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.
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Klamath Basin Weather
Today Smokey skies amid the sunshine with a high around 75.
Friday A slight chance of showers after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 73.
Saturday A chance of rain before noon, then showers after noon. High near 57. Overnight some showers likely with a low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.
Columbus Day Monday Areas of frost before 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 69.
Today’s Headlines
COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 583, the Oregon Health Authority reported on Wednesday. Oregon Health Authority reported 305 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of today, bringing the state total to 35,634.
The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (3), Benton (4), Clackamas (22), Columbia (7), Coos (6), Crook (1), Deschutes (11), Douglas (3), Jackson (21), Jefferson (1), Josephine (6), Klamath (2), Lake (1), Lane (53), Lincoln (1), Linn (31), Malheur (5), Marion (25), Morrow (1), Multnomah (43), Polk (3), Tillamook (5), Umatilla (13), Wallowa (2), Wasco (4), Washington (26) and Yamhill (5).
According to the OHA, two new cases are from Klamath County included in the state totals.
In nearby Medford, an outbreak of 21 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at McDonald’s (245 Barnett Rd, Medford) in Jackson County. The case count includes all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to an employee. The outbreak investigation started on Sept.6, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure. State and county public health officials are working with the business to address the outbreak and protect the health of workers.
Josephine County covering Grants Pass had 6 new cases overnight bringing their total to 234.Of the 234 total cases, 28 are currently presumptive and 206 are confirmed. As of 9 a.m. Oct. 8, Public Health is actively monitoring 36 cases, with the remaining patients considered no longer infectious.
Smokey skies will cover Klamath Falls today as the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality advisory for southwest and south-central Oregon through Friday.
The smoke is coming from wildfires in northern California and the Slater Fire, which continues to burn along the Oregon-California border south of Cave Junction.
The advisory covers Klamath, Lake, Jackson, Josephine and eastern Douglas Counties. The release said smoke will most likely be thickest at night and in the mornings throughout the week, with some afternoon and evening clearing.
Prolonged smoke exposure can cause eye and lung irritation, especially in children, those over 65, pregnant people and people with pre-existing respiratory and heart conditions. During periods of thick smoke, avoid outdoor activity and keep windows and doors closed.
Most face masks do not filter out smoke particles and are therefore not a protection during air quality advisories, save for properly-fitted N95 masks. For real-time air quality measurements, visit the EPA’s AirNow.gov or download the OregonAIR smartphone app.
The City of Klamath Falls is pleased to announce the creation of a Business and Non-Profit Emergency Assistance Grant program.
In partnership with our local business partners, the Klamath Falls Downtown Association and the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Klamath Falls has created the Emergency Business Assistance Grant and the Emergency Non-Profit Assistance Grant for up to $1,000 to aid in recovery from financial impact as a direct result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and COVID-related rules.
The Grant Program is intended to provide short-term funds to businesses and non-profits who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will be accepted starting today, October 6, 2020 and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on October 20, 2020. The funds must be utilized for items such as rent/mortgage payment, utilities, or compliance with COVID-19 regulations and for up to the maximum of $1,000 per business or non-profit. The application form can be found online at www.klamathfalls.city. It is strongly encouraged for all applications to be submitted online.
Members of the city’s equity task force asked Klamath Falls City Council on Monday to consider making an official declaration denouncing racism and declaring it and economic inequity a public health crisis in Klamath Falls.
Council members allowed the task members to make the ask during the designated public comment period, then stated they plan to put the item on a future agenda to review as a formal resolution. The task force was appointed by city council following a May 31 demonstration in downtown Klamath Falls, which included Black Lives Matter supporters as well as individuals who were concerned about the potential for property damage and ties to Antifa — rumors which were unsubstantiated by local law enforcement. Council member Kendall Bell asked task force members on Monday to clarify what it would mean to declare a health crisis.
Klamath Falls City Council also approved a resolution to give $188,000 in funding from a COVID-19 relief fund to local groups, including: $8,000 to provide internet access to homeless youth, $50,000 for Klamath and Lake Community Access Services (KLCAS) for utility assistance, $100,000 for local businesses, and $30,000 for non-profits.
It authorized the recommendation to OLCC of an off-premises liquor license for Fairfield Inn & Suites, which is slated to open in the TimberMill Shores development. The license would allow hotel guests to buy beer and wine to take to their rooms, and, authorized the recommendation to OLCC of a full on-premises liquor license for a new restaurant opening at what housed the former Biagio’s Bar and Grill at Harbor Isles Golf Course.
Even though education is mostly virtual these days, the Assistance League of Klamath Basin is partnering once again with local schools to provide new shoes and clothing for local students.
Operation School Bell is the league’s primary philanthropic program. Its purpose is to provide new, school-appropriate clothing for children in need in the Klamath Basin, including across the state border in Tulelake. According to board member Kathy Roberts, the new, clean clothing helps promote learning, school attendance and the self-worth of area youth. Children who participate in the event are selected by their schools, and are chosen based on need.
