The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Rogue Valley Weather
Stay updated with the National Weather Service and NOAA for the latest information on evolving conditions.
US National Weather Service Medford Oregon
A series of strong weather systems are expected to impact Northern California and Southern Oregon through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Medford
Snow levels will be low, starting around 1,000-1,500 feet Friday morning, with accumulation of up to 2 inches possible on lower I-5 passes south of Roseburg, Camas Mountain, Hayes Hill, and areas like Jacksonville Hill, Prospect, and Medford’s higher spots.
The Cascades, Siskiyous, and Mt. Shasta region above 2,000 feet are under winter storm warnings, with up to 4 feet of snow possible around Crater Lake. Strong winds are expected along the coast and in the Shasta Valley, with a High Wind Watch issued for areas south of Cape Blanco.
Heavy rainfall could cause flooding along rivers and streams, especially the Rogue River near Agness and Deer Creek at Roseburg.
Josephine County Sheriff’s Office Executed “Operation Sentinel” Sex Offender Compliance and Outstanding Warrant Sweep
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INCIDENT DATE: March 6-10, 2025
DETAILS: From March 6-10, 2025, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office executed a multi-agency, County wide sex offender compliance and outstanding warrant sweep. The operation, dubbed Operational Sentinel, targeted sex offenders and individuals with outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants, including repeat offenders, violent offenders, and those who fled to avoid prosecution or absconded from justice.
The operation was executed with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service – Pacific Northwest Violent Offenders Task Force (USMS – PNVOTF), Oregon State Police Sex Offender Registration Section, Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (R.A.D.E), Josephine County Parole and Probation, the Grants Pass Police Department (GPPD), Oregon State Police Grants Pass Command, Oregon State Police Central Point Command, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office.
The compliance checks conducted in Operation Sentinel included door to door verification of addresses reported by offenders as their residences, to confirm or deny the validity of their registrations. By conducting this operation, the risk of recidivism is reduced, and the accuracy of the database is improved, making it a more valuable tool for keeping our community safe.
Operation Sentinel Results:
- 624 Compliance Checks
- 45 Sex Offender Registrations post contact
- 87 Actions taken against offenders
- 19 Felony Warrant Arrests
- 3 Probationary Detainers
- 5 Misdemeanor Warrant Arrests
- 1 Probable Cause Arrest for a Stolen Firearm
- 5.8 grams of Methamphetamine, 4.3 grams of Fentanyl Seized
Notable arrests during Operation Sentinel:
Gary Carden, who possesses an extensive criminal history, was wanted out of Florida on weapons related charges. The Pacific Northwest Violent Offenders Task Force located Carden with the help of the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police Grants Pass Command and took him into custody without incident.
After a month-long investigation, an offender was taken into custody for failure to register as a sex offender. The offender had moved from out of state and resided in Josephine County for over 6 months without coming into compliance. He was located, arrested, and registered. Las Vegas Metro Police, Oregon State Police Grants Pass Command, and Oregon State Police Sex Offender Registration Section were integral to the success of his apprehension.
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to protecting with courage and serving with compassion as we work to ensure all offenders in the county are brought to justice and all sex offenders are in compliance to increase safety for the public.
Local Electrician Assaulted in Rural Eagle Point, Fends Off Attacker in Apparent Self Defense
EAGLE POINT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives are investigating an assault that led to a stabbing around 8:30 this morning in rural Eagle Point. Detectives’ preliminary investigation revealed this was an apparent case of self-defense.
On March 13, ECSO 911 Dispatch received a call at 8:31 AM for a stabbing in the 2100 block of Rogue River Drive in Rural Eagle Point. JCSO deputies responded along with Jackson County Fire District 3 and Mercy Flights. Deputies secured the scene, and a Mercy Flights ambulance transported the wounded suspect to a local hospital.
During the investigation, detectives learned a commercial electrician was in the area working when a man approached and assaulted him unprovoked. The electrician used his pocket knife to stop the attack, wounding the suspect in the process. No other people were involved in the altercation.
