Local News Archives for 2014-07

Senator Wyden Pushes Senators to Pass Emergency Funding to Help Fight Wildfires Before Recess

Wyden told senators wildfires are burning across the West and they are bigger, hotter and more damaging.

 

He calls them a wreckling ball, pounding the rural West.

 

"And the prospect that we could be leaving this week without this change, well, I call it legislative malpractice.  We have an opportunity with bipartisan legislation to make a real difference.  We have a a chance to spend scarce dollars wisely and in the West it's nothing short of survival."

 

Wyden says fire prevention funds are being used to fight fires instead of prevent them.  He says he saw what prevention can do in central Oregon during our recent Two Bulls fire.

 

"So my hope is we can treat hazardous fuels and do more prevention work.  And I saw with a fire in central Oregon when it reached the treated areas outside of Bend, it stopped  dead in its tracks.  I saw the difference between acres treated and areas left untreated."

 

Wyden says his bill would end the practice of "fire borrowing"  -- which happens when the Forest Service and the Interior Department are force to take money from other important programs to fund suppression efforts.

U.S. House Passes 16 Billion VA Overhaul Bill

U.S. Representative Greg Walden of Oregon was in the overwhelming majority that voted to improve healthcare for veterans and help bring accountability to the department.

 

The bill is a compromise agreement between House and Senate negotiators reached this week.

 

"This will allow us to hire more doctors and make it easier to dismiss senior managers who have failed to live up to their responsibilities.  The plan also allows more veterans to go outside the VA System to access care in the communities where they live.  It's a good first step for veterans and their families, but there's a lot more reform that needs to be done at the VA to get accountability in that broken agency."

 

The bill would fund new facilities and more doctors and nurses and would allow veterans to seek healthcare ouside the VA system.

 

The Senate is expected to vote on the plan as early as Thursday.

10 Barrel Brewing Recalls Its Swill Brew

Apparently these bottles are experiencing secondary fermentation in the bottle and they are exploding because of over carbonation.

 

The company quickly decided to remove the Swill bottles from store shelves and to offer full refunds to those who have bought it.

 

10 Barrel owner Garrett Wales says all the rest of their beer products are fine.

 

"The Swill itself is an entirely different brewing process.  It's very unique, very different, so all our other brewers we stand behind, there's no problem whatsoever."

 

If you are seeking a refund you can notify 10 Barrel by emailing them at swill@10barrel.com or by calling the phone number on the 10 Barrel website.

Crook County Make Several Arrests in a String of Home Burglaries

Two search warrants uncovered stolen property taken during the home burglaries.

 

Arrested were 34 year old Kelly Shearer, 32 year old Lucas Bechtel and 36 year old Talina Ortiz, all of Prineville.

 

The primary susepct in the case is 33 year old Bob Bryant who is still at large.

 

He is considered potentially armed and dangerous.

 

If you see him you should use extreme caution and call the Crook County Sheriff's Office.

Bend Police Looking for Suspect Who Held up Ace America Cash Express

The suspect is about 5'8" to 5'10" tall with a medium build.  He was wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, black baseball cap and black sunglasses.

 

Police say the suspect entered the business by himself and demanded cash just after 9 A.M. Wednesday morning.  He got away with an undisclosed amount of money.  No one was injured.

 

Witnesses say the suspect drove away in a blue, four door SUV with Oregon license plates.

 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Bend Police Department.

Bend Man Debuts New Farm Game at Deschutes County Fair

This is Tony Aceti's second game.  The first one was called "Word Roulette."

 

This new one also uses a roulette wheel, but allows players to build a farm.

 

Aceti operates the Hay Depot at Deschutes Junction so he knows the business.

 

"Going from hay producer and owning Hay Depot to game producer is really fun and I look foward to debuting it at the county fair this week."

 

The game involves picking a farm type and building it from ground up.

 

It is for children ages 6 and up and each game lasts about a half hour.

Traffic note, letter from City of Bend

Media and news outlets:

 

We previously reported that the closure could be Wednesday or Thursday. Contractors have informed us that the work will be done on Thursday night, starting at 7 p.m. and lasting through 7 a.m. Friday morning.

 

The City of Bend and contractor Jack Robinson and Sons, Inc. will close the Third Street underpass for approximately 12 hours at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, subject to weather conditions and subcontractor availability. 

Permanent striping will be applied to the underpass roadway in addition to some miscellaneous maintenance during the closure.  

Traffic will be detoured to Wilson Avenue, Ninth Street and Franklin Avenue.

 

FIRE NEWS, Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center, 10a report, Wednesday

FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

For Immediate Release:  July 30, 2014 10 a.m.

 

Lightning Storm Ignites 30 Wildfires in Central Oregon:
Red Flag Warning for ‘Abundant Lightning’ in Effect Through Saturday

 

Prineville—Approximately 700 lightning strikes started over 30 small fires in Central Oregon yesterday afternoon and evening, mostly on the Deschutes National Forest.  Firefighters engaged early and kept nearly all the fires under 1 acre, including one in the critical Bend Municipal Watershed.

Two fires north of the Ochoco National Forest on private land and Prineville BLM land are larger and burning in lighter fuels. One fire 5 miles west of Condon is approximately 1,000 acres with zero containment and the cause of that fire is unknown at this time. The second fire, 2 miles southwest of Dayville, was caused by lightning and has been lined at 16 acres. Firefighters will continue mopping up the fire, which is predominantly on private land.

The National Weather Service in Pendleton has issued a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms producing abundant lightning. The warning will be in effect from 1 p.m. today through 11 p.m. Saturday, August 2. 

Warm Springs Considers Going Out a Fourth Time to Win Approval for a Racetrack

One idea is to build a motor sports complex, but tribal members have failed to approve it the three times they've voted on it.

 

J.P. Patt is a former chairman of the tribes and supports the racetrack plan.

 

For passage they need a third of tribal membes to vote and of them a majority must approve it.

 

He says they haven't be able to do that.

 

"You can look at it a number of different ways.  People aren't interested in it so they are not going to vote or we didn't do enough getting information out and being convincing enough about it, explaining it so they say, yeah it's a good project and I'm gonna vote for it."

 

Patt says they haven't made a decision yet whether they will go out a fourth time to seek approval for the racing complex that would include a racetrack, a drag strip plus an RV park and hotels.

Land Under the Redmond Greenhouse is Sold to the State to Make Way for a Larger Highway

He still hopes to sell the business in the next couple years before road work begins.

 

"We no longer own the property, so the marbles have come into play and we'll have to wait and see through time, thought and negotiations what happens.  In a perfect world, I still hope to sell the business and I can work for the new owners."

 

The current location of the Redmond Greenhouse is right in the way of the planned road work, but a future owner could move it over, so not to affect the construction or more it somewhere else.

 

The Redmond Greenhouse has been in central Oregon since the 1950's and has been owend by Stott since the 1980's.

Redmond Area Mobile Home Park Gets a Hefty Fine for Sewer Problems

The park is discharging untreated or partially treated sewage onto the ground.

 

Bob Baggett with the DEQ says the fifty year old mobile home park has had continuing sewer problems since 2011, but they're trying to fix them.

 

"I believe we're looking to get the system fixed by August 21st.  I think he's well on his way of meeting that deadline.  We'll be following up once the repair is done to make sure the system is functioning properly."

 

The sewer discharged poses a public health hazard to people who come in contact with it directly or through insects and animals who have contact with it.

U.S. House Passes Legislation to Make Endangered Species Determinations More Transparent

It would require federal agencies to publish data where a species should be designated "endangered" or just "threatened."

 

Republicans like co-sponsor of the bill, Congressman Greg Walden of Oregon says it will make the process more transparent.

 

"This legislation is needed because this forty year old law hasn't been udpated.  The data used by the agency should be available to the public and also posted on line and also how much money is spent battling lawsuits."

 

The Obama Adminsitration as well as Oregonian Representative Peter DeFazio oppose the House bill saying it will increase the amount of red tape.

Bend North's Little League Proves They're State Champions

Coach Joel Jensen says he knew last year his 10 year old players made up a special team.

 

"Well, Bend South has won before, but Bend North, both ten and twelve year olds did this.  As far as Bend North, this is the first time we ever won state."

 

The Little League ten year old division stops at the state level, but the twelve year olds will travel to San Bernardino California on Thursday to compete in the Northwest Regionals.

A New Plan is Offered to Build a Third Bridge Between Oregon and Washington

The bridge would cross the Columbia River from East Vancouver and would end up in Oregon near Northeast Airport Way.

 

Clark County Commissioner David Madore was an outspoken opponent of the Columbia River Crossing, but says this plan is better because its cheaper and doesn't include light rail or tolls.

 

"The reason that we don't have tolls on this, we would end up doing more harm than good.  It will trigger tolls on the other bridge, I-5, and 205 just in a matter of time."

 

A third bridge has long been considered to relieve congestiion between the two states.

 

He says it would cost an estimated 860 million dollars.

 

Before any plans would go forward, the two legislatures and two Governors must sign off on it.

 

Sisters Will Be Asking Voters to Approve a School Bond This November

The funds would go toward roof, heating and ventilation repair, as well as work on area tracks and parking lots that are in disrepair.

 

Sisters School Board member Don Hedrick says part of the funds would help put laptops in the hands of all students.

 

"The other small piece of this is to have money to supply every student in the district with a laptop.  We're lagging behind in digital education and this would repair technology in the phone system that have to be updated for the laptops."

 

To pass the bond measure, voters have to approve it by a simple majority.

 

School district leaders say it's been seven years since the district has put any significant funds into facility maintenance.

Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Dennis Richardson Talks Gun Control

The two candidates for Governor have differing views on this issue.

 

Governor Kitzhaber has supported recent gun control measures, but Republican Gubernatorial candidate Dennis Richardson doesn't believe fewer guns are the answer.

 

"It's not enough to say it's a gun free zone and hope that you're not confronted with someone with a gun.  We need to fight deadly force with deadly force and school districts have the power to address that.  I was just thinking how would I feel if I had grandchildren in these schools where people are getting killed and the Superintendent said we're not going to allow any guns here except for the people intent on murder."

 

In a newsletter following the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre in Connecticut, Richardson advocated for campus responders. 

 

He would like to see district employees get additional training and regular practice in the use of firearms.

Road Works Gets Underway on the Main Highway Into Prineville

Work started Sunday night and is expected to wrap up this fall.

 

The pavement condition of Highway 126 is rated as poor with extensive cracking and rutting.

 

The surface of U.S. 26 is deteriorating and needs to be repaved.

 

Paving operations will include about three miles near the bottom of the Prineville grade and about half a mile on U.S. 26 north of Prineville.

 

Work will run Sunday through Thursday from 7 P.M. to 6 A.M.

 

Traffic during those hours will be controlled by flaggers and pilot cars and could mean driver delays of up to 20 minutes.

Car Pedestrian Fatal Near Madras

Thursday night around 9 P.M., a Saturn driven by 78 year old Robert Towler of Madras was westbound on Highway 26 when he saw a man walking in the darkness in the traffic lane.

 

He attempted to avoid him, but hit him.

 

The pedestrian, 52 year old Michael Thompson of Madras was taken to St. Charles in Madras where he later died.

 

OSP trooopers are continuing to investigate the crash.

Governor Kitzhaber Calls for Several Measures to Improve Oil Train Safety

Kitzhaber wants to increase state rail inspectors, wants more funding for training and wants improved reporting and transparency on crude oil and emergency response resources.

 

The Governor asked state agencies to review oil train safety following the increase of crude oil traveling from the Bakken region of North Dakota through Oregon.

 

This announcement comes two days after the federal government released a set of nationwide rules for tougher tank car standards and lower speeds for trains carrying crude oil.

Latest on Fires Friday Afternoon

The Bridge 99 Complex fire near Camp Sherman is at nearly 6000 acres and is 67 percent contained.

 

The Shaniko Butte fire near Warm Springs has burned 42-thousand acres and is 85 percent contained.

 

And the Waterman Complex fire near Mitchell is 12,500 acres and is 90 percent contained.

 

Firefighters have also responded to several small fires in the past 24 hours and have been able to quickly control them.

traffic Impacts near Redmond, Highway 97 crash

SHERIFFS OFFICE AND BEND AND REDMOND FIRE AND RESPONDING TO A REPORTED ROLL OVER MVA WITH INJURIES ON HWY 97 NEAR YOUNG AVE NORTHBOUND LANES BLOCKED AND POSSIBLY PARTIAL SOUTHBOUND EXPECT DELAYS IN THE AREA.
 
*several callers into the KBND newsroom have reported very slow traffic or even stalled traffic in that area.  
 

CENTRAL OREGON FRIDAY MORNING FIRE UPDATE

Central Oregon MORNING Fire Update

 

Central Oregon – Firefighters have responded to several small fires in the past 24 hours. These fires have popped up after a thunderstorm with abundant lightning passed through Central Oregon earlier in the week. Smokejumpers, rappelers and engine crews have been able to respond quickly to all these fires keeping them small (<1 acre).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Fire Name

Location

Size (ESTIMATES)

Activity

Bridge 99 Complex

Deschutes National Forest

Bridge 99 - ½ mile east of Lower Bridge Campground, 9 miles north of Camp Sherman off of FS Rd.

1490

 

Bear Butte 2 adjacent to Jefferson Creek and west of Park Creek drainage within the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.

 

 

 5,960 acres TOTAL

67% contained

 

 

 

 

Oregon Incident Management Team 2 is managing the fire.  For more information on the fire: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3963/#  or

 Information phone: 541-549-3219.

 

EVACUATIONS:  All private lands along the Metolius River from Allen Springs Campground to Lake Billy Chinook (including the Metolius Arm) have been lowered to a Level I Evacuation Order. All Level I evacuations have been lifted. The Cove Palisades State Park remains open.

 

CLOSURES: The following Forest Service roads, trails, campgrounds and lands remain closed:

Forest Road 12, from its intersection with Forest Roads 1270/1298 to Bridge 99, Forest Road 14, from Bridge 99 to its intersection with Forest Road 1400700 (Allen Springs Campground), Forest Road 1140, from its intersection with Forest Roads 1150/1180 to the intersection with Forest Road 1152, Forest Road 1154, from its intersection with Forest Road 1150 to the intersection with Forest Road 1140, and Forest Road 1420400. The Lower Bridge, Pioneer Ford, Allen Springs, Canyon Creek, and Candle Creek Campgrounds are closed. The Jefferson Lake Trail (#4001), Sugarpine Ridge Trail (#4002), Shirley Lake Trail (#4003.1), and the Cabot Lake Trail (#4003) are closed within the Mt Jefferson Wilderness. A 5-mile segment of the Pacific Crest Trail (#2000) is closed. The south closure is located north of the Shirley Lake Trail (#4003) junction and the north closure is located near Cathedral Rocks

Center Fire

Prineville BLM

Post-Paulina RFPA

3 miles NE of Post.

Private and

2,515 acres

50% contained

No additional updated information.

Logging Unit Fires

Warm Springs Reservation

Mt. Hood National Forest

Deschutes National Forest

North side of Bear Butte near the Bear Butte 2 fire

 

 

Haily Butte

Camas Prairie/ Logging Unit

Bear Butte 2 – North

Skyline

 

10,488 acres

60% containment

 

 

108 acres

6,379 acres

 

3,884 acres

116 acres

Pacific Northwest Team 2 (Schulte)  is managing the fire.

 

For more information on the web:  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3973/

 

NEW Public Information Line:  541-777-2862

 

Recent precipitation and higher humidities continue to allow firefighters to make a direct attack on the fire, resulting in excellent progress.

 

EVACUATIONS:  All notices have been lifted.

CLOSURES: The road and area closures that are in place on Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs lands will remain in place.

 

Closures that apply to public with the exception of local residents:  B-180/Hwy 26 Jct., B-160/Hwy 26 Jct., B-140/Hwy26 Jct.  Closures that apply to all public:  b-160 near the B-165 Jct., County Line Rd at the end of the pavement, J-100 at the Tenino Rd/J-100 Jct.

 

Pacific Crest Trail from Breitenbush Lake (Mile 2047.1) to Forest  Road 42 at the Joe Graham campground (Mile 2083)

Ochoco Complex-

Ochoco National Forest Service

Prineville BLM

 

 

 

 

Lava Fire

Near the junction of FS Road 22 and FS Road 4210, near the NW corner of Big Summit Prairie

 

Fox Fire/Oscar Canyon Fire

3 miles NW of the North Fork Wilderness Study

 

Broadway Fire

S of FS Road 2630, near Peterson Lava

 

Antelope Fire

3 miles E of FS Road 22 near FS Road 900

10,195 acres TOTAL

59 % contained

 

191 acres

99% contained

 

 

 

 

9,978 acres 29% contained

 

 

 

53 acres 100% contained

 

21 acres

100% contained

Great Basin Incident Management Team 6 is managing the fires.  The complex includes 4 fires (Lava, Fox, Broadway, and Antelope) on the Ochoco National Forest and the Oscar Canyon Fire burning on the Prineville BLM within the North Fork Wilderness Study area. 

 

Although the cooler weather and additional resources have allowed for good containment progress on the Fox Fire, the potential for interior tree torching that can cause spot fires outside the line perimeter is a concern as the temperature increases and humidity levels go down.


CLOSURES: The Ochoco National Forest has issued an area closure that encompasses all National Forest system lands from Forest Road 42, along both the north and south forest boundary to Highway 26 on the west, with additional acreage north of the Mill Creek Wilderness. The closure covers all campgrounds, trailheads, forest roads, and developed facilities on National Forest System lands within the closure area.  The closure order and a map of the closure is located on the web at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3972

Pine Creek Complex

Now includes:

Pine Creek Fire

Jack Knife Fire

Black Rock Fire

Donny Brook Fire

 

Sherman County

Oregon Department of Forestry

Prineville BLM

Ash Butte Rangeland Fire Protection Association

Private lands

 

 

 

Donnybrook Fire

11 miles SW of Antelope

 

Black Rock Fire

3 miles NW of Clarno; NW of the Pine Creek Fire

 

Pine Creek Fire

 11 miles south of Fossil, in the Carrol Rim Area

 

Jack Knife Fire 8 miles SE of Grass Valley.

102,209acres TOTAL

 

22,763 acres

97% contained

 

35,938 acres

95% contained

 

 

30,245 acres

95% contained

 

 

13,263 acres

100% contained

 A Type II Western Montana Team (Fry) is managing these fires. All fires received varying amounts of rain yesterday from .01” to 0.4”. A warming and drying trend is predicted through this weekend with relative humidity dropping back down to 25-35 percent.

 

Crews are beginning the rehab process on all fires, which includes cleaning up dozer lines and other effects of fire suppression efforts.

 

NEW Public Information Line: 541-763-0917.  This line will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

NEW Information available on the web:

Donny Brook Fire: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3980/

Black Rock Fire:

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3977/

Pine Creek Fire:

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3969/

Jack Knife Fire:

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3975/

Shaniko Butte

Warm Springs Reservation

12 miles north of the town of Warm Springs.

 

42,044 acre

85% containment

Oregon Incident Management Team 1 is managing the fire.  Sunshine and light winds rapidly dried roads on the Shaniko Butte Fire Thursday morning. This allowed firefighters to drive to the top of Mutton Mountains, allowing them to quickly attack the last unlined area of the fire. They completed firelines late Thursday evening.

 

For information on this fire, contact the Shaniko Butte incident at 541-553-8190, or look for information on at  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3960/

 

All EVACUATIONS and CLOSURES associated with the Shaniko Butte Fire have been lifted.

Sunflower Fire

Umatilla National Forest

 

 

10 miles NNE of Monument

7,170 acres

80% containment

The Incident Management Team will be transitioning to a Type 3 organization Saturday, July 267. The smaller organization will secure the remaining containment lines and complete restoration work.

 

For more information contact the fire information line (1-800-923-6891) or find information on the web at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3964/

 

CLOSURES: As of Saturday, a smaller new area closure will go into effect to keep traffic away from areas where firefighters continue to work. Forest Road 22 (Top Road) will open. Please be careful when traveling these newly open roads. The area closure will be updated and announced on the Inciweb page listed above.

Waterman Complex

Oregon Department of Forestry

Ochoco National Forest

Bailey Butte (private land west of Mitchell).

Toney Butte (10 miles northeast of Spray, just east of Hwy 207).

Junction Springs

 

12,520 acres TOTAL

90% contained

 

 

Oregon Incident Management Team 3 is managing this incident.

 

Hwy 26 between Prineville and Mitchell has REOPENED to two way travel.  Oregon Department of Transportation is performing maintenance along the road to repair damage from the fire and thunderstorms. Please use caution when traveling through the area.

 

For more information, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3961/

 

Fire Information Phone #: 541-787-4321

Email: watermancomplex2014@gmail.com

 

EVACUATIONS:  All evacuations have been lifted.

