was seen in the area before Dane went missing. The Sheriff’s Office is requesting anyone who may have information relating to Dane’s disappearance or information relating to a vehicle matching this description to call our Tip Line at 541-265-0669 or our non-emergency dispatch at 541-265-0777.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to acknowledge and thank the approximately 150 community members who responded and searched the surrounding area upon receiving information of Dane’s disappearance. The active search for Dane is ongoing.
Activists call for Oregon to dump $135M in Tesla stocks from pension fund
Tesla shareholders have endured a bumpier ride than drivers on Portland’s notorious unpaved gravel roads lately, given the stock’s dropping value.
Just ask the Public Employees Retirement System — better known as PERS, or the state pension fund.The PERS fund contains $135.3 million in Tesla stocks, which equates to a small but not yet infinitesimal 0.7% of the total fund. Tesla stock, meanwhile, has plummeted from a high of $480 a share in December to just under $300 as of Friday.
That 1% holding (rounding up) has angered local activists, who note that Tesla’s CEO, the billionaire Elon Musk, has seemingly become President Donald Trump’s most influential adviser, and is currently engaged in a purge of the federal workforce on Trump’s behalf.
“We want to liquidate the position now!” a user with the name O.K. Computermeyer said on Bluesky, a social media app that sprang up after Musk purchased Twitter and changed its name.
The post received 1,500 likes as of Friday, and comes as activists have launched weekly rallies outside a Tesla dealership in Portland’s South Waterfront. Authorities are still investigating a shooting that damaged several electric cars at a Salem Tesla dealership on Feb. 20.
This isn’t the first time politically motivated divestment campaigns have been directed at Oregon’s public retirement fund; prior campaigns have focused on coal and fossil fuels.
Treasury officials, for their part, say the fund’s investment strategy is “largely passive,” and bound by state law to maximize returns.
“(The fund) is a large, globally diversified portfolio with exposure to virtually every publicly traded company,” state treasury spokesperson Eric Engelson said in a statement Friday. “Our statutory obligation is to act in the best financial interest of our beneficiaries.” (SOURCE)
Oregon Launches Official Website to Commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary
The America 250 Oregon Commission is excited to announce the launch of Oregon’s official U.S. Semiquincentennial website, oregon250.org. In this digital space, the public can browse a community events calendar, explore online exhibitions, and access resources for getting involved in this nationwide commemoration. The site also includes links to all nine of Oregon’s federally recognized tribes.
The America 250 Oregon Commission was created by Senate Bill 1531, signed into law on March 27, 2024, by Governor Tina Kotek. Chaired by the Oregon Historical Society’s executive director, Kerry Tymchuk, the 27-member commission has been tasked to coordinate and provide guidance for Oregon’s official observance of the United States Semiquincentennial. To date, the commission has met three times and has developed its mission and guideposts.
The mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is “to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial.”
The commission’s official guideposts are:
- To inspire Oregonians to participate in the work of forming a more perfect union.
- To highlight the importance of civics and history education in building a better future.
- To highlight the work of Oregon’s many history and heritage organizations.
- To encourage a robust, thorough, and honest examination of our collective history.
- To celebrate the unique traditions, arts, and cultures of communities throughout Oregon.
- To honor the service and sacrifice made by Oregon’s veterans.
- To celebrate the power of place through Oregon’s remarkable landscapes and scenic beauty.
“As we commemorate our nation’s history at a time when Americans seem deeply divided, I believe that by celebrating our successes and honestly reckoning with our setbacks, we can improve and deepen public understanding of our history, increase public appreciation of service to our state and country, and inspire Oregonians to participate in and shape the ongoing American experiment,” said Kerry Tymchuk, chair of the America 250 Oregon Commission.
While guidelines for community event submissions are currently in development, the America 250 Oregon Commission encourages the public to explore two online exhibitions created in honor of the U.S. Semiquincentennial.
Oregon’s beauty and spirit are as diverse as its landscape and its people, and to celebrate the state’s bounty, the commission contracted with photographer Peter Marbach on two digital photographic exhibitions that showcase the essence of Oregon and its vibrant communities. The Power of Place highlights Oregon’s awe-inspiring landscapes, from its rugged coastline to its tranquil valleys and majestic peaks, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries. The Pursuit of Happiness shifts the focus to the people and communities of Oregon and the way we gather to celebrate the diverse cultures that define our state. Both exhibitions are being made into physical traveling exhibitions, which will soon be available to organizations and heritage sites statewide.