The suspect underwent surgery for superficial wounds at a local hospital and is in stable condition. Charges for the suspect are pending review by the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. The suspect’s name will be released pending charges.
JCSO detectives are continuing their investigation. There is no additional information available at this time.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Offering Watercraft Dry Dock Safety Inspections This Weekend
Fatal Motorcycle Crash
CASE NUMBER: 25-5556
INCIDENT DATE AND TIME: March 10th, 2025 at 6:03am
DECEASED : Jesse Louis Tillett 22 year-old male
VEHICLE: 2003 Suzuki Sport Bike
DETAILS: On March 10th at 6:03am, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Rural Metro Fire Department and American Medical Response responded to a motorcycle crash in the 2500 block of Granite Hill Road.
The motorcycle and the rider, Jesse Louis Tillett, were both found off the roadway. Tillett was deceased when located. Initial investigation shows the vehicle failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway and struck several trees. Tillett was wearing a helmet. Next of kin has been notified.
Should Homelessness Be Criminalized? | Dr. Phil Primetime — Talks About Grants Pass
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkVpBS_Y6Pw
Father Arrested in Glendale after Crash Kills Juvenile
GLENDALE, Ore. – A 55-year-old Wolf Creek man was arrested on charges of second-degree manslaughter after a pickup truck crash killed his 11-year-old daughter Monday afternoon. Driver impairment is considered a factor in the crash.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were called to a motor vehicle crash on Oregon Department of Forestry land bordering the 1200 block of Tunnel Road in Glendale at about 1:30 pm Monday, March 10, 2025. The pickup, a green Ford F250, was reportedly occupied by the driver, Ian Anthony Fleming, and three juvenile females when the crash occurred.
The three juvenile passengers were thrown from the vehicle as it rolled multiple times down an embankment. All juveniles sustained injuries. Fleming was able to get out of the vehicle on his own and he then attempted to get medical care for his seriously injured daughter. He used a borrowed vehicle to drive his daughter to the ambulance station on Tunnel Road. Glendale Ambulance paramedics declared her deceased shortly after.
The two other juveniles were transported by Glendale Ambulance to Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford for treatment.
DCSO Detectives responded to the scene after deputies reported Fleming had fled. Fleming later returned to the location of the crash and was interviewed. Detectives determined alcohol and drugs were a factor in the crash and arrested Fleming for Manslaughter II. He was lodged at the Douglas County jail.
North Medford High School Gym Demolition
Crews at North Medford High School have started breaking down some of the walls of the school’s gymnasium.
Workers were using a concrete wall saw on Tuesday to begin demolition efforts and following up with heavy machinery to tear down portions of the structure.
Bena Rodecap from Grant High School named Oregon’s 2025 Poetry Out Loud champion; Gio Calandrella, also from Grant High School, named runner up
Salem, Oregon – Bena (Bee-nah) Rodecap, a junior at Grant High School, is Oregon’s 2025 Poetry Out Loud champion. Rodecap received the top score at Saturday’s Poetry Out Loud State Contest, held at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. She will now represent Oregon at the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, to be held May 5-7 in Washington D.C.
Watch Rodecap’s performance and the moment she was named champion by Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, who attended the event. View and download event photos, also featuring the First Lady and Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston, who attended and performed at the event.
Gio Calandrella, a freshman who also attends Grant High School, was named runner up. Calandrella would be invited to represent Oregon in the national competition should Rodecap be unable to attend.
Rodecap chose to participate in Poetry Out Loud because she loves poetry and thanks teacher Ms. (Paige) Battle for her “tireless guidance.” She also likes to read, write and volunteer. The poems she chose to recite are “A Noiseless Patient Spider,” by Walt Whitman; “Say Grace” by Emily Jungmin Yoon and “How to Write a Poem,” by Laura Hershey.