CLOSURES: Forest Roads 450, 2630, 150, 2200, 2210, 300, 2610, Buck Creek Road to its intersection with the east edge of the Mill Creek Wilderness and Forest Roads 650, 27, 2745, 010 and 2750.  Walton Lake, Round Mountain, Crystal Springs, Wildwood, Ochoco Divide and Whistler campgrounds are all closed.

 

Some Prominent Bend Businessman Push Oregonians to Approve an Open Primary in the State

Residents voted down a similar proposal six years ago, but Mike Hollern of Bend worked to try and pass the measure then and will be trying again this time.

 

He feels our political system is broken.  He explains how the primary would work.

 

"Anyone can vote in any primary and the top two finishers run off in the fall.  You could have two Republicans or two Democrats.  This time I hope we have better funding, better ballot title and a more knowledgeable electorate that sees the advantages of the open primary."

 

Hollern and Bill Smith recently wrote a letter to the Bend Bulletin urging people to support the open primary question on the November ballot.

 

They believe it could be a realistic game changer for the state and help get rid of our continual political gridlock.

 

But opponents feel it would lessen our two party system.

Senator Merkley Introduces Legislation to Phase Out Harmful Chemicals in Everyday Products

The bill called "Protecting America's Families from Toxic Chemicals Act" would phase out chemicals that don't break down in the environment.

 

Examples of such chemicals are mercury, lead and flame retardants.

 

"It's especially harmful to families.  They often end up in our food.  These chemicals are in our clothing, a pizza box.  These dangerous chemicals can cause fatal diseases like cancer, birth defects and learning disabilities."

 

Merkley says these chemicals have remained unregulated because congress hasn't updated chemical safety laws since the 1970's.

 

The phase out would apply to all sues, except where the chemical would affect national security or would cause a significant disruption to the economy and there is not an alternative.

Koch Brothers Funnel Millions of Dollars Into Republican Monica Wehby's Senate Run

The brothers are known for bankrolling conservative candidates and causes.

 

Freedom Partners is a group closely linked with the Koch Brothers and Andrew Zucker with the Jeff Merkley campaign says the  are funding a lot of buys for Wehby.

 

"The campaign has media trackers that track these things real time.  And at the end of last week, they bought 1.5 million in cable in Oregon and as of right now the Koch Brothers have funded a total of upwards 3.1 million dollars."

 

Recent filings with the Federal Election Commission show that Merkley has raised about twice as much money from April through June as Wehby did.

Oregon Senators Applaud Federal Government's Plans to Improve Regulations on Oil Trains

Senators Merkley and Wyden have been calling for better notification to state and local first responders of not only Bakken crude, but all flammable substances being transported by rail.

 

The proposed new regulations would extend those precautions to all trains carrying 20 or more tank carloads of either crude or ethanol.

 

Senator Wyden urges the Department of Transportation to notify first responders not just about  Bakken oil being transported, but about all high hazard flammable trains.

ODOT worker dies at Construction area near Echo on Tuesday, OSP news release

UPDATE: INVESTIGATION INTO ODOT EMPLOYEE DEATH DURING WORK PROJECT - HIGHWAY 320 NEAR ECHO


News Release from Oregon State Police
Posted on FlashAlert: July 24th, 2014 10:48 AM
Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into the death of an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) employee at a work site Tuesday afternoon along OR Highway 320 south of Interstate 84 near Echo.

According to Lieutenant Mike Turner, on July 22, 2014 at approximately 1:15 p.m., Donald Kendall, age 54, was part of an ODOT maintenance crews working at a chip seal paving operation work site on OR Highway 320 near milepost 35. Kendall was standing behind an ODOT dump truck when it began to slowly back up, struck Kendall and ran over him.

After their fellow crew member was run over, ODOT employees immediately began providing numerous lifesaving efforts until relieved by emergency responders.

Additional interviews are pending. No other information for release at this time.
 

Construction worker death, I-84 near Boardman, OSP news release

DEATH INVESTIGATION: ROAD CONSTRUCTION WORKER DIES AT WORK SITE - INTERSTATE 84 WEST OF BOARDMAN IN MORROW COUNTY


News Release from Oregon State Police
Posted on FlashAlert: July 24th, 2014 11:23 AM
Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into the death of a road construction worker Wednesday night at a work site on Interstate 84 about seven miles west of Boardman in Morrow County.

Preliminary information indicates on July 23, 2014 at approximately 11:12 p.m., OSP, Morrow County Sheriff's Office, Boardman Police Department, Boardman Fire Department, and Boardman Ambulance were dispatched to a reported highway construction work site accident in the westbound lanes of Interstate 84 near milepost 158. Upon arrival, emergency responders found an adult male fatally injured.

The deceased male victim, identified as GLEN WARREN McCOY, age 64, from Sparks, Nevada, was a member of a construction company (Diversified Concrete Cutting out of Sparks, Nevada) contracted with ODOT to install rumble strips at a paving project site. He was working outside of a 1999 Dodge pickup operated by another employee when the pickup, which had a piece of equipment in tow, began to slowly move forward and he was run over by the rear dual tires.

One westbound lane was closed during the investigation. ODOT responded to the scene to assist with the investigation and traffic control.

Oregon OSHA was notified.
 

Central Oregon Fire Dispatch Center, Thursday morning update

Bridge 99 Complex

Thursday, July 24, 2014   10:00 a.m.

- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -

Incident Information Officer Jeanne Klein

                 Incident Command Post located at Sisters Middle School

E-mail:  bridge99fire@gmail.com

Fire Information: (541) 549-3219

Start date:

7/13/14

Cause:

Lightning

 
 
 
 
 

Estimated Fire Size:

Bridge 99 Fire: 5,345 acres;

 
Southern portion Bear Butte 2 Fire: 615 acres Total complex acres  5,960

% Contained:

60% (+10%)

# of

Firefighters:

675 (-147)

Injuries to date:

 

1

Estimated Containment Date:

N/A

Closures:

 There will be no changes today in area closures or evacuation orders.  (See next page for more).

# of

20-person hand crews:

18 (-5)

# of helicopters:

1 Type I (Heavy),

1 Type II  (Medium),

2 Type III (Light)

 

 

 

Sisters OR – The Bear Butte 2 Fire continues to burn within the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness on the Deschutes National Forest.  Contingency lines using existing roads and former dozer lines are being prepared in the event the fire expands to the south and emerges outside of the Wilderness.

 

On the Bridge 99 Fire, crews will continue fire mop-up and patrol.  The fire perimeter has increased by only 45 acres from yesterday.  Excess firefighting equipment and firefighters needed elsewhere were released for possible reassignment.

 

On both fires, rain, higher humidity and cooler temperatures limited fire spread.  A cool night followed by temperatures in the 70s, damp fuels, and light winds will continue to limit fire activity today.  Burning within the interior of the fire will likely increase when hot temperatures and low humidity return this weekend.  Mop-up is continuing on the Bridge 99 Fire and will be completed in a few days.

 

Effective 12:01 a.m. July 25, 2014 (Friday), open fires, including charcoal fires, will be prohibited on National Forest or BLM lands, except in certain designated campgrounds (for a list and more information visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/centraloregon/home/?cid=fsbdev3_035880).

These restrictions DO NOT apply to Wilderness areas on the Deschutes National Forest.  The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) is now III (power saws and other spark emitting activities are prohibited after 1 pm).

 

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department evacuation orders are currently as follows:

 

All private lands along the Metolius River from Allen Springs Campground to Lake Billy Chinook (including the Metolius Arm) have been lowered to a Level II Evacuation Order.  The Three Rivers Subdivision has been lowered to a Level I Evacuation Order.  The subdivisions of Rim Park, Forest Park, and Air Park along with Cove Palisades State Park remain under a Level I Evacuation Order.  The Cove Palisades State Park remains open.

 

Monty Campground and Perry South Campground are open to the public.

 

The following Forest Service roads, trails, campgrounds and lands remain closed:

 

Forest Road 12, from its intersection with Forest Roads 1270/1298 to Bridge 99, Forest Road 14, from Bridge 99 to its intersection with Forest Road 1400700 (Allen Springs Campground), Forest Road 1140, from its intersection with Forest Roads 1150/1180 to the intersection with Forest Road 1152, Forest Road 1154, from its intersection with Forest Road 1150 to the intersection with Forest Road 1140, and Forest Road 1420400.  The Lower Bridge, Pioneer Ford, Allen Springs, Canyon Creek, and Candle Creek Campgrounds are closed. The Jefferson Lake Trail (#4001), Sugarpine Ridge Trail (#4002), Shirley Lake Trail (#4003.1), and the Cabot Lake Trail (#4003) are closed within the Mt Jefferson Wilderness.  A 5-mile segment of the Pacific Crest Trail (#2000) is closed.  The south closure is located north of the Shirley Lake Trail (#4003) junction and the north closure is located near Cathedral Rocks.  An area closure has been designated on a map that is available on the Inciweb website listed below.  The Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery remains closed to the public.

 The above closures and evacuation levels will continually be assessed to determine if they remain appropriate to protect public health and safety.

 For information on smoke impacts to air quality in your community, go to the Oregon Smoke Blog at: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com.

 

For detailed information on the fire including maps, area, road, and trail closure information, along with photos, please visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3963/.

 The Bridge 99 Complex consists of two fires (the Bridge 99 Fire and the Bear Butte 2 Fire). The Bridge 99 Fire is burning 18 miles northwest of the city of Sisters on Green Ridge, next to the Metolius River. The southern portion of the Bear Butte 2 Fire is burning in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness on the Deschutes National Forest. The northern portion of the Bear Butte 2 Fire is on the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs lands and is being managed by the Fire Team working on the Logging Unit Complex.

LOGGING UNIT FIRES Thursday Morning Update

Thursday, July 24, 2014 – 8:00 a.m. PDT Fire Status Update
News & Highlights for the Logging Unit Fires
 
10,350+ acres, and 30 percent contained. 
• The Logging Unit Fires received significant precipitation over a large portion of the fire area.
The wet conditions are allowing firefighters to make a direct attack and excellent progress with line construction and mop up.
• The Level 1 Notification for Sid Walter Flats was lifted yesterday; road and area closures remain in effect for Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs lands (see below).
• Seven interagency hotshot crews, twenty-seven 20-person hand crews, 57 engines, 26 dozers and 19 water tenders are currently assigned.
• Four National Guard helicopters (2 Blackhawks and 2 Chinooks), a heavy and a medium helicopter are available for air support to the Logging Unit Fires. A temporary flight restriction is in place over Bear Butte.
• The Mt Hood National Forest has lifted the closure that was in place for the Olallie Scenic area and Forest Road 42. A portion of the Pacific Crest Trail remains closed with a reroute for hikers.
• Due to the precipitation, cooler temperatures and higher humidities, fire behavior has been significantly reduced, however as weather warms and fuels dry out over the next couple of days, expect fire behavior to increase.
 

Bend ADA ruling

U.S. Dept. of Justice closes ADA case against City of Bend
 
The City of Bend received a letter on July 23, 2014 stating that the U.S. Department of Justice has closed its files on the City’s 2004 Project Civic Access Settlement Agreement for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The letter from the Department of Justice says, “Your City has acceptably progressed in compliance with the Settlement Agreement.” This letter signifies that the Department of Justice acknowledges the time and effort the City has invested in bringing this matter to a positive resolution. However, the announcement from the Department of Justice does not change the City’s commitment to improving accessibility throughout the City by upgrading curb ramps and sidewalks, maintaining accessible features within City facilities and working collaboratively with various disability committee groups in the community. “
 
The City will continue to increase and improve accessibility infrastructure throughout the City of Bend,” said Karin Morris, the City’s accessibility manager. The City will periodically update its transition plan and continually look at areas across the city in need of accessibility improvements, according to Morris. The 2004 Settlement Agreement resulted from a complaint filed to the Department of Justice claiming that the City had not taken steps to provide access to its programs and services. In the 2004 settlement case with the Department of Justice, the City agreed to provide curb ramps or other sloped areas at all intersections of the streets, roads, and highways identified as having curbs or other barriers to entry from a street level pedestrian walkway. The settlement required the City to complete the work by March of 2015. The City has not expected it would be able to meet that deadline.
 
The City has, however, made considerable progress toward its goals. The City has made sure its website, public meeting notices, services and events are accessible. All of the City’s public facilities, including City Hall, Police and Public Works facilities, are now accessible. The City has hired an Accessibility Manager who meets with several disability advocacy groups and has created an accessibility advisory board that provides assistance and guidance to the City Manager on accessibility issues. “I greatly appreciate accessibility advocates for bringing these important issues to the forefront, and for pushing progress toward these goals,” said City Manager Eric King. “Of course I’m pleased with the announcement from the Department of Justice but it doesn’t change the path the City will continue to follow toward making Bend accessible for everyone.” ï‚· For more information on progress to date and future plans for further compliance, see the City of Bend’s Transition
Plan: 
 
http://bendoregon.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=15784

Senator Merkley is Hopeful Congress Will Approve Legislation to Help Bring Overseas Jobs Back Home

The Senate voted Wednesday to debate the "Bring Jobs Home Act" in the next couple of days.

 

The same legislation was filibustered by Republicans back in 2012.

 

Senator Merkley was an original co-sponsor of the bill in part because manufacturing is a key part of Oregon's economy.

 

"Indeed manufacturing is a huge driver of Oregon's economy.  In the last few years, it's the first or second state with the largest share of our economy that relies on manufacturing.  This catches a lot of people off guard.  So this is a big deal to us."

 

The bill will create a new tax credit for companies that spend money to bring overseas jobs back home, while eliminating tax deductions for companies that move jobs abroad.

Dennis Richardson Comes to Bend to Build Support for His Run for Governor

He spoke at the Awbrey Glen Country Club at a fundraising dinner Tuesday night.

 

He stopped into the KBND studios Wednesday.  He says the most frequent question he gets is how is he going to beat a Democratic Governor in a state with more Democrats than Republicans.

 

"The way I overcome the significant voter differential is not by focusing on party politics, but what Oregonians care more about, how to get decent jobs and better education and pay our mortgage and not just stay in this abyss where there's talk about change, but it really doesn't happen."

 

Richardson says recent polling has him closing the gap on incumbent Democratic Governor John Kitzhaber.

 

Richardson says if people in the state approve of the job Kitzhaber is doing he won't win, but if they don't, he's offering an alternative.

Senator Merkley's Campaign Criticizes Monica Wehby's Budget Saying It Would Enact Drastic Cuts

Last week, Monica Wehby endorsed a budget backed by national Republicans called "Cut, cap and balance."

 

Oregon House Majority Leader Val Hoyle, a Democrat from Eugene says this budget would result in across the board cuts to several important government programs.

 

"Monica Wehby's support for cut, cap and balance stands out because it explains how you could afford to give massive tax breaks to milionaires, billionaires and corporations moving jobs overseas.  She would enact a tea party budget that would have massive cuts for social security and medicare."

 

The Center for American Progress say this budget would mean a 25 percent cut to everything in the feeral govenrment, including social security, medicare and medicaid.

Reaction to Conflicting Court Decisions on Subsidies for the Affordable Care Act

Unfortunately the decisions conflict.

 

The court in Washington D.C. ruled only state exchanges can offer subsidies, while the court in Virginia ruled these subsidies can be offered at the feeral exchange.

 

Steve Buckstein with the Cascade Policy Institute says he warned the Cover Oregon Board back in April, these cases could have ramificaitons for Oreognians when they go to the federal website starting this November.

 

"These cases have been percolating thorugh the system and they are now on the front burner and hopefully they will lead to a broader discussion on can the President ignore congress and what the law says and make up his own rules?"

 

Cover Oergon officials says the court decisions will not affect Oregonians because we are considered a "supported state-based exchange."

 

Buckstein expects the final decision to come from the Supreme Court or Congress.

Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Dennis Richardson Comes to Bend for a Fundraiser

He came here Tuesday night for a fundraising dinner at the Awbrey Glen Country Club.

 

He was hosted by Chuck Shepard, who owns the Hood Doo ski area.

 

Shepard admits he's a Democrat, but met Richardson and was impressed, so asked him to speak to some of his neighbors.

 

"The reason I put this together was not so much political views, more I'm looking for a candidate I can feel good about, who I can trust.  So often they turn on you and not vote how we think they'll vote.  My favorite politicians have been the ones who have been honest."

 

About 50 people signed up to attend the one hundred dollar a plate dinner at Awbrey Glen.

 

 

Local Fire Restrictions start in Central Oregon this week

 
 
FIRE RESTRICTIONS BEGIN IN CENTRAL OREGON THIS WEEK
 
Central Oregon – With hot and dry conditions expected to continue and fire suppression resources already responding to numerous wildfires around Central Oregon, the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management, the Deschutes National Forest and the Ochoco National Forest, including the Crooked River National Grassland, are implementing campfire restrictions. Effective 12:01 a.m. July 25, 2014 (Friday), open fires, including charcoal fires, will be prohibited, except in the following designated campgrounds:
 
Crescent Ranger District: Contorta Flat, Contorta Point, Crescent Lake, Princess Creek, Simax Group, Spring, Sunset Cove, Trapper Creek, Whitefish Horse Camp, Windy Group Site, and Industrial Mushroom Camp (Little Odell Butte).
 
Bend-Ft. Rock Ranger District: Crane Prairie, Cultus Lake, Elk Lake, Fall River, Fall River Guard Station, Gull Point, Lava Lake, Little Cultus Lake, Little Fawn, Little Fawn Group, Little Lava Lake, Mallard Marsh, North Twin, Point, Quinn Meadow Horse Camp, Quinn River, Rock Creek, Sheep Bridge, South, South Twin, West South, Big River Group, Bull Bend, Wyeth, Cinder Hill, East Lake, Little Crater, Newberry, Ogden Group, Paulina Lake, and Prairie.
 
Sisters Ranger District: Allen Springs, Allingham, Blue Bay, Camp Sherman, Candle Creek, Cold Spring, Driftwood, Gorge, Graham Corral, Indian Ford, Jack Creek, Link Creek, Lower Bridge, Lower Canyon Creek, Perry South, Pine Rest, Pioneer Ford, Riverside, Scout Lake, Sheep Spring, Smiling River, South Shore, Suttle Lake, Three Creeks Lake, Three Creeks Meadow, Three Creeks Horse Camp, and Whispering Pine.
 
Lookout Mountain Ranger District: Antelope Flat Reservoir, Deep Creek, Ochoco Divide, Ochoco Forest, Walton Lake and Wildcat.
 
Paulina Ranger District: Sugar Creek and Wolf Creek.
 
Crooked River National Grassland: Skull Hollow and Haystack Reservoir.
 
Prineville BLM: Big Bend, Castle Rock, Still Water, Lone Pine, Palisades, Chimney Rock, Cobble Rock, Post Pile, and Poison Butte.
 
 
These restrictions DO NOT apply to Wilderness areas on the Deschutes National Forest.
 
In addition to campfire restrictions, smoking is restricted to an enclosed vehicle or building, in a designated campground, in boats on lakes and rivers, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable material. Portable cooking stoves or lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel may be used in all areas.
 
Officials want to remind the public that using explosive target material, such as Tannerite, explosives, and fireworks continue to be prohibited on all federal lands.
 
In addition to Public Use Restrictions, the Prineville BLM, Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland have moved to an Industrial Fire Precaution Level III (IFPL). The IFPL applies to permitted and industrial operations, including woodcutting, on federal lands. IFPL III is considered a “partial shutdown” and restricts the use of chainsaws to loading sites on tractor/skidder operations to between the hours of 8 p.m. to 1 p.m. Only cable yarding systems that use non-motorized systems are allowed. Industrial welding and mechanized loading operations are also restricted to the hours of 8 p.m. to 1 p.m. Industrial and permitted operations may request a waiver from the Forest Service or BLM depending on land ownership at the activity location. It is the responsibility of all operators to know and follow the requirements of the current fire precaution level.
 
More information about both IFPL and Public Use Restrictions can be found at the Deschutes National Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/centraloregon/home/?cid=fsbdev3_035880
 
Public use restrictions are not put in place to ruin camping experiences. Officials carefully consider the current fire situation, fuel moisture and predicted weather before making the decision to implement fire restrictions. Every year lightning-caused fires place a heavy demand on our firefighting resources, and put our wildlands, our firefighters, and our communities at risk. Fires caused through carelessness or negligence only increase the threat to life and livelihood, and place an even greater burden on already busy firefighters.  Every fire that’s prevented protects our communities and helps our firefighters remain available, rested, and safe.
 
-END-
 
About the BLM:  The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency.  This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska.  The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation.  The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield.  In Fiscal Year 2013, the BLM generated $4.7 billion in receipts from public lands.
 
 
The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to State and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. The USDA is an equal opportunity employer.
 
