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 20, 2020
Klamath Basin Weather
Today Sunny, with a high near 70. Low of 39 overnight.
Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.
Thursday Widespread frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Low of 29 degrees expected.
Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.
Saturday A slight chance of showers. Snow level 6100 feet lowering to 5200 feet in the afternoon. Partly sunny, with a high near 51.
Today’s Headlines
Klamath County Public Health officials reported six new cases of COVID-19 in the community on Monday. The local case count is 401. Two of the cases were from last week, which brought that week’s total to 12.
Statewide, COVID-19 has claimed eight more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 627. Oregon Health Authority reported 266 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of yesterday, bringing the state total to 39,794.
A few addresses along Sprague River Road between Chiloquin and Sprague River may have received ballots that did not include local Measure 18-118, despite being eligible to vote on it.
Klamath County Clerk Rochelle Long said her office is aware of the mistake and has already sent out 21 corrected ballots to the affected voters. The measure would annex areas west of Sprague River and Beatty into Klamath County Fire District No. 3’s response area and raise tax revenue to fund those services. The clerk’s office originally sent ballots without the measure to addresses it had classified as being in Chiloquin, while the post office codes them as Sprague River addresses. Voters who registered based on their postal addresses did not receive the correct ballots because of that mix-up.
Long said about five or six addresses are believed affected, but the office is still going through and evaluating more homes on Sprague River Road. She encouraged anyone who lives on Sprague River Road and whose postal address is coded as Sprague River to call or email her office if they received a ballot that did not include Measure 18-118, despite being eligible to vote on the measure.
The Klamath Food Bank is reporting today that there will be no Supermarket Saturday this year. It’s only the second time they’ve had to cancel the great event in it’s 28 year history.
Niki Sampson says: “We won’t be setting up our awesome Mazama students at all of the above Supermarket Saturday SUPER sponsor locations November 7 collecting food and funds. WE WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR”.
Residents can make a donation and here’s how:
1) GO TO KLAMATHFOODBANK.ORG
2) MAKE AN ON-LINE DONATION
3) IN THE “DESCRIPTION” BOX JUST WRITE THE NAME OF YOUR FAVORITE WYNNE BROADCASTING RADIO STATION!
In the past few years, the Klamath Food Bank has assisted about 5,100 households annually. This year with Covid-19, some 9500 households needed help feeding their families. Many, many parents were so grateful for the help they received during this pandemic. Seniors were able to get food assistance at food pantries and the Senior Center without leaving their car.
The holidays and winter are just around the corner. It’s time to restock the shelves for the food bank if you can help. Niki says they had to purchase more food this year than any other in the history of this Food Bank. Again, help if you can. See their website at KlamathFoodBank.org
It’s the season for change at Lava Beds National Monument. Some lava tube caves that have closed to the public are now open while others that were open are now closed.
Park staff said the reason for changing access of the caves is done seasonally to “protect vital habitat for our bat colonies.” For the past several years, from about mid-October through mid-April the lava tubes that were closed to protect maternity colonies reopen while certain caves that are used by bats to hibernate through the winter will close. Winter closures include: Jupiter-Hercules Leg, Labyrinth-Lave Brook and the northern portion of Thunderbrook that connects Labyrinth-Lava Brook, Sentinel, and Sunshine. Caves that have reopened for the winter are: Blue Grotto, Ovis Cave /Paradise Alleys, Natural Bridge, and Thunderbolt Cave (to the gated area). Balcony Cave, which was closed earlier this year because of the Caldwell fire, will reopen at a later time.
Historic photos, objects and documents acquired recently by the Klamath County Museum will be featured in a program to be presented live at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, on Facebook.
The program is designed to encourage donations to the museum’s acquisition fund, which has been depleted by a series of costly acquisitions this year. Among the objects purchased this year is an announcement of the death of Army Gen. Edward Canby in the Lava Beds during the Modoc Indian War of 1872-73. The museum has also acquired a rare photo of Gen. Frank Wheaton, who also served in the Modoc War. Other materials to be highlighted Thursday are numerous photos, documents and objects that are pertinent to Klamath County history.
Tax-deductible donations to the museum’s acquisition fund can be made via PayPal at klamathmuseum.org, or by check to the museum at 1451 Main St., Klamath Falls, OR 97601.