“I chose poems that resonated with me,” Rodecap said. “I could immediately feel what the poet was trying to say.”
“I feel so honored and I am really shocked,” she said after being named champion. “I never thought I would win. I’ve loved poetry my entire life and this whole experience has been incredibly special.”
Calandrella spends his time acting, singing and doing other types of writing. He is currently in his school’s musical and is the winner of da Vinci Arts Middle School’s 2024 poetry slam.
“I am so inspired by the courage, tenacity and creative energy I saw on the stage at Poetry Out Loud!” said Cherle Ulmer, one of the judges at Saturday’s State Contest. “The students show they have the self-discipline to move mountains, great and small. Because of these dedicated students, the future looks a bit brighter to me.”
The other nine students who competed Saturday, after winning their school competitions and advancing from semifinals, are: Senna Alnasser, Oregon Charter Academy (Mill City); Gloria Flores Estrada, Oregon School for the Deaf (Salem); Josiah Gaither, St. Stephen’s Academy (Beaverton); Josephine le Roux, Trinity Academy (Portland); Arianna Morris, Redmond High School; Kaydence Pope, South Medford High School; Sophie Roberts, St. Stephen’s Academy; Madeline Torres, Lakeridge High School (Lake Oswego); and Dulce Wiles, Oregon Charter Academy.
A partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, Poetry Foundation, and the state and jurisdictional arts agencies, Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition to high schools across the country.
The Polar Plunge took place last Saturday at the Rogue Valley Country Club in support of the Special Olympics Oregon. You can still donate.
This year’s Polar Plunge made a big splash with 25 teams participating in jumping into the icy cold water. Over $50k has been raised for the Special Olympics Oregon athletes.
Josephine County Animal Shelter offers free dog adoptions
Foothill Road Will Be Closed to Fix Failing Culverts
Foothill Road will be closed to all through traffic from Coker Butte Road to Dry Creek Road for approximately 2 weeks. The full closure is planned to begin Friday March 7 at 6:00 PM and extend through March 21.
The closure will allow contractors to address a failing culvert. Construction crews will be working 24-hours per day during the first weekend of the closure to help minimize the closure period.
Drivers will be detoured to Crater Lake Avenue via East Vilas Road and Coker Butte Road. Foothill Road will remain open to local traffic only between East Vilas Road and Dry Creek Road.
Further information can be found here: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/projects/pages/projectdetails.aspx?project=19231
Illinois Valley Fire District is Hosting a FREE Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training in April 2025
Illinois Valley Fire District
FREE Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Available in April
CAVE JUNCTION, OR – The Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD) Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is offering a FREE six-session Basic Disaster Training Course this April to help community members prepare for emergencies and disasters.
The CERT course will take place on Friday evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, beginning April 4th and concluding on April 26th. Please note that there will be no classes over Easter weekend.
This essential training will cover:
✅ Disaster Preparedness
✅ Fire Safety
✅ Disaster Medical Operations
✅ Light Search and Rescue
✅ Disaster Psychology
✅ Radio and Communications Skills
Classes will be held at the IVFD Administration Building, 681 Caves Highway, Cave Junction, OR.
This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience and critical skills to assist your family and community in the event of an emergency.
How to Register:
To sign up for this free disaster preparedness course, call 541-592-2225 ext. 0 or email toutreach@gmail.com“>ivcertoutreach@gmail.com.
Spaces are limited, so register today!
About CERT – The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills. CERT members play a vital role in supporting emergency responders and assisting their communities in times of crisis.
The Addictions Recovery Center (ARC) in Medford is expanding its services with a new facility which is currently under construction. This will add 24 residential treatment beds to the ARC’s East Main Campus. See Video and Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARC541/videos/520525737735442
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)
Follow, share, and help spread the word! https://www.facebook.com/MedfordPoliceOR
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
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.
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.
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
Common School Fund will send record-breaking $76.8 million to Oregon schools in 2025
Oregon’s K-12 public schools will receive a record $76.8 million from the Common School Fund in 2025, state officials announced today.
