Oregon News Herald
Oregon Public Safety
Sexual Preditor
Released
April 2025
Page 3
This is not the first time Strauss has
been in the news. In January of 2024, he
was arrested for writing a letter to a minor,
outlining his desire to start a relationship with
her. DCSO says that Strauss has repeatedly
targeted women he does not know, contacting
them through various means, often stalking
them in public places, and then attempting to
assault them.
He has been released on special
conditions where he is not allowed to
communicate with people under the age of
18 or be near schools, playgrounds, or places
frequented by children. DCSO is asking the
public to report any misconduct by Strauss to
them immediately.
2 Arrested for Burglary
Roseburg, OR — A convicted sex offender,
which the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
says is at the highest risk of re-offending,
was released from custody on April 2nd
and allowed to return to Roseburg. Douglas
County Sheriffs Office describes Uriah
Shawn Strauss as a Level III sex offender
with convictions of sex abuse and attempted
rape.
The DCSO sent out a notification to the
public about his release and some residents
are concerned by Strauss’ return to the area.
The concern is that Strauss is a predator and
has, again, been released with “a slap on the
wrist” and residents fear for their safety.
Linn County OR, - On March 22, 2025, at 10:
19 p.m., the LCSO responded to a burglary in
progress in the 36000 block of Highway 228 near
Brownsville. The caller reported two people going
through buildings.
Deputies located a male and female on the
property. The male, later identified as Ryan Rikala,
38, of Sweet Home, fled the area after a physical
altercation with a deputy. The deputy heard a loud
“pop” during the altercation, believed to be from a
firearm. The female, identified as Stefani Brock, 34,
of Crawfordsville, was taken into custody.
Deputies and additional officers from OSP and
Albany PD quickly set up a perimeter. Deputies
utilized multiple K9s and drones to search the area.
Continued on Page 7
LULD Library Announcements Yoncalla Public Library Notes
Community Matters
Protecting Your Home from Storm Damage
The recent storm that swept through Douglas
county and across Western Oregon brought with it
a stark reminder of the power of nature. With high
winds, heavy rain, flooding, and even mudslides and
landslides, many homeowners found themselves
facing significant damage to their properties.
As we approach the storm season, it’s crucial
for homeowners to ensure their homes are well-
protected against potential damage. According to
Lynn McAllister, American Family Insurance Agent
in Roseburg, these are some essential tips and advice
to help you safeguard your home and navigate the
complexities of homeowners insurance.
1. Review Your Policy Annually
Your homeowner’s insurance policy should be
reviewed at least once a year to ensure it provides
adequate coverage for your home and belongings.
Pay special attention to the coverage limits and any
exclusions related to storm damage. This will help
you avoid any surprises when you need to file a
claim.
2. Understand Your Deductible
It’s important to know the amount you will need
to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in.
Some policies have separate deductibles for wind
and hail damage, so make sure you are aware of these
details and plan accordingly.
3. Consider Additional Coverage
Standard homeowners’ insurance policies
typically do not include coverage for certain natural
disasters. Depending on your location, you might
want to consider purchasing additional coverage for
the following:
Flood Insurance: Flooding is not typically
covered under standard homeowners’ insurance
policies. If you live in an area prone to flooding,
consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy
through the National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP) or a private insurer.
Landslide Insurance: Mudslides and landslides
are also not covered under standard policies. You may
need to purchase a separate policy or endorsement to
cover this type of damage.
Earthquake Insurance: Earthquakes can cause
significant damage, and this is generally not covered
under standard homeowners’ policies. If you live in
Essential Tips and Advice
an earthquake-prone area, consider purchasing an
earthquake insurance policy.
These extra protections can be invaluable in the
event of a natural disaster.
4. Document Your Belongings
Keep an updated inventory of your personal
belongings, including photos and receipts. This
documentation can expedite the claims process if
you need to file a claim after a storm. Make sure to
store this information in a safe place, such as a cloud
storage service, email folder, or a fireproof safe.
5. Home Maintenance
Regular maintenance can prevent a lot of
storm-related damage. Inspect your roof for loose
shingles, clean your gutters to prevent water buildup,
trim trees to avoid falling branches, and secure
outdoor furniture and other items that could become
projectiles during a storm.