 
 
###
 
 

LOGGING UNIT FIRES UPDATE, Wednesday Morning

Logging Unit Fires
Fire Information Update
https://www.facebook.com/pages/CTWS-Fire-Management/118486491629224
loggingunitfiresinfo@gmail.com
 
Acres: 10,350 and 20 percent contained.   1100 people fighting the fires.
 
Wednesday, July 23, 2014 – 8:30 a.m. PDT Fire Status Update
News & Highlights for the Logging Unit Fires
• Firefighters continue to make excellent progress with line construction on the Logging Unit/Camas Prairie Fire. Due to moderated weather yesterday, firefighters were able to make a direct attack on the fire with no aircraft support required.
• The Sid Walter Flat area remains in a Level 1 Notification.
• Road and area closures are in effect for Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs lands (see below).
• Five interagency hotshot crews, twenty-five 20-person hand crews, 53 engines, 27 dozers and 19 water tenders are currently assigned.
• Currently, four National Guard helicopters (2 Blackhawks and 2 Chinooks), a heavy and a medium helicopter are available for air support to the Logging Unit Fires.
• The Mt Hood National Forest will be lifting the closure on the Ollalie Scenic Area today. The Pacific Crest Trail closure will remain in place with a reroute for hikers available.
• From the Cascade Crest east across the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs lands, between 1,500-1,700 lightning strikes were received yesterday afternoon/evening. As weather warms in the coming days, an increase in initial attack activity is expected.
• A Red Flag warning is in effect for lightning with a 60% chance of rain/thunderstorms.
 
Logging Unit Operations Summary:
With the moderated weather, firefighters continue to make excellent progress on the Logging Unit Fires. On the Skyline and Haily Butte Fires, crews have progressed significantly with mop-up operations. On the Logging Unit/Camas Prairie Fire, crews have made good progress utilizing the anchor point on the west flank to move in an easterly direction on both the N and S flanks. Crews are also working towards the W flank from the E flank.
On the Bear Butte 2, firefighters made good progress with mop up and line construction.
Firefighters continue to mop up the Pinhead Fires and are also working on a couple of spot fires located outside the lines on the Camas Prairie and Bear Butte 2 Fire.
Today, firefighters will continue to take advantage of the moderated weather pattern, although there is a safety concern associated with the potential for slips, trips and falls and hazardous driving conditions associated with wet surfaces. Firefighters will focus on a direct attack approach wherever possible, continuing with hand and dozer lines, mop up and felling of trees as needed. Firefighters from the Logging Unit Fires will also provide initial attack support to Warm Springs Agency Fire Management as requested for new starts.
FIRE FACTS:
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Road & Area Closures:
Closures that apply to public with the exception of local residents:
• B-180/Hwy 26 Jct
• B-160/Hwy 26 Jct
• B-140/Hwy 26 Jct
Closures that apply to all public:
• B-160 near the B-165 Jct
• County Line Rd at the end of the pavement
• J-100 at the Tenino Rd/J-100 Jct
Area Closures:
Log Unit/Camas Prairie Fire Closure
Northern Boundary: From the W-100/W-200/B-200 Jct, west on the W-200 to the W-240 to the S650 to the Reservation boundary.
Eastern Boundary: From the W-100/W-200/B-200 Jct, south on the B-200 to the B-200/B-210 Jct (Trout Lake Rd).
Southern Boundary: From the B-200/P-500/B-210 (Trout Lake Rd) Jct west to Trout Lake.
Bear Butte 2 Fire Closure:
All areas south of Whitewater Canyon to Jefferson Cr/Reservation Boundary.
Mt Hood National Forest Closures (Ollalie Scenic Area closure will lift today but Pacific Crest Trail closure will remain in place with a reroute):
• FR 4220 between FR 46 and Warm Springs
• Closure area near Ollalie Lakes
• Pacific Crest Trail from Breitenbush Lake (Mile 2047.1) to Road 42 at the Joe Graham Campground (Mile 2083). For additional information on the Pacific Crest Trail status, contact the Mt Hood National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/mthood or the Pacific Crest Trail Association at www.pcta.org
3
Logging Unit Fires: Located on Warm Springs Agency approximately 25 miles NW of Warm Springs. Fire is burning in mixed conifer above 3800 feet and ponderosa pine below 3800 feet and grass & brush at lower elevations. Started: July 16, 2014. Cause: Lightning caused. Location: Western boundary of Confederated Tribes of Warms Springs lands.
SAFETY CONCERNS: Potentially slick roads associated with precipitation and downdrafts/wind shifts associated with thunderstorms. Firefighters are maintaining an excellent safety record to date on this incident.
RESOURCE CONCERNS: Main concerns include the threat to commercial timber and natural resources on Warm Springs lands, including old growth trees, pristine spring chinook runs, water quality, wildlife, plant and cultural concerns.
WEATHER: Moisture will remain in place across the area and will be sufficient for scattered showers/isolated thunderstorms with a 60% chance of wetting rain. Temperatures will range from the high 60s to the mid 70s and humidities ranging from high 30s to mid-40s percentile. An inversion should lift by the afternoon. On Thursday, partly cloudy and windy changing to sunny, windy and warmer on Friday.
TODAY’S EXPECTED FIRE BEHAVIOR: Another good day for firefighting with some precipitation over the area and elevated humidities, expect limited rates of spread and low-intensity creeping and smoldering.
COOPERATING AGENCIES & PARTNERS: Warm Springs Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Mt Hood National Forest, Deschutes National Forest, Willamette National Forest and Prineville Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Transportation.

 

TUESDAY 9PM Fire Update for Central Oregon

FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

For Immediate Release:  July 22, 2014 9:00 p.m.

 

Central Oregon EVENING Fire Update

YELLOW Highlight indicates changed information since the last Update

 

Central Oregon- Reports of new lightning-caused fires began coming into Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center at  3 p.m. in the afternoon today.  Early fire reports  were primarily located in the same area of the Ochoco National Forest and Prineville BLM that was hard hit during the last lightning storm.  Many of the new starts are close to where the Ochoco Complex and Center fires are already burning.

 

Initial attack crews and engines were prepared to respond to these starts and by 5 p.m. firefighting resources were dispatched across the Central Oregon area from Crescent to Paulina.  By 9 p.m. the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center was responding to 40+ reports with many fires already lined and contained.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Fire Name

Location

Size (ESTIMATES)

Activity

Bridge 99 Complex

Deschutes National Forest

Bridge 99 - ½ mile east of Lower Bridge Campground, 9 miles north of Camp Sherman off of FS Rd.

1490

 

Bear Butte 2 adjacent to Jefferson Creek and west of Park Creek drainage within the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.

 

 

 5,915 acres TOTAL

31% contained

 

 

 

 

Oregon Incident Management Team 2 is managing the fire.  For more information on the fire: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3963/#  or

 phone: 541-549-3219.

 

Firefighters made good progress yesterday constructing containment lines and conducting small burn-outs to further secure the Bridge 99 Fire.   The fire settled down nicely under heavy cloud cover for most of the day, which assisted firefighters.

 

EVACUATIONS in place:  Today all private lands along the Metolius River from Allen Springs Campground to Lake Billy Chinook (including the Metolius Arm) were reduced to a Level 2 Evacuation Order.  The Three Rivers Subdivision reduced to a Level 1 Evacuation Order.  The subdivisions of Rim Park, Forest Park, and Air Park along with the Cove Palisades State Park are in a Level I Evacuation Order.

 

Monty and Perry South Campgrounds REOPENED.

 

CLOSURES:  Forest Road 12, from its intersection with Forest Roads 1270/1298 to Bridge 99, Forest Road 14, from Bridge 99 to its intersection with Forest Road 1400/700(Allen Springs Campground), Forest Road 1140, from its intersection with Forest Roads 1150/118 to the intersection with Forest Road 1152, Forest Road 1154, from its intersection with Forest Road 1150 to the intersection with Forest Road 1140 an Forest Road 1420400.  The Jefferson Lake Trail (#40001.1), Sugarpine Ridge trail (#4002), Shirley Lake Trail (#4003), Cabot Lake Trail (#4003) and the Pacific Crest Trail north of the Shirley Lake Trail and south of the Willamette National Forest boundary in the Cathedral Rocks Area are closed.

Center Fire

Prineville BLM

Post-Paulina RFPA

3 miles NE of Post.

Private and

2,515 acres

30% contained

No additional updated information.

Logging Unit Fires

Warm Springs Reservation

Mt. Hood National Forest

Deschutes National Forest

North side of Bear Butte near the Bear Butte 2 fire

9,500 acres

5% containment

Pacific Northwest Team 2 (Incident Commander Chris Schulte) took command of the Logging Unit Fires. The Logging Unit Fires include Camas Prairie, Logging Unit, Skyline, Haily and the north side of Bear Butte 2.

 

For more information on the web:  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3973/

 

NEW Public Information Line:  541-777-2862

 

 

EVACUATIONS: A Level 2 Notification has been issued to the residents of the Sid Walter Flat Area.  Approximately 54 residences are affected by the notification.  The fire is approximately 3.5 miles from the closest structure and 8 miles from the Incident Command Post on County Line Road.

 

CLOSURES:  On the Mt. Hood National Forest, Forest Road 4220 between Forest Road 46 and Warm Springs.  Closure area near Ollalie Lakes.

 

Pacific Crest Trail from Breitenbush Lake (Mile 2047.1) to Forest  Road 42 at the Joe Graham campground (Mile 2083)

Ochoco Complex-

Ochoco National Forest Service

Prineville BLM

 

 

 

Lava Fire

Near the junction of FS Road 22 and FS Road 4210, near the NW corner of Big Summit Prairie

 

Fox Fire/Oscar Canyon Fire

3 miles NW of the North Fork Wilderness Study area, near FS Road 4230.

 

Broadway Fire

S of FS Road 2630, near Peterson Lava

 

Antelope Fire

3 miles E of FS Road 22 near FS Road 900

6,333 acres TOTAL

 

 

 

191 acres

45% contained

 

 

 

6,116 Acres 18% contained

 

 

 

 

53 acres 100% contained

 

21 acres

100% contained

Great Basin Incident Management Team 6 is managing the fires.  The complex includes 4 fires (Lava, Fox, Broadway, and Antelope) on the Ochoco National Forest and the Oscar Canyon Fire burning on the Prineville BLM within the North Fork Wilderness Study area. 

 

Firefighters made excellent progress yesterday, keeping acreage growth to a minimum.  Crews completed mop up on the Antelope Fire and will continue mop up on the Broadway Fire for a couple more days to secure the line.

 

A Public Meeting will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at the Bowman Museum, 246 N. Main Street, in Prineville to share information on the Waterman and Ochoco Complexes.


CLOSURES: The Ochoco National Forest has issued an area closure that encompasses all National Forest system lands from Forest Road 42, along both the north and south forest boundary to Highway 26 on the west, with additional acreage north of the Mill Creek Wilderness. The closure covers all campgrounds, trailheads, forest roads, and developed facilities on National Forest System lands within the closure area.  The closure order and a map of the closure is located on the web at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3972

Pine Creek Complex

Now includes:

Pine Creek Fire

Jack Knife Fire

Black Rock Fire

Donny Brook Fire

 

Sherman County

Oregon Department of Forestry

Prineville BLM

Ash Butte Rangeland Fire Protection Association

Private lands

 

 

 

Donnybrook Fire

11 miles SW of Antelope

 

Black Rock Fire

3 miles NW of Clarno; NW of the Pine Creek Fire

 

Pine Creek Fire

 11 miles south of Fossil, in the Carrol Rim Area

 

Jack Knife Fire

Lower John Day Recreation Area, Sherman County, 8 miles SE of Grass Valley.

 

 

102,002acres TOTAL

 

22,763 acres

70% contained

 

 

35,731 acres

85% contained

 

 

30,245 acres

65% contained

 

 

13,263 acres

100% contained

 

 A Type II Western Montana Team (Fry) is managing these fires.

 

Firefighters strengthened containment lines yesterday, which has significantly increased containment on both the Donnybrook , Black Rock and Pine Creek fires. Continuing mop-up operations on the Pine Creek Fire. Firefighters are monitoring and putting out hotspots mostly in stumps and slash piles on the Donnybrook Fire.

 

NEW Public Information Line: 541-763-0917.  This line will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

NEW Information available on the web:

Donny Brook Fire: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3980/

Black Rock Fire:

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3977/

Pine Creek Fire:

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3969/

Jack Knife Fire:

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3975/

 

EVACUATIONS: Wheeler County Sheriff Dept lifted all Evacuation Advisements for Wheeler County at noon. (Twickenham, West Branch, and Rowe Road)

Shaniko Butte

Warm Springs Reservation

12 miles north of the town of Warm Springs.

 

42,500 acre

75% containment

Oregon Incident Management Team 1 is managing the fire.  Crews completed four miles of burnout along the S-210 Road at the southernmost boundary of the fire

 

For information on this fire, contact the Shaniko Butte incident at 541-553-8190, or look for information on at  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3960/

 

EVACUATIONS:  The Level 2 Notification for residences near Dant and the Level 1 Notification for homes along Road S-300 Simnasho have both been removed.  Under the authority of the Wasco County Sheriff, residences in the Kaskella area will temporarily remain on a Level 1 Notification.

 

CLOSURES: S-300/Highway 3 Junction and Redlake Cemetery Road/Highway 3 Junction.

Sunflower Fire

Umatilla National Forest

 

 

10 miles NNE of Monument

7,146 acres

50% containment

The fire is burning on the south side of the Wall creek drainage between Happy and Wilson Creeks has moved into the Little Wilson and Big Wilson Creek drainages.  Localized winds caused torching and spotting throughout the day yesterday.

 

A community meeting will be held in Monument at the Senior and Community center at 1 p.m. today to provide updates to the public about the fire.

 

Firefighters are making excellent progress securing the fire perimeter.  The fire has not crossed Indian Creek Road.  Precipitation overnight did not thoroughly wet the ground vegetation.

 

For more information contact the fire information line (1-800-923-6891) or find information on the web at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3964/

 

CLOSURES: National Forest System Road (NFSR) 22 from the junction with NFSR 22 and NFSR 21 in Section 23, T6S, R26E to the south and east to the Section 20 & Section 21 border; thence southerly along the Section 20 & Section 21 border from the NFSR 22, Section 20 & 21 border junction to the NFSR 22 where it crosses the Section 29 & Section 28; thence south westerly on NFSR 22 to the junction with NFSR 23 in Section 29, T7S, R27; thence west on NFSR 23 to the junction with NFSR 2128 in Section 25 of T7S, R26E; thence northerly on NFSR 2128 to where it intersects with the Morrow County OHV park boundary on the northwest corner of Section 2, T7S, R26E; thence easterly and northerly along the boundary of OHV park to where the OHV park boundary meets the NFSR 22 road on the boundary of Section 23 & Section 26, T6S, R26E; thence northerly to the NFSR 22 and NFSR 21 junction in Section 23, T6S, R26E.

Ward Canyon

Private lands

South Sherman County

8 miles west of Antelope

Estimated at 15,000 acres

The fire continues to be managed by South Sherman County.

Waterman Complex

Oregon Department of Forestry

Ochoco National Forest

Bailey Butte (private land west of Mitchell).

Toney Butte (10 miles northeast of Spray, just east of Hwy 207).

Junction Springs

 

12,520 acres TOTAL

75% contained

 

Bailey Butte

10,276 acres

70% contained

 

Toney Butte

2,200 acres

100% contained

 

Junction Springs

15 acres

100% contained

 

#376

.25 acres

100% contained

 

Oregon Incident Management Team 3 is managing this incident.

 

Successful burnout operations are allowing Hwy 26 to REOPEN tomorrow for travel.  One lane of travel will be available and cars will be escorted with a pilot car.  People should anticipate up to 45 minute delays at times.

 

A Public Meeting will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at the Bowman Museum, 246 N. Main Street, in Prineville to share information on the Waterman and Ochoco Complexes.

 

For more information, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3961/

 

Fire Information Phone #: 541-787-4321

Email: watermancomplex2014@gmail.com

 

Due to an increase in relative humidity, firefighters were unable to complete burnout operations early this morning.  During the evening crews did burnout operations from Corral Flats to the Hwy 26 corridor.  Once the burnout and hazard tree operations along Hwy 26 it will partially open for travel.

 

EVACUATIONS:  The Crook County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with fire managers, has lowered the Evacuation Notice to a Level 2 in the Marks Creek areas of 9 a.m. this morning.  The Evacuation Level for the West Branch area was lifted at noon today.

 

ALTERNATE ROUTE BETWEEN PRINEVILLE AND MITCHELL: An alternate driving route through the Ochoco National Forest between Prineville and Mitchell is open, but the Forest Roads can be steep, rock and washed out in places.  People should have a map and an appropriate vehicle before choosing this route.

 

From Prineville, turn south on Combs Flat Road and continue east on Highway 380 past Post and Paulina.  About 5 miles east of Paulina, turn north on Wolf Creek Road and continue north to a Y where Forest Road 42 and Forest Road 58 depart.  Take Forest Road 42.  The road passes Salters Cabin campground and Wolf Creek campground as it enters the national forest.

 

Follow Forest Road 42 to Six Corners junction, then turn onto Forest Road 122, which leaves the junction heading east before turning north.  Stay on Forest Road 12 to its junction with Highway 26, about 10 miles east of Mitchell.  For additional information, please contact Patrick Lair, Ochoco NF Public Affairs Officer, at 541-416-6647.

 

CLOSURES: Forest Roads 450, 2630, 150, 2200, 2210, 300, 2610, Buck Creek Road to its intersection with the east edge of the Mill Creek Wilderness and Forest Roads 650, 27, 2745, 010 and 2750.  Walton Lake, Round Mountain, Crystal Springs, Wildwood, Ochoco Divide and Whistler campgrounds are all closed.

 

Shaniko Butte Fire, Wednesday morning update, lots of lightning strikes!

Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team #1
Ross Williams, Incident Commander
 
Shaniko Butte Daily Update
July 23, 2014, 7 a.m.
 
The Shaniko Butte Fire received a quarter-inch of rain on Tuesday afternoon from a thunderstorm that also produced a powerful display of lightning and thunder. 900 strikes were detected on and near the Warm Springs Reservation. Firefighters will be on the lookout today and throughout the week for possible “sleeper” fires from lightning strikes that begin to show up when the fuels start drying out. 
 
Today’s weather forecast continues yesterday’s Red Flag Warning for intense thunderstorms. 
 
All notifications regarding possible evacuations with respect to the Shaniko Butte Fire have been lifted, and all road closures have been removed.
 
In the face of changing weather conditions, the Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team #1 has altered their strategy for boxing in the fire. Rather than burning out along the steep two-mile dozer line from the top of the Mutton Mountains, they will instead establish a fireline near the Mutton Mountain ridgeline and tie it into the fire scar left by last year’s Sunnyside Fire. The Team now intends to use that burned area as a fire break.
 
The medium-lift helicopter assigned to the Shaniko Butte Fire has been reassigned to the Logging Unit Fires. 
 
The reported acreage of the fire was reduced by nearly 2000 acres when the smoke lifted and it was realized that the unburned area in the southeast portion of the fire is larger than the original estimate. 
 
Fire at a Glance
 
Size: 40,575 acres
 
Containment: 75%
 
Location:  15 miles north of the town of Warm Springs, Oregon
 
Cause:  Started by lightning on Sunday, July 13, 2014
 
Assigned personnel:  313
 
Aircraft:
1 Heavy-lift KMAX helicopter
1 Light-lift helicopter
 
 
Fire Information E-Mail: Shaniko.Butte@gmail.com
 

 

COIDC AFTERNOON fire report, Tuesday

FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

For Immediate Release:  July 22, 2014 1:45 p.m.

 

Central Oregon MORNING Fire Update

YELLOW Highlight indicates changed information since the last Update

 

Central Oregon- Initial attack crews prepare to take on new fire starts as thunderstorms with abundant lightning are anticipated tomorrow in Central Oregon while fire crews on large incidents continue to contain fires started by last week’s lightning.

 

Fire Name

Location

Size (ESTIMATES)

Activity

Bridge 99 Complex

Deschutes National Forest

Bridge 99 - ½ mile east of Lower Bridge Campground, 9 miles north of Camp Sherman off of FS Rd.

1490

 

Bear Butte 2 adjacent to Jefferson Creek and west of Park Creek drainage within the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.

 

 

 5,915 acres TOTAL

31% contained

 

 

 

 

Oregon Incident Management Team 2 is managing the fire.  For more information on the fire: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3963/#  or

 phone: 541-549-3219.

 

Firefighters made good progress yesterday constructing containment lines and conducting small burn-outs to further secure the Bridge 99 Fire.   The fire settled down nicely under heavy cloud cover for most of the day, which assisted firefighters.

 

EVACUATIONS in place:  Today all private lands along the Metolius River from Allen Springs Campground to Lake Billy Chinook (including the Metolius Arm) were reduced to a Level 2 Evacuation Order.  The Three Rivers Subdivision reduced to a Level 1 Evacuation Order.  The subdivisions of Rim Park, Forest Park, and Air Park along with the Cove Palisades State Park are in a Level I Evacuation Order.