“Across the country, school districts are facing budget shortages caused by the expiration of federal pandemic relief dollars, declining enrollment, increasing costs due to inflation, and many other factors,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “Here in Oregon, we are lucky to have the Common School Fund – a critical and reliable resource in our shared goal to give students the best shot to succeed.”
Every one of Oregon’s 197 school districts receives money from the Common School Fund, which has supported public education since statehood, every year. How much each district receives depends on the number of students served. Portland Public Schools, the state’s largest district, will receive $6.6 million in 2025. Redmond School District will receive $974,288. Coos Bay School District will receive $382,092.
The average 2025 distribution is $389,607. Bethel School District in Eugene, with about 5,000 students, will receive $806,193 in 2025. See how much every Oregon school district will receive from the Common School Fund in 2025 (PDF).
“The Common School Fund is consistent and can be used for anything, from keeping the lights on to providing instruction,” said Benjamin Dodds, teacher at Bethel School District’s Willamette High School. “That’s what makes it such a helpful funding source for schools across Oregon.”
The Common School Fund has contributed to schools since Oregon became a state, when the federal government granted nearly 3.4 million acres “for the use of schools.” The State Land Board – Oregon’s Governor, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer – was established to oversee these school lands dedicated to generating revenue for the Common School Fund.
Valued at $2.38 billion as of February 2025, the Common School Fund is managed by the Oregon State Treasury, with oversight from the Oregon Investment Council. The Fund achieved a 9.7 percent return in 2024.
Annually, 3.5 percent of the Fund is distributed to schools. The 2025 distribution of $76.6 million is $2.4 million more than the 2024 distribution of $74.2 million and $4.4 million more than the 2023 distribution of $72.2 million.
“Schools are the foundation of healthy families and communities,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner. “We’re committed to safeguarding the Common School Fund and ensuring that our responsible investment strategies continue to generate returns that put more educators, counselors and other staff in front of students across Oregon.”
Today, about 681,000 acres of school lands in all 36 Oregon counties are managed by the Department of State Lands on behalf of the State Land Board. Ranchers and farmers, Tribal governments, businesses, and more work with DSL to lease and buy lands, plan for future community needs, and keep lands healthy. School lands generated $7.2 million in revenue during fiscal year 2024.
“This is a historic investment and a smart one,” said Secretary of State Tobias Read. “Oregonians value education because we know our tomorrow depends on the students and teachers in classrooms today. We must continue to manage these lands wisely so Oregonians can keep benefitting from this valuable resource for generations to come.”
About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Tina Kotek, Secretary of State Tobias Read, and State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund. The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide.
MISSING CHILD DANE PAULSEN FOUND DECEASED – TALKING POINTS AND QUESTIONS ANSWERED FROM MEDIA BRIEFING at this link: https://www.flashalert.net/id/lcso
March 11, 2025 – Siletz Oregon
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the discovery of Dane Paulsen, who had been missing since March 1, 2025 around 4:25pm. After an extensive search and investigation by local authorities, along with the help of community volunteers, Dane was found today at approximately 11:13am in the Siletz River approximately 3 miles downstream from the family’s property. Sadly, he was found deceased.
Juan Heredia, with Angels Recovery Dive Team offered his dive services to Dane’s family. After connecting with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Jaun was escorted onto the river by a local river guide and began searching areas of the Siletz River downstream from where Sheriff’s Office drivers had thoroughly combed.
Sheriff’s Office investigators are currently processing the scene. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is working in partnership with the Lincoln County Medical Examiners Office. As is standard with ongoing investigations, additional details are not available at this time.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office expresses its deepest sympathies to Dane’s family and loved ones. The impact of this loss is felt by the entire community, and we join those grieving this unimaginable tragedy.
“Our thoughts are with the family, who are facing an unbearable sorrow,” said Sheriff Adam Shanks. “We are deeply grateful for the support and dedication shown by the search teams and our communities throughout this difficult time, though we wish it was under different circumstances.”