If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with the America 250 Oregon commemoration, please contact egon.250@ohs.org“>oregon.250@ohs.org or sign up for the official America 250 Oregon email list.
About the America 250 Oregon Commission – The mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. Learn more at oregon250.org.
Last Thursday, members of the Klamath Falls Police Department responded to 2328 Biehn Street on a report of a shooting. The reporting party reported he was shot in the chest.
When officers arrived on scene, life-saving measures were attempted, however, Jai Jackson had succumbed to his injuries. Witnesses reported the shooting transpired after a physical fight between Jackson and two suspects who have been identified as 20-year-old Malacky Rodgers and 20-year-old Garin Riddle Jr.
After the shooting, both Rodgers and Riddle Jr. fled the scene. The Klamath County Major Crime Team was activated and is currently investigating this incident. If any members of the community have additional information regarding this investigation, we encourage you to call the Klamath Falls Police Department at (541)883-5336 and contact lead detective, Det. Joe Reed. If you want to remain anonymous, you can call the anonymous Tip Line at (541) 883-5334.
DAS Office of Economic Analysis Presents the March Revenue Forecast
Oregon’s forecast remains strong
Salem, OR – Carl Riccadonna, state chief economist and Michael Kennedy, senior economist of the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), presented the latest economic outlook and revenue forecast to a joint meeting of the Oregon Legislative Revenue Committees. The quarterly revenue forecasts serve to open the revenue forecasting process to public review and is the basis for much of the Oregon state government budgeting process.
What is different about this forecast? The Office of Economic Analysis provides quarterly forecasts for the State of Oregon’s major revenue sources, including all sources contributing to the General Fund (Personal and Corporate Income Tax, etc.), Lottery and the Corporate Activity Tax. In May of odd years, OEA’s revenue forecast establishes the resource levels for the next biennium’s adopted budget.
The March 2025 economic outlook is much like was presented in December 2024, with optimism toward a “soft landing” scenario but with widening variability in risk factors. Key points include:
- State economy is increasingly bound to national trends for growth and inflation
- Heightened sensitivity to trade tensions given geography and industry composition
- Labor conditions are healthy, but hiring has sputtered and breadth of job creation is weak
- Magnitude of demographic rebound will be critical to growth outcome
Revenue Forecast – The March revenue forecast projects the 2023-25 General Fund ending balance to be $2.59 billion, with revenues decreasing by $89 million and appropriations up $110 million since the December forecast.
In the 2025-27 biennium, General Fund available resources are forecast to increase by $350 million, and revenues increasing by $551 million from the December forecast. This results in a total of $38.2 billion projected available resources.
About the Office of Economic Analysis – The state chief economist oversees the Office of Economic Analysis within the Department of Administrative Services and provides objective forecasts of the state’s economy, revenue, populations, corrections population and Youth Authority population. These forecasts are used across state government, and by the public for a variety of reasons, notably to inform the state budgeting process. For more information about the Office of Economic Analysis and recent forecasts visit https://www.oregon.gov/das/oea/pages/index.aspx.
Oregon Lottery Spotlights Problem Gambling Awareness Month
Oregon Lottery is focused on increasing awareness of problem gambling and safer play in March — also known as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). By participating in this annual, grassroots campaign, Oregon Lottery collaborates both locally and nationally to promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
This year’s theme, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. By fostering a deeper understanding of the issue, the goal is to encourage empathy, reduce barriers to treatment, and provide support to those affected by gambling-related harm.
“Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a critical time to highlight the realities of gambling addiction and break down the stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking help. In Oregon, it provides an opportunity to recognize the impact of gambling-related harm and ensure that those affected receive the support and resources they need,” said Glenn Yamagata, executive director Oregon Council on Problem Gambling (OCPG). “This year’s theme, ‘Seeking Understanding,’ aligns with OCPG’s mission to foster awareness, compassion, and meaningful access to care.”
