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.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020
Klamath Basin Weather
Today Sunny, with a high near 89. Mostly clear overnight with a low of 56.
Thursday Sunny, with a high near 91.
Friday Sunny, with a high near 95.
Saturday Sunny, with a high near 88.
Today’s Headlines
Now with the most cases in Southern Oregon, in Klamath CountysSince June 12, the number of active cases of COVID-19 has quadrupled from 12 to 49 amid a “spike” around the state and nation, and successful contact tracing locally.
Klamath County Public Health (KCPH) officials report three new cases of COVID-19 in the community, bringing the total to 97.
Of the 97 cases, 52 have recovered. There are 45 active cases in Klamath County. As of this morning, 4,725 tests have been processed for Klamath County.
The recent growth in COVID-19 cases is largely due to successful contact tracing, according to a news release from KCPH. The tracing is conducted to identify and test those who have been exposed, KCPH public information officer Valeree Lane said in a news release. KCPH staff serve as contact tracers but could add more individuals to serve as tracers if needed.
Lane said there is no specific hot spot or demographic but that people in close connection to those who have had the virus now have the virus.
The state of Oregon’s death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from yesterday and remains at 192, the Oregon Health Authority reported this morning.
Oregon Health Authority reported 191 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of yesterday.
The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (25), Coos (1), Deschutes (2), Hood River (1), Jackson (1), Jefferson (2), Klamath (7), Lane (1), Malheur (2), Marion (17), Morrow (3), Multnomah (44), Polk (1), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (19), Union (19), Wasco (4), and Washington (42).
Today, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) released an update to the number of COVID-19 case investigators and contact tracers statewide, showing that Oregon counties now have 500 people able to carry out case investigations and contact tracing functions.
Many counties in Oregon continue to hire and train staff to be prepared for any surge in cases. This staffing estimate is based on county reports to OHA.
In addition to county staff, OHA has just under 100 staff ready to assist counties with case investigation and contact tracing in the event of an outbreak. Some of the OHA staff have been deployed to recent outbreaks in Union and Lincoln counties, along with state epidemiological resources and additional forms of support.
As of June 15, the current statewide total of county and state contact tracers is now about 600 people, an increase of 359 from a prior survey conducted in late April.
OHA also recently announced funding opportunities for Community Based Organizations (CBOs) throughout the state as part of the COVID-19 response, including working on contact tracing. OHA considers CBOs central to the success of this work to integrate methods, tactics and strategies that are most responsive to the needs of people of color, people with disabilities, immigrant and refugee communities, Tribes, Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers and LGBTQIA+ communities.
As you may have noticed, the flags in front of the City of Klamath Falls’ City Hall building are looking pretty “rough.”
An order was placed for new flags just as COVID-19 safety protocols were being implemented. Due to this, the flag manufacturer began making masks for first responders, which put their flag orders on hold. They are now working to catch up on their backlog of flag orders and the City is waiting patiently for our new flags to arrive. The city said via their Facebook page yesterday to please know that we, too, can’t wait to replace our existing flags and thank you all for your patience.
The fire danger level in Klamath and Lake counties rose to “Moderate” (blue) on Tuesday, according to the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP).
The National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) is a system used by fire managers to estimate the current fire danger for a given area. In Oregon, it often corresponds with restrictions intended to reduce the chances of human-caused wildfires.
SCOFMP raised the fire danger level to Moderate on Tuesday for Klamath and Lake counties, reflecting that “some wildfires may be expected.” Debris burning is prohibited, but officials did not announce any further restrictions on Tuesday.
The industrial fire precaution level (IFPL) remains at I, meaning that basic fire season requirements are in effect. A firewatch is required at all work-sites.
Chiloquin-based artist Natalie Ball has been selected as a 2020 Hallie Ford Fellow in the Visual Arts.
The Ford Family Foundation Monday named its 2020 Hallie Ford Fellows in the Visual Arts, recognizing three Oregon visual artists for demonstrated excellence, according to a news release.
A jury of five arts professionals from within and outside of Oregon selected Natalie Ball of Chiloquin, Iván Carmona of Portland, and Donald Morgan of Eugene from a competitive pool of 180 applicants. They will receive a $35,000 unrestricted award and will join 40 of their peers selected over the last 10 years as Hallie Ford Fellows.