Elementary through high school students are gifted a certificate worth $120-$125 that they can take to the Fred Meyer store in Klamath Falls. Roberts said 930 children benefited from the program in 2019, and she noted that “well over 1,000” will take part this year.
Klamath County Fire District No. 1 partnered with the National Fire Protection Association, the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week, to promote this year’s fire prevention week campaign: “Serve up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.”
The campaign works to educate the community 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. 44% of reported home fires start in the kitchen and 66% of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, KCFD1 and community partners are unable to hold the annual fire prevention week extravaganza at KCC. However, a virtual extravaganza will be held to include a daily safety message, a series of virtual videos, and many fun activities. Several of the videos were made at the KCFD1 fire stations by local firefighter and EMS crews.
Voter pamphlets and ballots will be arriving to registered Oregon voters in Klamath County soon, according to the Klamath County Clerk’s Office.
Voters’ pamphlets are expected to be delivered to every household between Oct. 5-9, while ballots will be mailed on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The last day to register to vote in the Nov. 3 general election is Tuesday, Oct. 13. Online registration is available at oregonvotes.gov or at the County Clerk’s office at 305 Main St.
Completed ballots must be received in the Elections Office or any official drop site no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day. All ballots will now include a pre-paid postage return envelope; it is recommended that voters mail in their ballot no later than Wednesday, Oct. 28. All ballots come from local county offices; no ballots will be sent from Washington D.C. or Salem. A list of approved official drop-sites is listed on the back of the ballots as well as at www.klamathcounty.org/685/Drop-Sites.
If a ballot is not received by Tuesday, Oct. 20 contact the Klamath County Clerk Office at 541-883-5134 or at elections@klamathcounty.org or visit the Clerk Office.
Friends of the Children are offering a week-long scavenger hunt intended to provide a fun and engaging activity for individuals, couples and families while raising funds for child mentoring will take place Oct. 23-30.
The socially distancing-friendly event tasks participants with posting selfies from a variety of historic, cultural and natural sites around Klamath. Each photo submitted earns a raffle ticket for a chance at seven daily prizes and three grand prizes. Additional raffle tickets will be awarded for wearing Halloween costumes and completion of bonus challenges.
Grand prizes include $400 in gift cards to local restaurants, a two-night cabin stay and pontoon rental at Lake of the Woods Resort, and a two-night stay and four rounds of golf at Running Y Ranch Resort. Teams of up to five people may register for $25 per team.
The Board of Directors of EagleRidge High School, an Oregon Nonprofit Corporation, will hold a Board Meeting on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at 4:00 pm at EagleRidge High School, 677 South Seventh Street, Klamath Falls, Oregon.
The meeting may also be attended virtually via the Zoom link. The meeting agenda includes discussion of CACFP Administrative Review, PPP Loan Forgiveness update, submission of goals and action plan by Executive Director and update on the school year activities and funding. The Board may also consider other business brought before the board. EagleRidge High School was established to create and implement an autonomous, high achieving and equitable small high school in collaboration with the Klamath Falls City School District pursuant to the Oregon Charter School law. The meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Oregon Public Meetings law.
SAIF DIVIDEND
In June, SAIF announced a $100 million dividend for nearly 50,000 employers statewide.
The checks are going out this week, and policyholders in Klamath County will be receiving nearly $1.2 million. That does not include state agencies.
Around the state of Oregon
Oregon State Police is releasing the names of the victims in Monday’s shooting on the 4500 block of Redwood Avenue in Grants Pass. 34-year-old Curtis Carr was pronounced deceased.
36-year-old Crystal Hall was taken to the hospital and since been released. Both victims are from Grants Pass. Oregon State Police says on Monday, October 5, 2020 at around 1:05 a.m. deptuties from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 4500 block Redwood Avenue for a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, Deptuties and Troopers from the Oregon State Police located Hall who suffered gunshot wounds. Deputies and Troopers were able to get her to an ambulance. While checking an associated marijuana grow, Deputies and Troopers located Carr who had also suffered at least one gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital but was later prounounced dead. This incident is still under investigation.
SNAP Program extended thru October 19, 2020
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has received federal approval for an additional extension for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in 20 counties to request the replacement of benefits as a result of food loss due to power outages and wildfires that began on Sept. 7.
SNAP recipients in Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, and Yamhill counties now have until Oct. 19 to apply to replace food purchased with their SNAP benefits.
There is no need to visit an office to request replacement SNAP benefits. SNAP recipients can request replacement food benefits by calling their local office and submitting the required information by email, fax, or regular mail. Recipients can use either Form DHS 0349D (Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed Food Stamp Benefits) or submit a signed and dated written request that includes how the food was destroyed, the date it happened, destroyed food items, and the amount paid for each item.
More information is available online at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/assistance/food-benefits/pages/replacement%20-benefits.aspx.
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.
In April of this year, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives received a case from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The NCMEC case was a report of child pornography being uploaded in the 400 block of West Valley View Road in Talent.
