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.
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Klamath Basin Weather
Today Sunny, with a high near 90.
Thursday Sunny, with a high near 88.
Friday Sunny, with a high near 87.
Saturday Sunny, with a high near 86.
Today’s Headlines
Oregon reports 299 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, eight new deaths
COVID-19 has claimed eight more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 555, the Oregon Health Authority reported today. OHA also reported 299 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 33,291.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (8), Clackamas (28), Clatsop (2), Columbia (3), Coos (1), Crook (1), Deschutes (7), Douglas (7), Jackson (11), Jefferson (4), Josephine (5), Klamath (10), Lane (32), Linn (4), Malheur (9), Marion (49), Morrow (4), Multnomah (52), Polk (3), Umatilla (11), Wallowa (1), Washington (41), and Yamhill (5).
The Klamath Falls Christian schools, Triad and Hosanna Christian have merged together. The original merger which took effect when classes began this fall has K-3 students attending in person and distance learning is in place for grades 4-12.
Steve Hamlin is the principal for both campuses, which this year will continue at the buildings that housed Triad and Hosanna. Plans are in the works to have one unified campus at the former Hosanna Christian school for the 2021-2022 school year.
For now, Hosanna will be known as the Gatewood campus and Triad called the Altamont campus.
“There are other Christian schools in the Basin, but for these two to come together is a pretty big deal,” Hamlin said.
Last winter, a feasibility study dug deeper into both schools’ mission and purpose.
“What we found is we’re way, way more alike than we are different,” Hamlin said. “Can we be better together? … the answer was yes.”
Each campus has a vice principal, both of whom are overseen by Hamlin.
School board members from each former school have come together to form the Hosanna-Triad School board while committees look into rebranding as a new, unified school. That includes coming up with a new name, new mascot and new school colors.
Hamlin brings an understanding and appreciation for both Hosanna and Triad to his role of helping coordinate the merger, as well as 35 years experience in education. He previously served as head administrator of Triad, and served as principal at Henley Middle School and at the former Altamont School. Hamlin is putting that experience to good use as school committees consider numerous ways to transition to one unified identity.
Tim Moore, who served on the former Hosanna school board, emphasized unity in the merger and that the Gatewood campus provides the best venue for the unified school.
“This is absolutely in no way Hosanna taking over Triad,” Moore said.
The Altamont campus, formerly called Triad School, is owned by Klamath Falls City Schools. The building lease is renewed through summer 2021, and the building is for sale. The former Hosanna campus is owned by the school and is seen as the best longterm venue for students.
“The hope is that when you walk into our school a year from now, that there will be evidence of tradition and success that both schools have been able to achieve,” Hamlin said.
But that’s not to say that everything about the transition to one school identity will be easy — or immediate.
“Blessed are the flexible, we say at school,” Hamlin said with a laugh.
Not one of the Beatitudes named by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, but “flexibility” is Hamlin’s attitude about navigating the merger.
“One of the issues that we’re going to work through this year is (that) Triad’s on a four day week (and) Hosanna’s on a five-day week,” Hamlin said. He noted the schedule next year will need to bridge that difference.
Hosanna is a non-denominational school while Triad has always been a ministry of Bible Baptist Church. Working through potential religious differences will be part of the transition to a unified school.
“Both schools are making sacrifices to make this new school successful,” Hamlin added. “When you come together, both sides … they’re giving up some things (that) they knew to be theirs.”
He acknowledges the change can be hard for alumni, too.
“It’s extremely important for alumni to not forget who we were,” Hamlin said. “They’re loyal and you expect that.”
The schools have one of the most storied football rivalries in the Klamath Basin, which culminates each fall with the the “Holy War” matchup. That rivalry is over, Hamlin said, though the competitive, unified spirit will remain.
Hosanna’s football coach Jim Johnston will take over the combined varsity football program, and Triad’s varsity basketball coach Jason Young will lead the combined basketball program. Coaches from both former schools will make up the staff for all sports. The baseball program between the two schools were already combined in recent years.
Moore emphasizes that the merger is not just about sports, however. Band, music and other activities will get a boost as well from the shared resources that a merger provides. For example, he floated the possibility of more interest in a combined FFA chapter.
“It’s not about us generating a powerhouse,” Moore said. “This is about the actual goals of the school.”
Committees will look at a variety of issues, including the rebranding and the determination of a new curriculum.
“You put two schools together, whose curriculum are you going to use?” Hamlin said. “I mean those are things that we’re working through.”