Super John 3 Dashes to the Boredom Rescue at the Linkville Playhouse.
The Linkville Players are excited to announce the first show of the 2020-21 Little Linkville series. “Super John 3” performances will be held October 24 (as an official part of Scarecrow Row), 25, 31 and November 1. Saturday performances are at 1 p.m. while Sunday performances are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Ticket prices for the show remain affordable for even large families at just $2 each.
Little Linkville shows are always locally written and directed but this is the first serial storyline presented by the troupe, “The characters were developed by Jeff Press in 2017,” explains Little Linkville creative director, Crystal Muno, “But they were just so well received that we had to bring them back in subsequent seasons.” Super John II was written and directed by Linkville veteran actor and director, Heather Sha who added a lot of fun and variety to the Super John universe. But this time Jeff Press is back to finish up the trilogy. “You don’t need to have seen the previous installments to love the physical comedy, hilarious puns and the ridiculous antics of our misfits heroes,” says Press. “We recap the first two shows with a lot of humor and cheesy jokes sure to please kids of all ages!”
The series revolves around a mild-mannered insurance agent, who happens to have a very exclusive and super clientele – a strange (but warm-hearted) group of super heroes with crazy names and zany powers! But this time John has been kidnapped and the heroes must figure out who did it and save the day – while hopefully going as little damage as possible!
Reuniting from previous installments are Quilting Bee, Camo Chameleon, Moneybags, Ms. Spelling Bee and Wally Flowers. A new hero, Camille Chameleon, is also joining the fun! The all-local cast includes Tara Cramer, Mathew Landsiedel, Crystal Muno, Tera Eastburn and Jeff Press with cameo appearances by Brandon Sha, Heather Sha and Brenden Ketchum.
Little Linkville is a series offered at the Linkville Playhouse as a supplement to their regular season shows. Now in its tenth season, the program has been widely popular – at times with standing room only. However, due to strict Covid restrictions designed to keep tiny audiences safe, attendance for these performances will be highly limited. Parents are encouraged to get tickets early (at Poppy on Main) but they will also be available at the door, subject to availability.
For more information about this show, visit Linkvilleplayers.org or the Linkville’s Facebook page. For more information on other aspects of this year’s scarecrow row downtown festival visit downtownklamathfalls.org/scarecrow-row.
Around the state of Oregon
Hazarous Waste Removal in Jackson County
Recovery work expected to take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., seven days a week
At the request of the State of Oregon and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has begun the work to survey, remove and dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) from properties in eight counties affected by the Oregon wildfires. This HHW removal is Step 1 of the overall response and is available at no cost to property owners.
Fire-affected Oregon property owners now have a dedicated phone number – 541-225-5549 – to ask questions about EPA’s removal of household hazardous waste at their property or provide additional details about their property that will help speed the EPA removal work. The hotline offers service in both English and Spanish.
The removal of household hazardous waste is required before the property can be cleared of ash and debris. Property owners who have not already completed a “Right of Entry” (ROE) form with their county are strongly encouraged to do so to help speed cleanup operations in their area. See: Oregon’s Wildfire Cleanup website for more information on the needed forms.
EPA cleanup crews are now assessing and removing household hazardous wastes including products like paint, cleaners, solvents, pesticides, fuel, oil, batteries, and pressurized tanks. Once completed, EPA will post a sign indicating they’ve completed Step 1. See: Jackson County’s Wildfire Recovery website to sign your ROE for household hazardous waste removal.
Oregonians who lived or were employed in one of the following counties at the time of the recent historic wildfires – Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion – can now preregister for Disaster SNAP (DSNAP).
Due to the pandemic, the application will be online. If you need assistance, please call 2-1-1 or the Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-855-ORE-ADRC.
Pre-registration will speed up your application and interview process. Eligibility and benefits will be based on your household income, resources, and disaster-related expenses. Pre??’registration does not guarantee eligibility or benefits.
Barring significant new wildfires, this will be the last regularly scheduled ODF fire situation report of this year. October rains have allowed the majority of ODF districts and fire protection associations to end fire season. The national fire preparedness level was lowered to 3 last week. With the Holiday Farm Fire now being managed by a Type 3 team, no ODF Incident Management Teams are currently deployed on wildfires.