The investigation continued over several weeks with assistance from the Talent Police Department; Medford Police Department; Albany, Oregon Police Department; Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force; The Department of Homeland Security and the Montana Department of Justice. The investigation led to the issuance of a nationwide warrant signed by Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Lisa Greif for the arrest of the suspect in this case. The suspect had moved from Oregon to Montana during the case investigation. JCSO detectives travelled to Dillon, Montana and arrested 30-year-old David Levi Watters, aka Levi Watterson eight counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class B Felony. Watters was arrested at 2:30pm on 10-06-2020,with the assistance of the Montana Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, and Dillon Police Department. Watters was lodged on $80,000 bail at Beaverhead County Jail pending return to Oregon.
Essence Maya Sylvester, 18, and Alexis Richter, 20, both of Portland, Oregon, made initial appearances today in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie F. Beckerman.
The court arraigned Sylvester and Richter on a 2-count information alleging two misdemeanors: Failing to Obey a Lawful Order and Disorderly Conduct on Federal Property.
On the early morning hours of October 7, 2020, a protest group was protesting in front of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Building, where Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Services (FPS) Officers were assigned to protect federal property during protests and demonstrations taking place in Portland. Sylvester and Richter blocked the entrance to the building by lying across the entryway, preventing law enforcement vehicles from entering or leaving the premises. Both failed to move despite repeated warnings not to impede vehicular traffic. Both were arrested and refused to provide their names to officers.
Sylvester and Richter were released on conditions pending trial scheduled for December 8, 2020 before U.S. District Court Judge Marco A. Hernandez.
James Weaver, a former Democratic congressman for Oregon’s 4th District who was a tireless advocate for environmental preservation, has died. He was 93.
Weaver died early Tuesday morning, The Register-Guard reported Wednesday. No cause of death was given. But his wife told the newspaper he had been in a care facility for some time. Weaver held the seat from 1975 to 1987, during which he pushed for major environmental legislation and protections for wildlife in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Those close to him said even after retiring, he never put his political career away.
He was elected to Congress in 1974 as part of “the Watergate Class,” in which 91 new members of the House were elected in that year’s November election following President Richard Nixon’s resignation. Seventy-five of those new members, including Weaver, were Democrats. Weaver unseated Republican Rep. John Dellenback, who had held the position for eight years. In 1987, Weaver was succeeded by current Rep. Peter DeFazio, who also worked on Weaver’s staff.
OSP Requesting Public’s Assistance in locating person(s) responsible for the Whitetail buck deer near Glide in Douglas County
On Wednesday, October 7, 2020 Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division Troopers responded to the area of Abbott Street and Mt. Scott Lane in Glide, OR. They located a Whitetail Buck Deer that had been shot with a small caliber firearm in the morning or early afternoon hours of Tuesday, October 6, 2020.
The Oregon State Police is requesting that any person with information about this incident contact Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 1-800-442-2068 or *OSP and leave information for Trooper Jason Stone if you are wishing to remain anonymous you may also contact the OSP through the Turn in Poachers line at TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM – 5:00PM)
Anyone providing information may remain anonymous and be eligible to receive a preference point or monetary award for information leading to a citation or arrest in this case.
** Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators**
The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.
Preference Point Rewards:
* 5 Points-Bighorn Sheep
* 5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat
* 5 Points-Moose
* 5 Points-Wolf
* 4 Points-Elk
* 4 Points-Deer
* 4 Points-Antelope
* 4 Points-Bear
* 4 Points-Cougar
Or the Oregon Hunters Association TIP reward fund also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, Furbearers, Game Fish and Shellfish. Cash rewards can also be awarded for turning in people who destroy habitat, illegally obtain licenses/tags and for the unlawful lending/borrowing of big game tags.
CASH REWARDS:
* $1,000 Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat and Moose
* $500 Elk, Deer and Antelope
* $300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf
* $300 Habitat Destruction
* $200 Illegally Obtaining License/Tag(s)
* $200 Unlawful Lend/Borrow Big Game Tags(s)
* $100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl
* $100 Furbearers
* $100 Game Fish and Shellfish
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)
A Myrtle Point, Oregon Corporation pleaded guilty today to repeatedly discharging milk and other pollutants into the public water treatment facility which caused waste water with elevated E Coli bacteria to enter the South Fork of the Coquille River resulting in a public health advisory, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.
Valley Crest Foods, Inc. (Valley Crest), a creamery, pleaded guilty today to four counts of violating the Clean Water Act.
“The United States Attorney’s Office takes seriously any business, corporation, or individual that bypasses federal environmental laws to maximize profits.” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “We will continue to aggressively prosecute individuals and corporations whose illegal conduct threatens our region’s natural resources and public health.”
“We are all responsible for keeping our communities safe and protecting our natural resources, and you can’t send significant amounts of corrosive wastes down the drain and expect the sewage treatment process to work properly – especially after being told repeatedly that it would not. Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that we will hold violators responsible – even criminally responsible where that is warranted – for breaking our environmental laws” said Jessica Taylor, Director of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division.