The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Friday, July 22, 2022
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Tillamook County Housing Commission Announces Funding To Build Multifamily Rental Housing
The Tillamook County Housing Commission announces its first funding opportunity starting in July 2022. The Multifamily Rental Housing Fund has launched to help build new multifamily rental housing of three units or more. Proposed projects may be located anywhere in the county, including cities and unincorporated areas.
The program was developed by the Finance Committee and supported by the full Housing Commission, with the approval of Tillamook County’s Board of Commissioners.
The online application for the Multifamily Rental Housing Fund is accessible on the Tillamook County Housing Commission webpage: https://www.co.tillamook.or.us/bc-hc/page/tillamook-county-multifamily-rental-housing-fund.
Who can Apply? Any individual, private company, builder, developer, public agency, local government, or nonprofit organization may apply. New projects and projects already in planning are eligible. The closing date to apply is September 1, 2022, and funds are expected to be available as of October 1, 2022.
To create fair standards for assessment, applications will be evaluated by Housing Commissioners using a criteria-based point system weighted to give small and large projects an equal chance. Applicants must submit a pro forma, the financial document that demonstrates their need for additional financing for the proposed project.
As part of the process, applicants will make a short presentation of their project to the Housing Commissioners. Final award decisions will be made by the Board of County Commissioners.
What is the Source of these Funds? The major source of this new Multifamily Rental Housing Fund comes from $400,000 County Commissioners designated out the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds Tillamook County received in 2021, which must be spent by December 31, 2024. Additional funds come from the fees Tillamook County collects for the Short Term Rental (STR) operator license.
How can Funds be Used? Funds may be requested for any cost in the project so long as the proposal demonstrates that need, including infrastructure system development charges, cost overruns, materials, labor, and permits. The maximum amount the grant will fund is $20,000 per unit.
Proposals must be for the construction of three or more new rental units. After final award selections are made by the Board of County Commissioners, successful applicants will enter a negotiation phase to finalize the terms and conditions of the award.
Encouragement of Mixed-Income Rental Projects – Tillamook County continues to face a now widely recognized crisis in the shortage of available rental units at virtually all levels of income.
To encourage mixed-income projects, the fund awards points at all ranges of area median income (AMI) but places more weight on greater levels of affordability. AMI tables are published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and calculated for Tillamook County based on household size.
And to ensure an even playing field across smaller and larger projects, points are awarded based on the percentage of units in a project—rather than the number of units—that fall into each AMI range.
For example, a 10-unit project rented at 80% AMI to 120% AMI would earn more points than the same project rented at 120% AMI or greater. And a 100-unit project with a similar mix of workforce rent ranges would earn the same points as the 10-unit project.
At least some units must be affordable to renters earning under 120% of AMI. (see chart page 3). The Fund defines “affordable” as 30% of gross household income.
Applicants can choose a term of commitment (e.g., 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years) to maintain rents at the stated levels and awardees will be required to submit an annual verification form.
The benefit for the community is to increase the number of available rental units by stimulating the construction of quality multifamily housing at rent levels that working people can afford.
According to Tillamook County Housing Coordinator, Thomas J. Fiorelli, the Commission anticipates opening the fund at least once per year.
This Multifamily Rental Housing Fund is the first strategy in a larger effort to solve Tillamook County’s housing crisis. Other funding programs likely to be discussed for consideration by the Finance Committee may aim to increase home ownership and help to address barriers to development.
For more information and answers to questions about the Fund, please contact Thomas J. “TJ” Fiorelli at (503) 842-3408 x3419 or tfiorell@co.tillamook.or.us.
Southwestern Oregon Community College Offering More Than $300,000 In Direct Financial Support to Students
Southwestern Oregon Community College is offering more than $300,000 in direct financial support to students pursuing career and technical training programs for the 2022-23 academic year. The intent is to help local students develop necessary skills for the workforce.
Starting this fall, qualifying students enrolled in nearly 60 career pathways at Southwestern can receive up to $6,000 toward their education. Eligible programs of study include Accounting, Business, Early Childhood Education, Culinary Arts, Computer Science, Fire Science, Forestry, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Welding, and more.
Anyone interested in this opportunity should text “FALL22” or call 541-240-8227 for more information. They may also email swoccbound@socc.edu and ask about the Future Ready Grant.
