Rogue Valley News, Wednesday 9/10 – Wildfire Updates, 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝟵-𝟭𝟭 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗢𝗧 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 & Other Local and Statewide News Stories

Ongoing Earthquake Swarm Off the Coast from Port Orford on the Juan de Fuca Plate the Past 24 Hours

The quakes — a 4.9 magnitude just after 12:02 p.m., a 4.4 magnitude just after 12:31 p.m. and a 5.1 magnitude earthquake at 12:31 p.m. at a different location — all are occurring in the Blanco Fracture Zone off the Oregon Coast.

The Blanco Fracture Zone is more than 100 miles west of Port Orford, Oregon. So far, USGS is reporting at least 12 earthquakes in this region.

Governor Kotek signed an executive order on Monday aiming to help the state prepare for earthquakes.

The executive order comes as a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake is looming in the Pacific Northwest.

Monday, Governor Tina Kotek signed Executive Order 25-22 to help make sure the government can respond when Oregonians need help most. The executive order directs the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to develop a plan to ensure new state buildings over 10,000 square feet meet the highest seismic safety standards and establishes.

Oregon faces significant earthquake risk in the next fifty years. When an earthquake hits, state facilities serve as essential staging areas and workspaces for emergency response and recovery efforts. Furthermore, state employees must be able to safely evacuate buildings and continue providing essential services to help communities recover.

“When a devastating earthquake hits Oregon, we need to be able to show up for Oregonians,” Governor Kotek said. “State employees are the backbone of emergency response, and they need safe places as they help families and communities recover. We cannot waver from this responsibility.”

“Oregon is setting an example for how to start building resiliency to large earthquakes,” Dr. Chris Goldfinger, Professor Emeritus at the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University, said. “An M8-9 earthquake in our future is inevitable, and seismically sound state buildings will be crucial. This is the kind of proactive action Oregon needs.”

“In the aftermath of a major earthquake, every minute counts. Safe, resilient facilities are not just buildings—they’re lifelines,” Priscilla Fuentes, Chief Executive Officer of the Red Cross Cascade Region, said. “They allow emergency responders to mobilize quickly, shelter those in need, and coordinate relief efforts that save lives.”

The executive order prioritizes improvements to buildings identified in state continuity of operations plans, office buildings over 50,000 square feet, structures supporting first responders, institutional housing, and strategic regional locations. DAS will develop standards and implementation plans under the existing Statewide Facilities Planning Process.

“Preparing our state for an earthquake is a long game,” Governor Kotek said. “Protecting Oregonians when disaster strikes is too important to delay. We must start now and stay committed to this work for decades to come.”

There are now more unemployed people than there are jobs available in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The situation in Oregon is even worse. The state ranked third for the most unemployment claims per 100,000 people in the workforce last week, according to a recent WalletHub report.

The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are actively looking for work but not currently employed. It’s a common way to measure the health of the job market and economy.

U.S. unemployment has experienced fluctuations and a small overall rise over the past year. Most recently, the job market continued to falter, with new unemployment claims increasing by 3.5% week-over-week on August 25.

There are currently 7.24 million job seekers and 7.18 million open positions, according to the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, or JOLTS report.

For the week of Aug. 25, unemployment claims increased more than 12% over the previous week. Oregon unemployment claims were also more than 30% higher than the same period last year.

Compared with other states, Oregon ranked sixth for states where unemployment claims increased the most over the previous week.

Connecticut topped the list, and it also saw the most claims per 100,000 people in the workforce. California ranked second for claims per 100,000 workers, and Oregon was third, followed by New Jersey and New York.

The District of Columbia had the most significant difference, with a more than 105% change in unemployment claims year-to-date, compared with the same period last year.

Oregon’s unemployment rate hit 5% for the first time since the pandemic in August. According to the state unemployment dashboard, Oregon lost 2,700 jobs in July. More than 39,000 weekly claims were submitted from Aug. 24 to Aug. 30.

Unemployment rates in Oregon counties ranged from 3.6% to 7.4% in June 2025.

In Oregon, Josephine County, OR had the highest unemployment rate at 7.4%. Wheeler County, OR had the lowest at 3.6%. Multnomah County, OR, the county with the largest labor force in the state, had an unemployment rate of 5.1%. The latest county-level data is from June 2025.

