The latest Klamath Falls News around the Klamath Basin and the state of Oregon from Wynne Broadcasting’s KFLS News/Talk 1450AM/102.5FM, BasinLife.com and The Herald & News.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020
Klamath Basin Weather
Today Sunny, with a high near 50. Overnight, partly cloudy, with a low around 31.
Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Northwest wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Clear overnight, low of 24.
Sunday Sunny, with a high near 43. Overnight low of 22.
Monday Sunny, with a high near 49.
Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 51.
Road Conditions
Traveling? Click and check these cameras below for the latest road conditions.
Lake of the Woods Hiway 140
Greensprings Drive at Hiway 97
Doak Mountain looking east
Chemult, Oregon
LaPine, Oregon
Bly, Oregon
Medford at I-5 -Biddle Road & Crater Lake Parkway
Today’s Headlines
The Klamath County Public Health Air Advisory is Green until noon today.
The Klamath County District Attorney’s Office released a statement yesterday after the Friday conviction and sentencing of Zahra Gonzales in the death of a Daniel Wessel who was working as a flagger in a construction zone on Highway 140 in June of 2019 when Gonzales hit and killed him.
Gonzales pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and charges of first-degree manslaughter, criminal negligent homicide and reckless driving were dismissed. She was sentenced to 100 months, or over 8 years in prison. She must serve 75 of those months, and for the last 25 months she is eligible for programs and good time. Her license was also permanently revoked.
Eve Costell, Klamath County District Attorney outlined the several factors of the “completely preventable” crash that lead to Wessle’s death in statement, which included speeding at 61 miles per hour in a construction zone which Gonzales had driven through several times that week, the sun glaring in her eyes and Gonzales taking selfies just prior to the crash.
Costello reminds people of the dangers of distracted driving in the statement and said her office will “prosecute individuals to the full extent of the law for injuries and deaths resulting from distracted driving.”
An Oregon man cleared of allegations he slashed a friend’s throat during a drunken brawl outside Klamath Falls is now suing the sheriff’s office, a local bowling alley and people involved in the incident.
William Travis Newell was jailed and charged with attempted murder and unlawful use of a weapon after the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office said he attacked Kirkland Deese with a knife along a remote stretch of county road in the winter of 2018. The case collapsed more than a year later amid growing questions about the credibility of witnesses and the integrity of the criminal investigation. Prosecutors eventually dropped the case against Newell.
In a $950,000 lawsuit filed yesterday Newell alleges four members of the sheriff’s office — Sgt. Ryan Kaber and deputies Terry Brown, Jon Dragoon and Daniel Towery — botched the investigation, falsely imprisoned him and maliciously pushed for his prosecution.
An anonymous quilting donor has contributed $2000 to the Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank, with the invitation for all quilters, sewers, and/or needle crafters to add to this seed donation. Join February’s campaign to “Feed our Neighbors, One Stitch at a time.”
Groups and individuals are welcome to add to this beginning and see how much good the Food Bank can do. Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank has been serving those in need for nearly 36 years. They provide food and non-food items to 100 partner non-profit agencies within their 18,000 square mile service area. Donations routinely decline this time of year so your help in this campaign is critical to the Food Bank’s ability to continue its services to the community. You can send donations to PO Box 317, Klamath Falls, drop a donation at 3231 Maywood Drive, or donate on line at klamathfoodbank.org.
Make sure you note that your gift is part of the February campaign, “Feed our Neighbors, One Stitch at a Time.” Each dollar donated accesses about 10 pounds of food!
Helping your neighbors and their families stay warm just got easier. Pacific Power will match every dollar you donate to the Oregon Energy Fund with $2 more.
Pacific Power customers who receive their bills by mail in February will find it includes an Oregon Energy Fund contribution envelope. Customers who pay their bills electronically can send a check or enroll in the fixed donation program. This program allows customers to donate any dollar amount, starting at $1 per month, which is then incorporated into their monthly bill. Fixed donations will also be matched 2-for-1 by Pacific Power.
To enroll in the fixed donation program call Pacific Power toll-free at 1-888-221-7070.
Nominations for the 26th annual Klamath Country Volunteer of Year Awards are now available by contacting the United Way and are due no later than noon on April 2.
Entry forms can be obtained by contacting the United Way at 541-882-5558. The categories of volunteer service include: seniors (55 years and older); adult (19 to 54); youth (18 year and younger); education (an individual or group); public safety (an individual or group) and public service (organization, media, school, church, club).
Ten finalists will be selected from which one individual is chosen the 2020 Klamath Country Volunteer of the Year.
…For complete details on these and other stories see today’s Herald & News. Wynne Broadcasting and the Herald and News…stronger together to keep you informed.