The latest and most comprehensive coverage of local News, Sports, Business, and Community News stories in the Klamath Basin, Southern Oregon and around the state of Oregon from Wynne Broadcasting’s KFLS News/Talk 1450AM / 102.5FM, The Herald & News, and BasinLife.com, and powered by Mick Insurance, your local health and Medicare agents.
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Klamath Basin Weather
Today Widespread haze and smoke at times today, sunny and hot with a high near 97. Overnight low around 64.
Thursday Patchy smoke. Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Calm winds. 20% chance of showers or thunderstorms late evening and overnight, low of 64.
Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Late night shower or thundershowers possible.
Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99.
Sunday, Independence Day Sunny and hot, with a high near 96.
Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 96.
Today’s Headlines
Paul Stewart, long-time president and chief executive officer of Sky Lakes Medical Center, today announced his retirement effective January 1, 2022.
In today’s announcement to Sky Lakes employees, Stewart noted he would remain in a “support position” through 2022 to help “ensure a stable and smooth transition to new leadership.”
Stewart has been at the Klamath Falls medical center for 35 years, 30 of them as Chief Executive Officer.
Stewart said he has seen tremendous growth and wonderous change in our organization,” he said.
“Most importantly, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working alongside remarkable individuals. Together we’ve worked hard to create an organizational culture where our leadership is honest and transparent, and our employees and providers are treated with fairness, respect and dignity.”
The Sky Lakes Board of Directors has engaged Heidrick and Struggles an international firm that specializes in recruiting for CEO positions, to develop a list of candidates, both from within Sky Lakes and elsewhere. The board along with other hospital leadership, medical staff, and local business and civic leaders will provide the board feedback on the finalist candidates. The process is expected to take up to six months.
The Lava Fire has exploded in size, fueled by strong and erratic winds amid record heat. Fire officials confirmed that the fire made a significant run to the north, crossing Highway 97 and frustrating attempts by fire crews to keep the fire hemmed in south of that line.
The fire is now estimated at 13,330 acres with containment remaining at 20 percent. Based on the latest map provided by fire officials, the fire’s northward expansion narrowly missed the Lake Shastina community, but brought it to the outskirts of other properties branching from Bonanza Road.
The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office said that they did not know “what structures have burned down” or the current status of many areas. The Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for a number of areas.
Highway 97 is now closed from I-5 in Weed all the way to the Oregon border near Dorris, according to Caltrans.
There are seven new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,770, the Oregon Health Authority reported today. Oregon Health Authority reported 230 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of today, bringing the state total to 208,446.
Klamath County reported 7 new cases yesterday.
As of today, 2,383,255 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,147,617 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series. The number of adult Oregonians needing vaccinations to reach the 70% threshold is 19,083.
The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 149, which is 11 fewer than yesterday. There are 35 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is four fewer than yesterday.
On Monday at approximately 8:31 A.M., officers with the Klamath Falls Police Department responded to The Gospel Mission, 1931 Mission Avenue, on report of a Sexual Assault that had occurred in the 2100 block of Applegate Avenue on an earlier date.
Officers conducted a detailed investigation where it was alleged the victim had been sexually assaulted by her ex-boyfriend. Officers developed probable cause to arrest the suspect, identified as 44 year old Mason Thatcher. Thatcher was arrested without incident and lodged at the Klamath County Jail on charges of Sodomy in the First Degree, Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.
This incident is still under investigation. If you have information that can assist the investigation, please contact the Klamath Falls Police Department at 541-883-5336.
The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Job Fair at the Klamath County Fair Grounds today from 10 am to 2 pm.
This job fair is free for all attendees. Many area employers will be available with many job openings. Resumes & business attire are encouraged and the first 50 attendees will receive a free gift. Door Prizes will be given away throughout the day as well.
Fire season 2021 continues to run about a month ahead of schedule, prompting concern among local fire officials.
The South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership will increase the fire danger level on all lands in Klamath and Lake counties to “extreme” today.
The declaration comes less than three weeks after SCOFMP bumped the local fire danger to “high,” and two and a half months after this year’s fire season began a month ahead of normal. This means burn restrictions now apply to all federal, state, county and private lands in the two counties, including the Fremont-Winema National Forest, Bureau of Land Management parcels, Crater Lake National Park and the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges.
Crater Lake National Park, in partnership with Discover Klamath and Friends of Crater Lake National Park, will host the annual Ride the Rim days September 11 and 18, 2021.