We understand that this news is incredibly painful, especially for Dane’s family and those who knew him. Dane’s family has been notified. Out of respect for the family’s privacy during this profoundly difficult time, we ask the public and media to respect their need for space and time to grieve.
Homicide Investigation in Coos County after body found near Johnson Mill Pond
On March 12, 2025, at about 0859 hours, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Johnson Mill Pond located between Coquille, and Myrtle Point Oregon in response to a report of a deceased person at that location. As a result of the call, a homicide investigation is being conducted.
At this point, further details about the decedent will not be released pending next of kin notification. However, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the assistance of the public. If anyone was present at Johnson Mill Pond between the hours of 7 am and 9 am on March 12, 2025, please contact the North Coos Dispatch Center at 541-269-8911 Option 1.
The Coos County Sheriff’s Office or the Coos County District Attorney’s Office will follow up with more information as it becomes available. This is an active and ongoing investigation and any assistance by the public is appreciated.
Lincoln Co. District Attorney’s Office Requests Help Solving Kelly Disney Homicide
WE NEED YOUR HELP! 17-year-old Kelly Disney was last seen in the early morning hours on March 9, 1984, walking eastbound on Highway 20 near U.S. 101 in Newport, Oregon. Kelly was observed on Highway 20 by several witnesses before disappearing and never being seen alive again.
In July 1994, Kelly’s skull was found in an abandoned vehicle near Big Creek Reservoir outside of Newport, Oregon. It appeared her skull had recently been placed at that location and her death was ruled a homicide. Kelly’s disappearance and homicide remain unsolved.
The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Cold Case Team is seeking information from the community in an effort to solve the 40-year-old disappearance and homicide of Kelly Disney. We believe there are individuals in our community who may have information that could assist in this investigation.
If you knew Kelly or heard about her disappearance, we want to hear from you. Whether you experienced something firsthand or heard information thirdhand, that information is valuable. No matter how insignificant you feel the information might be, we still want to hear from you.
It is never too late to come forward and share information. If you do not want to reveal the circumstances in which you obtained the information, you can report information anonymously.
SUBMIT A TIP: CALL: (541) 265-0669 —- EMAIL: FindKellyDisney@co.lincoln.or.us
Paid Leave Oregon Surpasses $1 Billion in Benefits Paid to Oregon Workers
— As of March 11, Paid Leave Oregon has delivered more than $1 billion in benefits to Oregon workers, marking a significant milestone in supporting people and families across the state. To date, over 150,000 people have received Paid Leave benefits.
“This milestone is a measure of the state’s commitment to supporting Oregon’s workforce,” said David Gerstenfeld, Director of the Oregon Employment Department. “$1 billion in benefits demonstrates the significant impact this program has had, not only on employees and their families, but also on Oregon businesses and the broader economy. By providing financial security during critical times, Paid Leave Oregon helps employers retain workers, reduce turnover costs, and strengthen the economic stability of communities across the state.”
“Paid Leave Oregon makes our state healthier, happier, and more prosperous by ensuring people don’t have to choose between their health, their families, and their paychecks,” said Karen Madden Humelbaugh, Director of Paid Leave Oregon. “Reaching the $1 billion mark shows that we’ve built something stable and strong. Whether they are recovering from an illness, welcoming a new child, or caring for a loved one, Oregonians can count on Paid Leave Oregon to be there for them during life’s most important moments.”
Paid Leave Oregon continues to be a national model for state-administered paid leave programs, ensuring equitable access to benefits for workers. The program is funded through contributions from employers and employees, ensuring a sustainable and robust support system for Oregonians who take paid leave.
Every dollar goes to someone facing a serious health condition, caring for a family member, bonding with a new child, or dealing with the impacts of domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or sexual assault.
