The latest news stories in the Klamath Basin and around the state of Oregon from Wynne Broadcasting’s KFLS News/Talk 1450AM/102.5FM, BasinLife.com and The Herald & News.
MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020
Klamath Basin Weather
Today Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 12 noon. Some of the storms could produce small hail and gusty winds. Snow level 5800 feet rising to 6300 feet. High near 56. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Overnight, showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce small hail and gusty winds. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. West wind 6 to 8 mph.
Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.
Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.
Saturday Sunny, with a high near 68.
Today’s Headlines
The state’s death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from yesterday and remains at 137, the Oregon Health Authority reported this morning. Oregon Health Authority reported nine new confirmed cases and three new presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 8 a.m. today bringing the state total to 3,623.
The new confirmed and presumptive cases reported today are in the following counties: Deschutes (1), Douglas (1), Lincoln (1), Marion (3), Multnomah (5), Polk (1).
County by county in Southern Oregon the coronavirus cases currently stand as this:
Klamath County 41 cases, 33 recovered
Jackson County 50 cases, 43 recovered.
Josephine County 21 cases, 20 recovered
Douglas County 25 cases, 23 recovered
Curry County 4 cases, 4 recovered.
To see more case and county level data, please visit the Oregon Health Authority website, which OHA updates once a day: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.
Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.
An ethics complaint filed against Klamath County Commissioner Donnie Boyd has been dismissed for any further investigation by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission for lack of sufficient evidence of any wrongdoing.
The nine-member commission voted unanimously via teleconference call on Friday afternoon following a preliminary review report from a commission investigator regarding allegations that Boyd created a position as Klamath County Community Development Director that paid him an additional $25,000 per year. Additionally, it is alleged that he conducted private business with Papé Machinery while serving in his role as commissioner.
The complaint was filed by former building official Kevin Roth on April 3; Roth was terminated in November 2019.
Boyd is running for re-election to Position No. 1 on the Klamath County Board of Commissioners in the Primary Election Tuesday, May 19.
“The information available during this preliminary review is insufficient to establish a substantial objective basis upon which to open an investigation,” said Susan Myers, investigator for the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, in the review report released by the Commission on Friday.
Boyd provided a copy of the allegations to the Herald and News prior to H&N publishing an initial story about the complaint on May 3. He was represented in the commission review teleconference call on Friday by Klamath Falls attorney Andrew Brandsness. In the preliminary review released by the Commission, Brandsness addressed the allegations and stated that Boyd had been the Klamath County liaison to the Community Development Department from 2017 to 2019. He also said that commissioners do not receive extra compensation for liaison duties.
Community Development Department manager Stephanie Brown states in the review that there has not been a full-time community development director since 2012. She handles fiscal duties for the department for a $100 stipend. Commission staff found that Boyd may have performed some of the duties of a Community Development director, but that it appears he has done so in his official role as Klamath County liaison to the Community Development Department.
Brandsness also said Boyd’s compensation has remained the same except for increases recommended by the Budget Committee and approved by commissioners.
Commission staff reviewed Klamath County Board of Commission minutes but found no evidence that Boyd received additional pay for these duties. As an elected official, Boyd is not an hourly employee, and Boyd tending to Papé Machinery business at any time of the day is not use of county resources, according to Brandsness.
“We have no information to indicate that, as an elected official, Mr. Boyd is required to maintain ‘on duty’ hours,” Myers wrote in the preliminary review. “More over, information indicates that Mr. Boyd uses a cellphone, truck, and other equipment belonging to Papé Equipment to conduct his private business interests, rather than using county equipment.”
Brown reiterates in the preliminary review that Boyd does not utilize a county cellphone stipend of $720.
“I am pleased that the Ethics Commission thoroughly investigated this claim and dismissed it,” Boyd said in a news release. “To me, good citizenship and ethical leadership is everything. If we’re going to kick-start our economy, we have to show business that in Klamath we work hard and play by the rules, because that’s the kind of community job makers want to do business in.
“I’m grateful to have gone through this process,” Boyd added. “It was transparent. It was fair. And it was a reminder that all of us — especially elected officials — must work hard every day to be decent and ethical.”
Boyd said he is focusing his attention on his next term as Klamath County Commissioner and how he “can help continue making Klamath County great again” if re-elected.
CANCELLED
The Veterans of Foreign Wars and Klamath Freedom Celebration announced on Friday, May 15 that due to COVID-19 crowd restrictions the annual Memorial Day parade in Klamath Falls has been cancelled, according to a news release.