The funding is provided from Future Ready Oregon—a comprehensive $200 million investment package that supports the education and training Oregonians need for family-wage careers. Through this generous $300,000 grant from the Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board (SOWIB), Southwestern can directly help students in our community reach their goals.
“This grant will help place more adults into higher paying, long-term careers,” said Philip Metz, grant administrator at Southwestern. Metz, a Southwestern graduate, started in the GED program and completed his associate degree last spring. “For anyone on the fence about coming to college, we hope this funding helps lessen that financial burden and encourage them to pursue their career goals now!”
Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until they are gone. Southwestern’s fall term classes begin September 12, 2022. Students who think they may meet the basic criteria are encouraged to inquire as soon as possible.
Basic information for students about the grant funding:
- How much are the awards? Students enrolled in qualifying programs may receive up to $6,000 toward their education. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until they are gone.
- How do students apply? Students should text “FALL22” or call 541-240-8227; they may also email swoccbound@socc.edu. Students will meet with the grant administrator to determine eligibility and apply.
- Who can apply? New and returning adults pursuing qualifying career and technical training in nearly 60 programs at Southwestern for the 2022-23 academic year are encouraged to inquire.
- Eligible career pathways include: Accounting, Business, Early Childhood Education, Culinary Arts, Computer Science, Fire Science, Forestry, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Welding, and more.
- Not sure if a career training program qualifies? If students are not sure whether or not the program they are interested in pursuing qualifies, they are highly encouraged to reach out and ask.
- When and how will students receive funds? Funds will be disbursed as part of the individual’s financial aid package through the College.
- Do students have to pay the money back? No. Grant funds are not required to be paid back.
- Will this impact student financial aid awards? These funds are in addition to any other federal or state grants students receive.
FOR MORE INFO: https://www.socc.edu/blog/2022/07/20/future-ready-oregon-grant-provides-financial-assistance-to-southwestern-students/
Volunteers Needed To Help Search For Missing Grandfather In Coos County
George Lagrou’s granddaughter is searching desperately for her grandfather after he went missing a week ago, and she’s seeking the community’s help.
Jessica Kateley says 84-year-old George L. Lagrou was last seen at milepost 7 of Weyerhauser Lane in Alleghany around 11:23 a.m. on Thursday, July 7.
“Somebody has seen something or seen him. It’s out in the public,” said Kateley. “We had 50 people from the community walking and going through the brush; we just can’t cover everything because it’s so thick.”
Kateley is now rounding up community members to search the area where Lagrou was last seen.
She says she’s put the word out to anyone who hikes, hunts, and those who would simply like to help to meet at the Alleghany Community Center at 8:30 a.m. July 16.
“We’re going to lock arms and see if he wandered into the brush,” she said.
Kateley says on the day he went missing, a dump truck driver saw Lagrou sitting in a metal framed folding seat with a plastic seat he carries with him at all times. That driver tells Kateley at that time, Lagrou did not know his name, where he’d traveled from, or where he was going. The driver let Lagrou know he was leaving to go get him help.
With a 15-man team, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search of the area, but Kateley says police K9s could not pick up a scent, and after 6 hours, the search was called off.
The family requested the Millicoma River Rearing Pond be dredged, but as officers attempted to do so, the graffle became caught in rocks.
A heartbroken Kateley attempted to retrace Lagrou’s steps, traveling 22 minutes in either direction from where he was last seen and searching nearby areas to no avail.
She says while some think he may have gotten a ride into town, she believes he’s still in the woods. “But if he’s in town, he’s looking for ice cream. He loves Dairy Queen,” Kateley says.
She says he was last wearing a greenish-gray Hanes t-shirt, blue jeans, and brown and black hiking shoes.
If anyone sees Lagrou, they’re asked to notify the Coos County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 396-7830.
We want to keep you informed about COVID-19 in Oregon. Data are provisional and change frequently. For more information, including COVID-19 data by county, visit our dashboard: http://ow.ly/aKnm50K1w82
Oregon health officials on Wednesday urged Oregonians in the 21 counties with high COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations to mask up, warning that the state’s hospital system is again under extreme strain.
COVID-19 hospitalizations are significantly lower than at the peaks of past surges. But a combination of staff shortages due to burnout and summer vacations; a high volume of patients who delayed care for other conditions earlier in the pandemic, and elevated coronavirus infections likely due to the highly transmissible BA.5 subvariant has substantially reduced hospital systems’ capacity to care for current patients.