On these consecutive Saturdays, East Rim Drive from North Junction to Park Headquarters will be closed to motorized vehicles from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to allow for non-motorized recreation including biking, hiking, and running. Ride the Rim is seeking volunteers to help with the event and has many opportunities for the local community. From set-up and tear-down, to rest stops and parking, every aspect of the event is run by volunteers alongside National Park Staff.
Volunteering at Ride the Rim is easy, whether it’s for one day or two, no training is required and anyone can volunteer. If interested, you can learn more about each role and simply sign up online at RideTheRimOregon.com.
The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage that is negatively affecting blood product availability across the country.
Donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to make an appointment to give now and help ensure hospital shelves are stocked with blood products over the Fourth of July holiday and beyond.
Right now, the Red Cross is working around the clock to provide blood products to hospitals responding to an unusually high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants. As a result of the blood shortage, some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes, delaying crucial patient care.
In addition, while summer is traditionally a time when blood donations decline, this year is particularly challenging as many Americans receive their vaccinations and resume summer activities after more than a year of limited interactions and travel, leading to lower donor turnout. The need for blood doesn’t take a holiday break − patients still depend on lifesaving transfusions.
Donors are needed now to prevent further delays to patient care. Schedule an appointment to give blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
The upper driving loop of Moore Park will be closed today to accommodate crack sealing of the surface.
The road will be closed from the Gingerbread House to the hairpin corner in the upper park area (above the picnic area). The area will be open to foot traffic, but pedestrians/hikers are encouraged to use extreme caution near the work area. If you would like more information about this topic, please call City Public Works Department at (541) 883-5385.
As boaters look forward to the 4th of July holiday, thousands of law enforcement officers across the United States will be on heightened alert looking for those violating boating under the influence (BUI) laws including officers in Klamath County.
Oregon State Police along with the Klamath County Sheriffs office will be participating in the national Operation Dry Water campaign through July 4th.
Oregon Law enforcement agencies will be focusing on preventing incidents related to impaired boating and educating boaters about safe boating practices, including sober boating. A
lcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths according to the U.S. Coast Guard 2019 annual report. Over the course of the July 4th holiday, The Oregon State Police will be working to increase public awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, for both operators and passengers.
Around the state of Oregon
Search Warrant Served on Another Large Illegal Marijuana Operation in Josephine County
During the week of June 21, 2021, members of the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) in partnership with Oregon State Police, Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (Grants Pass DPS, OSP, Josephine County Parole and Probation), and Josephine County Code Enforcement, served a search warrant relating to an illegal marijuana grow operation in the 1500 block of Thompson Creek Rd, Selma, OR 97538.
During the execution of the search warrant, 86,528 illegal marijuana plants were seized and destroyed. Additionally, one firearm, multiple water pumps and generators were seized as evidence.
Twelve subjects were detained due to safety concerns. At the time of this press release, no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. No further details are being released at this time. Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office
OSP Joins Tri-State Effort Keeping Motorists On I-5 Safe over the 4th of July Holiday Weekend
State patrol agencies in Oregon, California, and Washington are partnering for a traffic safety campaign focused on speeding drivers aptly named, “I-5 Alive” starting July 2. This coordinated education and enforcement effort is aimed at making the 1,381 miles of I-5 safer for all summer travelers.
In addition to a social media campaign, Troopers of the Oregon State Police (OSP), Washington State Patrol (WSP), and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be especially watchful for traffic violations that often lead to tragedy on our highways. Speed & distracted driving top the list, along with driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol and failing to use safety belts and child safety seats.
“Speeding continues to be one of the highest contributing factors to serious injury crashes and fatalities,” stated OSP Superintendent Terri Davie. “Speeding tickets are easily the most common ticket issued; however, it isn’t the goal of law enforcement. The goal of speed enforcement is to potentially save your life and the lives of the others.”
“Driving responsibly and at a reasonable speed is the best way to help ensure you and your passengers will arrive at your destination safely,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “We know people are eager to get out and travel, but reckless driving will not get you there sooner – it will just create dangerous conditions for you and everyone else on the road.”
“Summer holidays should be a time of fun and family, not sorrow and tragedy,” Chief John R. Batiste of the WSP said. “We ask everyone driving the I-5 corridor to slow down, pay attention, drive sober, and buckle up. When it comes to safe highways, we are truly all in this together.”