Uptick in COVID cases across the state

The Oregon Health Authority reports that August saw the highest COVID test positivity rates of the year—with some weekly rates that were more than seven times higher than this year’s low point in January.

Lane County’s Senior Public Health Officer, Dr. Patrick Luedtke, said the virus appears to be less prevalent in Oregon than in California or Washington, based on wastewater data. But he said he’s predicting another potential increase in cases this month.

“We have states above us and below us with higher volume of disease. We have just returned to school. There’s rain in the schedule at about a week from now, and people are going to be inside breathing the same air,” said Luedtke. “This is not rocket science.”

Luedtke said people who get sick should wear a mask in public, stay home if they can, and have a respiratory plan in place with their medical provider if they’re at high-risk.

He said he expects COVID vaccines to be available in Oregon this fall, despite changing federal guidance. He’s advising people to get their booster.

“I suspect there’s a lot of people whose immunity has waned because they didn’t get the booster last year,” said Luedtke. “They probably didn’t get COVID in the last 12 months, because we haven’t had tons of it, and they’re going to be at risk for an infection this fall. So now is the time.”

Luedtke said it may be harder to locate somewhere with vaccines in stock this year, and some people may have to pay out-of-pocket if their insurance doesn’t over a booster.

The Food and Drug Administration has only approved the newest vaccines for people 65-and-older, or who have underlying conditions that put them at-risk. Oregon has now joined a West Coast alliance to develop separate vaccination guidelines. (SOURCE)

Currently, the newest COVID-19 vaccines are accessible solely to Oregonians who possess a prescription; however, physicians in the state are reluctant to request these vaccinations.

Currently, the newest COVID-19 vaccines are accessible solely to Oregonians who possess a prescription; however, physicians in the state are reluctant to request these vaccinations. Until the committee provides its recommendation, state regulations prevent pharmacists from administering the vaccines to anyone lacking a prescription, even to individuals for whom the vaccine has been authorized.

Additionally, physicians are also hesitant to prescribe or administer the new COVID-19 vaccine in the absence of an official recommendation from the CDC regarding the vaccine.

Courtni Dresser, who serves as the vice president of government relations for the Oregon Medical Association, stated that the reluctance of doctors to prescribe the vaccine “originates from a place of caution and concern” due to the absence of clear directives from both the federal and state governments.

PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires

9/10 – 12 am – #OregonFires 91#evacuations#fires 6FIRES in EVALUATION MODE:91 Oregon Wildfires – many are silent fires between 1 to 3 acres. These silent fires can quickly turn into dangerous fires. Please stay alert and ready.#crookcounty – Marks Creek Fire (0944) – 1718 ACRES – DOWNGRADED to LEVEL 2 (Be set) and LEVEL 1 ( Be Ready) 49% containment #GrantCountyBRIDGE FIRE  – 350 ACRES – 40% containment – LEVEL 2 (Be Set), LEVEL 1 (Be Ready)#josephinecounty#currycounty KELSEY PEAK FIRE – 1016 ACRES – 12% containment DOWNGRADED to LEVEL 2 (Be set), and Level 1 ( Be set) – ROAD CLOSURES posted below  BLACK ROCK FIRE (963) #wheelercounty#gilliamcounty#WascoCounty#ShermanCounty43,921 ACRES – LEVEL 3 -GO NOW Wheeler County LEVEL 2 ( Be set), LEVEL 1 ( Be ready) 20.% containment ROAD CLOSURES Hwy 218 South of Fossil.Pinnacle Fire #currycounty 1730 ACRES – 0% containment – LEVEL 3 EVACGO NOWBackbone Fire #currycounty 1489 ACRES – 0% containment LEVEL 3 EVAC GO NOWSilent Fires and Evacuations can change very quickly, so please stay alert  and safe. WILDFIRE MAP: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/instant/portfolio/index.html…CLICK FIRE  LINKS  Oregon Dept of Emergency Management https://arcg.is/1vGHri1——————————————————-C LINK FIRE LINK THEN CLICK MAP TAB

https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/…/a6c8f8e58ad642f4813732233…—————————————————CLINK FOR FIRES 

https://experience.arcgis.com/…/6329d5e4e13748b9b9f7f3…/ —————————————————-CLINK FOR FIRES  National Interagency Fire Center

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/—————————————————

Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.