 

Monty and Perry South Campgrounds REOPENED.

 

CLOSURES:  Forest Road 12, from its intersection with Forest Roads 1270/1298 to Bridge 99, Forest Road 14, from Bridge 99 to its intersection with Forest Road 1400/700(Allen Springs Campground), Forest Road 1140, from its intersection with Forest Roads 1150/118 to the intersection with Forest Road 1152, Forest Road 1154, from its intersection with Forest Road 1150 to the intersection with Forest Road 1140 an Forest Road 1420400.  The Jefferson Lake Trail (#40001.1), Sugarpine Ridge trail (#4002), Shirley Lake Trail (#4003), Cabot Lake Trail (#4003) and the Pacific Crest Trail north of the Shirley Lake Trail and south of the Willamette National Forest boundary in the Cathedral Rocks Area are closed.

Center Fire

Prineville BLM

Post-Paulina RFPA

3 miles NE of Post.

Private and

2,515 acres

30% contained

 

Logging Unit Fires

Warm Springs Reservation

Mt. Hood National Forest

Deschutes National Forest

North side of Bear Butte near the Bear Butte 2 fire

9,500 acres

5% containment

Pacific Northwest Team 2 (Incident Commander Chris Schulte) took command of the Logging Unit Fires. The Logging Unit Fires include Camas Prairie, Logging Unit, Skyline, Haily and the north side of Bear Butte 2.

 

For more information on the web:  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3973/

 

NEW Public Information Line:  541-777-2862

 

 

EVACUATIONS: A Level 2 Notification has been issued to the residents of the Sid Walter Flat Area.  Approximately 54 residences are affected by the notification.  The fire is approximately 3.5 miles from the closest structure and 8 miles from the Incident Command Post on County Line Road.

 

CLOSURES:  On the Mt. Hood National Forest, Forest Road 4220 between Forest Road 46 and Warm Springs.  Closure area near Ollalie Lakes.

 

Pacific Crest Trail from Breitenbush Lake (Mile 2047.1) to Forest  Road 42 at the Joe Graham campground (Mile 2083)

Ochoco Complex-

Ochoco National Forest Service

Prineville BLM

 

 

 

Lava Fire

Near the junction of FS Road 22 and FS Road 4210, near the NW corner of Big Summit Prairie

 

Fox Fire/Oscar Canyon Fire

3 miles NW of the North Fork Wilderness Study area, near FS Road 4230.

 

Broadway Fire

S of FS Road 2630, near Peterson Lava

 

Antelope Fire

3 miles E of FS Road 22 near FS Road 900

6,333 acres TOTAL

 

 

 

191 acres

45% contained

 

 

 

6,116 Acres 18% contained

 

 

 

 

53 acres 100% contained

 

21 acres

100% contained

Great Basin Incident Management Team 6 is managing the fires.  The complex includes 4 fires (Lava, Fox, Broadway, and Antelope) on the Ochoco National Forest and the Oscar Canyon Fire burning on the Prineville BLM within the North Fork Wilderness Study area. 

 

Firefighters made excellent progress yesterday, keeping acreage growth to a minimum.  Crews completed mop up on the Antelope Fire and will continue mop up on the Broadway Fire for a couple more days to secure the line.

 

A Public Meeting will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at the Bowman Museum, 246 N. Main Street, in Prineville to share information on the Waterman and Ochoco Complexes.


CLOSURES: The Ochoco National Forest has issued an area closure that encompasses all National Forest system lands from Forest Road 42, along both the north and south forest boundary to Highway 26 on the west, with additional acreage north of the Mill Creek Wilderness. The closure covers all campgrounds, trailheads, forest roads, and developed facilities on National Forest System lands within the closure area.  The closure order and a map of the closure is located on the web at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3972

Pine Creek Complex

Now includes:

Pine Creek Fire

Jack Knife Fire

Black Rock Fire

Donny Brook Fire

 

Sherman County

Oregon Department of Forestry

Prineville BLM

Ash Butte Rangeland Fire Protection Association

Private lands

 

 

 

Donnybrook Fire

11 miles SW of Antelope

 

Black Rock Fire

3 miles NW of Clarno; NW of the Pine Creek Fire

 

Pine Creek Fire

 11 miles south of Fossil, in the Carrol Rim Area

 

Jack Knife Fire

Lower John Day Recreation Area, Sherman County, 8 miles SE of Grass Valley.

 

 

102,002acres TOTAL

 

22,763 acres

70% contained

 

 

35,731 acres

85% contained

 

 

30,245 acres

65% contained

 

 

13,263 acres

100% contained

 

 A Type II Western Montana Team (Fry) is managing these fires.

 

Firefighters strengthened containment lines yesterday, which has significantly increased containment on both the Donnybrook , Black Rock and Pine Creek fires. Continuing mop-up operations on the Pine Creek Fire. Firefighters are monitoring and putting out hotspots mostly in stumps and slash piles on the Donnybrook Fire.

 

NEW Public Information Line: 541-763-0917.  This line will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

NEW Information available on the web:

Donny Brook Fire: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3980/

Black Rock Fire:

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3977/

Pine Creek Fire:

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3969/

Jack Knife Fire:

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3975/

 

The public is asked to use caution when driving on local roads as fire equipment and personnel are moving between areas and there may be smoky conditions on the roadways.

 

EVACUATIONS: Wheeler County Sheriff Dept. issued Level 2 Evacuation Order for scattered homes in the Brush Creek area near Twickenham.

Shaniko Butte

Warm Springs Reservation

12 miles north of the town of Warm Springs.

 

42,500 acre

75% containment

Oregon Incident Management Team 1 is managing the fire.  Crews completed four miles of burnout along the S-210 Road at the southernmost boundary of the fire

 

For information on this fire, contact the Shaniko Butte incident at 541-553-8190, or look for information on at  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3960/

 

EVACUATIONS:  The Level 2 Notification for residences near Dant and the Level 1 Notification for homes along Road S-300 Simnasho have both been removed.  Under the authority of the Wasco County Sheriff, residences in the Kaskella area will temporarily remain on a Level 1 Notification.

 

CLOSURES: S-300/Highway 3 Junction and Redlake Cemetery Road/Highway 3 Junction.

Sunflower Fire

Umatilla National Forest

 

 

10 miles NNE of Monument

7,146 acres

50% containment

The fire is burning on the south side of the Wall creek drainage between Happy and Wilson Creeks has moved into the Little Wilson and Big Wilson Creek drainages.  Localized winds caused torching and spotting throughout the day yesterday.

 

A community meeting will be held in Monument at the Senior and Community center at 1 p.m. today to provide updates to the public about the fire.

 

Firefighters are making excellent progress securing the fire perimeter.  The fire has not crossed Indian Creek Road.  Precipitation overnight did not thoroughly wet the ground vegetation.

 

For more information contact the fire information line (1-800-923-6891) or find information on the web at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3964/

 

CLOSURES: National Forest System Road (NFSR) 22 from the junction with NFSR 22 and NFSR 21 in Section 23, T6S, R26E to the south and east to the Section 20 & Section 21 border; thence southerly along the Section 20 & Section 21 border from the NFSR 22, Section 20 & 21 border junction to the NFSR 22 where it crosses the Section 29 & Section 28; thence south westerly on NFSR 22 to the junction with NFSR 23 in Section 29, T7S, R27; thence west on NFSR 23 to the junction with NFSR 2128 in Section 25 of T7S, R26E; thence northerly on NFSR 2128 to where it intersects with the Morrow County OHV park boundary on the northwest corner of Section 2, T7S, R26E; thence easterly and northerly along the boundary of OHV park to where the OHV park boundary meets the NFSR 22 road on the boundary of Section 23 & Section 26, T6S, R26E; thence northerly to the NFSR 22 and NFSR 21 junction in Section 23, T6S, R26E.

Ward Canyon

Private lands

South Sherman County

8 miles west of Antelope

Estimated at 15,000 acres

The fire continues to be managed by South Sherman County.

Waterman Complex

Oregon Department of Forestry

Ochoco National Forest

Bailey Butte (private land west of Mitchell).

Toney Butte (10 miles northeast of Spray, just east of Hwy 207).

Junction Springs

 

12,520 acres TOTAL

75% contained

 

Bailey Butte

10,276 acres

70% contained

 

Toney Butte

2,200 acres

100% contained

 

Junction Springs

15 acres

100% contained

 

#376

.25 acres

100% contained

 

Oregon Incident Management Team 3 is managing this incident.

 

Successful burnout operations are allowing Hwy 26 to REOPEN tomorrow for travel.  One lane of travel will be available and cars will be escorted with a pilot car.  People should anticipate up to 45 minute delays at times.

 

A Public Meeting will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at the Bowman Museum, 246 N. Main Street, in Prineville to share information on the Waterman and Ochoco Complexes.

 

For more information, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3961/

 

Fire Information Phone #: 541-787-4321

Email: watermancomplex2014@gmail.com

 

Due to an increase in relative humidity, firefighters were unable to complete burnout operations early this morning.  During the evening crews did burnout operations from Corral Flats to the Hwy 26 corridor.  Once the burnout and hazard tree operations along Hwy 26 it will partially open for travel.

 

EVACUATIONS:  The Crook County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with fire managers, has lowered the Evacuation Notice to a Level 2 in the Marks Creek areas of 9 a.m. this morning.  The Evacuation Level for the West Branch area was lowered to a Level 2 today.

 

ALTERNATE ROUTE BETWEEN PRINEVILLE AND MITCHELL: An alternate driving route through the Ochoco National Forest between Prineville and Mitchell is open, but the Forest Roads can be steep, rock and washed out in places.  People should have a map and an appropriate vehicle before choosing this route.

 

From Prineville, turn south on Combs Flat Road and continue east on Highway 380 past Post and Paulina.  About 5 miles east of Paulina, turn north on Wolf Creek Road and continue north to a Y where Forest Road 42 and Forest Road 58 depart.  Take Forest Road 42.  The road passes Salters Cabin campground and Wolf Creek campground as it enters the national forest.

 

Follow Forest Road 42 to Six Corners junction, then turn onto Forest Road 122, which leaves the junction heading east before turning north.  Stay on Forest Road 12 to its junction with Highway 26, about 10 miles east of Mitchell.  For additional information, please contact Patrick Lair, Ochoco NF Public Affairs Officer, at 541-416-6647.

 

CLOSURES: Forest Roads 450, 2630, 150, 2200, 2210, 300, 2610, Buck Creek Road to its intersection with the east edge of the Mill Creek Wilderness and Forest Roads 650, 27, 2745, 010 and 2750.  Walton Lake, Round Mountain, Crystal Springs, Wildwood, Ochoco Divide and Whistler campgrounds are all closed.

 

Bridge 99 Complex Fire Update

Tuesday, July 22, 2014 12:00 p.m.
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
Incident Information Officer Jeanne Klein
E-mail: bridge99fire@gmail.com
 
Bridge 99 Complex
Evacuation Levels:
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department evacuation orders have changed for the Bridge 99 Complex and are as follows:
All private lands along the Metolius River from Allen Springs Campground to Lake Billy Chinook (including the Metolius Arm) are now in a Level II Evacuation Order. The Three Rivers Subdivision changed from a Level II to a level I Evacuation Order. The subdivisions of Rim Park, Forest Park, and Air Park along with Cove Palisades State Park remain in a Level I Evacuation Order. The Cove Palisades State Park remains open.
 
Evacuation Level Descriptions: Level I (“BE READY” for a potential evacuation):
Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system. Level II (“BE SET” to evacuate):
 
YOU MUST PREPARE TO LEAVE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE
This level indicates there is a significant danger in your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moments notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk.
THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE
Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates. Level III (“GO” Evacuate NOW):
 
LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!
Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home.
 
THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE
Entry to evacuated areas may be denied until conditions are safe.
Area radio and TV stations have been asked to broadcast periodic updates.

LOGGING UNIT FIRES Tuesday morning update

Logging Unit Fires

Fire Information Update

https://www.facebook.com/pages/CTWS-Fire-Management/118486491629224

loggingunitfiresinfo@gmail.com

 

Tuesday, July 22, 2014 – 8:30 a.m. PDT Fire Status Update

Fire
Acres
% Contained
Total Personnel

Total Logging Unit Fires

10,302

5

735

Haily Butte

108

 

Camas Prairie/Logging Unit

5920

 

Bear Butte 2-North

3835

 

Skyline

125

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

News & Highlights for the Logging Unit Fires Fire Information Line: 541.777.2862

 

  • Firefighters have made excellent progress with line construction on the Camas Prairie Fire supported by National Guard helicopters and air tankers. Yesterday, a total of five heavy helicopters assisted, and a dozen loads of retardant were dropped on the fire.

 

  • The Sid Walter Flat area has been reduced from a Level 2 Notification to a Level 1 Notification.

 

  • Road and area closures are in affect for Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs lands (see below).

 

  • Five interagency hotshot crews, nineteen 20-person hand crews, 62 engines, 18 dozers and 12 water tenders are currently assigned. Four National Guard helicopters, 2 Blackhawks and 2 Chinooks, and an additional heavy helicopter, are being utilized for the Camas Prairie Fire.

 

  • Firefighters are taking advantage of a moderated weather pattern of cooler temperatures and higher humidities to make a direct attack on the fires over the next couple of days.

 

  • The burn scar from the Bald Peter Fire has effectively checked the W/NW flank of the Bear Butte 2 Fire (north half) from advancing. There is still potential for the fire to progress on the W/SW flank, however.

 

  • A Red Flag Warning is in effect for potential thunderstorms and abundant lightning; ground crews are on alert for downdrafts associated with thunderstorms.

 

  • Department of Environmental Quality smoke monitoring sensors are indicating generally good air quality throughout central and eastern Oregon at this time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

Logging Unit Operations Summary:

 

Yesterday, four National Guard helicopters, an additional heavy helicopter, and air tankers were utilized to further cool the eastern flank of the Camas Prairie/Logging Unit Fire, allowing firefighters on the ground to make excellent progress.

 

On the Skyline and Haily Butte Fires, crews are making good progress with mop-up. On the Logging Unit/Camas Prairie Fire, crews have completed line on the W flank, have starting line construction on the S flank and will begin line construction on the N flank today. A structure protection group is in place.

 

On the Camas Prairie Fire, a night shift conducted a burnout operation on the E flank last night. Today, crews will construct fire line and conduct burnout on the NW flank, scout fire line placement on the S flank; hold line, burnout and conduct direct attack on the E flank, and prep the 200 Road utilizing a direct attack approach on the NE flank.

 

Firefighters checking on the Pinhead Fire reported it to be 1/10th of an acre in size. The fire has been contained.

 

On the Bear Butte 2 Fire-North, crews will scout, construct direct hand and dozer line, burnout indirect line if necessary, and work on spot fires.

 

FIRE FACTS:

 

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Road & Area Closures:

 

Closures that apply to local residents only:

  • B-180/Hwy 26 Jct

  • B-160/Hwy 26 Jct

  • B-140/Hwy 26 Jct

 

Closures that apply to all public:

  • B-160 near the B-165 Jct

  • County Line Rd at the end of the pavement

  • J-100 at the Tenino Rd/J-100 Jct

 

Area Closures:

 

Log Unit/Camas Prairie Fire Closure

Northern Boundary: From the W-100/W-200/B-200 Jct, west on the W-200 to the W-240 to the S650 to the Reservation boundary.

Eastern Boundary: From the W-100/W-200/B-200 Jct, south on the B-200 to the B-200/B-210 Jct (Trout Lake Rd).

Southern Boundary: From the B-200/P-500/B-210 (Trout Lake Rd) Jct west to Trout Lake.

 

Bear Butte 2 Fire Closure:

All areas south of Whitewater Canyon to Jefferson Cr/Reservation Boundary.

 

 

Mt Hood National Forest Closures:

  • FR 4220 between FR 46 and Warm Springs

  • Closure area near Ollalie Lakes

  • Pacific Crest Trail from Breitenbush Lake (Mile 2047.1) to Road 42 at the Joe Graham Campground (Mile 2083). For additional information on the Pacific Crest Trail status, contact the Mt Hood National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/mthood or the Pacific Crest Trail Association at www.pcta.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

Logging Unit Fires: Located on Warm Springs Agency approximately 25 miles NW of Warm Springs. Fire is burning in mixed conifer above 3800 feet and ponderosa pine below 3800 feet and grass & brush at lower elevations. Started: July 16, 2014. Cause: Lightning caused. Location: Western boundary of Confederated Tribes of Warms Springs lands.

 

SAFETY CONCERNS: Snags, power lines, rattlesnakes, scorpions, bears, rugged terrain, access to adequate safety zones, livestock, steep and dusty roads, rolling material, potentially slick roads associated with precipitation.

 

RESOURCE CONCERNS: Main concerns include the threat to commercial timber and natural resources on Warm Springs lands, including old growth trees, pristine spring chinook runs, water quality, wildlife, plant and cultural concerns.

 

WEATHER: Partly cloudy with a 30% chance of rain/thunderstorms. Some dry thunderstorms are possible with erratic and strong wind gusts. Temperatures in the high 60s to high 70s and relative humidities 30-40%. This weather pattern will continue through Wednesday, returning to mostly sunny, windy and warmer on Thursday.

 

TODAY’S EXPECTED FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Fire behavior will be moderated again today, with the exception being any outflow winds from passing thunderstorms, which can produce dramatic and variable winds. Fire behavior will react aggressively to gusty winds, otherwise, expect creeping, smoldering and low intensity surface fire spread. Inversion should begin to lift around 2:00 p.m.

 

COOPERATING AGENCIES & PARTNERS: Warm Springs Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Mt Hood National Forest, Deschutes National Forest, Willamette National Forest and Prineville Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Transportation. 

Waterman Fire Compex Tuesday Update, Community Meeting tonight at 7 at Bowman Museum in Prineville

 

The Evacuation Level at Marks Creek area is now downgraded to Level 1.   Crook County agencies are resuming normal daily operations.  ODOT begins piloted car traffic through the fire area of Hwy 26.   (See Below)

 

 

 

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

 

Michael Ryan July 22, 2014

Emergency Manager

Crook County, Oregon

MEDIA RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WATERMAN COMPLEX FIRE

 

By Emergency Manager, Michael Ryan, 541-447-6398

 

Effective 0800hrs July 22, 2014, Crook County Emergency Management in conjunction with the Waterman Complex Fire Management Team in Mitchell, OR is reducing the Level 2 Advisory to a Level 1 Advisory.

 

The Level 1 advisory reminds residents that there is still a working wild land fire in the area. Fire crews and contractors will still be working in the area and that surrounding forest roads are still in forest closure. Additionally vehicular traffic on Hwy 26E will begin to return to normal starting with Pilot Cars leading traffic through the fire zone along Hwy 26. Please see ODOT Trip Check for Details. http://tripcheck.com/Pages/RCMap.asp?curRegion=5

 

Crook County Sheriff’s Office & Search and Rescue along with Crook County Fire & Rescue will be resuming normal daily operations. All inquiries about the Waterman Complex Fire should be directed to the Incident Management Team Information Officer at 541-787-4321 or check the Wildfire Incident Web site at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3961/ for details.

 

 

 YOU WILL BE KEPT ADVISED AS CONDITIONS CHANGE.  AREA RADIO AND TV STATIONS HAVE BEEN ASKED TO BROADCAST PERIODIC UPDATES.

 

FOR FIRE INFORMATION call 541-787-4321

Release provided by Emergency Manager – Michael Ryan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shaniko Butte Fire Tuesday Morning Update

The weather smiled on the firefighters Monday, and allowed just enough drying for crews to accomplish more than four miles of burnout along the S-210 Road at the southernmost boundary of the Shaniko Butte Fire. Conditions on the rest of the fire, however, were just damp enough that fire activity was minimal.
The remaining two miles of dozer line is located on a steep ridge that drops down to the Skookum Creek drainage from the top of the Mutton Mountains. When weather allows, firefighters are hoping to complete the remainder of their suppression strategy by burning out the fuels immediately east of the 2-mile dozer line.
The meteorologist working with the incident management team, Frederic Bunnag, is calling for a couple of days of wet weather, and then some quick drying, maybe reaching 100 degrees in the Warm Springs area by Sunday afternoon. Any thunderstorms in the area on Tuesday or Wednesday, he says, will be associated with rainfall.
The three aircraft assigned to this Incident Management Team do not include the four National Guard Helicopters at the Madras Airport. Oregon Team #1 manages the helibase where the National Guard helicopters are stationed, but the two Chinooks and two Blackhawks are assigned to another fire complex – the Logging Unit Fires. The National Guard ships, however, are available to go wherever the need is greatest in this geographic area.
The Level 2 Notification for residences near Dant has been fully removed, as has the Level 1 Notification for residences along Road S-300 near Simnasho. Under the authority of the Wasco County Sheriff, residences in the Kaskella area will temporarily remain on a Level 1 Notification because of the recent burnout operation immediately to their west.
Line medics responded to a bee sting injury on Sunday, calling for an ambulance to transport a crew member suffering a severe allergic reaction. The firefighter has recovered and returned to work.
Fire at a Glance
Size: 42,500 acres
Containment: 75%
Location: 15 miles north of the town of Warm Springs, Oregon
Cause: Started by lightning on Sunday, July 13, 2014
Assigned personnel: 506
Aircraft:
1 Heavy-lift KMAX helicopter
1 Medium-lift helicopter
1 Light-lift helicopter
Notifications: Level and Area 1 Residences in the Kaskella area 2 None 3 None
 
Fire Information E-Mail:
Shaniko.Butte@gmail.com
##
Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team #1
Ross Williams, Incident Commander

Madras High Track and Field Coach Arrested on Charges of Having a Sexual Relationship with a Team Member

43 year old Melissa Bowerman was arrested Monday at her home in Fossil, Oregon.  