Oregonians can access online tools and connect with free, professional counseling year-round by going to the Oregon Problem Gambling Resource (OPGR) website. In 2024, Oregon Lottery worked with the Oregon Health Authority to enhance the OPGR website with additional resources designed to reduce stigma and reach more people at more points on their help seeking journey. This included a link for free access to EVIVE — a first of its kind digital health app, offering solutions for quitting, moderating, or simply playing safer.
“This year’s PGAM theme really resonates for us,” said Stacy Shaw, who leads Oregon Lottery’s Safer Play Program and is an OCPG board member. “We know that stigma is one of the biggest barriers to treatment, and we’re working to normalize both safer play and help seeking in our marketing outreach.”
Since 1992, one percent of Oregon Lottery profits have funded problem gambling treatment and prevention efforts throughout Oregon. Since that time, over $148 million in Lottery funds has supported those services.
About the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling – The Oregon Council on Problem Gambling is the state affiliate to the National Council on Problem Gambling. Its purpose is to promote the health of Oregonians by supporting efforts to minimize gambling related harm. Board members include individuals from the gaming industry, the treatment and prevention field, the recovery community and state and county administrators.
About Oregon Lottery – Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery or to read the Responsible Gaming Impacts Report, visit www.oregonlottery.org.
March Is “Home Improvement Month” at Oregon Construction Contractors Board
The Construction Contractors Board (CCB), the state agency that licenses contractors in Oregon, follows a mission to protect consumers from unlicensed contractor activity. This is a time of year when homeowners and consumers plan home improvement projects. To support consumers at this time, CCB is making this month “Home Improvement Month”.
For home improvement month, CCB has created a webpage where consumers can find helpful information to support them during their home improvement project. On this page, CCB addresses topics like why checking the license is important, signs of an unlicensed contractor scam, and how to report unlicensed contractors. Consumers can see the webpage at: https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/Pages/Home-Improvement-Month.aspx
During the month of March, CCB will also offer three free webinars to the public on different topics.
Door-to-Door Sales Webinar: What to Do When the Home Improvement Comes to You – March 4, 2025, 11:00 — During this talk about door-to-door sales, the CCB presenter will explore the question: when is it a scam and when is it legit? Speakers will discuss how to protect yourself from scams and hire the right contractor for you.
Fire Hardening Webinar – March 18, 2025, 11:00 — In this webinar, Building Codes Division will present about how to harden your home against fires. A speaker from the Oregon State Fire Marshal will present on creating defensible space. At the end, CCB will present on how to hire a contractor to do the work.
Choosing a Real Estate Agent, their Duties to You, and What to Do If Things Go Wrong Webinar – March 27, 2025, 11:00 — This presentation will feature a speaker from Oregon’s Real Estate Agency (REA), providing tips for choosing an agent and what to do when things go wrong. At the end, CCB will present on working with contractors to repair a home during the buying and selling process.
Anyone who would like to attend can register on CCB’s Home Improvement Month webpage.
“Empowering consumers through education is a core mission of the CCB,” said Chris Huntington, CCB Administrator. “CCB’s Home Improvement Month line-up of educational webinars and resources are designed to help consumers go into a construction project with the knowledge they need to help them protect their most valuable investment.”
### About the CCB – The CCB is the state agency licensing over 42,000 contractor businesses. Anyone who is paid to repair, improve or build a home must be licensed. Learn more about how to have a successful project at www.oregon.gov/ccb.
Oregon has thousands of federal jobs across the state, and state economists are shedding light on what areas will be hit the hardest amid federal layoffs. In the first quarter of 2024, Oregon had a total of 28,750 federal jobs and the sector made up 1.5% of the state’s employment.
While it remain unclear how many job and which agencies would see cuts due to the Trump administration’s efforts to scale back government spending, impacts of job revenue loss may be felt more heavily in rural areas according to a report from Oregon State Employment Economist.
The report notes that across Oregon, federal jobs pay 36% more than the average wages, but the gap is even more pronounced in rural areas. It is unclear which agencies would be impacted, the memo excludes the US Postal Service, the Military and Federal Law Enforcement. It directs agencies or components that provide direct services to citizens (such as Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ health care) to delay implementation of staff cuts until the plans are approved.