Monitor Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily

Please Help Prevent Wildfires!

Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page.

Deschutes County Woman Arrested in Suspected Puppy Mill Case; 49 Animals Seized or Surrendered

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help after it seized dozens of dogs from a home on Elk Lane in Alfalfa, Oregon.

On Friday, September 5, 2025, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence on Elk Lane in Alfalfa, leading to the arrest of Lorinda Maxwell, 62, on 49 felony counts of Animal Neglect in the Second Degree.

The case began earlier this month when a woman who purchased a dog through the website rescueme.org contacted the Sheriff’s Office with concerns about the animal’s health. Maxwell uses the business name Kameo Poodles. Deputies and Animal Control Technicians responded and discovered what they suspect to be a puppy mill. After Maxwell refused to surrender the dogs voluntarily, the Sheriff’s Office sought and was granted a search warrant.

DCSO Animal Control seized 44 dogs from the home. Maxwell also voluntarily surrendered two additional dogs and three cats. The dogs, a mix of standard, miniature, and toy poodles—including two litters of puppies—were found in filthy, unhealthy conditions inside the residence. Animal Control Technician Maryia Leufven noted a strong odor of urine and ammonia, with many animals living in dirty crates and on soiled blankets.

Many dogs were observed to need medical care and treatment based on their physical condition and lack of grooming. Poodles need regular grooming every 6–8 weeks because if neglected, their coats can develop heavy, painful curls that pull on their skin. They are also prone to dental issues and ear infections without proper care.

“Our Animal Control Technicians are committed to protecting animals in our community and are highly trained to notice signs of neglect,” said Jason Carr, Public Information Officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. “In this case, we believe Maxwell prioritized quantity over quality with profit as the main goal. And given how long she’s been breeding and the unhealthy conditions in the home, we’re considering this a puppy mill.”

Maxwell was arrested on Friday and transported to the Deschutes County Adult Jail without incident. The animals were taken to the Humane Society of Central Oregon, where they are receiving medical care and will remain pending the outcome of this case. Unfortunately, they are not available for adoption at this time.

Because of the scale of this investigation, the Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to come forward. If you have knowledge about this case or have purchased animals from Kameo Poodles or Lorinda Maxwell, please call non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911. Even small details could be valuable to investigators.

‼️Humane Society of Central Oregon Asks for Resources & Donations‼️

The dog kennels at the Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) are at 200% capacity. The newly arrived animals are on a court hold, and HSCO cannot share details or a timeline for adoption. Caring for animals from neglect cases requires significant resources. Community members who want to help can make the greatest impact by adopting or fostering an available dog, or by making a donation to support the ongoing care of these dogs and others in need at www.hsco.org. To allow staff to focus on animal care, we ask the public to direct any questions about the case to DCSO.

Public invited to visit September 11 Memorial at the Oregon Public Safety Academy

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) invites the public to visit the September 11 Memorial at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem this Thursday, Sept. 11, to commemorate the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks.

The academy hosts a permanent display of artifacts from the attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people, including 343 firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers and 55 military personnel. In addition to the lives lost in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, thousands of first responders have succumbed to illness as a result of their heroic rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero.

Guests are welcome to view the memorial to honor the victims and all whose lives were impacted by the attacks. The gates of the academy, located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy. SE in Salem, will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for drop-in viewing. The memorial is located in the lobby of the academy; guests should follow the signs for the main entrance.

Artifacts displayed at the 9/11 Memorial include:

• A floor beam from either 5 or 6 World Trade Center, both of which sustained heavy damage in the September 11 attacks as the towers fell.
• A beam from the base of 1 World Trade Center, also known as the North Tower.
• A strap used to support mechanical systems in the towers
• A smaller floor beam from above the 50th floor of one of the Twin Towers
• A piece of aluminum used in the outer “skin” of one of the towers
• A piece of limestone facade from the outer wall of the Pentagon, taken from near where the aircraft impacted the building

The artifacts are accompanied by a video tribute to the first responders and victims, a painting by artist Ricardo Salazar which depicts the attacks on the World Trade Center, and the flags of New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania, which are displayed in memory of the lives lost in each of those states.