The state reported 424 people hospitalized with COVID-19 Wednesday, down from 458 one week ago. The peak of the current surge was expected to arrive last Tuesday, at 479 occupied beds, according to an Oregon Health & Sciences University forecast.
In light of the strain on Oregon’s hospital system, OHA asked Oregonians to wear masks in indoor public spaces, particularly those in counties with high levels of spread, those at high risk of severe disease or those living with others at high risk.
Six-Year Nationwide Manhunt Ends as Local Task Force Arrests South Carolina Murder Fugitive in Medford
JCSO Case #22-4188 – The United States Marshals Service led Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF) tracked down and arrested a South Carolina murder suspect on Lincoln Street in Medford yesterday afternoon, putting an end to the man’s six-year run from the law.
U.S. Marshals along with Central Point Police Department (CPPD) arrested the fugitive, John Tufton Blauvelt, 33, following a lead provided by a cold case team of investigators at the U.S. Marshal’s headquarters in Arlington, Va. Medford Police Department (MPD) assisted with the investigation. Blauvelt is being held in the Jackson County Jail pending extradition to South Carolina to face the charges against him.
Blauvelt is wanted in connection with the murder of his estranged wife, Catherine “Cati” Blauvelt, who was found stabbed to death in an abandoned home in Simpsonville, S.C., on October 26, 2016. Cati had been reported missing by her family the previous day after failing to meet with her friends after work. On Nov. 18, 2016, Simpsonville Police obtained warrants for Blauvelt’s arrest for murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Blauvelt worked as a U.S. Army recruiter in Greenville County at the time of the murder but was classified by the Army as a deserter shortly thereafter. Shortly after the murder, Blauvelt fled the area with his 17-year-old girlfriend Hannah Thompson, of Fountain Inn, S.C. Thompson’s parents reported the teen missing to the Fountain Inn Police Department on Nov. 21, 2016. Blauvelt had last been seen in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Nov. 15, 2016, traveling with a female passenger police said they believe was Thompson.
After the U.S. Marshals joined the search to find Blauvelt, they learned he and Thompson had traveled through Alabama, Texas and California. Thompson was found safe in Oregon on Dec. 12, 2016, having been abandoned by Blauvelt. She went to a family friend’s home in Eugene and called her parents, saying she wanted to come home. She and Blauvelt had been homeless while in Oregon.
In early 2022, a U.S. Marshals dedicated cold and complex case investigative team joined the investigation for Blauvelt. Working closely with investigators from the District of South Carolina, the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, as well as Simpsonville Police detectives and the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the team was able to put Blauvelt in Medford. PNVOTF committed numerous personnel and hours to the investigation. Ultimately, investigators there, working with MPD and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, located Blauvelt, who had assumed the alias “Ben Klein,” and took him into custody without incident.
“We are glad this offender is in custody and the process can begin to seek justice for the victim and her family,” said Sheriff Nathan Sickler. “The work of this local violent offender task force is extremely important to the safety of our community, and we are proud of their efforts and our continued partnerships.”
PNVOTF includes personnel from the U.S. Marshals, JCSO, and CPPD. The task force specializes in locating and arresting fugitives wanted for offenses including, but not limited to, murder, assault, sex crimes, failure to register as a sex offender, firearm violations, and probation violations.
Established in 1985, the U.S. Marshals Major Case Fugitive Program prioritizes the investigation and apprehension of high-profile offenders considered to be some of the country’s most dangerous. These individuals tend to be career criminals with histories of violence or whose instant offense(s) poses a significant threat to public safety.
Further media inquiries should be directed to:
Simpsonville S.C PD Public Relations Coordinator Justin Campbell: ell@simpsonville.com“>jcampbell@simpsonville.com US Marshals Public Information Officer: Christopher.tamayo@usdoj.gov
Arrest Made for Murder in the Case of Missing Winston Woman Kendra Hanks
A Riddle man has been arrested in connection with the disappearance and murder of 18-year-old Kendra Hanks of Winston.
On Thursday, July 21, 2022, at approximately 3:30 p.m., detectives with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office along with investigators from the Douglas County Major Crimes Team contacted 39-year-old Troy Russell Phelps of Riddle at a residence in the 1500-block of Pruner Road in Riddle. Phelps had become a person of interest in the investigation into the disappearance of Hanks.