The jurists individually reviewed and then collectively discussed the applicants. They determined that each awardee demonstrates a mastery of artistic practice that prepares them to step into rigorous and meaningful opportunities in the global contemporary art world. Serving on the panel were: Roger Hull, professor of art history emeritus, Willamette University; independent arts writer and curator (Salem, Oregon); Jenelle Porter, independent curator (Los Angeles, California); Claire Tancons, independent curator (Berlin, Germany); Kate Wagle, professor emeritus, University of Oregon; artist (Portland, Oregon); and Wallace Whitney, artist, curator, co-founder Canada Gallery (New York, New York).
Klamath County Freedom Celebration/Foundation announced planned community activities in celebration of the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday in Klamath Falls, according to a news release.
Activities planned include an Independence Day Drive-Thru Display car show in lieu of the traditional parade on Main Street, which will be limited to 40 entries. Entrant’s parking will be on the north of Main Street, while spectators in vehicles will be able to drive down Main Street to see display. During this event there will be no parking permitted on Main Street, except for vehicles entered in the event.
Sign-up for the Drive-thru event will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 4 on Spring Street at Sharky’s Shack, with the display available to the public from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event will also include a flyover by Kingsley Field aircraft and DJ music provided along Main Street.
More information is available at www.klamathfc.org.
Also on Saturday, July 4, a drive-in fireworks show will be held at the Klamath County Fairgrounds, starting at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks to commence at 10 p.m. It will be a vehicle-only show inside the RV and carnival area of the fairgrounds, utilizing proper spacing between vehicles
The Office of State Fire Marshal, the Oregon Fire Service, natural resource agencies, Oregon licensed fireworks wholesalers, and safety experts are asking Oregonians to “keep it legal and keep it safe” when using all fireworks.
The 2020 Oregon fireworks retail sales season opens June 23 and runs through July 6. The OSFM and its partners want everyone to know what fireworks are legal to use in Oregon without a permit, where they are allowed to be used, and how to use fireworks safely Residents who plan to visit public lands and parks for the July Fourth holiday are asked to leave all fireworks at home.
The use of fireworks is prohibited in national parks and forests, on Bureau of Land Management lands, on U.S. Fish and Wildlife properties, on state beaches, in state parks, and in state campgrounds. Oregon law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground, without a permit issued by the OSFM.
Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon, without a permit.
Around the State
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a young girl reported a possible abduction attempt in Butte Falls on Monday.
Deputies said that an 11-year-old girl was approached by a man she didn’t know as she walked out of a store in Butte Falls near the intersection of Broad and Fir. The man tried to get her in his vehicle, reportedly offering her a drink because “she looked thirsty” and then suggesting that he take her home in his truck.
The girl went back inside the store until she saw that the man was gone, then she asked an adult that she knew to walk her home.
Anyone with information on the identity or location of the man or vehicle, is asked to call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 541-774-8333 or ECSO dispatch at 541-776-7206 to speak to a deputy directly.
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is distributing $55,000,000 in COVID rental relief funds and $15,000,000 in Energy Assistance to local organizations statewide.
“Rental and energy assistance provides immediate relief to people in crisis,” said OHCS Executive Director Margaret Salazar, “I am very happy we were able to act swiftly to get these additional resources into communities to help our friends and neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet.”
At the June Joint Emergency Board meeting, state lawmakers unanimously allocated $95 million in Coronavirus Relief funds to OHCS for housing stabilization, rent assistance and energy assistance. $55,000,000 is dedicated to emergency rental assistance. These resources will augment the COVID Rent Relief Program announced by the state in May. Eligible tenants must have had their ability to pay rent impacted by the COVID pandemic and live at or below 80% in Area Media Income (AMI) of the county for which they reside.
“This rent relief will help to ease the financial strain on Oregon families who have been unable to pay rent due to COVID-19, but we have more work to do,” said Governor Kate Brown. “I will continue to work with legislative leaders, community partners, and Oregon Housing and Community Services to help Oregonians who are struggling financially to stay housed during this pandemic.”
The rental relief funds were distributed to Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the state. The Oregon Legislature also provided $15,000,000 in Energy Assistance to Oregonians financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Oregonians concerned about their ability to make upcoming rent payments or concerned about keeping the lights on should contact 211 to find out about assistance options in their area. CAAs and key partners are taking applications for assistance from residents in their service area. These services are provided free of charge by CAAs.