In addition to the 9/11 Memorial, the Oregon Public Safety Academy campus is home to memorials honoring the state’s fallen law enforcement officers and fire service professionals. The Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial honors 199 officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860s, and the Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial honors 182 fire service personnel who have died in the line of duty since 1881. DPSST holds annual memorial ceremonies to honor the officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.

‘Hope in Motion’ event 9/13 to raise awareness on Oregon’s Vanished

The non-profit Oregon’s Vanished hopes to shed some light on the missing individuals that continue to remain unsolved cases.

The public is invited to take part in the organization’s ‘Hope in Motion’ event on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Lynchwood Church of God in Southeast Portland. https://www.facebook.com/events/1403102080775307

Oregon has over 300 missing children, most from the Portland area. Every flyer shared, every child ID kit completed, and every prevention resource handed out can help save a life. Together, we can protect Oregon’s children.

Human trafficking has become a hot-button topic that’s become a real-life issue in our local communities across Oregon and SW Washington. MORE INFO: https://www.oregonsvanished.org/

Register Now for 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference

Registration is now open for the 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference, the state’s largest gathering dedicated to honoring and supporting women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The biennial event, hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, will bring together women veterans from across Oregon for a weekend of connection, resources and recognition.

The event is free and open to all women veterans, but registration is required. The 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference is being held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Riverhouse Lodge in Bend, which was the planned location of the 2020 event that was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year’s theme, ‘Stronger Together: Community and Connection,’ reflects the heart of what this conference is all about,” said Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Women veterans have long served with distinction, strength and resilience — often in the face of tremendous challenges and barriers.

“This conference is an opportunity to honor our service, share our stories, and ensure every woman who has worn the uniform feels seen, valued and supported. We are stronger when we stand together, and united, we will continue to drive the ODVA mission forward.”

The Oregon Women Veterans Conference began nearly 30 years ago as a grassroots effort by a small group of women veterans seeking connection, support, and resources. Since the first event in 1998, the conference has grown into a unique statewide gathering that brings together women veterans from across Oregon to access benefits, build meaningful connections, and amplify their voices.

The 2025 conference will continue that legacy with inspiring keynote speakers, engaging workshops, fantastic networking opportunities and assistance for women veterans connecting to the full range of benefits and resources they have earned. It is a supportive space where women who have served can connect, grow, and thrive beyond their military service.

This year’s keynote speaker is Erin McMahon, director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and a retired U.S. Army brigadier general, attorney and combat veteran. During her 24-year career in the U.S. Army, McMahon served as the principal deputy general counsel for the National Guard Bureau, advising senior leaders through a wide variety of domestic disaster responses and serving as the first female Army National Guard general officer in the Office of the General Counsel.

Registration is free and may be completed online at www.eventbrite.com/e/odva-women-veterans-conference-tickets-1407725487829. Community sponsors and donors are the primary sources of funding for this event and help ensure all women veterans can attend the conference free of charge.

Registration for the Women Veterans Conference covers the event only; attendees are expected to make their own lodging and travel arrangements. More information about the Women Veterans Conference, including local lodging, donations and sponsorship opportunities, can be found online at wvc.oregondva.com.

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state.

The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability.

In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs.

If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.

Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public

Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:

  Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio

• Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
• Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
• WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

• Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
• Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
• If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

• Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
• Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
• When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
• Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

• Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
• Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
• Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
• Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.

If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings

If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.

• Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
• Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

• Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
• Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

• Know the three levels of evacuation:
  • Level 1 – Be Ready
  • Level 2 – Be Set
  • Level 3 – GO NOW
• If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.

 Be Your Own Info Network

• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
• Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.

In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.

Support and Restoration in Progress
To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.

Reconnect When Service Returns

• Once communications are restored, check official websites:
  • Oregon.gov/oem
  • Your county emergency management page
  • TripCheck.com for road conditions
• Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

• Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
• Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.

 Final Tip:

In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.

Oregon’s Missing Persons

Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.