Only one wildfire start was reported yesterday in Oregon, with no new acres burned reported.
Check ODF’s online public fire restrictions map to see what if any fire restrictions might still be in force for your area.
2020 Fire Season On ODF-Protected Lands
This fire season there have been 2,027 fires across all jurisdictions in Oregon and 1,221,324 acres burned. On ODF-protected lands, there have been 912 fires, close to the 10-year average of 918. In the past 10 years the average number of acres burned on lands protected by ODF has been 41,426. More than 13 times that amount – 551,816 acres – has burned this year.
Closures
Santiam State Forest is still closed to the public. Before heading out to hunt or recreate on other state or federal public lands, please check to see if there are any restrictions or closures due to the recent fires. There are still portions of some highways in wildfire areas that are closed. Use ODOT’s TripCheck to plan your route.
| Fire name | Acres burned | Containment | Location |
| Lionshead | 204,469 | 46% | 20 miles W of Warm Springs |
| Beachie Creek | 193,556 | 72% | 15 miles N of Detroit |
| Holiday Farm | 173,393 | 96% | 3 miles W of McKenzie Bridge |
| Riverside | 138,054 | 61% | 2 miles SE of Estacada |
| Archie Creek | 131,542 | 95% | 20 miles E of Glide |
| Slater | 44,597 in Oregon | 75% | 6 SE of Cave Junction (also in No. California) |
More Information
- ODF wildfire blog and Significant Fire Potential Map
- Oregon smoke blog
- Northwest Coordination Center – Regional Update and National Situation Report
- Inciweb (information on individual incidents)
Oregon’s COVID-19 cases have been surging to record levels for the past month. And it’s about to get a lot worse unless the state’s 4.2 million residents immediately alter their behavior, officials say.
New modeling released Friday shows that if transmission continues at its current rate, the number of newly identified cases — known as the case count — is expected to jump from 345 each day to 570 by November 5th.
Because most cases go undetected, officials estimate the actual number of Oregonians infected each day would be about 2,200 people. That’s a 69% increase and one that state health officer Dr. Dean Sidelinger describes as “troubling.” But even worse, if the rate of transmission increases over the next three weeks, the number of new cases reported each day could more than double to 740. That would translate to 3,400 Oregonians infected each day, whether their cases are identified or not.
Some experts say this is a highly plausible scenario because the virus is expected to spread more easily in coming weeks due to Halloween parties, trick-or-treating and cooler, wetter weather that prompts residents to spend more time indoors.
Authorities say a former Marion County sheriff’s deputy accused of theft, official misconduct and other charges was found dead at a Wilsonville hotel.
Sean Banks was found dead Saturday at the GuestHouse Inn & Suites near Interstate 5, according to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. It appears he killed himself. In 2019, Banks was indicted on 25 counts of theft, official misconduct, tampering with physical evidence and computer crime, according to court records. The indictment alleges he stole guns, a camera and money. The results of an investigation into his death weren’t immediately available Monday morning.
Former child star Zachary Ty Bryan is facing charges after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend in Eugene. Police arrested the 39-year-old Home Improvement star Friday night. He’s accused of strangling his girlfriend and taking away her phone when she called 9-1-1. The incident comes just two weeks after the “Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift” star separated from his wife of 14 years. He was charged with strangulation, a felony, and fourth degree assault and interfering with making a report, both misdemeanors.
An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody (AIC) died October 19, 2020. He was incarcerated at the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution and passed away at a local hospital.
He tested positive for COVID-19. He was between 50 and 60 years old. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death. Department-wide, this is the sixteenth AIC to die who tested positive for COVID-19.
For more information on COVID-19 cases inside Oregon’s prisons, please visit DOC’s COVID-19 website. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,000 adults in custody who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state.