6. Storm-Proofing Your Home
Investing in storm shutters, reinforcing your roof,
and installing a backup generator are all effective
ways to minimize damage and keep your home
safe during severe weather. These measures can also
potentially lower your insurance premiums.
7. Emergency Preparedness
Have an emergency plan in place for your
family, including a safe room or designated shelter
area. Keep an emergency kit with essentials such as
water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and
important documents. Being prepared can make a
significant difference in the event of a storm.
Advice for Homeowners
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts
and alerts. Being aware of an impending storm can
give you valuable time to prepare and protect your
home.
Know the Claims Process: Familiarize yourself
with the steps to file a claim with your insurance
company. This includes knowing who to contact,
what information you’ll need, and the timeline for
processing claims.
Work with Trusted Contractors: After a storm,
be cautious of fraudulent contractors who may try to
take advantage of the situation. Work with reputable,
licensed contractors for any necessary repairs.
Lower Umpqua Library District (LULD)
continues to expand its collection to meet
evolving public interests. LULD now has
chess sets available for checkout and other
board games for in-house use. Please contact
LULD if you would like to be involved in
a game club. LULD plans to begin hosting
meetings once enough people signup.
The library is developing World
Languages and Foreign Film sections,
containing books, movies, and audiobooks
in non-English languages. Additionally,
LULD has many items that are bilingual
(in both English and another language).
While many of these are available in more
locally popular non-English languages
such as Spanish and Chinese, LULD also
has titles in locally obscure languages such
as Russian and Dutch. Please contact the
library if there is a particular language that
interests you. We may either already have
items available in your preferred language or
be able to add your suggestions to the library.
These new and expanded collections
should not distract from the fact that LULD
also has substantive juvenile, young adult,
and adult books across a wide array of topics
and format. These include 160+ magazine
and newspaper subscriptions, thousands
of DVDs and CDs, electronics such as
Wi-Fi hotspots and computer accessories,
and equipment for outdoor activities
such as trekking poles and bicycle locks.
Overdrive/Library2Go provides access
nearly 50,000 eBooks and eAudiobooks.
Please call, visit, or email the library for
more information.
Alex Kuestner, Library Director/
District Manager
Lower Umpqua Library District
395 Winchester Ave Reedsport, OR 97467
(541) 271-3500 www.luld.org
April is a busy month at the Yoncalla Public
Library with author talks and Springtime STEAM
activities for kids:
April 12th at 12:30-Author Talk with Bob
Crites, author of No Ghosts In The Graveyard
(The Lifetime Adventures of a Small-Town
Oregon Boy). Signed copies will be available for
purchase.
April 19th at 12:30-Author Talk with William
L. Sullivan, presenting a slideshow of his new
book, New Hikes in Southern Oregon. Signed
copies will be available for purchase.
April 24th Anytime between 4 and 6:30-
STEAM Seed Starter Kits. For kids PreK-12th
grade. Join us on the last Thursday of every month
for STEAM activities through the month of June.
Follow us on Facebook for more information
and to see what we’re up to every week. Our hours
are M 1-5, W 10-5, Th 4-7, and Sat 10-2. See you
at the library!
Veterans Corner
2025 Oregon Bills supporting Veterans
Oregon has a long history and tradition
of support of our Military and our Veterans. It’s a
heritage that honors all Veterans but with a special
allegiance to our own Oregon Veterans.
So it is concerning that Oregon ranks poorly
as a place to live for military retirees. Property
taxes and housing costs burdon our veterans
and many are leaving. These veterans, who are
often living on fixed incomes and some of those
are managing service-connected disabilities. We
need to welcome and support our Veterans in
Oregon. There is a lot at stake and without them,
Oregon and our communities are seeing a losing a
great resource. Besides the loss of pride in taking
care of our Veterans, we also lose out in federal
retirement dollars, not to mention skilled workers
and potential community leaders.
The state of Oregon gives full property tax
exemptions to nonprofits and religious institutions,
some who pay nothing. Yet veterans, many
who’ve earned homeownership through decades
of service and Veterans Administration loans like
the GI Bill, are being priced out of their homes.
Currently, in session at the Oregon Legislature,
lawmakers are considering several bills to expand
property tax exemptions for veterans. Among
others, is HB 2050, HB 2361 and HB 2395.
There are groups out there opposing these bills, to
which I say “Shame”. Supporting veterans is an
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