Hamlin spent much of his career serving in public schools. he said he wants those students to be able to transfer to the new unified, private school, still retain a high standard of academic excellence while also teaching the Bible. He also wants to create more opportunities for students, including offerings of martial and culinary arts, robotics and more. Plans for holding activities such as joint chapel services and even prom together are in the works.
“When you get more students, you also get more staff,” Hamlin said. “It allows us more options for kids. We’re able to offer some things when we come together that we couldn’t do on our own.”
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Kenny Rogers Tribute Show at the Ross Ragland Theater this weekend
Robin Schwartz puts the “R” in Rogers on Oct. 1st, 2nd and 3rd @ 7:30pm at the Ross Ragland Theater!
Robin will swoon you with Kenny Rogers greatest hits as a solo country star and as a 60’s protest rocker with his band “Kenny Rogers and the First Edition.” From “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town”, and “I Just Dropped In”; to his iconic country hits “The Gambler” and “Lucille.
The band includes local legends Marv Strom on guitar, Paul Walborn on bass, Devin Walden on drums, David Huckins on keys, and Schwartz’s long-time performance partner Greg Dunton on guitar, with a surprise or two up his sleeve! A special guest appearance will be made by renowned local folk singer Bonnie Hay. Bonnie will be performing a couple of duets with Schwartz as well as a song of her own. This show was originally scheduled for May but was canceled due to Covid-19.
In the interim, Mr. Rogers passed away, making this tribute show even more poignant. Schwartz other shows have included tributes to Tony Bennett and Neil Diamond, and, with Dunton, The Smothers Brothers, Simon and Garfunkle, and numerous other musical/comedy revues. They adhere to a formula that always includes quality music, humor, and audience participation.
Tickets are $20.00 with Student, Senior and Military discounts available and can be purchased at rrtheater.org, by calling 541-884-LIVE or stopping by our Box Office M-F from 12-5.
Fire season is not over. Though last week’s rain washed the smoke from the air and cooler temperatures over the weekend made some folks break out their jeans and sweaters, the Klamath Basin still has to get through the rest of fire season.
Sunday night’s ignition of more large fires in Northern California is a painful reminder that there are still millions of acres ripe for burning — and that serious fire weather hasn’t gone away just yet.
The National Weather Service’s Medford office has issued a red flag warning through for much of Jackson County, western Klamath County, northern and western Siskiyou County and western Modoc County including Tulelake.
Jennifer Case, public information officer for the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership, said temperatures are expected to climb back into the mid and upper 80s this week with poor overnight recoveries in relative humidity. Temperatures are warmer than normal for this time of year, which would typically see highs in the mid to upper 70s. While temperatures will drop into the 40s and even upper 30s at night, relative humidity — which helps slow the spread of fire — likely won’t top 60 percent after sundown.
“That’s very poor for our area, especially for this time of year,” Case said. “We typically see full recoveries at night. A cooler day doesn’t mean the fuels are not dry if you don’t get any moisture with the cool down.”
With daytime humidity hovering around 15 percent, nighttime moisture is crucial to counteract dry air and vegetation. When that doesn’t happen, a fire can engulf shrubs and trees much more easily without a shield of humidity to dampen it.
The energy release component, essentially a measure of how much vegetation has dried up and become highly flammable, dropped dramatically since Sept. 17 thanks to rain, cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity at night. But it began to rise again on Sunday, and Case said it likely won’t fall again until cooler temperatures arrive next month.Case said it’s easy to think a couple days of rain and cooler temperatures can reduce or eliminate the threat of new fires, but last week’s fall-like conditions didn’t provide enough water to stop those fuels from drying up.
| Friends of The Ross Ragland Theater: During these challenging times, we are still committed to delivering premiere entertainment, incredible after school education programs, our community productions, and the lighting of our magnificent tower. This is a new way you can help support the ongoing efforts of the Ross Ragland Theater to continue to be the cultural gem of our community, AT NO COST TO YOU! We’ve partnered with Express Feedback for Good™ to bring you a way to create over $10,000 for our theater without spending a dollar. Express Feedback for Good™ is a platform for people to create funding about a cause they’re passionate about. For you, it’s an easy, free, and impactful way to support our theater with a only few minutes of your day. |
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Downtown Klamath County Library
- Harry Potter Month! Each week, pick up a different craft kit at the Youth Services desk, then join us for the tie-in live event on Zoom each Friday at 4 pm! (Zoom connection details will be in your craft kit.)