Five simple strategies for drivers to help make I-5 safer for everyone:
• Slow down
• Drive sober
• Be patient
• Put your phone down
• Buckle up
Each state agency will use its best strategies to provide additional enforcement presence during this busy 4th of July weekend, including the use of existing grant funding and shifting resources already on the road over to the I-5 corridor.
The Oregon State Police wants all drivers to get to their final destination safely. We think that working together, we can. Oregon State Police
Oregon SNAP recipients who lost food due to power outages may be eligible for replacement benefits
Need to know:
- If you had to throw away food purchased with SNAP due to power outages you can apply for replacement benefits to purchase new food.
- You must request replacement benefits within 10 calendar days of the food loss.
- Replacement benefits may also be available if you lost food due to home damage or other natural disasters.
(Salem) – Oregonians who lost food purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to power outages are encouraged to apply for replacement benefits with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
SNAP households who lost or disposed of food that was unsafe to eat due to power outages can request SNAP replacement benefits. Replacement benefits also may be available to SNAP households who lost food due to home damage.
Replacement benefits must be requested within 10 calendar days of the food loss by:
- Calling (800) 699-9075
- Email: kshare@dhsoha.state.or.us“>SSP.StatewideWorkshare@dhsoha.state.or.us
Once approved, replacement benefits are added to the households existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at benefits.oregon.gov. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372. — Oregon Department of Human Services
Oregon Farm Worker Dies From the Heat
Oregon OSHA has opened an investigation after a man was found dead Saturday in a field at a nursery in St. Paul in Marion County.
“I can confirm that we have open investigations with Ernst Nursery and Farms and Brother Farm Labor Contractor regarding this fatality,” said Oregon OSHA spokesperson, Aaron Corvin.
Corvin said details reported to the state indicated the employee who died was working on a crew moving irrigation lines. At the end of the shift, he was found unresponsive in the field.
“This is a tragedy,” said Corvin. “We don’t want to see this.”
The temperature in St. Paul reached a high of 104 degrees on Saturday as the Pacific Northwest saw a heat wave that brought record-high temperatures to the region. Officials said more than a half-dozen deaths in Oregon and Washington may be tied to the intense heat that began late last week.
“We are not aware of any other fatalities that appear to be heat-related,” said Corvin.
Calls made to Ernst Nursery and Farms were not immediately returned.
The owner of Brother Farm Labor Contractor, which provided workers to the nursery stated that the man who died had just come to the U.S. from Guatemala a few months ago.
Corvin said Oregon OSHA’s investigation should take three to four months, and will determine whether workplace health and safety standards were violated. Right now, the state has general workplace rules regarding heat. They cite the need for water, rest, shade and training.
Oregon OSHA is working with the Oregon Health Authority to draft more specific workplace rules aimed at preventing heat illness. It’s in response to Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s call for all state offices to help mitigate climate change. The pandemic delayed the effort, but Corvin expects a formal rule proposal later this summer. In the meantime, he hopes all employers take what happened on Saturday, seriously.
“If you’re looking at temperatures of 95 degrees and up, we would strongly recommend that you would postpone heavy labor,” said Corvin. “That’s a strong recommendation.”
Fire Danger High for Oregon as we approach the 4th of July Weekend
The Lava Fire has exploded in size, fueled by strong and erratic winds amid record heat. Fire officials confirmed that the fire made a significant run to the north, crossing Highway 97 and frustrating attempts by fire crews to keep the fire hemmed in south of that line.
The fire is now estimated at 13,330 acres with containment remaining at 20 percent. Based on the latest map provided by fire officials, the fire’s northward expansion narrowly missed the Lake Shastina community, but brought it to the outskirts of other properties branching from Bonanza Road.
The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office said that they did not know “what structures have burned down” or the current status of many areas. The Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for a number of areas. Highway 97 is now closed from I-5 in Weed all the way to the Oregon border near Dorris, according to Caltrans.
Smoke from the Lava Fire has drifted all the way up into the Willamette Valley
Fires burning near Redmond and a fire near the town of Dufur on Tuesday afternoon have prompted Level 3 “GO” evacuation orders, Oregon State Police said.
State troopers announced the fire at about 2:30 p.m. along Highway 197 just east of Dufur. No initial word on what caused the fire or an estimate of its footprint. The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army set up an evacuation shelter at The Dalles Middle School Gym.