The parade, scheduled for Monday, May 25, has become a mainstay of Klamath Falls celebrations, culminating with speeches at Veterans Memorial Park honoring veterans.
Klamath Feedom Celebration, co-organizers of the annual event, are still accepting applications for the annual Fourth of July parade. Entrants can register at www.klamathfc.org.
The 173rd Fighter Wing has cancelled the 17th Sentry Eagle air-to-air combat exercise that was scheduled for July 15 to 19, 2020. Additionally, the Open House on Saturday, 18 July is also cancelled.
“I regret to inform you of this, as we all look forward to this outstanding event for Kingsley Field and the community,” said Col. Jeff Edwards, 173rd Fighter Wing commander.
The decision to cancel the exercise and Open House came after weeks of discussions primarily focused on COVID-19. Kingsley Field commanders and the Sentry Eagle project officer, Lt. Col. Adam Gaudinski, determined there were significant risks in hosting the public and other military units while adhering to Governor Brown’s Executive Orders and Department of Defense policy regarding COVID-19.
“Cancelling Sentry Eagle 2020 is not something that we wanted to do, but ultimately, the decision was made with the best interest of the 173rd Fighter Wing and our local community in mind,” said Gaudinski. “The unified resolve of Kingsley Field and Klamath Falls is unbreakable. I speak on behalf of all the men and women of the 173rd Fighter Wing when I say this, Kingsley Field resides in the greatest, most supportive community by far. Thank you.”
One of the Air National Guard’s largest air-to-air exercises, Sentry Eagle provides military pilots of the National Guard, Active Duty and Reserve components a forum in which to test their flying skills including basic fighter maneuvers and air combat tactics against different types of aircraft, close-air support and large-force employment training.
Sentry Eagle is typically held every two years and was originally scheduled to take place in the summer of 2019. However, construction projects on the ramp, flight line, and across the base prevented it from happening, and will
likely delay the event again until 2022.
“I am extremely grateful to all those who helped in planning for Sentry Eagle, including our community partners,” said Edwards. “Your efforts provide an outstanding foundation as we look forward to planning for Sentry
Eagle in 2022.”
Kandi Ogden-Moles, a 1995 graduate of Mazama High School in Klamath Falls, will graduate this month with a doctorate in medicine from the Pacific Northwest University of Health – College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Ogden-Moles graduated from the University of Oregon in 1999, but at age 38 decided to change careers in pursuit of a life in medicine. She plans to leave in June for Rockford, Ill. for a residency at the University of Illinois’ Family Medicine program. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic there will be no graduation ceremony.
A reminder that Phase One of the reopening of Oregon plan is in full swing now and is loosening coronavirus restrictions.
Under the retail ban lifting — as long as retailers aren’t in a mall and they follow the new COVID-19 health guidelines, businesses can be open. Proper safety measures include employees wearing face masks, limiting the number of customers, enforcing physical distancing and frequently sanitizing high traffic areas.
That means standalone furniture stores, art galleries, jewelry shops and boutiques that were closed by executive order weeks ago can reopen. But, stores in outdoor- and indoor-shopping centers are an exception. Everything is now on a county by county approval basis.
Plaintiffs file temporary restraining order to restore water flows for Klamath River salmon
The Yurok Tribe, the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Association (PCFFA), and the Institute for Fisheries Resources (IFR), represented by the nonprofit environmental law firm Earthjustice, are seeking a temporary restraining order to reinstate water flows in the Klamath River to protect threatened salmon, according to a news release.
Earlier this year, the plaintiffs successfully obtained a new three-year plan from the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) for operating the Klamath Irrigation Project to increase springtime flows in the Klamath River. On Monday, May 11, BOR shut off augmented flows required under that plan, pushing the Klamath River to low water levels that could place juvenile salmon in danger. A hearing is scheduled for May 22.
“Salmon are in crisis and we absolutely cannot afford to operate the river at minimum flow levels,” said Yurok Tribe-Vice-Chairman Frankie Meyers. “Reclamation’s unilateral decision to cut off water flows is in clear violation of the plan and comes as a shock, especially given the productive, collaborative meetings to find a way to meet the needs of the salmon.
In March as a result of litigation BOR developed a new three-year operations plan that allocates more water for river flows in most hydrologic years to help salmon. BOR also agreed to develop a longer-term operations plan through a collaborative process with the Tribe. In return. The Yurok Tribe and commercial fishing groups had withdrawn their motion for a preliminary injunction and stayed their lawsuit subject to implementation of the three-year plan.