 

She faces charges of sexual abuse in the second degree, luring a minor, online sexual corruption of a child and contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor.

 

OSP conducted an investigation into an alleged unlawful relationship between Bowerman and a 17 year old male on the track team, after a tip.

 

Investigators are concerned there may be more victims and are requesting people contact them if they have additional information.

Bend's Escaped Inmate Captured

The Deschutes County Jail inmate is 38 year old Keith Schmidtke.  He disappeared sometime between 6:30 and 11 P.M.  

 

The inmate was found in southwest Bend Monday afternoon in the backyard of a home.

 

The K9 unit discoverd him and bite him.

 

Another man, 30 year old Cecil Turner of Bend was also arrested for allegedly helping Schmidke escape.

 

Schmidtke was in jail for identity theft.

Central Oregon's Best Unemployment Numbers Since 2008

AS last year, the tourism season started slowly this spring, but things are definitely heating up.

 

Regional Economist Damon Runberg says unemployment ticked down in all three of the region's counties.

 

"Our tourism industry blew up this summer. Last year, we returned to pre-recession levels in 2013.  This year we're far beyond pre-recession levels.  In June though, we added 880 new jobs in leisure and hospitality, so that's far more than in years past."

 

Unemployment rates in central Oregon are at their lowest levels since the summer of 2008.

 

The seasonaly adjusted unemployment rates are 8.1 percent in Deschutes County, 9.4 percent in Jefferson County and 10.3 percent in Crook County.

Idaho Fugitive Arrested in Bend

Monday morning, the Bend Police Department was contacted by U.S. Marshals.  They told them they believed 36 year old Dedigamage Perera was currently in the Bend area.  He was wanted in Idaho for aggravated assault and strangulation.

 

His vehicle was located in the 3rd Street Safeway parking lot.

 

U.S. Marshals said that Perera was a violent offender and was armed with a handgun, so a SWAT team responded to the scene.

 

Perera was taken into custody without incident.

Deschutes County Commissioners Move Forward with Plans for a Powell Butte Highway Roundabout

The Deshcutes County Commissioners heard a presentation by the head of the Deschutes County Road Department Monday.

 

They are recommending a roundabout be put in to help slow down traffic and reduce the severity of crashes there.

 

Commissioner Tammy Baney is happy something is finally being done to make the dangerous intersection safer.

 

"I'm excited.  I was raised in this area and I drove this section every day.  If this was twenty years ago, you would be hearing from my Dad.  A signal doesn't seem feasible.  A roundabout makes the most sense, but it will be different.  It will mean you can't go 65 mph into an intersection."

 

The rural roundabout to be built there would be larger than an urban roundabout and would accommodate trucks and RV's.

 

These roundabouts must slow traffic  down before it approaches the roundabout and they do that through signs and appraoch curves.

 

It's hoped the roundabout will go out to bid next spring and will be constructed during the summer and fall of 2015.

Governor Kitzhaber and Dennis Richardson Hold Their First Debate

It was held at the Salem Convention Center Friday as part of the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association's convention.

 

Here are parts of their closing statements.  Dennis Richardson went first.

 

"Our governor no longer has a passion to serve.  He's more aloof and we've seen it in projects like Cover Oregon and the Columbia River Crossing and the wrong headed decisions like hriing Rudy Crew to oversee our education system and failing to hire an systems integrator for Cover Oregon."
 

Governor Kitzhaber's closing statement focused on the special session he called last fall.

 

"In the backdrop of the growing chaos of the federal government on October 1st, the  shut down the federal government.  The next day the legislature passed every bill with bipartisan votes. That's really what this job is all about... the ability to find and hold an operational political center, to have a vision for Oregonians and bring them together in common cause to achieve a common purpose."

 

The two candidates actually agreed on a couple issues like supporting the top two non partisan primary system and both oppose legalizing marijuana in the state.

COIDC MONDAY MORNING FIRE UPDATE

Central Oregon  Fire Update

Y

 

Fire Name

Location

Size (ESTIMATES)

Activity

Bridge 99 Complex

Deschutes National Forest

Bridge 99 - ½ mile east of Lower Bridge Campground, 9 miles north of Camp Sherman off of FS Rd.

1490

 

Bear Butte 2 adjacent to Jefferson Creek and west of Park Creek drainage within the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.

 

 

 5,848 acres TOTAL

25% contained

 

Bridge 99 Fire is 5,235 acres

 

Bear Butte 2 Fire is  613 acres

 

 

 

Oregon Incident Management Team 2 is managing the fire.  For more information on the fire: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3963/#  or phone: 541-549-3219.

 

The perimeter of the Bridge 99 fire held well yesterday and has not progressed toward Lake Billy Chinook.  The southern portion of the Bear Butte 2 Fir was not very active yesterday.  Fire management activities today will focus on strengthening containment lines and continuing burnout operations on the northwest perimeter of the Bridge 99 Fire.

 

EVACUATIONS in place: All private lands along the Metolius River from Allen springs Campground to Lake Billy Chinook (including the Metolius Arm) are in a Level III Evacuation Order.  The Three Rivers Subdivision is in a Level II Evacuation Order.  The subdivisions of Rim Park, Forest Park, and Air Park along with the Cove Palisades State Park are in a Level I Evacuation Order.

 

CLOSURES:  Forest Road 12, from its intersection with Forest Roads 1270/1298 to Bridge 99, Forest Road 14, from Bridge 99 to its intersectin with Forest Road 1400/700(Allen Springs Campground), Forest Road 1140, from its intersection with Forest Roads 1150/118 to the intersection with Forest Road 1152, Forest Road 1154, from its intersection with Forest Road 1150 to the intersection with Forest Road 1140 an Forest Road 1420400.  The Jefferson Lake Trail (#40001.1), Sugarpine Ridge trail (#4002), Shirley Lake Trail (#4003), Cabot Lake Trail (#4003) and the Pacific Crest Trail north of the Shirley Lake Trail and south of the Willamette National Forest boundary in the Cathedral Rocks Area are closed.

Center Fire

Prineville BLM

Post-Paulina RFPA

3 miles NE of Post.

Private and

2,800 acres

25% contained

The fire made a run to the east yesterday causing significant growth in the fire acreage.

Logging Unit Fires

Warm Springs Reservation

Mt. Hood National Forest

Deschutes National Forest

North side of Bear Butte near the Bear Butte 2 fire

9,500 acres

5% containment

Pacific Northwest Team 2 (Incident Commander Chris Schulte) took command of the Logging Unit Fires. The Logging Unit Fires currently include Camas Prairie, Logging Unit, Skyline, Haily and the north side of Bear Butte 2. The south side of Bear Butte 2 is being managed by the Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team 2 (Incident Commander Brett FIllis).

 

For more information on the web:  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3973/

 

The fire continues to be active in the late afternoon.  The Camas Prairie Fire is approximately 3.5 miles from the closest structure.  An evacuation plan is in place and a structure protection group is available to respond as needed. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity today should assist firefighters today.

 

National Guard Blackhawk and Chinook  helicopters and air tankers were used to cool the eastern flank of the Camas Prairie/Logging Unit Fire; allowing hotshot crews to construct line and develop a solid anchor point for fighting the fire.

 

EVACUATIONS: A Level 2 Notification has been issued to the residents of the Sid Walter Flat Area.  Approximately 54 residences are affected by the notification.  The fire is approximately 3.5 miles from the closest structure and 8 miles from the Incident Command Post on County Line Road.

 

CLOSURES:  On the Mt. Hood National Forest, Forest Road 4220 between Forest Road 46 and Warm Springs.  Closure area near Ollalie Lakes.

 

Pacific Crest Trail from Breitenbush Lake (Mile 2047.1) to Forest  Road 42 at the Joe Graham campground (Mile 2083)

Ochoco Complex-

Ochoco National Forest Service

Prineville BLM

 

 

 

Lava Fire

Near the junction of FS Road 22 and FS Road 4210, near the NW corner of Big Summit Prairie

 

Fox Fire/Oscar Canyon Fire

3 miles NW of the North Fork Wilderness Study area, near FS Road 4230.

 

Broadway Fire

S of FS Road 2630, near Peterson Lava

 

Antelope Fire

3 miles E of FS Road 22 near FS Road 900

6,301 acres TOTAL

 

 

 

191 acres

 

 

 

 

 

6,036 Acres

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

53 acres

 

 

 

21 acres

Great Basin Incident Management Team 6 is managing the fires.  The complex includes 4 fires (Lava, Fox, Broadway, and Antelope) on the Ochoco National Forest and the Oscar Canyon Fire burning on the Prineville BLM within the North Fork Wilderness Study area.  The Oscar and Fox fires burned together today.

 

Fire crews are patrolling and mopping up the Antelop and Broadway Fires today.  The Lava Fire established a 5 acre spot in Howard Creek yesterday.  Fire crews were successful at lowing th progress of the spot fire.  The Fox fire is the largest fire in the complex and nw encompasses the Oscar Canyon fre.  Partly cloudy and relatively cooler weather today, combined with light winds and moderate humidity will moderate fire behavior.


CLOSURES: The Ochoco National Forest has issued an area closure that encompasses all National Forest system lands from Forest Road 42, along both the north and south forest boundary to Highway 26 on the west, with additional acreage north of the Mill Creek Wilderness. The closure covers all campgrounds, trailheads, forest roads, and developed facilities on National Forest System lands within the closure area.  The closure order and a map of the closure is located on the web at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3972

Pine Creek Complex

Now includes:

Pine Creek Fire

Jack Knife Fire

Black Rock Fire

Donny Brook Fire

 

Sherman County

Oregon Department of Forestry

Prineville BLM

Ash Butte Rangeland Fire Protection Association

Private lands

 

 

 

Pine Creek Fire

 11 miles south of Fossil, in the Carrol Rim Area

 

Jack Knife Fire

Lower John Day Recreation Area, Sherman County, 8 miles SE of Grass Valley.

 

Black Rock Fire

3 miles NW of Clarno; NW of the Pine Creek Fire

 

Donny Brook Fire

11 miles SW of Antelope

129,178 acres TOTAL

 

30,245 acres

35% contained

 

 

13,263 acres

100% contained

 

 

 

 

34,177 acres

55% contained

 

 

22,756 acres

0% contained

 A Type II Western Montana Team (Fry) is managing these fires and the team took over the management of the Donny Brook fire this morning. 

 

The public is asked to use caution when driving on local roads as fire equipment and personnel are moving between areas and there may be smoky conditions on the roadways.

 

EVACUATIONS: Wheeler County Sheriff Dept. issued Level II Evacuation Orders for scattered homes in the Brush Creek area near Twickenham.

 

CLOSURES: The John Day River remains open; however, people recreating on the river should be aware that helicopters may be working in the area and dipping into the river and use appropriate caution.

Shaniko Butte

Warm Springs Reservation

12 miles north of the town of Warm Springs.

 

42,000 acre

50% containment

Oregon Incident Management Team 1 is managing the fire.  Firefighters were not able to complete their planned burnout operation yesterday due to unfavorable weather conditions yesterday.  If weather conditions are favorable today they will do burnout operations on the southern end of the fire to secure lines and increase containment of the fire.

 

Eighty-one firefighters were demobilized on Sunday and reassigned to other fires in the region.

 

For information on this fire, contact the Shaniko Butte incident at 541-553-8190, or look for information on at  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3960/

 

EVACUATIONS:  Level 2 for all residences in the vicinity of Dant, OR and Level 1 for all residences in the vicinity of Road S-300 and in the Kaskela area.

 

CLOSURES: S-300/Highway 3 Junction and Redlake Cemetery Road/Highway 3 Junction.

 

The BLM OPENED the Lower Deschutes River today at 6 a.m. Rafters should be aware that river rangers may need to hold rafters at times to allow for water dips in the river by helicopters.

Sunflower Fire

Umatilla National Forest

 

 

10 miles NNE of Monument

6,736 acres

35% containment

The fire is burning on the south side of the Wall creek drainage between Happy and Wilson Creeks has moved into the Little Wilson and Big Wilson Creek drainages.  Localized winds caused torching and spotting throughout the day yesterday.

 

Ground and aerial resources were able to make excellent progress connecting dozer lines with hand line on the southern perimeter of the fire.  The fire crossed Forest Road 190 but crews were able to complete hand line and secure the fire from spreading. Cooler temperatures with relatively high humidity will aid in fighting the fire today.

 

For more information contact the fire information line (1-800-923-6891) or find information on the web at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3964/

 

CLOSURES: National Forest System Road (NFSR) 22 from the junction with NFSR 22 and NFSR 21 in Section 23, T6S, R26E to the south and east to the Section 20 & Section 21 border; thence southerly along the Section 20 & Section 21 border from the NFSR 22, Section 20 & 21 border junction to the NFSR 22 where it crosses the Section 29 & Section 28; thence south westerly on NFSR 22 to the junction with NFSR 23 in Section 29, T7S, R27; thence west on NFSR 23 to the junction with NFSR 2128 in Section 25 of T7S, R26E; thence northerly on NFSR 2128 to where it intersects with the Morrow County OHV park boundary on the northwest corner of Section 2, T7S, R26E; thence easterly and northerly along the boundary of OHV park to where the OHV park boundary meets the NFSR 22 road on the boundary of Section 23 & Section 26, T6S, R26E; thence northerly to the NFSR 22 and NFSR 21 junction in Section 23, T6S, R26E.

Ward Canyon

Private lands

South Sherman County

8 miles west of Antelope

Estimated at 15,000 acres

The fire continues to be managed by South Sherman County.

Waterman Complex

Oregon Department of Forestry

Ochoco National Forest

Bailey Butte (private land west of Mitchell).

Toney Butte (10 miles northeast of Spray, just east of Hwy 207).

Junction Springs

 

11,989 acres TOTAL

60% contained

 

Bailey Butte

9,745 acres

50% contained

 

Toney Butte

2,200 acres

100% contained

 

Junction Springs

15 acres

100% contained

 

#376

.25 acres

100% contained

 

Three fires and a small fire (.25 acres) are being managed as a complex. A Type II Incident Management Team has taken over management of the fire. For more information, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3961/

 

Fire Information Phone #: 541-787-4321

Email: watermancomplex2014@gmail.com

 

Due to an increase in relative humidity, firefighters were unable to complete burnout operations early this morning.  During the evening crews did burnout operations from Corral Flats to the Hwy 26 corridor.  Once the burnout and hazard tree operations along Hwy 26 it will partially open for travel.

 

EVACUATIONS:  The Crook County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with fire managers, has lowered the Evacuation Notice to a Level 2 in the Marks Creek areas of 9 a.m. this morning.  The Evacuation Level for the West Branch area was lowered to a Level 2 today.

 

Hwy 26 remains closed 16 miles E of Prineville. 

 

ALTERNATE ROUTE BETWEEN PRINEVILLE AND MITCHELL: An alternate driving route through the Ochoco National Forest between Prineville and Mitchell is open, but the Forest Roads can be steep, rock and washed out in places.  People should have a map and an appropriate vehicle before choosing this route.

 

From Prineville, turn south on Combs Flat Road and continue east on Highway 380 past Post and Paulina.  About 5 miles east of Pualina, turn north on Wolf Creek Road and continue north to a Y where Forest Road 42 and Forest Road 58 depart.  Take Forest Road 42.  The road passes Salters Cabin campground and Wolf Creek campground as it enters the national forest.

 

Follow Forest Road 42 to Six Corners junction, then turn onto Forest Road 122, which leaves the junction heading east before turning north.  Stay on Forest Road 12 to its junction with Highway 26, about 10 miles east of Mitchell.  For additional information, please contact Patrick Lair, Ochoco NF Public Affairs Officer, at 541-416-6647.

 

CLOSURES: Forest Roads 450, 2630, 150, 2200, 2210, 300, 2610, Buck Creek Road to its intersection with the east edge of the Mill Creek Wilderness and Forest Roads 650, 27, 2745, 010 and 2750.  Walton Lake, Round Mountain, Crystal Springs, Wildwood, Ochoco Divide and Whistler campgrounds are all closed.

-END-

COIDC Friday morning update

Central Oregon MORNING Fire Update

        

Central Oregon - Firefighters continue to respond to existing and new wildfires throughout Central Oregon.  A Red Flag Warning today for breezy winds and low relative humidity for much of Central and Eastern Oregon is expected to cause significant growth in fires, particularly fires burning primarily in rangeland habitats.

 

Fire Name

Location

Size (ESTIMATES)

Activity

Black Rock Fire – CORRECTED it is not a part of Pine Creek Complex

3 miles NW of Clarno

14,000 acres

BLM assumed control of the fire yesterday.  The fire was previously burning on unprotected private lands and has now burned onto public lands.

Bridge 99 Complex

Bridge 99 - ½ mile east of Lower Bridge Campground, 9 miles north of Camp Sherman off of FS Rd.

1490

 

Bear Butte 2 (formerly #318) – adjacent to Jefferson Creek and west of Park Creek drainage within the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.

Deschutes NF

6,369 acres

5% contained

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Oregon Incident Management Team 2 is managing the fire.  For more information on the fire: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3963/#  or phone: 541-549-3219.

 

Firefighters had a successful burnout on the SW side of the fire.  Three helicopters are expected to aid in the suppression efforts today.  The fire continues to stay west of FS Road 1190.

 

EVACUATIONS in place:  Level 3 from Allen Springs Campground to Lake Billy Chinook (Metolius Arm) and Level 2 for Three Rivers Subdivision.  Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is managing the evacuations. Lower Bridge, Allen Springs, Pioneer Ford, Monty and Perry South campgrounds are closed.  People going to the area may experience additional closures in the area with fire activity and traffic increasing.

 

New Closure Order for the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness is in place.  New closures are the Jefferson Lake Trail (#40001.1), Sugarpine Ridge trail (#4002), Shirley Lake Trail (#4003), Cabot Lake Trail (#4003) and the Pacific Crest Trail north of the Shirley Lake Trail and south of the Willamette National Forest boundary in the Cathedral Rocks Area.

Waterman Complex

Bailey Butte (private land west of Mitchell).

Toney Butte (10 miles northeast of Spray, just east of Hwy 207).

Junction Springs

Oregon Department of Forestry

6,020 acres

35% contained

 

 

 

Bailey Butte

3,800 acres

5% contained

 

Toney Butte

2,200 acres

60% contained

 

Junction Springs

20 acres

100% contained

 

 

Multiple fires are being managed as a complex. A Type II Incident Management Team has taken over management of the fire. For more information, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3961/

 

Despite challenging conditions with the Red Flag Warning yesterday crews were able to make good progress on the fire.

 

CHANGE! Fire Information Phone #: 541-787-4321

Email: watermancomplex2014@gmail.com

 

EVACUATIONS:  A Level II Evacuation Notice for the Marks Creek area by Crook County Sherriff’s Office remains in place.

 

Hwy 26 remains closed from mile post 50 to 56 due to the wildfire and the potential of burned trees landing on the highway.  Please check ODOT’s Tripcheck for updates. A Level III evacuation order remains in place for the Marks Creek area and Level II for West Branch Road.

Pine Creek Complex

Now includes:

Pine Creek Fire

 Jack Knife Fire

 

#364/#368 – 11 miles south of Fossil, in the Carrol Rim Area

 

 

 

 

Jack Knife- Lower John Day Recreation Area, Sherman County, 8 miles SE of Grass Valley.

Sherman County 

Prineville BLM

 

 

15,185 acres

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,856 acres

30% contained

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A Type II Rocky Mountain Team will assume command of this fire at 0600 tomorrow morning. High temperatures and afternoon winds caused active fire behavior on all fires within this complex this afternoon. Incident 364 and 368 have burned together. Wheeler County Sheriff Dept. issued Level II Evacuation Orders for scattered homes in the Brush Creek area near Twickenham.

