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.
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Klamath Basin Weather
Today Sunny, with a high near 86.
Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 84.
Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 76.
Friday A slight chance of showers after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 70.
Today’s Headlines
Klamath County Public Health (KCPH) officials reported six new cases of COVID-19 in the community on Monday. The local case count is 305. Last week’s count, including two new cases assigned to Saturday, was 22.
Statewide, The death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from yesterday and remains at 572. Oregon Health Authority reported 288 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of yesterday bringing the state total to 35,049.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (2), Clackamas (25), Columbia (5), Coos (4), Deschutes (11), Douglas (2), Jackson (14), Jefferson (3), Josephine (6), Klamath (3), Lane (33), Linn (7), Malheur (8), Marion (52), Morrow (1), Multnomah (61), Polk (3), Umatilla (7), Wasco (1), Washington (35) and Yamhill (5).
A 26 year old Klamath Falls man was taken into custody around 3am Monday morning and charged with two counts of Arson in the 2nd degree, and a parole violation. Dakota Adkisson is lodged in the Klamath County jail on three felony warrants. The arrest was made in connection with fires that were set at Diamond Home Improvement.
A case claiming the city of Tulelake, Federal Aviation Administration and Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma/Modoc Nation acted improperly in selling the land under the Tulelake Airport to the Modoc Tribe has been dismissed. The Tule Lake Committee, a group of Japanese-Americans who were incarcerated at the Tule Lake Segregation Center during World War II and their descendants, contested the legality of the sale of the airport. After hearing arguments, U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb of the Eastern District of California issued an order September 25, dismissing the Tule Lake Committee’s case. Because of COVID-19 protocols, the case was heard September 21 via Zoom. In the case filed earlier this year, the Tule Lake Committee disputed the legality of Tulelake airfield sale, which they asserted was “given away” for $17,500 to the Oklahoma-based tribe by Tulelake city council during a special meeting in 2018. The committee also alleged the FAA failed to address National Historic Preservation Act obligations for the historically significant incarceration camp site. The airport is located on land that was a large portion of the World War II incarceration camp.
In lieu of the 69th Annual Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair, the Fair Board and Staff, the Tulelake Rotary Club and dedicated community members came together to host a successful Youth Livestock Evaluation and Auction Sept. 12-13. This year’s evaluation and auction allowed 4-H, FFA and independent market exhibitors to show and sell their livestock projects in-person while allowing community members the opportunity to participate in this important, time-honored tradition. The evaluation and auction was approved by county and state health officials. A total of 74 livestock projects were each sold to the highest bidder. A multitude of purchasing and price support options, including a live-stream auction provided by DV Auctions, allowed buyers and spectators to participate in-person and from afar. In spite of challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, an unstable water year and a difficult economic environment, the contributions made by our communities exceeded the 2019 auction total by over $30,000.
The logging museum at Collier Memorial State Park has partially re-opened after a nearly four-week closure from the Two Four Two fire. The 146-acre outdoor museum near Chiloquin contains one of the largest collections of antique logging equipment in the country. The park campground and Williamson Day-use Area, including access to Spring Creek, will remain closed through at least part of 2021 while park staff clear trees that were damaged or knocked down in the fire. Restrooms will be open at the logging museum for travelers on Highway 97. The Two Four Two fire burned through the park the evening of Sep. 7, forcing a speedy evacuation for those camping in the park. The fire left the campground largely unscathed, thanks to fire protection measures taken in recent years. But it damaged beyond recovery much of the 400 acres of old growth ponderosa pine forest that surrounds the campground. The fire also destroyed a few park buildings and vehicles.
The Langell Valley Irrigation District will hold a Board of Directors’ meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at the district office, 9787 E. Langell Valley Rd. in Bonanza. A conference line will be open for the public at 1-503-300-6833, Code: 226777. Discussion topics will include operations and the Malone Dam.
For the first time in 22 years Oregon’s largest congressional district, which is reliably red in a blue state, will not have an incumbent listed on November’s ballot. U.S. Rep. Greg Walden’s retirement opened an opportunity for a new U.S. House representative. Although the Democratic candidate, Alex Spenser of Klamath Falls, said she feels she has an “excellent chance” at becoming the first Democratic Representative the historically conservative region has seen in four decades, Political experts say Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District race is practically a foregone conclusion for Cliff Bentz, a former Republican state senator, likely to emerge as the winner. The vast 2nd Congressional District is the largest in Oregon, covering roughly two-thirds of the state in rural eastern and central Oregon. It is the seventh largest district in the nation. The population of the area is 648,280, according to the 2000 U.S. Census. The district has been represented by Walden since he was first elected in 1998. Walden is the only Republican among Oregon’s congressional delegation of two senators and five representatives. During Walden’s 11 election cycles, the closest race was in 2018 when he won by 17 percentage points against Democrat Jamie McLeod-Skinner. In October Walden announced that he would retire in January 2021.