BOR is now returning to court to seek additional flows. Under the 2019-2024 Klamath Project Operations Plan, the Klamath Fishery experienced a disease outbreak and degraded habitat in part due to drought conditions. The health of Klamath River salmon stocks is a determining factor in whether ocean coastal commercial Chinook fisheries are open or closed. The Yurok Tribe and commercial fishing families filed litigation to secure adequate water flows necessary to prevent further collapse of Klamath salmon populations.
AROUND THE STATE
On Saturday, April 25, the Medford Police Department received an anonymous report by the organization “SafeOregon.”
The anonymous report indicated that Noah Berman, a Physical Education teacher at South Medford High School, was involved in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a juvenile female student who attends South Medford High. This tip was sent to both law enforcement and the School District. On April 27th, the school district placed Berman on administrative leave.
A Medford Police Detective was assigned the investigation and determined the relationship between Berman and the underage student had been ongoing since November of 2019, which ultimately became sexual in nature.
Detectives also learned that much of the communication between Berman and the student occurred through the social media app “Snapchat.”
The “Tampering with a Witness” charge stems from the detectives learning the suspect told the victim not to disclose the relationship to investigators, as law enforcement began looking into the case.
On Thursday, May 14, 2020, Medford Police Detectives served a search warrant at Berman’s residence on Kaufmann Way in Medford. Detectives seized possible evidence and Berman was arrested without incident. He was lodged at the Jackson County Jail on the listed charges.
Suspect: Berman, Noah Scott, 30 yrs old
Charges:
Sex Abuse 2 – 2 counts
Sex Abuse 3 – 3 counts
Tampering with a Witness
Luring a Minor
Bail: $45,000
On May 12th, detectives from the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement team served a search warrant at a residence in the 3000 block of Griffin Creek Road.
This was after a two month long investigation into drug sales occurring out the home, as well as information the residents were selling drugs throughout the valley.
Detectives arrested four subjects at the residence. Jeffery Cole, 26, and Justice Austin, 21, were the targets of the search warrant. Joel Dixon, 54, was determined to be involved in drug possession and sales in the home. The fourth subject, Pedro Villagrana, 44, was arrested on warrants and his involvement remains under investigation.
Detectives located over 5 pounds of meth, two ounces of heroin and over $5,000 in cash.
Cole and Austin were lodged for Possession, Manufacturing, and Distribution of both Meth and Heroin. Dixon was arrested for Possession, Manufacturing and Distribution of Meth.
Oregon Food Assistance Provides $30 million more in relief
Oregonians receiving food benefits will get additional assistance in June, to help with continued impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Oregon Department of Human Services began issuing additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in April and May 2020. Individuals and families have received the maximum allotment based on the number of eligible members in the household during this time. Due to the continued state of emergency, the U.S. Food and Nutrition Services has provided an additional $30 million to help children and adults in Oregon buy food.
“There are many Oregon families who continue to be caught between reduced hours or unemployment and waiting for other temporary assistance to help them make ends meet until it is safe to return to or find new work,” said Dan Haun, director of Self-Sufficiency Programs. “Having an additional month of federal funds available for eligible recipients, we can help ensure people have access to the basic necessity of food during this ongoing crisis.”
The additional funding will allow Oregonians on SNAP to receive the maximum benefit amount for June. For example, a family of four who currently receives a $346 monthly allotment, would receive a supplement of $300. For reference, the maximum SNAP allotment chart is available online.
Supplemental payments for the month of June will be issued on June 11 for all current recipients and June 30 for new recipients between June 11 and June 30. Recipients who already receive the maximum allotment will not receive additional SNAP benefits.
The remaining May supplemental payment will be issued on May 29, 2020.
Learn more about the food assistance program at needfood.oregon.gov, and apply online at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits.
State Provides $8.5 Million for Rent Relief
SALEM, OR – The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has left many Oregon families without resources to pay rent, buy food, make utility payments, and provide other necessities. OHCS’ COVID-19 Rent Relief Program provides much needed rent assistance for people who have experienced a loss of income and are at risk of homelessness due to COVID-19.
“Through no fault of their own, many Oregonian families are facing an abrupt loss of income and find themselves unable to pay their rent during this pandemic,” said Governor Kate Brown. “Through Oregon Housing and Community Services, we can deliver immediate rent relief so that more families can stay housed as we work to build a safe and strong Oregon.”