To find out how to access these resources in your area visit 211info.org or call 2-1-1. The full list of Community Action Agencies, funding allocation amounts and service territories with contact information can be found here.
Beginning today, Oregon lawmakers will meet in person at the Capitol for a special session.
Even though Marion County is still in Phase 2 of reopening with gatherings capped at 50 people, 90 lawmakers are expected to assemble in the building for hours of debate and votes, as well as in smaller committee meetings to work bills. Senate Democrats’ spokeswoman Amanda Kraus said the Capitol is considered a workplace and the session is not a “gathering.”
Democratic leaders want to stick to the 25-person gathering limit by cycling lawmakers through the House and Senate floors in batches to carry bills and vote on them, with a handful of leaders from each party caucus remaining on the floor.
They plan to keep the Capitol closed to the public while streaming all meetings online and on screens outside the building, with opportunities to testify in writing and via telephone or videoconference call.
For Oregonians who have not yet received their Economic Impact Payment, filing their taxes may help them receive it.
The federal and state income tax filing deadline due to COVID-19 has been extended to July 15, 2020. Many people have not reveived this payment even though it’s been available for several months. All you have to do is file your taxes if you haven’t already. If you’re not required to file, visit irs.gov and use the “non-filers” tool to register for your payment.
Filing your taxes also might help you access extra money through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
The EITC can be a boost to you, your family, and community. If you worked last year and had income of less than $55,952 you may be eligible for the EITC. Even if you aren’t required to file a tax return, you may qualify for refundable credits. You can also file for the Earned Income Tax Credit for the past three years by filing a return, or amending a previously filed return.
In Oregon, 245,000 people received more than $524 million with an average amount of $2,139 from the Earned Income Tax Credit in 2019. But, potentially, many more were eligible.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a social media post in which someone reported finding a noose at Whistler’s Bend park.
The post said it was found outside of a yurt over the weekend.
Authorities said they take reports of potential hate crimes seriously and will investigate “aggressively.”
At this time, the sheriff’s office has not been contacted by the person who posted the picture.
The State of Oregon has reached an agreement with several health insurance companies to continue providing expanded telehealth options through at least Dec. 31, 2020.
The agreement follows guidance issued by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and the Oregon Health Authority in late March requiring health insurance plans of all types to provide coverage for multiple telehealth platforms at the same rate as an in-person visit to limit in-person health care services.
This means health insurance companies will continue to provide coverage for expanded telehealth services for Oregonians and pay for these services at the rates they established during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to several major companies, the Oregon Health Plan will continue to offer pay parity and other allowances for many telehealth services, offering the same rate as an in-person visit for physical health services, behavioral health services, and some dental and long-term care services.
The Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority are upgrading the eligibility system Oregonians use to apply for health coverage.
The upgrade is the first milestone in a larger project to make it easier for Oregonians to apply for health and human services benefits.
As we transition from the old system to the new one, there are two important considerations to be aware of:
- The online application will be unavailable from July 2-5 while the upgrade is in progress.
- Online applications that are not submitted by 4:00 p.m. PDT on July 2, 2020, cannot be transferred to the new system during the upgrade and will have to be restarted.
For Oregonians applying for Oregon Health Plan benefits online, it is important to complete those applications by July 2 or wait to start the application after July 6. Paper applications and applications completed over the phone are not impacted.
Oregonians can contact customer service at 1-800-699-9075 (TTY 711) to apply over the phone or request that an application be mailed to them. They can also download, print and mail a paper application. Both options are available in multiple languages.
After July 6, Oregonians can apply for the Oregon Health Plan online.
The Oregon ONE system will continue to be upgraded, in phases, through February 2021. Once the system is fully updated, all Oregonians will be able to use a single online application to apply for cash, childcare, food and medical benefits. They will also have the option to apply for any of these programs over the phone or in person at any local Aging and People with Disabilities, Area Agency on Aging or Self-Sufficiency Programs office that provides those benefits.
“This upgrade is just the first step in improving the way the state delivers health and human services benefits to Oregonians and their families,” said DHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht.
Please visit the DHS Benefits and Assistance page to learn more about the programs available to qualifying Oregonians.
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