 

The Jack Knife Fire is now burning on both sides of the John Day River and has been added to the Pine Creek Complex.   Moderate fireThe river remains open; however, people recreating on the John Day River should be aware that helicopters may be working in the area and dipping into the river and use appropriate caution.

Oscar Canyon

In the North Fork Wilderness Study Area 17 miles east of Post, OR.

Prineville BLM

315 acres

80% contained

Fire#386 on the Ochoco NF is burning close to the Oscar Canyon fire and the two fires may impact each other during a day with expected high fire activity.

Center Fire

(Formerly the Bonneview Ranch Fire (297)

3 miles NE of Post.

Private and Prineville BLM

1,600 acres

25% contained

Good progress was made on the fire yesterday.  No new information of the fire today.

Shaniko Butte

12 miles north of the town of Warm Springs.

Warm Springs Reservation

20,000 acres

Oregon Incident Management Team 1 is managing the fire.  Resources from the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs and the BIA are working on the fire. Burlington-Northern has provided a firefighting unit that accesses fires via rail.

 

For information on this fire, contact the Shaniko Butte incident at 541-553-8190, or look for information on at  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3960/

 

The BLM has CLOSED the Lower Deschutes River to all day and overnight use from Trout Creek to Long Bend due to the fire.

Ward Canyon (formerly #347)

8 miles west of Antelope

Estimated at 15000 acres

The fire continues to be managed by South Sherman County.

Incident #377

Private – Ash Butte Rangeland Protection Association/Oregon Dept. of Forestry

12 miles SW of Clarno

Estimated at

6,000 acres.

Fire is on private land protected by the Ash Butte Rural Fire Protection Association; Oregon Department of Forestry will provide assistance on 7/18. As will most fires today, the fire grew quickly and burned in grass, sagebrush and juniper.

 

 

-END-

Waterman Complex update

July 17, 2014 PM

 

Waterman Complex – Mitchell, Oregon

Information Center – 541-462-3140 (Will be routed through the school switchboard)

Incident Commander Doug Johnson

 

Start Date

Cause

Total

Acres

Percent Containment

Crews

Engines

 

Water

Tenders

Helos

Dozers

 

Total

Personnel

7/11-12/2014

Lightning

6,020

35%

23

24

11

5

11

699

 

Location: Three fires near Mitchell, Service Creek, and Kimberly, Oregon.

 

Current Situation:

 

Evacuation Notices-

A Level III Evacuation Notice for the Marks Creek area was issued by the Crook County Sheriff’s Office. Residents have been asked to leave their homes due to the fire threat.

 

A Level II Evacuation Notice for the West Branch Road area has been issued from the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office. Residents must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice.

 

A Red Cross Shelter is located at the Crook County High School in Prineville.

 

Summary-

The inversion lifted early today increasing fire behavior. This coupled with multiple large fires in Oregon has increased smoke in the area. Red Flag warnings persist into Friday due to low relative humidity and gusty winds. Despite these challenging conditions, firefighters continued to make progress on the Bailey Butte and Toney Butte Fires.

 

Many areas in the U.S. have been adversely affected by dry conditions. Wildfires know no boundaries. We will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners for planning and decision making to ensure that proper response protocols are established to deal with these conditions.

 

Bailey Butte Fire – 3,800 acres, 5% contained. Additional crews have been assigned to work the southern portion where the fire had been most active. The northern portion had crews working the perimeter and suppressing hotspots. The Crystal Springs Organizational Camp is being prepped for burn-out operations. The fire has burned into the Resource Natural Area (RNA). Crews continued to prep Forest Service Road 2630 for indirect line and preparing it for burn-out operations. Working in cooperation with private land owners, firefighters have been working to construct dozer lines in the West Branch Road area. A new start within the initial attack responsibilities of the complex was reported and staffed.

 

Toney Butte Fire – 2,220 acres, 60% contained. Crews continued to cold trail, mop up any hot spots, and patrol the fire perimeter. Firefighters and equipment are being reassigned as needed between the fires in the complex.

 

Junction Springs Fire– 20 acres, 100% contained. This fire remains in patrol status and monitored by air.

 

Ochoco National Forest Closure Area:

This closure has been enacted due to firefighting activities taking place within the closure area and for the protection of public and employee safety. The Bailey Butte Fire Closure Area is established within boundary lines on its north side by the Forest boundary and its south side following a system of closed Forest roads which include:

 

Forest Roads 450, 2630, 150, 2200, 2210, 300, 2610, Buck Creek Road to its intersection with the east edge of the Mill Creek Wilderness and Forest Roads 650, 27, 2745, 010 and the 2750. All roads and trails within the bounds of the Forest Closure are closed. All campgrounds within the Forest Closure area including Walton Lake, Round Mountain, Crystal Springs, Wildwood, Ochoco Divide, and Whistler are closed.

 

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): Two TFRs are in place over the Complex. One is located over the Bailey Butte Fire and the other over the Toney Butte Fire. Please check the NOTAM for current information.

 

For more information on the Waterman Complex visit:

 

Safety Warning for Drivers near Local Fires

The Wheeler County Sheriff's Office and Oregon State Police are urging all travelers in the vicinity of Highway 26 and Highway 19 to slow down and drive safely. A wildfire in the area has closed Highway 26 between milepost 35 and 53 east of Prineville. ODOT's TripCheck.com notes due to hazardous debris and weather, there is no current estimated time for opening.

Law enforcement is concerned that limited visibility, increased traffic on secondary roads, and firefighting efforts/movements may affect highway safety in the Mitchell and Spray areas. Motorists using alternate routes are asked to slow down, drive alert and be watchful for others using the area roads.

Traffic updates on state roads in the area can be monitored on ODOT's TripCheck.com website.

Latest on Evacuations and Fires

The level three evacuation notice involves all private lands along the Metolius River from Allen Springs Campground to Lake Billy Chinook.

 

The Three Rivers subdivision is being told to be ready to leave at a moment's notice.

 

The Bridge 99 Fires are nearly 35 hundred acres and are only two percent contained.

 

The Waterman Complex Fire near Mitchell is at 43-hundred acres and is 28 percent contained.  Highway 26 East from mile post 50 to 56 remains closed because of the fire.

 

The Shaniko Butte Fire near Warm Springs is at 20-thousand acres.  The BLM has closed the Lower Deschutes River to rafting from Trout Creek to Long Bend due to the fire.

Oregon Sues Makers of 5 Hour Energy Drink for False Advertising

Ellen Rosenblum explains.

 

"Our lawsuit against Living Essentials and Innovation Ventures, the makers of the energy drink 5 Hour Energy is about requiring truth in advertising.  Plainly and simply you can't promote deceptive and misleading claims about your products if there is not sufficient evidence to back up your advertising claims."

 

The lawsuit alleges the company used advertising to claim that 5 Hour Energy contains a unique blend on ingredients that provide consumers with energy, alterness and focus.

 

Rosenblum say sthe product only has one ingredient that provides any effect and it's caffeine.

New Study Finds Gun Deaths Outpaced Car Deaths in Oregon

The Violence Policy Center out of Washington D.C. studied 2011 stats on gun deaths versus car deaths and 14 states had more gun deaths than car deaths, including Oregon.

 

Kristen Rand with the Violence Policy Center says they consider this a public health issue.

 

"Comparisons are often made between motor vehicles and guns and the point we're trying to make here is only 30 percent of households have guns, but 90 percent have a motor vehicle, yet gun deaths exceeded motor vehicle deaths in 14 states and the District of Columbia.  The answer is the public health approach we took to reduce car deaths and we need to apply it to gun deaths."

 

Rand says there were similarities in the states with higher gun deaths as compared to car deaths.

 

"Well most of the states where gun deaths exceed motor vehicle deaths have a higher rate of gun ownership and weaker gun laws.  We see nation wide two components.  States with lower rates of gun ownership and stronger gun laws have the lowest gun death rates."

 

Some of the other states with high gun death rates include Washington State, Colorado, Utah, Alaska, Arizona, Illinois and Maryland.

Latest Fundraising Numbers for Senator Merkley and Challenger Monica Wehby

Merkley raised 1.8 million during the second quarter and Wehby raised nearly one million.

 

Democratic incumbent Merkley was able to gather 1.2 million in support since May, which brings his second quarter fundraising to 1.8 million.

 

His campaign will report having 3.5 million in the bank at the end of June with no debt.

New Fire related closures

Shaniko Butte Wildfire Forces Closure of Lower Deschutes River

 

Central Oregon – The Shaniko Butte Fire was very active on Wednesday, growing to approximately 18,000 acres – and the wind and fire never let up through the night. This morning the fire made a run toward the Lower Deschutes River near the small community of Dant, and the west edge of the river.

 

In addition, the Ward Canyon Fire (#347), which caused the closure of Highway 97 north of Madras yesterday, is now backing down toward the east side of the Deschutes River.

 

Current and expected fire conditions have forced  fire officials to make the decision to close the river to all day and overnight use between Trout Creek (River mile 88.5) and Long Bend (River Mile 57). Fire officials will evaluate this closure on a day-by-day basis and will lift the closure when it is safe.

 

Rafters can still float from Warm Springs to Trout Creek and can still use Segment 2 from Long Bend to Sandy Beach, as well as Segments 3 & 4 from Buckhollow to Heritage Landing at the mouth of the Columbia River.

 

 

 

-end-

Central Oregon Fire Update, Thursday morning from COIDC

Central Oregon MORNING Fire Update

           

Central Oregon –Significant growth on large several fires continues to challenge firefighters.  Predicted wind across Central Oregon is expected to push fires through the day and evening

 

A Red Flag Warning for high winds and low relative humidity issued by The National Weather Service in Pendleton isl in effect through 11 p.m. Friday.

 

Resources from the Oregon Department of Forestry, Bureau of Indian Affairs, BLM, and the Forest Service, and numerous contract companies are engaged throughout the area and adjacent areas.

 

Fire Name

Location

Size

Activity

Bridge 99 Complex

Bridge 99 - ½ mile east of Lower Bridge Campground, 9 miles north of Camp Sherman off of FS Rd.

1490

 

Bear Butte 2 (formerly #318) – adjacent to Jefferson Creek and west of Park Creek drainage within the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.

Deschutes NF

 1,800 acres

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,600 acres

 

 

The Bridge 99 Fire is on Green Ridge burning in steep terrain. The Green Ridge Fire lookout remains secure. The fire jumped a fire line to the north and caused significant growth in the fire overnight. 
 

Bear Butte 2 fire (formerly #318) is actively burning into a remote area of the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness and onto Warm Springs Reservation.

 

Lower Bridge, Allen Springs and Pioneer Ford campgrounds remain closed.  People going to the area may experience additional closures in the area with fire activity and traffic increasing. New Closure Order for the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness is in place.  New closures are the Jefferson Lake Trail (#40001.1), Sugarpine Ridge trail (#4002), Shirley Lake Trail (#4003), Cabot Lake Trail (#4003) and the Pacific Crest Trail north of the Shirley Lake Trai and south of the Willamette National Forest boundary at tAAS, R8E, Section 8 (Cathedral Rocks Area).

Jack Knife

Lower John Day Recreation Area, Sherman County, 8 miles SE of Grass Valley. 

Prineville BLM

6,130 acres  

Jack Knife jumped fire lines and over the John Day River today. Expect increase in acreage reported in the AM.

The fire has pushed east due to predicted winds out of the west today.

Helicopters continue to support firefighting efforts on the ground.

People recreating on the John Day River should be aware that helicopters may be working in the area and dipping into the river and use appropriate caution. At this point, there are no closures on the river.

Waterman Complex

Bailey Butte (private land west of Mitchell).

Toney Butte (10 miles northeast of Spray, just east of Hwy 207).

Oregon Department of Forestry

4,319 acres

28% containment

Multiple fires are being managed as a complex. A Type II Incident Management Team took over this incident on 7/15.

For more information, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3961/

 

Fire Information Phone #: 541-462-3140

Email: watermancomplex2014@gmail.com

 

ODOT has closed Hwy 26 from mile post 50 to 56 due to the wildfire and the potential of burned trees landing on the highway.  Please check ODOT’s  Tripcheck for updates/

Pine Creek

#364 – 11 miles south of Fossil, in the Carrol Rim Area

 

#368 – 15 miles south of Fossil, south east of Coffin Point

Prineville BLM

5,000 acres

Pine Creek is considered one incident, though it is two fires

.

Pine Creek fire jumped containment lines and has made significant runs to the east due to the predicted winds this afternoon.

Oscar Canyon

In the North Fork Wilderness Study Area 17 miles east of Post, OR.

Prineville BLM

315 acres

Oscar Canyon fire was mapped by firefighters, which is why the acreage has increased.

 

Firefighters have held the fire within containment lines and have been assisted by a helicopter working the area. It is 40% contained.

Center Fire

(Formerly the Bonneview Ranch Fire (297)

3 miles NE of Post.

Private and Prineville BLM

1,500 acres

Fire is approximately 25 % contained and firefighters have been able to stop forward progression of this fire.

 

The Post/Paulina Rural Fire Protection Association were initial responders to this fire and have received assistance from federal resources.

Shaniko Butte

12 miles north of the town of Warm Springs.

20,000

Oregon Incident Management Team 1 took over management of this fire at 6:00 a.m. today.

 

For information on this fire, contact the Shaniko Butte incident at 541-553-8190. Or look for information on at  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3960/

 

Aerial resources could possibly use the Deschutes River as a water source for the firefighting effort. River users should be alert to the possibility of helicopters dipping water from the Deschutes River.

#347

8 miles west of Antelope

Estimated at 1,500 acres

Fire was reported 7/14/2014 at 9:14 a.m.

 

Fire has been managed to this point by South Sherman County, which has the lead for suppression efforts. BLM is assisting with a task force of engines in the area.

 

-END-

SHANIKO BUTTE FIRE, morning update from fire lines, now mapped at 18,000 acres

July 17th, 2014   (morning update from Fire Management Team)
 
 
The Shaniko Butte Fire was very active on Wednesday, growing to approximately 18,000 acres – and the wind and fire never let up through the night as the fire spread further to the north and east Thursday morning.
 
Fire-fighting handcrews, engines, a bulldozer, and a light helicopter battled 100+ degree temperatures and 15 to 25 mile per hour winds. Their work was focused along the southwest edge of the fire to prevent its spread in the direction of homes and other structures in the Simnasho area. Firelines established Tuesday helped fire-fighters slow the western spread on Wednesday.
 
An additional Type 1 crew and a heavy helicopter arrived Wednesday afternoon and began engaging the fire along the southern and western flanks. Winds pushed the north side of the fire across the S-430 Road and the east side of the fire into the upper portions of Eagle Creek toward Mutton Mountains.
 
A Level 2 Notice, advising residents to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice, has been issued for all residences along Road S-300. A Level 1 Notice, advising residents to begin making preparations to leave in case the fire approaches, has been issued for four homes in the vicinity of Dant, Oregon. The Bureau of Land Management increased patrols and recreation information along the Deschutes River in the vicinity of its confluence with Eagle Creek in case the fire threatens this highly popular river corridor. The Deschutes River may be used as a water source, so river users are warned to be alert to the possibility of helicopters dipping water from the river. For everyone’s safety, please do not approach a working helicopter.
 
Smoke from Shaniko Butte Fire combined with smoke from the nearby Bridge 99 Fire Complex and fires in the Olallie Lakes area to cover the entire Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation in a light layer of smoke throughout the day despite significant shifts in the wind direction

Officials: Evacuate!

The Sheriff's Office is issuing a Level 3 fire evacuation notice to all residents in the Marks Creek Area. On Highway 26 E Between the Mt Bachelor Academy and FS Road 2630.

 

LEVEL 3
This is an evacuation notice for this area
current conditions present specific and immediate threat(s) to the life and safety of persons within this area.
You are advised to evacuate immediately.
Fire and law enforcement personnel are working in this area to provide specific information on the route(s) to use for evacuation - evacuation rout is south / west toward the city of Prineville.
If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available.  Volunteers and other persons will not be allowed to enter the area to provide assistance.
Road blocks and 24 hour patrols will be established in the area.  Residents will not be allowed to return until conditions are safe.
Area radio and tv stations have been asked to broadcast periodic updates.

FOR FIRE INFORMATION call 541-447-6398
 

Prineville Police Chief Eric Bush Fired

City leaders still refuses to comment on why they've removed Eric Bush as the Police Department's leader, but they officially fired him Wednesday.

 

Bush's attorney, Roxanne Farra of Bend has already filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in Crook County Circuit Court.

 

She says the evidence in this case will prove that Chief Bush was fired because of his uniformed service in the National Guard.  Specifically his selection in July of 2013, as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff of the U.S. Forces Korea.

 

Bush had been a member of the Prineville police force since 1990.

Extensive Investigation and Arrests in Illegal Guiding and Hunting in Central Oregon

43 year old Alan Aronson of Bend is charged with leading illegal guiding and hunting activities in these areas, primarily for elk and buffalo.  He did it on another person's ranch property without their consent.

 

Oregon State Police and the Fish and Wildlife Division say many of the hunters did not have valid hunting licenses or tags.  Dozens of elk and 9 buffalo were killed.

 

Alan Aronson pleaded guilty to the charges.  He will serve 30 days in jail, will have to pay 66 thousand in fines and restitution and will have his hunting license permanently suspended.  His wife Emily pleaded no contest and will pay 15-thousand in fines and will lose her hunting license  for three years.  

 

Collectively, ten people have pleaded guilty to charges and 13 other people have cases pending.

New Head of Central Oregon Irrigation District Tries to Work with Homeowners on Piping Their Canal

COID is trying to pipe more of these canals in an effort to conserve water that is needed somewhere else.

 

Craig Horrell is the new head of COID.  He's been there less than two monhs, but is optimsitic homeowners and COID can work together to reach a compromise.

 

"My hope is we can work with the neighbors coming to a resolution.  I do believe in piping and I let neighbors know how I feel.  As a conservationist, I think its the right decision.  But I want to meet them halfway on some of the concerns I can see them having."

 

Horrell has asked the county commissioners to make a final decision on okaying the piping by mid August.

 

Any decision can be appealed.

 

COID has offered to work with neighbors to make sure any burying of the pipe is attractive to homeowners.

Senator Merkley Defends Birth Control Bill that Goes Down to Defeat

Their bill on birth control access was filibustered by Republicans in the Senate, but they believe its an issue that will help them in November.

 

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley co-sponsored the legislation.

 

"While some say the case has nothing to do with access, but affordability is access.  Without insurance, birth control can cost tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime."

 

The legislation aimed to reverse the Supreme Court's Hobby Lobby decision that allows some employers to fail to cover some forms of contraception if its against their religious beliefs.

 

Merkley say its disappointing that the Supreme Court's dcision gives bosses the right to interfere in their employee's private health decisions.

Senator Tim Knopp of Bend is Appointed to a Repubclian Leadership Position

He will serve as the Caucus Deputy Leader in the Senate.

 

"Well, I'm going to be working with other leadership team members on caucus tactics, strategy and raising funds. The goal is to elect leaders that will champion principles to make Oregon a more prosperous place to live."

 

Knopp has served in Republican leadership positions before.  In 2003, he was the House Republican Majority Leader.

 

Knopp says its good for central Oregon to have lawmakers in these leadership positions to have more of a say in Salem.

LEVEL 1 pre evacuation ordered in Crook County

kbnd news story:

 

The Waterman Complex is starting to impact more people in that area near mitchell.

The Crook County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a Level 1 fire evacuation notice to all residents in the Marks Creek Area. On Highway 26 East. LEVEL 1 is an  ADVISORY - the lowest pre-evacuation level.  People ARE WARNED THAT CURRENT OR PROJECTED THREATS FROM HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE APPROACHING FIRE(S) ARE SEVERE.
THIS IS THE TIME FOR PREPARATION AND PRECAUTIONARY MOVEMENT OF PEople  WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, MOBILE PROPERTY, AND UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES PETS AND LIVESTOCK.   The sheriff office says  IF CONDITIONS WORSEN, they WILL MAKE EVERY ATTEMPT TO CONTACT people in that area. people who need to leave their homes for a short trips are asked to leave a note with a phone number for the sheriff's office to call. 
 
 
news release from the County below:

 

 

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

 

Michael Ryan July 16, 2014

Emergency Manager

Crook County, Oregon

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

EMERGENCY EVACUATION NOTICE

 

LEVEL 1

WATERMAN COMPLEX FIRE

AN ADVISORY HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS AREA

Location: Marks Creek

 

By Emergency Manager, Michael Ryan, 541-447-6398

 

The Sheriff’s Office is issuing a Level 1 fire evacuation notice to all residents in the Marks Creek Area. On Highway 26 E.

LEVEL 1

AN ADVISORY HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS AREA

 

PERSONS ARE WARNED THAT CURRENT OR PROJECTED THREATS FROM HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE APPROACHING FIRE(S) ARE SEVERE.