Phelps was taken into custody after speaking with Detectives. A search warrant was also executed at the residence where Phelps was residing.
On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office was notified of a deceased person found in Cow Creek in approximately the 9000-block of Cow Creek Road. Investigators responded to the scene and confirmed the death of an adult female, which is suspected to be Kendra Hanks. The body was transported to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office on Thursday, July 14, 2022. The death was ultimately ruled a homicide. Sheriff’s Office is awaiting positive identification from the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office has been and continues to be in communication with Hanks’ mother, who is aware of the latest developments in the case.
Phelps was transported to and lodged in the Douglas County Jail on charges of Murder in the First Degree and Resisting Arrest.
Additional details surrounding the investigation will be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Anyone with information that would aid investigators is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (541) 440-4464 referencing case #22-2871.
Phelps is lodged in the Douglas County Jail on charges of murder in the first degree and resisting arrest.
A quick google search and court documents and jail records indicate this is not Phelps’ first encounter with law enforcement. He has a history of bookings into the Douglas County Jail dating back to 2005, the most notable of which was an arrest on suspicion of first-degree murder in 2017. (https://www.google.com/search?q=Troy+Russell+Phelps&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8)
Phelps was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of Brandon Michael at Lawson Bar in Myrtle Creek in 2017. Although acquitted of the murder charge during a bench trial, Phelps was sentenced to 30 months in prison after a conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm. That sentence was signed by Douglas County Circuit Court Judge Ann Marie Simmons on Dec. 1, 2020.
Phelps was released earlier this year.
The Douglas County Major Crimes Team which consists of investigators from the Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department and Oregon State Police working in consultation with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office has consistently and diligently worked on Kendra’s case. – Our condolences and thoughts and prayers go out to Kendra’s family.
Missing child alert — Nova Millsap and Artimay Millsap are missing and believed to be at risk
Nova Millsap, age 13-months, and Artimay Millsap, age 7-weeks, went missing with their father, Charles Millsap and their mother, Kayla Spills from Bend on July 7. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division believes that Nova and Artimay may be at risk and is searching for them to assess their safety.
ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Nova and Artimay. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of Nova and Artimay, or their parents should call 911 or local law enforcement.
They are believed to be in the Redmond, Terrebonne or Prineville areas of Oregon. There is also a chance they may travel out of state. They are suspected to be traveling together in a white Honda Accord with Oregon license plate #SBD139. Kayla Spills sometimes goes by the name Kayla Millsap.
Name: Nova Lou Millsap
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: June 17, 2021
Height: 30-inches
Weight: 20-pounds
Hair: Strawberry blonde
Eye color: Blue
Name: Artimay Dianne Millsap
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: June 3, 2022
Height: 15-inches
Weight: 7-pounds
Hair: Strawberry blonde
Eye color: Blue
Other identifying information: Artimay is a very small infant
A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
The entire 33-mile-long Rim Drive around Crater Lake is open.
Crater Lake National Park officials the opening also includes the Pinnacles Road that accesses the Pinnacles and Plaikni Falls trails. Open, too, is the trail to Mount Scott, the highest point in the park. Park rangers also report wildflowers are in full bloom at several locations along Rim Drive.
The opening was delayed because of heavy late spring snow, the need to remove fallen rocks, boulders and snow, along with the replacement of damaged signs and the filling of potholes.
Other popular park trails include Annie Creek Canyon, Godfrey Glen, Sun Notch, The Watchman, Garfield Peak and the trail to Cleetwood Cove, which sees the highest visitor use and provides the only access to the lake. It remains unknown when the concession lake boat tours from Cleetwood Cove will be offered.
All of the park’s backcountry trails, including portions of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Union Peak, Lightning Springs, Red Cone and Crater Peak trails, are also clear of snow and open.
The Mazama Campground near park headquarters is open but the Lost Creek Campground is closed for the year.
For updated information on roads, trails, COVID-related requirements visit the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/crla or call (541) 594-3000.
Bureau of Land Management seeks public comment on proposed wild horse research
WASHINGON, D.C. — The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments for three new proposed research projects focused on developing better, longer-lasting fertility control methods for managing and protecting wild horse herds on public lands.
“Developing humane, safe, effective and long-lasting fertility control methods for wild horses is a top priority for the BLM,” said Dr. David Jenkins, BLM Assistant Director for Resources and Planning. “I encourage all interested members of the public to review this preliminary environmental assessment and submit comments about these proposed projects.”