DOC requires employees and AICs to wear masks if they cannot maintain six feet of social distancing. Wearing masks is mandatory at all times in health services areas, some work areas, and in food services areas. Face coverings have been provided to AICs and staff. If an AIC becomes ill and exhibits flu-like symptoms, CDC and OHA guidance for supportive care are followed. Institutions continue to clean and disinfect numerous times a day. DOC asks AICs to report symptoms of COVID to medical staff. Posters are in all DOC institutions encouraging individuals to maintain proper hygiene and to uphold appropriate social distancing to the extent possible. Health screening processes are in place before staff are allowed to enter facilities. This screening includes a temperature check and a screening questionnaire. Visiting remains closed until further notice.
The Oregon State Police is requesting the public’s assistance in locating the person(s) that shot and killed a doe Mule Deer on Hwy 26 near milepost 46 in Crook County.
On October 11, 2020, Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers were notified that an unknown person(s) had shot and left to waste a doe Mule Deer.
It is believed the shooting took place sometime earlier the same day. Anyone who may have witnessed it would have been driving on Hwy 26 West of the Ochoco summit approximately one mile West of the Ochoco Christian Camp.
OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers request that if you have any information regarding this incident to please contact the TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP(677) or TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM – 5:00PM) – Trooper Barr is investigating.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s (OPRD) All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Advisory Committee will meet 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Nov. 5.
On the agenda: ATV program and safety updates, ATV permit sales and trends, proposed Class IV ATV classification and operator requirement changes along with other committee and legislative updates.
Members of the public will be able to listen to the call; instructions on how to attend will be available online prior to the meeting on the committee meeting webpage: oregon.gov/oprd/ATV/Pages/ATV-committee.aspx#2. Public comments can be received via email at atv.safety@oregon.gov until 5 p.m. Nov. 4, 2020.
HINES, Ore. – Did you know the Bureau of Land Management has Resource Advisory Councils – made up of people just like you – that give citizen-based advice and recommendations on the management of public lands? These groups provide an opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds and interests to have a stronger impact on the decisions made for public lands.
The Steens Mountain Advisory Council (SMAC) currently has five vacant positions and six positions with terms expiring in 2021 open for public nomination:
- a person interested in fish and recreational fishing in the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area (CMPA);
- a person who is a grazing permittee on Federal lands in the CMPA;
- two persons who are recognized environmental representatives, one to represent the State as a whole and one from the local area;
- a person who has no financial interest in the CMPA to represent statewide interests;
- a person who participates in mechanized or consumptive recreation in the CMPA, such as hunting, fishing, or off-road driving;
- a recreation permit holder or representative of a commercial recreation operation in the CMPA;
- a person who regularly participates in dispersed recreation in the CMPA, such as hiking, camping, nature viewing, nature photography, bird watching, horse back riding, or trail walking;
- a person to serve as the State government liaison to the Council;
- a private landowner within the CMPA; and
- a member of the Burns Paiute Tribe.
If you are interested in public land management on Steens Mountain, this is a great opportunity to share your expertise and work with a collaborative group. The SMAC has been successful in bringing diverse and often competing interests to the table to deal with issues of mutual concern. This inclusive approach has shown great promise as a means to creatively and successfully deal with long-standing problems of public land management. Consensus-driven recommendations often lead to sustainable outcomes that benefit natural resources and have a high level of public support.
“Resource Advisory Councils provide the BLM with vital feedback on current issues, concerns and proposals, and enable us to engage local communities and stakeholders to improve our management of public lands,” said BLM Burns District Manager Jeff Rose.
To nominate yourself or someone you know, submit a membership application and supporting letters of recommendation from the groups or interests to be represented to the BLM Burns District Office, 28910 Hwy 20 West, Hines, Oregon. Nominees will be evaluated based on their training, education, and knowledge of the Steens Mountain area.
The application deadline is November 13, 2020. Nomination forms can be picked up at this same location, by mail or phone request at (541) 573-4400, or online at: https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/apply
The specific category the nominee would like to represent should be identified in the nomination form and letters of reference. The BLM and the Governor of Oregon will review the applications and submit recommended nominees to the Secretary of the Interior, who has the responsibility for making the appointments.
Appointed members must reside in the State of Oregon. The SMAC generally holds quarterly meetings in Hines, Bend and Frenchglen. Although members serve without monetary compensation, travel and per diem expenses are reimbursed at current rates for government employees. SMAC members are normally appointed to three-year terms.
For more information on the SMAC, call Tara Thissell at (541) 573-4400.