Though the Oregon Employment Department does not have a count of how many federal workers have applied for unemployment benefits so far, they’re tracking and preparing.
In Oregon, there are more than 29,000 people in the state who work for the federal government — including 7,000 in the U.S. Postal Service; 6,400 in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and 3,400 in the U.S. Forest Service. Department leaders say they are ready to help, no matter how Oregonians lose their jobs. The earliest the department thinks it will see those numbers will be in late March.
The Oregon Employment Department will also be looking for other workers affected by funding cuts in groups that rely on federal dollars, like researchers at universities and other organizations. But specifically for federal workers, there is a page on the Oregon Employment Department website meant to help them go through the process if they lose their jobs.
Join Us for the 2025 Women in Public Safety Event hosted by Portland Police Bureau. 
Explore exciting career opportunities in law enforcement! Whether you’re a recent graduate, considering a career change, or simply curious about public safety, this event is for everyone—people of all ages are welcome!
Date: Saturday March 8, 2025 
Time: 10 AM – 2 PM 
Location: PPB Training Facility, 14912 NE Airport Way, Portland, Oregon 97230
Meet representatives from over 20 metro agencies and discover the diverse paths available in public safety. Bring your friends, family, and anyone interested in learning more about a fulfilling career serving the community!
Join us for an inspiring day filled with information, networking, and empowerment. We can’t wait to see you there!
ODF proposes revised state forest implementation plans, opens 30-day comment period
SALEM, Ore.–The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) opens a 30-day comment period on proposed Implementation Plan revisions for the Astoria, Forest Grove, Tillamook, North Cascade, West Oregon, and Western Lane (including the Veneta and Southwest units) state forest districts. Implementation plans describe forest management activities such as timber harvest targets, road construction and maintenance, reforestation and young stand management, recreation, aquatic habitat restoration and protection strategies for species of concern.
The comment period begins Feb. 20 and ends March 21 at 5 p.m. The implementation plans are available on ODF’s website. Comments can be submitted online by using this form, emailing ODF.SFComments@oregon.gov, or mailing comments to ODF Public Affairs, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310.
State forests by law must provide social, economic, and environmental benefits to Oregonians, and are managed under long-range forest management plans, mid-range implementation plans, and annual operations plans.
At the direction of the Board of Forestry, ODF is continuing the development of a draft Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan and Forest Management Plan for Western Oregon State Forests. The draft Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is currently going through the National Environmental Policy Act process. Finalization of this process and issuance of Incidental Take Permits is expected to occur within fiscal year 2026. Revising the current implementation plans allows the agency to continue operations during this time of transition and further align with the draft HCP while focusing resources on developing a new forest management plan and accompanying implementation plans required to implement the draft HCP.
The revisions to the current Implementation Plans include new information on the district land base and forest resources, updated Species of Concern strategies and associated Forest Land Management Classification map, clarified timber harvest target descriptions, and changes to the mapped landscape design of the desired future condition. These changes align with Division policy, current Forest Management Plans and draft HCP objectives. In order to cover the HCP approval timeline, the new Forest Management Plan and new Implementation Plan development timelines, the revised Implementation Plans have been extended through June 30, 2027.
Registration Is Now Open For The Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K Run for the Trees
Oregon Parks Forever — Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests. Registration is now open for the 2025 Run for the Trees at www.orparksforever.org.
Participants can run, walk, hike, skate, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 19 and 27 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day). Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week. If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15.
For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks. Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration.
Gather your friends, family and/or colleagues and create your own walk or run. Make it fun!
Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.
As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its fifth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include ten other states. Together, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maryland and Virginia will “lock arms” as they help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.
“We are thrilled to partner with Bob Ross, Inc. and these other ten states on the Happy Little 5K concept as a way to honor the late Bob Ross and create a legacy event to plant trees,” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.”
Oregon Parks Forever joined this event as an expansion of our efforts to fund the replanting of trees killed by wildfires, heat domes and invasive insects. Over the past three years, Oregon Parks Forever has been able to fund the replanting of more than 800,000 trees across Oregon.
“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.” — Learn more about the program at http://www.orparksforever.org
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1109674113319848
Call us at 541-690-8806. Or email us at Info@RogueValleyMagazine.com