Around the state of Oregon
On Sunday, October 4, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on I-84 near milepost 64.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a Harley Davidson FXS motorcycle, operated by Jose Antonio Gutierrez (40) of Milton-Freewater, was eastbound when for unknown reasons the rear tire seized causing the bike to crash.
Gutierrez was transported by Life Flight to Emanuel Hospital where he was pronounced deceased on Monday, October 5, 2020.
Also on Sunday afternoon, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 16. Preliminary investigation revealed that a Peterbilt semi-truck, operated by Trevor Logan (28) of Grants Pass, was southbound when it struck a pedestrian. Logan was not injured and is cooperating with the investigation. The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. Her name will be released when it is appropriate. OSP was assisted by ODOT and Jackson County Fire District #5.
If you tend to get a cold every winter, you might be in luck. That history could mean you’re better prepared to fight off Covid-19 than people who typically swagger through the dreary months without a sniffle. A new study published in the peer-reviewed microbiology journal mBio concludes that the novel coronavirus activates memory B immune cells, which might help clear Covid-19. These cells also fight some seasonal colds, and they can survive for decades in the body, biding their time in the background until they’re needed to fight a virus. The study, which analyzed blood samples from 26 people recovering from mild-to-moderate cases of the novel coronavirus and 21 healthy, non-infected people, is the first to report that memory B cells recognize and react to SARS-CoV-2, or Covid-19.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 8.4 percent during the month of August. This represents a sizable decrease from the record high rate of 14.7 percent notched in April during the middle of the economic shutdown, but still millions of Americans remain unemployed. The hospitality industry has been particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of last year, over 14 million people (or 9.4 percent of all workers) were employed in accommodation and food services, which includes hotels, casinos, restaurants, and bars. However, the industry accounted for almost one-third of all job losses due to the pandemic. BLS data shows that the industry has gained back over 3.7 million jobs since April, but unemployment remains high, at 20.8 percent. The share of workers in restaurants and hospitality varies considerably on a geographic basis. Popular destinations among tourists like Nevada and Hawaii have the largest shares of workers in the sector. Over 22 percent of non-farm workers in Nevada are employed in the accommodation and food services industry, while Hawaii has over 17 percent. Nebraska and Connecticut have the lowest shares of workers in accommodation and food services, both at 7.6 percent. The analysis found that in Oregon, 9.6% of all workers are members of the accommodation and food services industry, which relies heavily on tourism.
Fire Prevention Week
Grants Pass Fire Rescue is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years —to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half (44%) of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.
“We know cooking fires can be prevented,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice-president of outreach and advocacy. “Staying in the kitchen, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.”
Grants Pass Fire Rescue encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme.
“The most important step you should take before making a meal is to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”
Grants Pass Fire Rescue wants to share safety tips to keep you from having a cooking fire.
- Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
- If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
- You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.
- Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
- Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Evan L. Lichty, died October 5, 2020. Lichty was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.
Lichty entered DOC custody on November 5, 2015, from Marion County. His earliest release date was September 22, 2022. Lichty was 87 years old. Next of kin has been notified.
DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.
A man is facing charges after allegedly breaking the window of a Portland Police patrol vehicle and pepper spraying an officer inside. The Portland Police Bureau says the officer was sitting inside his patrol vehicle doing paperwork around 9:30 yesterday morning when 41-year-old John B. Russell broke out his back window. Police say Russell then pepper sprayed the interior of the vehicle and ran to his car and drove off. Police stopped him about six blocks away and arrested him on multiple charges including assaulting a public safety officer.
Oregon is expected to add nearly 182,000 jobs over the next nine years. The Oregon Employment Department forecasts most of those jobs will be in health care because of the state’s aging population. Professional and Business services is second. Most of the jobs will be located in Central Oregon and the Portland area.
U-Pick pumpkin patches and COVID-19
One of the joys of living in Oregon is getting to visit local farms and pumpkin patches for Halloween activities. You may be wondering if these activities are safe this year. Here are some tips for staying safe at the pumpkin patch this autumn.
- Stay home if you’re sick or come into contact with someone who’s sick.
- Wear a mask if you can’t stay physically distant.
- Avoid crowded activities.
- Look for activities that you can do without being too close to others. Some farms may offer hayrides for one household at a time or a corn maze with large aisles that has clearly marked one-way traffic.