Many Oregonian are struggling to pay rent, and low-income Oregonians and communities of color are more likely to be rent burdened than their white counterparts. OHCS allocated these funds through a needs based formula to regional Community Action Agencies (CAAs). The formula weighed severe rent burden data, poverty data, homelessness data, and unemployment claims. The $8.5 million was allocated statewide to local communities
CAAs will begin taking applications in the coming days. Oregonians in need should contact their local CAA directly. Tenant income loss documentation and other materials are required to access this program. Rent payments will be made directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant.
“The last two months have been trying for many in our communities,” said Director Margaret Salazar, “Oregonians were already struggling to find a safe, stable and affordable place to call home. As families grapple with lost wages, the need is even greater. I am so grateful to get this assistance in the hands of our friends and neighbors in need, including farmworkers and their families who are facing unique housing challenges.”
The $8.5 million was allocated by the Oregon Legislature through the Joint Emergency Board. OHCS anticipates additional resources from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will be made available in the weeks ahead.
Fatal Auto Accident Near Tillamook
On Sunday, May 17 at about 2pm, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 101 milepost 63, just north of the Tillamook Cheese Factory.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a BMW Z3, operated by Samuel Hacker (36) of Scappoose, was traveling northbound when for unknown reasons veered into the southbound lane where it struck a Ford Explorer, operated by Julie Leonnig (43) of Tillamook.
Hacker sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.
A passenger in the BMW, Shayna Tacadena (32) of Gresham, was transported by ground ambulance to Adventist Health Tillamook Hospital with serious injuries. Leonnig received minor injuries. Hwy 101 was closed for approximately 3.5 hours following the crash.
Oregon has received its first shipments of Remdesivir, an experimental drug that has been used to treat patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19.
On May 12 and May 15, Oregon received allotments of the drug, which has not been formally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but is being used under a federally issued Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
The EUA allows health professionals to use the drug to treat some severely ill COVID-19 patients who meet clinical criteria. Remdesivir was developed by Gilead Sciences Inc. and has been tested in patients with various diseases, such as Ebola, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). According to Gilead’s website, “it is not known if remdesivir is safe and effective for the treatment of COVID-19.”
Preliminary clinical testing by the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease shows that some patients treated with the drug experienced faster recoveries.
“The Oregon Health Authority is committed to distributing Oregon’s allotment of remdesivir to Oregon hospitals for the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19 in accordance with the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization,” said Dr. Dana Hargunani, Chief Medical Officer. “Because of the experimental nature of the drug, shared decision-making between patients and providers is paramount, and informed consent must be obtained prior to its use.”
BLM begins to restore access to certain developed rec areas.
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is increasing recreational access in Oregon.
The BLM is working with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a case-by-case basis.
Visitors should expect differing levels of services and available facilities across Oregon.
Updates on affected Oregon BLM facilities can be found online at https://www.blm.gov/oregon-washington/covid-access-restrictions or by calling your local BLM office:
- Burns District: 541-573-4400, BLM_OR_BU_Mail@blm.gov
- Coos Bay District: 541-756-0100, BLM_OR_CB_Mail@blm.gov
- Lakeview District: 541-947-2177, BLM_OR_LV_Mailbox@blm.gov
- Medford District: 541-618-2200, BLM_OR_MD_Mail@blm.gov
- Northwest Oregon District: 503-375-5646, BLM_OR_NO_Mail@blm.gov
- Prineville District: 541-416-6700, BLM_OR_PR_Mail@blm.gov
- Roseburg District: 541-440-4930, BLM_OR_RB_Mail@blm.gov
- Vale District: 541-473-3144, BLM_OR_VL_Mail@blm.gov
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. Across the state, our operational approach will be to examine each facility, function, and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance. We continue to work closely with the Department of the Interior and are following CDC guidance to ensure public and employee spaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.
The restoration of access to BLM recreation sites will be gradual and in coordination with the state of Oregon and our local partners.
“We’re all in this together. BLM districts are ensuring that we’re taking the appropriate steps to protect the health and safety of our visitors and our recreation workforce,” said Jose Linares, Acting State Director for BLM Oregon/Washington. “Although we look forward to welcoming visitors back to our developed recreation facilities, we are asking for the public’s patience during this time of transition. We can’t stress enough that everyone should continue to follow guidance from the CDC and local officials when visiting their public lands.”
The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating on public lands prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health. The BLM encourages all visitors to incorporate the following outdoor recreation practices for safety and to avoid placing unnecessary strain on local communities and America’s public lands:
- If you are sick, stay home.