THIS IS THE TIME FOR PREPARATION AND PRECAUTIONARY MOVEMENT OF PERSONS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, MOBILE PROPERTY, AND (UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES) PETS AND LIVESTOCK.

YOU WILL BE KEPT ADVISED AS CONDITIONS CHANGE. AREA RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS HAVE BEEN ASKED TO BROADCAST PERIODIC UPDATES.

IF CONDITIONS WORSEN, WE WILL MAKE EVERY ATTEMPT TO CONTACT YOU. IF YOU ARE ABSENT FROM YOUR HOME FOR MORE THAN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, PLEASE LEAVE A NOTE WITH YOUR NAME AND CONTACT PHONE NUMBER IN A VISIBLE LOCATION. AN ATTEMPT WILL BE MADE TO CONTACT YOU BY PHONE.

 

FOR FIRE INFORMATION call 541-447-6398

Wednesday morning update from Central Oregon Interagency Fire Dispatch

FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

For Immediate Release:  July 16, 2014, 10:00 a.m.

 

Central Oregon MORNING Fire Update

           

Central Oregon –Firefighters are preparing for the afternoon wind event which, coupled with sustained low relative humidity and high temperatures, will likely increase fire activity in the already critically dry fuels. The National Weather Service in Pendleton issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity from 2 p.m. Wednesday through 11 p.m. Friday.

 

Fire management personnel continue to work on several wildfires burning throughout Central Oregon.  Resources from the Oregon Department of Forestry, BLM, and the Forest Service, and numerous contract companies are engaged throughout the area and adjacent areas.

 

 

Fire Name

Location

Size

Activity

Bridge 99 Complex

Bridge 99 - ½ mile east of Lower Bridge Campground, 9 miles north of Camp Sherman off of FS Rd.

1490

 

#318/Bear Butte Border – adjacent to Jefferson Creek and west of Park Creek drainage within the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.

Deschutes NF

1,047 acre (as of
1 a.m.)

A Type II (OR-CAL) team took over management of the two fires yesterday.

The Bridge 99 Fire is on Green Ridge burning in steep terrain.An Infra-red flight at 1:00 a.m. mapped this fire area at 587 acres. Night operations completed a burnout around the Green Ridge Lookout to protect it from the flames. This burnout operation likely increased the acreage by approximately 500 acres.

Emphasis today will focus on protecting the Lookout and readying containment lines for the predicted west wind this afternoon.

 

Nearby fire (#318—Bear Butte Border) is 460 acres. A small part of this fire has reached the Warm Springs Reservation as well.

This fire is burning in the old B&B fire scar in downed timber, snags and access is limited.

As of 6 a.m. these fires will be combined into the Bridge 99 Complex managed by the Type II team.

There is no containment on either fire.

 

Lower Bridge, Allen Springs, and Pioneer Ford campgrounds remain closed.  Green Ridge Lookout is closed and people are asked to avoid the area of Lower Bridge, Allen Springs, and Pioneer Ford campgrounds as road closures are being established in the area.  

 

There will be a public meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at the Camp Sherman Community Center for individuals who wish to get more information on this fire.

 

Jack Knife

Lower John Day Recreation Area, Sherman County, 8 miles SE of Grass Valley. 

Prineville BLM

6,130 acres  

Fire lines held overnight although firefighters continue to be challenged by high temperatures, steep terrain and light fuels.

Helicopters will be working on this fire today.

People recreating on the John Day River should be aware that helicopters may be working in the area and dipping into the river and use appropriate caution.

Waterman Complex

Bailey Butte (private land west of Mitchell).

Toney Butte (10 miles northeast of Spray, just east of Hwy 207).

Oregon Department of Forestry

4,319 acres

Multiple fires are being managed as a complex. A Type II Incident Management Team took over this incident on 7/15.

For more information, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3961/

 

Fire Information Phone #: 541-462-3140

Email: watermancomplex2014@gmail.com

 

 

Oregon Department of Transportation has closed Hwy 26 from mile post 50 to 56 and expects to keep it closed into tomorrow (Wednesday) while hazard trees are removed along the road. Evacuations were ordered for some ranch properties west of Mitchell. Ochoco Divide and Wildwood campgrounds  have been closed.

Pine Creek

#364 - 700 acres 11 miles south of Fossil, in the Carrol Rim Area

 

#368 – 350 acres; 15 miles south of Fossil, south east of Coffin Point

Prineville BLM

 

1,050 acres

Pine Creek is considered one incident, though it is two fires. Firefighters will work with available aerial resources today.

Incident #364 made a run yesterday and jumped fire lines as firefighters continued to be challenged by dry fuels and the high temperatures.

 

Incident #368 has looking good and remaining within containment lines. Acreage has been adjusted from yesterday after more accurate mapping took place.

Birch Creek

2 miles NE of Spanish Peak and 8 miles SW of Dayville

Private protected land

45 acres

The fire held within containment lines over night with minimal fire behavior. Firefighters will prepare containment lines in anticipation of today’s wind.

Oscar Canyon

In the North Fork Wilderness Study Area 17 miles east of Post, OR.

Prineville BLM

70 acres

Firefighters will continue to put in hand line today and look for advantages that can be gained before the afternoon operational period.

Center Fire

(Formerly the Bonneview Ranch Fire (297)

3 miles NE of Post.

Private and Prineville BLM

1,500 acres

The Post/Paulina Rural Fire Protection Association has responded and provided good assistance toward containment and property protection along with federal resources.

Shaniko Butte

12 miles north of the town of Warm Springs.

12,198

Oregon Incident Management Team 1 took over management of this fire at 6:00 a.m. today.

 

Predicted westerly winds are likely to increase fire activity. Fire has entered the Eagle Creek drainage, which drains into the Deschutes River at the community of Dant.

 

For information on this fire, contact the Shaniko Butte incident at 541-553-8190.

 

Aerial resources could possibly use the Deschutes River as a water source for the firefighting effort. River users should be alert to the possibility of helicopters dipping water from the Deschutes River.

 

-END-

Update on Warm Springs Fire, grows to 12,000 acres

Oregon Interagency Incident

Management Team #1

Ross Williams, Incident Commander

 

 

Shaniko Butte Fire Daily Update

July 16, 2014

 

 

Oregon Team 1 Logo.JPG

 

The Shaniko Butte Fire has grown to more than 12,000 acres as the afternoon winds pushed fire through the cured grass. Oregon Incident Management Team 1 took over management of the fire today at 6 AM, making  Warm Springs fire resources available for initial attack and other fire suppression activities.

 

Red Flag Warnings have been posted for a change in wind directions later today associated with very low humidity. Dry, breezy winds from the west and northwest are expected.

 

The western edge of the fire is about 2 miles from the community of Simnasho. Firefighters working through the night were able to keep the fire from spreading toward Simnasho.

 

The predicted westerly winds are likely to increase fire activity while pushing the fire further east. Fire has entered the Eagle Creek drainage, which drains into the Deschutes River at the community of Dant. An engine will be stationed at Dant to monitor the situation. Fire growth to the south has been checked for now by a successful burnout operation that began Tuesday and is continuing today.

 

Aircraft have been ordered to assist with the firefighting effort, and when they arrive the Deschutes River may be used as a water source. River users are warned to be alert to the possibility of helicopters dipping water from the Deschutes River. For everyone’s safety, please do not approach a working helicopter.

 

 

Fire at a Glance

 

Size: 12,198 acres

 

Contained: 0%

 

Personnel: 280

 

Hill Trail #714

 

Area Closure:The Mt. Hood National Forest portion of the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, and Section 11 of T10S, R8E.

Road Closures:

·   S-300/Hwy 3 Jct

·   Red Lake Cemetery Road/Hwy 3 Jct

 

Location: 12 miles north of the town of Warm Springs

 

 

Fire Information E-Mail:

Shaniko.Butte@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

Waterman Complex, latest news Release

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 15, 2014 PM

 

Waterman Complex – Mitchell, Oregon

 

Start Date

Cause

Total

Acres

Percent Containment

Dozers

Crews

Total

Personnel

7/11-12/2014

Lightning

2,360

0%

4

12

300

 

Location: Three fires near Mitchell, Service Creek, and Kimberly, Oregon.

 

Current situation: Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team 3, Incident Commander Doug Johnson, assumed command of the Waterman Complex this evening. The incident command post is located at the Mitchell High School in Mitchell Oregon.

 

The Complex consists of three fires:

Bailey Butte Fire – 1,040 acres, 0% contained. The fire doubled in size today moving south onto the Ochoco National Forest. The Wheeler County Sheriff reduced the evacuation level back to a level 1 this evening at 6 pm on the West Branch Road area. Home owners have been advised to remain on alert. Highway 26 remains closed due to very active fire behavior and hazardous falling trees. Two developed campgrounds (Ochoco Divide and Wildwood), one trailhead (Cougar East), and one organization camp (Crystal Spring) have been evacuated.

 

Toney Butte Fire – 1,290 acres, 0% contained. The fire became very active on the west side at approximately 3 pm.

 

Junction Spring Fire– 30 acres, 0% contained. Engines were able to access the top of the fire to apply water directly holding the fire at 30 acres.

 

For more information on the Waterman Complex visit:

Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3961/

Look us up on Facebook Waterman Complex

Look us up on Twitter @watermancmplx

 

 

 

 

 

COIDC FIRE REPORT - Details from last night

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

4550 SW Airport Way

Prineville, OR  97754

 

 

Contact:  Media Desk:  541-416-6811

Twitter:  CentralORfire

Email:    coidcincidentinformation@gmail.com

For more information visit: CentralORfireinfo.blogspot.com

 

FIRE NEWS--Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center

For Immediate Release:  July 15, 2014, 5:30 p.m.

 

Central Oregon EVENING Fire Update

           

Central Oregon – Critically low fuel moisture levels and  high temperatures contributed to the growth of several ongoing fires in Central Oregon today.

 

Fire management personnel continue to work on several wildfires burning throughout Central Oregon.  Resources from the Oregon Department of Forestry, BLM, and the Forest Service, and numerous contract companies are engaged throughout the area and adjacent areas. Firefighters are being challenged by critically dry fuel, high temperatures and low relative humidity, all of which create severe burning conditions. In addition, the National Weather Service in Pendleton has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity from 2 p.m. Wednesday through 11 p.m. Friday.

 

Fire Name

Location

Size

Activity

Bridge 99

½ mile east of Lower Bridge Campground, 9 miles north of Camp Sherman off of FS Rd.

1490

Deschutes NF

400 acres

A Type II (OR-CAL) team took over management of the fire today.

The Bridge 99 Fire is on Green Ridge burning in steep terrain.

Nearby fire (#318) is approx. 150 acres. It’s burning adjacent to Jefferson Creek and is still west of Park Creek drainage within the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. A small part of this fire has reached the Warm Springs Reservation as well.

This fire is burning in the old B&B fire scar in downed timber, snags and access is limited.

As of 6 a.m. these fires will be combined into the Bridge 99 Complex managed by the Type II team.

There is no containment on both fires.

 

Lower Bridge, Allen Springs, and Pioneer Ford campgrounds remain closed.  Green Ridge Lookout is closed and people are asked to avoid the area of Lower Bridge, Allen Springs, and Pioneer Ford campgrounds as road closures are being established in the area.  

 

There will be a public meeting tomorrow, 7/16 at 6 p.m. at the Camp Sherman Community Center for individuals who wish to get more information on this fire.

 

Jack Knife

Lower John Day Recreation Area, Sherman County, 8 miles SE of Grass Valley. 

Prineville BLM

6,130 acres  

This fire made a run today. Firefighters continue to be challenged by high temperatures, steep terrain and light fuels.

People recreating on the John Day River should be aware that helicopters may be working in the area and dipping into the river and use appropriate caution.

Waterman Complex

Bailey Butte (private land west of Mitchell).

Toney Butte (10 miles northeast of Spray, just east of Hwy 207).

Oregon Department of Forestry

3,000 acres

Multiple fires are being managed as a complex. A Type II Incident Management Team took over this incident today, 7/15.

Oregon Department of Transportation has closed Hwy 26 from mile post 50 to 56 and expects to keep it closed into tomorrow (Wednesday) while hazard trees are removed along the road. Evacuations were ordered for some ranch properties west of Mitchell. Ochoco Divide campground has been closed.

Pine Creek

#364 - 600 acres 11 miles south of Fossil, in the Carrol Rim Area

 

#368 – 600 acres; 15 miles south of Fossil, south east of Coffin Point

Prineville BLM

 

1,200 acres

Pine Creek is considered one incident, though it is two fires. A heavy helicopter and several engines have made good progress today.

The Prineville BLM has ordered a Type II Incident Management Team to take control of the fire.

Birch Creek

2 miles NE of Spanish Peak and 8 miles SW of Dayville

Private protected land

45 acres

This fire spotted over containment lines today but firefighters were able to quickly respond and put line around the spots. The fire is holding at 80% lined.

Cabin Lake

4 miles NE of Cabin Lake, Lake County

Deschutes NF

 

66 acres

The fire currently is staying within containment lines.  Active burning in the interior of the fire that crews are working on.

Oscar Canyon

In the North Fork Wilderness Study Area 17 miles east of Post, OR.

Prineville BLM

70 acres

Fire is actively burning on the north end of the fire. Fire progression has been stopped on the south.

Bonneview Ranch Fire (297)

North of Post and south of Ochoco National Forest.

Private and Prineville BLM

1,500 acres

The Post/Paulina Rural Fire Protection Association has responded and provided good assistance toward containment and property protection along with federal resources.

 

-END-

 

LOCAL MAN DIES IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH

A local man died in a motorcycle crash earlier this week. 
 
Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Tuesday's fatal motorcycle-involved traffic crash found by a citizen who had stopped along Highway 395 near Ukiah. 
 
According to State Police  -  shortly before 1 p.m. ,  a citizen had stopped along the side of Highway 395  when he saw a motorcycle over the edge of the roadway.  
 
57 year old MARK HALL PFENNING , from Bend, was traveling northbound when he  lost control in a left curve. The motorcycle slid on its side across the turnout on the shoulder where it went down an embankment off the highway.
 
 The estimated time of the crash is not confirmed, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.   
 
************************************************************************
Here's the full news release from OSP:

UPDATE: NAME RELEASED - FATAL MOTORCYCLE-INVOLVED CRASH - HIGHWAY 395 NEAR UKIAH


News Release from Oregon State Police
Posted on FlashAlert: July 16th, 2014 7:09 AM
Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Tuesday's fatal motorcycle-involved traffic crash found by a citizen who had stopped along Highway 395 near Ukiah. The victim's name is released in this update.

According to Sergeant Sterling Hall, on July 15, 2014 at approximately 12:48 p.m., a citizen had stopped along the side of Highway 395 near milepost 53B when he saw a motorcycle over the edge of the roadway. Emergency responders arriving on scene confirmed there was an adult male lying near the motorcycle who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Preliminary investigation indicates a 2009 Buel motorcycle operated by MARK HALL PFENNING, age 57, from Bend, was traveling northbound when PFENNING lost control in a left curve. The motorcycle slid on its side across the turnout on the shoulder where it went down an embankment off the highway. The estimated time of the crash is not confirmed.

OSP troopers from the Pendleton Area Command office are continuing the investigation. OSP was assisted at the scene by Ukiah Quick Response Team, Pendleton Fire and Ambulance Department, LifeFlight, and ODOT.

Photograph - Oregon State Police

ODOT recently sent a news release regarding motorcycle safety with reminders and tips for everyone traveling on our roads:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/Pages/nr14062401.aspx

OSP joins ODOT in urging all travelers to stay focused on safety and Drive Safely to Save Lives.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
 
 

Fire Crews Make Progress on Moccasin Hill in Southern Oregon

Firefighters have already initiated mop up activities on several portions of the fire line.

 

The level one evacuation status remains in effect for subdivisions near the fire.

 

At this point, the fire remains at 2500 acres and is 15 percnet contained.

 

14 crews are battling the blaze, including two air tankers, ten helicopters and 33 engines.

 

So far cost estimates to date stand at 1.25 million.

Jeffco 509 J School District Ranks Low in National Study on Education Spending and Student Achievement

The Center for American Progress ranked the district as one of the lowest in the nation when it comes to education dollars "bang for the buck."

 

The district spends more than 11-thousand dollars per student, yet when the study looked at their test scores in 2011, they remained low.   But Superintendent Rick Molitor says it was the first year of a 3.5 million dollar grant to help them raise those test scores.

 

"That why I'm frustrated with this type of study.  The staff, the incredible amount of work they do , it makes them feel like they didn't do enough.  When you look at the results we have received, our staff has done an incredible job and we're starting to see the fruits of that labor."

 

Molitor says they've seen reading scores go from 54 percent a couple years ago to 81 percent last year.  And math scores from 22 percent to 74 percent.

 

He believes they will continue to see improvement in their test scores because of the investment in teacher development thanks to the grant.

Oregon Loses Thousands of Jobs Last Month According to Latest Jobless Numbers

The unemployment rate remains at 6.8 percent, but the state lost 43-hundred jobs in June.

 

State Economist Nick Bielichicks explains the numbers.

 

"We're seeing a lot of job growth.  More people are joining the labor force encouraged by the improving economy.  They might not find a job right away though and that keeps the unemployment rate a little higher.  It doesn't fall as fast as you'd think it would."

 

consturction is one of the industries that lost jobs last month.

 

Manufacturers, business services and leisure and hospitality also lost jobs.  Although private education and healthcare providers did see job growth.

 

Oregon's job loss in June wiped out the job growth gained in May.

Results of an Informal Broken Top Survey on the Proposed OSU Cascades Location

Residents wanted to get a sense of how the community felt about the selected site near their neighborhood on the west side of Bend.

 

John Phillips has the results.

 

"Of the 314 respondents, 84 agreed with the site location for OSU Cascades, 184 opposed it and 22 were undecided and 24 were neutral."

 

So nearly 60 percent were ppposed ot the site and 27 percent favored it, but half the residents of Broken Top did not respond to the survey.

 

Phillips says they don't plan to do anything with the reuslts.  They just wanted to get a barometer of how the residents felt on the issue.

Central Oregon Under Extreme Fire Danger

This affects the city of Bend, Deschutes County Rural Fire District Number Two and the Oregon Department of Forestry Protected Lands within Deshcutes, Crook and Jefferson Counties.

 

Fuel moisture is fast approaching record lows and could surpass previous record minmums within days.

 

This index means that wildfires could be explosive and intense if an ignition occurs.

 

No backyard, commercial or agricultural burning is allowed within Bend or the rural fire district.

White River Fire

The White River Fire has burned 570 acres 12 miles west of Tygh Valley.  Nearly 400 firefighters worked the blaze yesterday which is 15 percent contained.  The fire immediately threatens no structures although there are several widely scattered homes and cabins around the fires' fringe. The White River fire started Saturday and the cause, while unknown, is being investigated.

People Can Now See Reports from Railroads on the Movement of Oil Trains Through the State

Accidents like this have made people in Oregon increasingly nervous about the increasing number of oil trains traveling through the state.

 

In reponse, the federal government has issued an emergency order that requires railroads to notify affected counties when they are transporting more than one million gallons of crude oil. 

 

These reports are now posted on the Oregon State Fire Marshal's website for people to see.

 

Rich Hoover with the State Fire Marshal's Office wants the requirement through is very specific.

 

"There's two criteria the report requires.  It has to be Bakken crude oil and it has to be one million gallons or more.  So if you're transported one and a half million gallons, but it's not Bakken oil, that it's not required to report, or of its 900-thosaund gallons of Bakken crude, you're not required to report. These two elements have to exist before they are required to report."

 

It's estimated that more than 15 trains of Bakken oil move through the Pacific Northwest each week, headed to refineries in Washington and Oregon.

Sisters Appears to be Moving Forward on Its Community Trials Project

The Sisters Ranger District on the Deschutes National Forest has issued a final environmental assessment and draft decision notice on the project.

 

This project plans to build a 7.6 mile non-motorized multi-use paved path between Sisters and Black Butte Ranch.

 

This path would be used by cyclists, and pedestrians, but it would be closed to horses.

 

The construction requires three crossings to lessen impacts to riparian areas.  It also requires cutting down 250 green trees.

 

Only those people who commented during public meetings can object to the project.  The objection period ends August 18th.

This Weekend's Tour Des Chutes Bike Ride Celebrates Ten Years of Helping Cancer Survivors

1500 participants are expected to come out for the 5 K and 100 mile bike ride.

 

All the funds raised will stay locally to help cancer survivors.

 

Some of the money goes to the cancer suvivor proram at St. Charles and some will go to the Pediatric Foundation that helps people who have to travel outside central Oregon for treatment.

 

In 2005, cancer survivor, Gary Bonacker started the Tour Des Chutes as a labor of love.  He loves doing it every year.