Since its launch in January 2023, Paid Leave has paid benefits to more than 150,000 Oregonians. Of the approved applications, 45% have been for medical leave, 28% for bonding with a new child, 14% to care for a family member with a serious health condition, 12% for leave due to pregnancy, and 1% for safe leave.
Paid Leave Oregon continues to expand its outreach and services to ensure more workers and businesses understand and use the program when they need it. For more information, visit paidleave.oregon.gov.
### The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.
Spring Whale Watch Week returns to the Oregon coast for spring break 2025
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OREGON COAST, Oregon— Oregon State Parks will host Spring Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast Saturday, March 22 through Sunday, March 30.
Trained Oregon State Park volunteers and rangers will be stationed at 14 sites along the Oregon Coast to help visitors spot whales and their calves and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily March 22-30. The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast. Cape Foulweather will not be included this year because it is closed due to construction.
“Spring is a great time for whale watching because the gray whales are usually closer to shore on their return trip, typically around a mile or so out, and they might have calves in tow,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.
An estimated 19,260 gray whales are expected to swim past Oregon’s shores from late winter through June as part of their annual migration back to Alaska.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced an end to an Unusual Mortality Event impacting gray whales in 2023. Since then, the estimated population has increased by roughly 30% from 14,530 in 2023 to 19,260 last year, according to NOAA. The numbers are on the rise overall, but the calf count is still low as the population continues to rebound.
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.
A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 22-30. 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 keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.
For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.
Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Spring Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch.
Oregon State Parks to hire more than 200 seasonal Rangers, Ranger Assistants
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Oregon State Parks will hire more than 200 seasonal Rangers and Ranger Assistants for positions across the state for the 2025 season.
Hiring starts as soon as this month and runs through about June with new positions listed on a rolling basis on the website. The positions last anywhere from four to nine months. Most seasonal staff work April through September, but some start as early as this month or work as late as December.
Seasonal staff help visitors access world-class experiences and ensure clean and safe park areas for everyone to enjoy. Duties include janitorial work, landscape maintenance, visitor education and visitor services.
Salaries start at $19.78 per hour for seasonal assistants and $23.21 for seasonal rangers. Both positions include comprehensive medical, vision and dental plans for employees and qualified family members. The positions also include paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Student workers, ages 16 and older, start at $19.77 or more per hour depending on experience.
“We believe in growing leadership from within. We invest in our staff and provide pathways for advancement whether you’re here for a season or your entire career,” said Director Lisa Sumption.
Seasonal staff gain valuable skills working with experienced Rangers at parks around the state. The first wave of openings include positions along the coast from Washburne to Cape Lookout; the Willamette Valley including Silver Falls and Detroit Lake; the Columbia River Gorge and Eastern Oregon including Wallowa Lake and Lake Owyhee.
For more information about current openings, visit stateparks.oregon.gov. If you have any questions or need additional assistance in accessibility or alternative formats, please email Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Recruiting D.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov“>OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity and pay equity.
On Wednesday members of the Basin Inter-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team (BINET) learned that Thomas Walter Anderson (58) was selling Fentanyl and Methamphetamine from a hotel near Klamath Union High School.
Members of BINET worked with the Klamath Falls Police Department and members of Klamath County Community Corrections, and began conducting surveillance of the hotel room and Anderson.
When Anderson left the hotel room, officers stopped him and gained consent to his hotel room. Approximately ½ ounce of Fentanyl that was individually packaged for sales was located, along with Methamphetamine, evidence of distribution of controlled substances, and more than $1,000 of proceeds.
Anderson was arrested and lodged at the Klamath County Jail for the following charges: Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance – Fentanyl, Unlawful Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Fentanyl.
BINET is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local drug trafficking organizations.
Residents of Klamath County are encouraged to report drug activity to the Klamath Falls Police Department Tip-Line at 541-883-5334.
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.