- Practice physical distancing and good hygiene. Follow CDC guidance on social distancing, maintaining at least six feet between you and those outside your immediate household. Avoid touching high-traffic surfaces.
- Stay close to home. The state is still discouraging non-essential travel; this is not the time to travel long distances to recreate. Be sure to bring enough food, water, sunscreen, etc., for the entire day so you can avoid unnecessary stops.
- Plan ahead to avoid crowds. Consider planning day trips during off-peak visitation times, such as early in the morning or on weekdays. Avoid crowding by not spending extra time in parking lots, at trailheads, or at boat launches. Launch one boat at a time to give others enough space to launch safely. Leave at least one parking space between your vehicle and the vehicle next to you.
- Come prepared. Visitors will likely find reduced or limited access to restrooms as the BLM begins restoring access at individual recreation sites and should bring their own soap/water/hand sanitizer and toilet paper.
- Leave no trace. Many BLM recreation sites are also likely to have reduced or suspended trash collection services at developed recreation sites. All visitors are expected to follow Leave No Trace practices, including packing out all items they packed in, such as toilet paper, disposable gloves and masks, and food refuse.
- Avoid unnecessary risks. Health care workers and first responders are working hard to keep us all safe. Visitors should avoid high-risk activities that could potentially put a strain on local first responders, medical providers, and/or search and rescue teams.
- Prevent wildfires. As the region enters the spring and summer months, the BLM asks visitors to use fire prevention practices and reminds visitors that the use of fireworks, target shooting with exploding targets, and fire tracer or incendiary devices is prohibited on BLM-administered public lands in Oregon.
- Be kind to others. The BLM is proud to play a role in restoring access to some of America’s backyard treasures and provide nearby communities with the opportunity to enjoy their public lands during these stressful times. We are all in this together, so please be considerate of and welcoming to other visitors from appropriate physical distances. Please be particularly kind to park staff during these challenging times and help them do their jobs by doing your part to take care of each other and our beloved outdoors.
Details and updates on operations will continue to be posted on our website, https://www.blm.gov/oregon-washington/covid-access-restrictions and social media channels. Updates about BLM operations will be posted on www.blm.gov.
On April 8, 2020 Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers served search warrants relating to an extensive investigation into multiple wildlife crimes.
The subject of the investigation is William Hollings (34) of Philomath.
Evidence was seized relating to the following crimes:
- Felon in Possession of Firearm
- Unlawful Take/Possession of Buck Deer
- Unlawful Take/Possession of Bull Elk
- Unlawful Take/Possession of Black Bear
- Unlawful Take/Possession of Cougar
- Lend/Borrow or Sell Big Game Tag
- Hunt Closed Season
- Hunt No Big Game Tag
- Fail to Properly Check in Cougar to ODFW
Fish and Wildlife Troopers located evidence of additional wildlife related crimes and three additional suspects.
On April 25, 2020 Fish and Wildlife Troopers served several more search warrants relating to these wildlife crimes.
These warrants involved:
Nicholas Lisenby (39) from Lebanon
Amanda Hughes (37) from Lebanon
Eric Hamilton (33) from Alsea
Evidence was seized relating to the following wildlife crimes:
- Unlawful Take/Possession of Buck Deer
- Unlawful Take/Possession of Bull Elk
- Unlawful Take/Possession of Black Bear
- Unlawful Take/Possession of Cougar
- Unlawful Take/Possession of Bobcat
- Lend/Borrow or Sell Big Game Tag
- Hunt Closed Season
- Hunt No Big Game Tag
Based on evidence seized or processed, troopers believe the three males participated in the unlawful take/possession of 27 big game animals within the last two years, with evidence indicating many of the animals were killed during closed season or prohibited hours.
Values attributed to Oregon’s wildlife by Oregon Revised Statute 496.075 could total $162,700.00 in restitution to the State of Oregon.
The listed crimes occurred throughout the following counties: Benton, Lane, Linn, Lincoln, Polk and Tillamook, and charges have been forwarded for consideration of prosecution.
Cash rewards are available for those leaving tips that lead to arrests.
How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP(677)
TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM – 5:00PM)
…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.
More Local Klamath Basin News Here.
The latest State of Oregon Covid-19 News & Preparedness Information Here.
Basin Discounts & Deals, Take-Out, Curbside, Delivery, Preferred Professionals.
Our Basin Life Facebook page Here