Absent intervention, wild horse herds typically grow very quickly – doubling in size every four years. There were approximately 82,000 wild horses and burros roaming public lands as of March 2022, which is more than three times the appropriate herd size. An overpopulation of wild horses can degrade important ecosystems and lead to starvation and/or dehydration. Existing fertility control methods are short-lasting and require multiple doses, which limit their effectiveness as a management tool. Longer-lasting fertility control methods would be potent tools to better control herd growth and protect animal and land health.
Two of the proposed research projects would quantify the effectiveness of vaccines for preventing pregnancies in wild horse mares: one would build upon previous research to develop a long-term one-dose vaccine, and a second project would test a fertility control vaccine that has some preliminary studies in horses and other animals. The third proposed research project would test specialized intrauterine devices (IUDs) in a wild horse herd management area on public lands.
All the proposed projects would be required to follow BLM’s animal welfare policies when handling wild horses. Also, researchers would follow guidelines set by their respective Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees.
The BLM has analyzed the potential impacts of the three proposed research projects in a draft environmental assessment (DOI-BLM-HQ-2600-2022-0001-EA) as required by the National Environmental Policy Act. Instructions to access the draft analysis and to submit a comment can found by visiting the BLM’s ePlanning page. The deadline to submit comments is August 22, 2022.
The BLM identified the development of safe, effective, and long-lasting fertility control methods as a top research priority in its 2021 Wild Horse and Burro Strategic Research Plan. The three proposed projects were submitted to the BLM by two federal agencies, four universities, and other organizations in response to a solicitation seeking new research projects in November 2021. —– Bureau of Land Management Ore. & Wash
-BLM- The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Women Missing Since May 1st 2022 between Medford, Grants Pass and Roseburg per Oregon State Police
| MAKENNA KENDALL 5/3/2022 |
| ERICA LEE HUTCHINSON 5/26/2022 |
| MARIAH DANIELLE SHARP 6/12/2022 |
| KAITLYN RAE NELSON 6/14/2022 |
| BROOKLYN JOHNS 6/14/2022 |
| DONNA LEPP 6/27/2022 |
| BARBARA DELEPINE 7/4/2022 |
| ****KENDRA MARIE HANKS 7/7/2022 FOUND MURDERED 7/21/2022 |
| CORI BOSHANE MCCANN 7/8/2022 |
| SHYHAILA SMITH 7/12/2022 |
| ALEZAE LILYANNE MARTINEZ 7/13/2022 |
| RAVEN RILEY 7/13/2022 |
| TAHUANA RILEY 7/13/2022 |
| DANIELLE NEWVILLE 7/14/2022 |
Women Missing Since May 1st 2022 in Lane County per Oregon State Police
| BREISA RAQUEAL SIKEL 5/3/2022 |
| HANNAH MARIE RHOTEN 5/17/2022 |
| MARISSA ALEESA DAMBROSIO 5/18/2022 |
| ISABELLA BROSOWSKEYOUNGBLOOD 6/7/2022 |
| LOUISA DAY AVA 5/28/2022 |
| AMY CHRISTINA SULLIVAN 6/1/2022 |
| NIKKI ELIZABETH ZEREBNY 6/6/2022 |
| SHADOW STAR SEVIGNY 6/17/2022 |
| SHAUNA LEAH HOGAN 6/17/2022 |
| AIRIONNA CHEALSEY RHODES 6/27/2022 |
| KARISSA RENEE ADAMS 7/6/2000 |
| VERONICA ESSYNCE DELERIO 7/6/2022 |
| AUBRIE HANNA STEPHENS 7/10/2022 |
| LARA IVEY STEINMETZ 7/11/2022 |
| SARA LINDSAY SCHAEFER 7/12/2022 |
This is just a small compilation of missing women’s pictures in the area. There are of course women missing all over Oregon and men and children missing. Sadly most of them never get any attention. Family and friends must keep any information going and lead investigations so that they aren’t just forgotten. https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Have-You-Seen-Me-Southern-Oregons-Missing-People-161249961222839/posts/
Contact – Missing Children/Adults Clearinghouse
Phone: 503-934-0188
Toll Free: 1-800-282-7155
ospmissingpersons@osp.oregon.gov