The Oregon Department of Transportation is reporting some small delays in the area. This is the second fire in a week and the third this month that has prompted Level 3 evacuations in Wasco County.
Crews are also battling a 200-acre fire that also broke out in Deschutes County on Tuesday, prompting Level 3 “GO” evacuations near the Redmond Air Center.
You can track the fires in Oregon here: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/Documents/odf-fire-situation-map.pdf
Local Adoption Agency Bookkeeper Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Defraud Employer and Family
A Hillsboro, Oregon woman pleaded guilty today for engaging in a multi-year scheme to defraud her employer, a non-profit adoption and surrogacy agency operating in Oregon and Washington, and her extended family.
Melodie Ann Eckland, 55, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, filing a false tax return, and willfully failing to collect or pay payroll taxes.
According to court documents, from at least 2011 and continuing until April 2018, Eckland was employed as a bookkeeper for a local adoption and surrogacy agency. Her duties included maintaining agency books and records, managing payroll, filing employment tax returns, and paying quarterly employment taxes to the IRS. Eckland also provided financial statements to the agency’s board of directors, but did not have signature authority over the organization’s business bank account.
Eckland used her position to steal funds from the agency by making unauthorized wire transfers and writing unauthorized checks to herself. Eckland also transferred agency funds in the form of bonuses to her personal bank account. To conceal her scheme, Eckland maintained two sets of financial records. One version, which she provided to the board of directors, showed the business books as they should have been maintained. The other version showed the true payments she made to herself over the course of her employment.
To cover the money she had stolen, Eckland applied for loans from at least five lending agencies on behalf of the adoption agency, using the names of the agency’s owners without their permission. Eckland altered agency financial records to make it appear as though she owned the agency and was authorized to enter into the loan agreements. Beginning in 2016, Eckland stopped making the agency’s quarterly employment tax payments to the IRS and stopped filing employment tax returns. As a result, the agency owed more than $94,000 in past due employment taxes.
To further conceal her scheme, Eckland stole funds from a bank account opened on behalf of her deceased brother-in-law’s estate. As executor of the estate, Eckland’s husband was tasked with selling his brother’s assets, paying estate bills, and preserving the remaining funds for the benefit of his brother’s children. Eckland forged her husband’s signature on unauthorized estate checks and made unauthorized wire transfers of estate funds to herself. She sent a portion of the more than $123,000 stolen from the estate to the adoption agency’s bank account to conceal her theft of agency funds.
IRS records indicated that Eckland did not report any of the embezzled funds on her federal income tax returns for 2013, 2014, and 2017. In 2015 and 2016, she reported more than $550,000 as “other income,” but failed to pay the taxes due. Between 2013 and 2017, Eckland failed to report more than $675,000 in income, resulting in a tax loss of more than $345,000. As a result of her scheme, Eckland’s victims—including the adoption agency and its owners, her brother-in-law’s estate, and the IRS—suffered a total loss of more than $1.5 million.
On June 2, 2021, Eckland was charged by criminal information with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, filing a false tax return, and willfully failing to collect or pay payroll taxes.
Eckland faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a $750,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release. She will be sentenced on November 8, 2021 before U.S. District Court Judge Marco A. Hernandez.
As part of her plea agreement, Eckland has agreed to pay restitution of up to $2.5 million and forfeit more than $1.5 million in criminally derived proceeds seized by law enforcement.
Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Hillsboro Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Claire M. Fay, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Oregon
SEVERE BLOOD SHORTAGE ALERT
Donors are strongly urged to give now to help ensure lifesaving blood products are available for patients. Hospital demand continues to outpace donations, and your help is vital.
The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage that is negatively affecting blood product availability across the country. Donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to make an appointment to give now and help ensure hospital shelves are stocked with blood products over the Fourth of July holiday
and beyond.
Right now, the Red Cross is working around the clock to provide blood products to hospitals responding to an unusually high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants. As a result of the blood shortage, some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes, delaying crucial patient care.
In addition, while summer is traditionally a time when blood donations decline, this year is particularly challenging as many Americans receive their vaccinations and resume summer activities after more than a year of limited interactions and travel, leading to lower donor turnout.
The need for blood doesn’t take a holiday break − patients still depend on lifesaving transfusions. Donors are needed now to prevent further delays to patient care.
Schedule an appointment to give blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.