 

"Whether you ride or walk, a lot of people who are in treatment are going to show up.  It is very moving as they come across the finish line and we hand them a yellow rose.  Personally, it's one of the best days of my life and for a lot of people, it's one of the best days they have too."

 

Last year the Tour Des Chutes raised 100-thousand dollars and Bonacker expects to raise as much this year.

Senator Merkley Sponsors Legislation that Would Restore Access to Birth Control Coverage

The High Court ruled that businesses could deny women certain birth control if it is against their religious beliefs.

 

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley is cosponsoring legislation that would change that.

 

"And the recent Hobby Lobby decision by the Supreme Court.  The case shows the High Court favors religious values of bosses or religious beliefs of workers and ironically it utilizes a law that was supposed to protect the religious rights of workers.  I strongly feel that politicians and bosses should stay out of the healthcare relationship between a woman and her doctor."

 

The legislation would prohibit companies from discriminating against female employees in any health coverage that is guaranteed under federal law.

 

Democratic Representatives in the House are introducing a similar bill as well.

'Like A Girl' viral video strikes a chord with young women

Female personal care brand Always is the latest marketer to earn strong online traffic for an inspiring campaign to promote women's self-esteem.  The video's director asks different individuals to act out what it means to run, fight and throw "like a girl." While the adult women in the beginning of the spot interpret "like a girl" as if it's an insult, the young girls interpret it in a much more empowering way.  The Procter & Gamble brand's video amassed 8.5 million views and nearly 250,000 Facebook interactions in its first four days, according to Visible Measures. Views are now over 30 million! Under the hashtag #LikeAGirl, the campaign has also been mentioned in nearly 15,000 Tweets, Visible Measures said.  Gender Communication Expert Judy Hoberman talk with KBND's Frank Bonacquisti about the video.

 

Click hear to here the interview.

 

Click here to see the video.

Thousands of Residents in the Tumalo Area Lost Power for Several Hours Tuesday

Power went out just after 1 P.M. and was restored around 4 P.M.

 

Jeff Beaman with Central Electric Cooperative explains what caused the outage.

 

"Ultimately we detected the problem in the line in the Tumalo area.  Trees can cause these outages because transmission lines sag during hot weather. The high temperatures cause the metal to expand.  Most other times this is not an issue."

 

Beaman says clearing lines from trees is a year-round job for the electric company, but sometimes in extreme weather crews miss some.

New Study Finds States that Raised Their Minimum Wage Saw the Most Job Growth Including Oregon

The Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washginton, D.C. studied the 13 states that raised their minimum wages this year.

 

They found that these states had stronger job growth than those states that didn't.

 

Tyler Simonis with Northwest Quadrant Wealth Management says this goes against what a lot of people think.

 

"You can't draw sweeping conclusions, but Republicans can't say that states that raise the minimum wage will suffer the most.  When in fact the opposite happened. What's msot interesting to me, I would have thought states like Washington, which has the highest minimum wage,  would be suffering the most and that's not what happened.  The opposite happened."

 

The study looked at the first five months of 2014 and the last five months of 2013, in states that just raised their minimum wage.

Fundraising Challenge is Met so Redmond's Sam Johnson Park Will See Dramatic Improvements

The community has been raising funds for the project for the last two years.

 

An anonymous donor pledged to give $112,500 dollars if supporters of the project could match those funds.

 

They had to extend the deadline to meet that challenge, but meet it they did by their deadline of July 1st.

 

Heather Richards is Redmond's Community Development Director.

 

"I want to say thank you. The community really stepped up.  We got donations from all over central Oregon, Prineville, Bend, Madras as well as Redmond.  I think it's going to be a tremendous project and the benefactors are going to be all the people who live here. So kudos to everyone."

 

The community plans to break ground on the new improvements next February and hope to open it before Memorial Day 2015.

 

The new design includes more than 70 play elements that will be custom made and will be accessible to everyone.

Latest on Making Powell Butte Highway Safer

They are considering putting in a roundabout in the area of Powell Butte Highway and Alfalfa Market Road.

 

Chris Doty, the Head of the Deschutes County Road Department says most people at the public meeting on June 23rd supported that idea, but they are considering other options.

 

The county allowed residents to submit written comments until this Monday July 7th.

 

The results of these public comments will be presented to the Deschutes County Commissioners at their meeting on July 21st.

 

The county hopes to complete whatever fix it goes with to make the roadway safer -- in 2015.

Deschutes County Commisisoners Give the Green Light to Plans for a Redmond Area Resort

The Thornburgh Resort has been in the works since 2005, but neighbor opposition and the economic downturn stalled the project.

 

The developer was pushing again to resume work on a master plan, but the county commissioners had to give the okay.

 

Two did, County Commissioners Alan Unger and Tony DeBone.

 

Commissioner Tammy Baney didn't believe the developer made enough of an effort to seek extensions.

 

Here's the final vote.

 

"Tammy Baney:  Mr Unger? Yes. Commissioner Debone? Yes.  I will just say I think we are setting a low bar in Deschutes County and I'll vote no."

 

Baney felt the developer had opportunities post bankruptcy to seek extensions and he didn't.

 

The commissioners had to decide whether the developer was at fault for the delays.

 

The majority felt the developer was not, so they are allowing the project to move forward.

Calculator Helps You Learn How Much You Need to Earn to Live in Certain Oregon Cities

The Oregon Center for Public Policy has updated its "Basic Famiy Budget Calculator" with the latest info on what it takes to afford to live in certain Oregon cities.

 

Juan Carlos Ordonez with the Oregon Center for Public Policy says the calculator considers housing, food, child care and other necessities in its formula.

 

"I think it really opens up people's eyes.  It gives in common sense terms why Oregonians and Americans find in their own families  -- they are struggling to make ends meet.  You'll see the numbers.  There are a lot of people in the same boat.  We want to get a conversation going where we should focus on what we should be doing to reduce poverty and strengthen the middle class"

 

The website is www.ocpp.org.

 

Portland was the most expensive place to live in the state, followed by Eugene and Medford and then Bend.  Rural Oregon is the least expensive area to live in the state.

Bend Man Arrested for Breaking Into a Redmond Home and Car

Arrested was 33 year old David Gross.

 

9-1-1 was called when a resident who lived in the area of SW Obsidian Avenue and SW Helmholtz in rural Redmond reported a suspicious male, later identified as Gross as hanging around their house, breaking into their cars and even unlawfuilly entering their house while an adult male was sleeping.

 

Gross was arrested and transported to the Deschutes County jail.

Sisters Man Critically Injured in Crash

46 year old Lee Madsen was critically injured Sunday when his SUV left a gravel road east of Sisters.  The SUV went thorugh a wire fence and struck a large Juniper tree.

 

Officers say alcohol and speed were both factors in the crash.

Supporters of GMO Labeling Turn in Enough Signatures to Put the Issue on the November Ballot

Supporters of the idea turned in petitions at the end of last week.

 

Sandeet Kaushik with Oreogn GMO Right to Know, says they got more than enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot.

 

"We turned more than 166,000 signatures in.  We collected them over the last six weeks, which we did over a pretty short period of time.  We had some paid signature gatherers, but we also had hundreds of volunteers.   87.2000 some signatures are required and we had nearly double that."

 

Twelve years ago, Oregon voted on labeling GMI foods, but that measure went down to defeat.

 

Supporters feel support on this issue has increased in the state since then.

Deschutes County Commissioners Hear Both Sides in the Piping Pilot Butte Canal Debate

Forty homeowners have fought those plans for months saying it would take away thier water feature and hurt their property values.

 

The Central Oregon Irrigation District says it needs to conserve water and since this particular canal leaks quite a bit, piping it would help them do that.

 

Homeowner Tom Hignell was at the meeting telling the commissioenrs piping is a bad idea.  He says city councilors who support piping , don't have all the facts.

 

"One of them is it won't affect our property values.  We have statements from the assessor and real estate agents saying it definitely will have a negative effect on property values.  With a 9 foot pipe covered  with pea gravel and weeds. Try doing that  along Mirror Pond which is another place where property owners live along the sides there."

 

No decision was made Wednesday night, but county commissioenrs plan to have a work session on the issue and will make the final decision on whether the canal is piped.

Illegal Fireworks Arrest in Redmond - Police News Release

Nature of Incident: Illegal Fireworks Arrest
Date/Time of Incident: 07/02/2014 at 8:30pm
Location of Incident: 4282 SW Reindeer Ave
Arrested Person(s): Charles Gossett, 31 years of age, Redmond
 
Details:
Officers from the Redmond Police Department were dispatched to the 4200 block of SW Reindeer Ave,
Redmond, on a report of a person using illegal fireworks. Based the description of the suspect and the
location provided, Officers contact Mr. Charles Gossett at his residence. While on scene investigating,
Officers discovered a very large amount of illegal fireworks inside the garage of his residence. Further
investigation revealed Mr. Gossett has been attempting to sell the illegal fireworks via Craigslist.
The results of the investigation led to the arrest of Mr. Gossett for Use/Possession/Sales of Illegal
Fireworks, ORS 480.120, a class B misdemeanor. The fireworks were seized for destruction.
Additionally, Officers responded to other illegal fireworks complaints in other parts of the city and cited
two others illegal fireworks use/possession.
The Redmond Police Department would like to remind everyone not all fireworks are legal in Oregon.
Just because a person may be able to purchase illegal fireworks in another state or from a Tribal
Reservation, does not mean they are legal to be used, possessed or resold outside of those jurisdictional
boundaries. In Oregon fireworks are deemed illegal if they go higher than twelve inches in the air or
move along the ground more than six feet.
The Redmond Police Department posted on our Facebook page last week examples of legal versus illegal
fireworks. Use/possession/sales of illegal fireworks can lead to arrest. ORS also allows for parents of
minor children to be held financially responsible for their children’s use of illegal fireworks, up to $5,000,
for any costs associated with fire suppression as a result of illegal firework use. Additionally, the City of
Redmond has a city ordinance prohibiting the use and possession of illegal fireworks. Person can be
issued fines for such and have their fireworks seized.
We hope everyone has a safe Fourth of July.
Press Release completed by:
Curtis Chambers, Sergeant, Redmond PD

Pendleton Man Changes Plea in a Murder Case About to Go to Trial

In a few days, 31 year old Joshua Jokinen was to go on trial for the beating death of Carolyn Burdick.

 

But Wednesday he changed his plea to guilty.

 

Deschutes County Judge Alta Brady sentenced Jokinen to life in prison.  It will be at least 25 years before he's eligible for parole.

 

In court, Jokinen apologized to Burdick's famly for the pain he's caused.

 

District Attorney Patrick Flaherty says Jokinen changed his plea not because of a plea bargain, but rather to improve his chances of eventually leaving prison.  His eligibility for parole is greatly enhanced if he entered a guilty plea now.

Supreme Court's Hobby Lobby Case Points to Differences Between Oregon's Senate Candidates

Merkley called the decision a blow to women and their access to birth control.

 

Monica Wehby said she didn't see a problem with the ruling as long as women still have access to contraception through a third party.

 

Oregon Senate Majority leader Diane Rosenbaum disagrees.

 

"Frankly I was outraged!  Senator Merkley denounced the decision saying it prevents access to birth control and jeopardizes birth control that millions of women rely on. Monica Wehby embraced the ruling and it proves she's out of step with Oregon's values."

 

Michele Stanger Hunter, the Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon, believes the decision has far reahcing implications.

 

"In fact this case opens the door for employers to say we're not going to cover blood transfusions or vacciantions.  It's saying that when the service provided conflicts with the religious beliefs of a closely held corporation, then they don't have to cover that service."

 

Wehby believes the Supreme Court's decision is a narrow one that only affects closely held corporations and won't affect that many women.

BBQ at Jake's on the 4th Will Raise Money to Help Veterans

The 7th Annual Fourth of July BBQ at Jake's will get underway on Friday at 4.

 

Terry Rasmussen is the President of the local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

 

All the money raised will go to help vets.

 

"We make $5,000 to $6,000 a year in our three main fundraisers and we try to give away $4,000 to support our veterans, like helping veterans pay their utility bill. It's always veterans helping veterans, so it's a good deal."

 

The BBQ will run from 4 to 7 P.M. on the 4th.

 

The cost of the hamburger and hot dog meal is $7.

Vancouver Police Officer Improves After Being Shot During a Traffic Stop

Motorcycle officer Dustin Goudschaal was originally in critical condition but has improved to satisfactory condition.

 

He was wearing a bullet proof vest.

 

More than 150 people gathered outside the officer's hospital Tuesday evening in a vigil for him.

Oregon Picks a New System Integrator to Help Us Transition to the Federal Healthcare Website

The Oregon Health Authority just hired Deloitte Consulting to serve as the "system integrator" for the transfer to healthcare.gov and to transition the former Cover Oregon website to serve Medicaid patients.

 

Ten contractors were asked to submit bids and three did.

 

Amy Faver with Cover Oregon says Deloitte stood out from the rest.

 

"For Deloitte, the client references were very strong.  They've done this  kind of work with other states.  And since we are doing two projects at once, their plan was very clear.  Their staffing model had their top staff on this project, people with a lot of experience.  We made the choice of who would have the best success at getting us where we need to be in November."

 

A panel of state and independent reviewers selected Deloitte.

 

Their 18 million dollar contract is very specific about what must be delivered before the state will pay for it.

Will Supreme Court's Hobby Lobby Decision Help Oregon's Sweet Cakes Case?

The Supreme Court ruled that it violated the owners of Hobby Lobby's religious beliefs to force them to pay for certain types of birth control.

 

In the Oregon case, the state charged the Kleins of Gresham with violating the state's non-discrimination law for refusing to make a cake for a lesbian couple's wedding.

 

The Klein's lawyer, Herb Grey, told Lars Larson, the cases are similar.

 

"Well the common thread is a system of government is established for people to live and work according to their beliefs.  What the court decided in the Hobby Lobby case is government can't tell people their beliefs are good or bad.  They have to respect those to a certain extent."

 

Officials with the Labor Commissioner's Office do not believe the Supreme Court decision will have any impact on their ability to protect people from discrimination on the job because of sexual orientation.

Two Bend Brothers Arrested for Breaking Into 17 Different RV's

Arrested were 18 year old Justin Clarke and 21 year old Larry Clarke.

 

Bend police believe the men broke into and entered 17 different RV's.

 

During the investigation, officers found a transient camp in the area and found evidence of the thefts and burglaries at the camp.

 

The two men face 17 counts of burglary, one count of criminal mischief, two counts of theft and one count of unlawful entry into a motor vehicle.

Bend Will Be Getting Six New Fire Trucks Next Year

The city's fleet is 18 years old.  Typically fire departments usually replace their engines every ten to fifteen yeras, but the city waited because of the economic downturn.

 

Bend City Manager Eric King says the council had planned on making this purchase for awhile.

 

"They spent 2.8 million purchasing six new fire trucks.  The current fleet is 18 years old and by the time they're replaced will be 20 years  old. They've reached the end of their life.  It's something we put in the budget. It was not dependent on the levy that passed. We were planning on doing something, something we needed to do."

 

Because the buses are so old, they are spending a lot of time being repaired and are often out of use.

 

The new trucks should arrive in early 2015.  They will be safer for firefighters to use and will have greater water pumping capacity.

DETAILS on Pilot Butte Fireworks Show in Bend

Pilot Butte Fireworks Show
Each year, we celebrate the fourth of July with community parades, picnics, barbeques, and fireworks. Bend has the honor of having one of the most unique fireworks shows in the world. By shooting the fireworks off the 500 foot summit of the Butte, the show is visible for miles in all directions. Each year, thousands of people come to Bend from all over the NW to see this great fireworks show. But what do you know about what it takes to put on the show? 
 
The Bulletin – this is the 25th year that the Bulletin has sponsored the fireworks in Bend. The 2014 show is sponsored in partnership with the Bank of the Cascades as a gift to the community.
 
Combined Communications – they air the music for the show. Tune in to 99.7 The Bull at 10pm on July 4th to hear the synchronized sound track to the entire show on the Butte.
 
Oregon State Parks – across the state, fireworks are banned in all State Parks… except for a few permits they allow each year; Pilot Butte State Park for the Bend Fireworks show is one of them. Parks employees also ensure the safety of the Butte and protect its natural features to ensure it is enjoyable to visit the Butte the rest of the year. Crews were hired to mow down grasses along the road way and around the summit to limit the flammable vegetation build up.
 
Bend Fire Department, Oregon Department of Forestry and the US Forest Service – all three agencies provide fire fighters and fire engines on the Butte to protect the park and the people at the top running the show at no cost to the sponsors or operators. As many as 5 fire engines with up to 30 personnel are needed to protect the Butte.
Bend Police Department – they along with the private security company hired by the fireworks company, provide safety and security for the site before, during and after the actual show.
 
Taylor NW – they provide a water tender to apply more than 10,000 gallons of water mixed with foam at the top of the butte just before the show starts. This foam pre-treatment lessens the chance of a fire starting near the summit and spreading to the fireworks and personnel.
 
Homeland Fireworks – they provide the expertise to set up and fire the show. It takes nearly 3 full days to set up this show and ensure it goes off without a hitch.
Crater Lake Council, Boy Scouts of America – the boy scout troops come in on July 5th each year to scour the entire Butte to pick up any debris that has fallen down from the fireworks show. This is a fundraiser for the troops throughout the area. This ensures Pilot Butte State Park’s beauty is not permanently affected by the fireworks show each year.
 
 
All of this work takes long hours of coordination, months in advance of the show. Without all these players involved, this show would not be possible for our community. The next time you see someone from the Bulletin, Bank of the Cascades, State Parks, Bend Fire, ODF, USFS, BPD, ODOT, Taylor NW or the Boy Scouts, please thank them for making this possible.
For more information on fire safety, please visit the Bend Fire Department’s website at www.bendoregon.gov/fire.

Local Professor Says Hobby Lobby Decision Offers Insight into the Roberts Court

OSU Cascades professor Jim Foster is an expert on constitutional law and says this decision is consistent with other recent high court rulings.

 

"It signals in general the trajectory of the Robert's court -- that's its on a conservative bent.  It's going to see the rights of closely held corporations are synonymous with individuals when it comes to religious freedom, which continues the trend the court started in Citizens United."

 

In Citizens United, the high court ruled that corporations are people and therefore should not be limited in how much money they want to donate to political campaigns.

 

"It continues this trend that money equals speech.  If you own a corporation you, not your employees will decide whether to have brith control devices."

 

Hobby Lobby argued that its religious beliefs forced them to either violate their faith or pay big fines to meet the Affordable Care Act requirement to supply birth control.

Senator Merkley on Supreme Court Hobby Lobby Decision

He believes it could jeopardize contraception coverage for milions of women who rely on it.

 

Merkley does not think that bosses and CEOs should be able to impose their own personal views on their workers' healthcare.

Legal Analyst Explains What the Supreme Court Ruling on Hobby Lobby Means

In a 5 to 4 decision, the high court ruled that closely held corporations can be granted this religious exemption.

 

Legal expert Bruce mcCain warned Lars Larson, this is a narrow decision.

 

"This decision is limited to closely held corporations and Hobby Lobby is a national chain of 15 thosuand employees, but it's not publicly traded.  So I want your listeners to know this is not a decision that means employers no longer have to offer contraception.  That's not what this is about."

 

This decision is a victory for the Green family that owns Hobby Lobby.

 

They argued that the Affordable Care Act requirement that they provide coverage for contraceptives like the "morning after pill" is equal to abortion -- and is against their religious rights.

Deschutes County Commissioners Will Hear Testimony Wednesday on Piping Part of Pilot Butte Canal

Homeowners in the area near Juniper Ridge have been fighting those plans -- and ultimately the commissioners will have the final say.

 

Tom Hignell who lives along the canal invited the three county commissioners to come out and have a look at what they would be piping.

 

"I mean a lot of people have come out and lobbied hard like Trout Unlimited, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, PGE, the River Conservancy and even city council.  To our knoweldge, these people making these arbitrary decisions have never come out.  So we appreciate county comissioners with their busy schedules have come out to see for themselves."

 

Hignell told the commissioners piping the canal would hurt their property values and only benefit COID.

 

"This is the tactic --  saying look over here, we're conservationists.  But what they want to do is destroy our neighborhood, put us in danger with an earthen dam.  And they want power for their hydro electric dam.  That's the real reason and people are being fooled."

 

COID is asking the commissioenrs to let the district bypass a long permitting process to pipe the canal. 

 

The public hearing will be Wednesday night starting at 5:30 at the Deschutes Services building.

 

No decision will be made at this meeting. It is just to gather input.

Vancouver Police Officer Shot and in Critical Condition

The two suspects took off after the shooting, but were arrested soon after.  The suspect in the shooting has been identified as 47 year old James Sapp.

 

The motorcycle police officer was shot in the chest while pulling over a suspected stolen vehicle.

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