- Week One, starting September 28th: Wands
- Week Two, starting October 5th: Pygmy Puff Pets
- Week Three, starting October 12th: Monster Books
- Week Four, starting October 19th: Slime
- Week Five, starting October 26th: House Pride Bookmarks
- Harry Potter Escape Room! We’ve crafted a tricky text-adventure escape room game! Test your wits at maxdcrow.itch.io/hogwarts-escape – if you succeed, stop by the Youth Services desk for a prize!
…as well as our ongoing online activities:
- Camp Write Stuff: Weekdays at 9 am. Join fellow authors each morning to bounce ideas – or just leverage a little friendly peer pressure to make yourself finish that fic you’ve been procrastinating on. (You know the one.) For ages 12-18. Email Sarah at smiller@klamathlibrary.org for the link to join!
- Virtual Storytime: Tuesdays at 11 am. We go live on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/KlamathCountyLibrary, each week with stories, games, and surprisingly catchy songs. (Don’t worry if you miss us live – we host a recording of each Virtual Storytime on our Facebook page.)
- Teen Dungeons & Dragons: Tuesdays. We have everything you need to play – just bring a healthy dose of imagination! We have three different playgroups: one from 1 pm to 3 pm, another from 3 pm to 5 pm, and one from 5 pm to 7 pm. Email Sarah at smiller@klamathlibrary.org to get your character started!
- Teen Art Hour: Wednesdays at 3:30 pm. Hang out and make art together! (Running low on art supplies? Stop by the Youth Services desk for a kit.) Email Sarah at smiller@klamathlibrary.org for the link to join.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons Hour: Thursdays at 4 pm. We gather in the Nintendo Switch game to trade items, admire each other’s outfits, and more! Email Vesta at vkerns@klamathlibrary.org for the code to enter our Animal Crossing island.
- Storytime Live: Fridays at 11 am. Do you like our Facebook live storytimes, but wish you could join in? Katie’s got an interactive storytime for you! Register once at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkcuuorDMoGNNV3QU2Xi5nmIhPqvpjjyQR and you’ll have access to a whole month of Storytime Live gatherings. Email Katie at khart@klamathlibrary.org if you need help connecting to Zoom.
- Teen Fan Club: Fridays at 3:30 pm. Because libraries are more than just books, our “book club” for teens celebrates media of all kinds! From novels to manga, movies to K-Pop, let’s chat about it all. Email Sarah at smiller@klamathlibrary.org to join.
- Lemon Brick Studios Comics Club: October 10th from noon to 3 pm. Our ongoing comics club for artists and writers in sixth through 12th grade hangs out online on the second Saturday of every month! Email Sarah at smiller@klamathlibrary.org or club advisor Professor Franny at franny.howes@gmail.com to get the link to join in.
- Teen Discord! Did you know the Klamath County Library has a Discord server for teens to hang out! It’s true! The conversations happening there inspire quite a bit of our online events. Email Sarah at smiller@klamathlibrary.org for the server info.
For more information, please call 541-882-8894, visit the Youth Services desk, or see our calendar at klamathlibrary.org/calendar.
Around the state of Oregon
MEDFORD PODIATRIST PLEADS GUILTY TO POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE BY FRAUD
Patrick T. Code, 60, pleaded guilty today to a one count information charging Obtaining Possession of a Controlled Substance through Misrepresentation, Fraud, Forgery, Deception and Subterfuge.
“Substance addiction is a public safety and health crisis for this community, and no one is immune from the ravages of addiction including professionals in health care. However, the defendant’s conduct in illegally obtaining and using powerful drugs while acting as a trusted health care provider is particularly alarming”, said United States Attorney Williams. “This case was brought in order to protect the community from the ongoing risk to patients posed by the defendant’s actions.”
According to court documents, for several years between June 2016 and May 2019, the defendant wrote prescriptions for 2,876 – 50 mg tablets of tramadol and 78-10 mg tablets of zolpidem using the names of fake patients or the names and information of relatives who were not aware of the prescriptions. The defendant acquired the controlled substances from pharmacies falsely claiming the drugs were for others and used the drugs to feed his own drug addiction
Code faces a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 1 year of supervised release. Code will be sentenced on December 3, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge Ann L. Aiken.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking the public’s assistance with obtaining identifying information regarding an unknown male who may have critical information pertaining to the identity of a child victim in an ongoing sexual exploitation investigation.