Northwest Digital Heritage reaches one million digital records of cultural heritage collections available to view online
Salem, OR – People around Oregon and the world now have free access to search over one million digitized photographs, letters, documents, and more from around the Pacific Northwest. These historic and cultural materials are available in Northwest Digital Heritage, a website that searches the collections of over 300 regional libraries, museums, and cultural heritage organizations.
Northwest Digital Heritage is an online search portal that gathers records from the online collections of libraries, museums, universities, historical societies, and other organizations in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. The site was created in 2021 through a partnership between the Oregon Heritage Commission, State Library of Oregon, and Washington State Library.
Items available through Northwest Digital Heritage span topics, from football and women’s suffrage to Tribal treaties, Black history and culture, Crater Lake, and much more. The content has proven valuable to educators and students doing classroom projects, genealogists researching family connections, scholarly researchers, historians, cultural heritage organizations making exhibits, and other lifelong learners.
The over one million materials include over 60,000 photos from Oregon State Archives’ Oregon Scenic Images Collection, 20,000 items from the Oregon Historical Society Research Library, 5,000 records from the Harney County Library, 13,000 images from the Salem Public Library, and nearly 2,000 materials from the Five Oaks Museum in Washington County.
The collections in Northwest Digital Heritage are also included in the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA), which helps bring this unique and local Northwest content to a national audience. More than 5,000 institutions throughout the nation have contributed over 50 million records to the DPLA to date.
“Being able to search one million records for primary sources documenting the human experience in the Pacific Northwest is an incredible opportunity for those interested in history,” says Katie Henry, Oregon Heritage Commission Coordinator. “The three Northwest Digital Heritage partners know these are only a fraction of cultural materials held by hundreds of organizations across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. We look forward to working with existing and new partners to continue growing this incredible resource.”
In addition to helping make this resource available, the Oregon Heritage Commission, State Library of Oregon, and Washington State Library assist heritage organizations across the Pacific Northwest. Such assistance includes:
- Training, resources, information, and guidance on digitizing and making collections accessible online;
- Grants and funding opportunities; and
- Hosting organizations’ online collections.
Northwest Digital Heritage is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the State Library of Oregon and Washington State Library. To learn more visit https://www.northwestdigitalheritage.org.
OREGON DIVISION OF FINANCIAL REGULATION CREATES COMMERCIAL INSURANCE GUIDES FOR BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) recently released a series of new consumer guides focused on commercial property and casualty insurance. The five new guides can be found on DFR’s website:
- Guides to commercial property and casualty insurance
- Shelters – Guide to commercial property and casualty insurance
- Nonprofits – Guide to commercial property and casualty insurance
- Child care providers – Guide to commercial property and casualty insurance
- Restaurants – Guide to commercial property and casualty insurance
These guides explain key features of commercial insurance policies, how to plan for and purchase coverage, and what to do if you are having difficulty finding insurance for your business. It also includes useful descriptions of different types of coverage and what factors insurers use to determine what premium you pay. Individual guides are also available that define special considerations for shelters, nonprofits, child care facilities, and restaurants. These provide tips for overcoming distinct challenges encountered with these types of organizations and businesses.
“By taking proactive measures, business owners and nonprofits can better manage their risks and ensure they have the necessary protection in place,” said Andrew Stolfi, Oregon’s insurance commissioner and director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “We are hopeful these guides can help people navigate the intricacies of insurance and better understand terminology, technicalities, and how to get coverage if a commercial entity is struggling to obtain coverage in traditional markets.”
DFR has a variety of other publications to help consumers with auto insurance, health and life insurance, disaster resources, student loans, managing your finances, and more on its website.
If you have questions about your insurance, contact your insurance company or agent, or you can contact one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or at dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.
Registration is closing soon for the Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K
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.
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. You must register by April 1st in order to get your shirts and medal before the event.
Participants can walk, run, 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. This year, the trees will be planted in the Santiam Canyon.
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 eleven other states. Together, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maryland, Virginia and Tennessee 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 eleven 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 is joining 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 two 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 www.orparksforever.org.
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