Photographs and an informational poster depicting the unknown individual, known only as John Doe 42, are being disseminated to the public and can be found online at the FBI website at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/ecap/unknown-individual—john-doe-42.
Initial video of the unidentified male, John Doe 42, shown with a child were first recorded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in August of 2019. The EXIF data embedded within the video files indicated that the files were produced in October of 2015.
John Doe 42 is described as a White male with gray hair and wearing a red and black plaid shirt. He is heard speaking English in the video. Due to the age of the images, it is possible that the individual’s appearance may have changed over the years. Anyone with information to provide should submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov or call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). The public is reminded no charges have been filed in this case and the pictured individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This individual is being sought as part of the FBI’s Operation Rescue Me and Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) initiatives, both of which represent strategic partnerships between the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Impacted individuals and households who reside or have a business located in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion counties are eligible for the relief. Taxpayers in localities added later to the individual assistance disaster areas, as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will be eligible to receive the same relief.
If you are a victim of Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds, any penalty and interest imposed for late filing or late payment related to due dates that fall on or after September 7, 2020 and before January 15, 2021 will be waived if you file and pay by January 15, 2021. If you receive a billing or adjustment notice from Revenue related to a late filing or late payment caused by a disaster situation, follow the instructions in the notice to request a waiver of penalty and interest.
The Oregon relief applies to all affected taxpayers who are filing any income, payroll, and excise taxes originally due during the relief period. See our website for a list of qualifying tax programs and frequently asked questions.
Copies of past tax records
Affected taxpayers who need to obtain copies of Oregon tax records will be able to receive replacements free of charge. To obtain copies of critical tax records on file with the Oregon Department of Revenue, please call us at 800-356-4222. These records may include copies of prior tax returns filed with the department, information returns such as W-2s and 1099s, and notices that we’ve issued.
Updating taxpayer information
Affected taxpayers may also need to update their account information, such as an address or phone number. Address changes can be made by calling 800-356-4222, logging into Revenue Online, or by filling out and submitting a change of address form on the Revenue website www.oregon.gov/dor.
Regarding collections
Taxpayers should not skip or reduce current payments. Those who are unable to pay their debt in full can resolve outstanding debt and avoid automated collection by arranging a payment agreement with the department. Those unable to comply with their existing payment agreement between now and January 15, 2021 can request a modification to their payment plan by calling the department at least five business days before their payment due date.
Taxpayers can find agency contact information, more tax resources, tools, and COVID-19 or wildfire relief tax information at www.oregon.gov/dor or by calling 800-356-4222 or 503-378-4988.
This relief follows the IRS’s announcement on September 16, 2020 that victims of Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds now have until January 15, 2021 to file and pay various individual and business taxes.
Details on the federal relief can be found at www.irs.gov/newsroom under “Tax Relief in Disaster Situations.”
To get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments, visit www.oregon.gov/dor or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. You also can call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing- or speech-impaired), we accept all relay calls.
FATAL CRASH ON HWY 138W – DOUGLAS COUNTY
On Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at approximately 1:15 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 138W near MP 23A.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a Toyota Rav, operated by Sara Myers (45) from Sutherlin, was westbound slowing to turn south (left) onto Dovetail Lane when an also westbound Honda motorcycle, operated by Keith Berry (34) from Sutherlin, attempted to pass. The Honda motorcycle crashed into the drivers side of the Toyota Rav.
Berry and his passenger, Caylla Ritchie (27) from Roseburg, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased.
Myers was transported by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center with serious injuries.
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) received federal approval to issue Pandemic EBT benefits in September to promote increased food security for families who receive no-cost meals through participation in the United States Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch Program.
Benefits will start being distributed Sept. 28 for an estimated total amount of more than $35.6 million in federal money. Recipients may see two deposits on their Oregon EBT card – an initial deposit of $100 and a second deposit for all students receiving an amount over $100. Amounts vary by the school district.
“These additional federal funds provide much needed assistance for our families as they manage the transition back to school,” said Dan Haun, ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs Director. “We hope these benefits bring some relief to families facing today’s uncertainties.”
“Child Nutrition Programs know that the P-EBT benefit plays a crucial role in supporting students’ nutritional needs during this time of crisis and change,” ODE School Nutrition Program Manager, Damasita Sanchez said. “We appreciate the partnership with DHS to provide this critical support for Oregon communities.”
Students must be enrolled in an eligible school for the 2020-21 school year to be eligible for September P-EBT. There is no application process for this benefit.
Eligible students who receive Oregon SNAP benefits, or were mailed an Oregon EBT card with P-EBT benefits in the past, will receive their September P-EBT benefits on their existing Oregon EBT card. Families who lost their Oregon EBT card can request a new one by calling their local ODHS office. New Oregon EBT cards will be mailed in October.
Many families eligible for P-EBT are also eligible for on-going food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and are encouraged to check eligibility and apply at https://apps.state.or.us/onlineApplication/#NewClientAccount.
Eligible students will receive up to $176 depending on their school’s start date. Visit https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/assistance/food-benefits/pages/p-ebt.aspx for details.
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 https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1.
New State of Oregon Wildfire-Affected Business Information
The Small Business Navigator provides current information for businesses affected by Covid-19 and wildfires. Call them at 833-604-0880. Additional wildfire-related information can be found at http://wildfire.oregon.gov.
In response to a federal disaster declaration, the Small Business Administration is accepting applications for federal disaster loans to businesses and private nonprofits in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Marion counties. Find more information here.
Affected by wildfire, winds, and smoke? If you’re concerned about your business/nonprofit registry with Secretary of State Corporation Division, just email corporation.division@oregon.gov.
Wildfire Resources for Employees
The Oregon Employment Department is currently working with FEMA and the U.S. Department of Labor to implement Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for those affected by the Oregon wildfires. The agency is waiting for federal approvals. Employees impacted by the wildfires can get information about unemployment here.
Free Small Business Training & Resources
The Small Business Advocacy Team regularly conducts free, educational seminars online. These seminars are available for anyone to attend. Recordings of presentations are available on our YouTube channel. Register to participate in a live webinar online.
Learn about topics ranging from Covid-19 resources for businesses to the difference between independent contractors and employees. Doing business from home? Check out the webinar on Business Licenses and Home Occupations.
If you have questions or concerns about state or local government, contact the Small Business Advocacy Team or visit their website.
E-Notices for your business
You’ve been asking for the Secretary of State to email reminders to file your annual report and/or renew your Assumed Business Name instead of mailing them through USPS.
To opt in for emailed or email and paper reminders, go online to this website or click on the image to the right. Choose Sign Up Now and follow the prompts. Our system sends you a validation email. Follow the instructions in the email to validate, and then you’ll be set up. Email corporation.division@oregon.gov with questions.
Les Schwab Tire Center and Oregon FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) have partnered for a Drive Away Hunger Initiative to collect food and raise hunger awareness for the month of October.
The Drive Away Hunger initiative is one that Oregon FFA and Les Schwab Tire Centers have been partnering on annually since 2015. Each year Oregon FFA members, advisors, volunteers, Les Schwab employees, and our partnering stores across Oregon have worked together to increase the impact of the initiative.
Through Saturday, Oct. 31, non-perishable food donations can be dropped at any Les Schwab Tire Center, Wilco, or Grange Coop store. Last year the Oregon FFA’s Drive Away Hunger initiative helped raise 580,084 pounds of food, equal to 435,171 meals. The Oregon FFA is part of the National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America. It is a national youth organization of 760,113 student members, all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture. There are 8,739 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Oregon FFA is made up of more than 11,000 members in 114 chapters throughout the state.
Salem – Oregon Insurance Commissioner Andrew Stolfi will host the statewide virtual Wildfire Insurance Town Hall on Thursday, Oct. 1, at noon.
He will be joined by representatives from the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation to answer common questions about wildfire insurance, the claims process, and how the division can help Oregonians.
Everyone affected by the wildfires are encouraged to tune in to the live stream on the division’s video webpage. You can also listen to the town hall by calling 888-808-6929 (toll-free), access code 1369311.
“Our goal for the wildfire town hall is to provide Oregonians with important information they can use right now to take some initial steps toward recovery,” said Stolfi, who is also the director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “Recovery will take time, but we are here to help Oregonians through every phase of their insurance claim.”
Oregonians can submit questions before the town hall. The commissioner and division representatives will answer as many questions as possible during the event.
The town hall will be recorded and captioned in both English and Spanish for people who have difficulty hearing, as well as many of those who are not native English speakers. That recording will be made available as soon as the captioning is complete.
The division’s wildfire insurance page has resources and contact information to help answer many wildfire insurance questions. The division is also prepared to help people in any language they choose. Visit dfr.oregon.gov/help for more information.
…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.
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