Klamath Basin News, Monday 2/8 – Construction Underway at WilsonArt Building in Klamath Falls; 3/4 of Oregon Seniors Could Be Vaccinated for Covid-19 by April 1st

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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.

Monday, February 8, 2021

Klamath Basin Weather

Today Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Overnight, cloudy, with a low around 27.

Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Overnight low of 27.

Wednesday A slight chance of rain and snow after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.

Thursday A slight chance of morning snow before 11am, then rain in the afternoon with a high near 45. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Friday A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42.

Saturday Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41.

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Lake of the Woods   
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Hiway 97 at Chemult   
Hiway 140 at  Bly       
Hiway 97 at GreenSprings Dr.            
Hiway 97 at LaPine

Today’s Headlines

On Sunday, the Oregon Health Authority reported its lowest total of new coronavirus cases in months. Health officials today reported 393 new and presumptive cases along with four new deaths today bringing the state total to 147,122. 

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (8), Clackamas (28), Columbia (3), Coos (11), Crook (5), Curry (9), Deschutes (30), Douglas (10), Harney (2), Hood River (1), Jackson (23), Jefferson (6), Josephine (6), Lake (2), Lane (28), Lincoln (4), Linn (8), Malheur (1), Marion (41), Morrow (3), Multnomah (63), Polk (16), Umatilla (13), Union (1), Wasco (3), Washington (51), Yamhill (16).

Since late October, Oregon has reported 400 cases or more of the virus every single day, excluding holidays when cases were not recorded. As cases continue to trend downward across the state, vaccinations are on the rise. Today, the OHA reported 21,694 new vaccinations across the state, increasing the grand total of first and second doses of the vaccine to 554,145. Today also marks the third day in a row that health officials have logged 20,000 or more vaccine shots, (22,724, 22,871, 21,694).

In Southern Oregon, cases also continue to trend downwards with multiple counties reporting fewer new cases than that of previous weeks and months. In Jackson County, 23 new cases were reported today, in Josephine County six new cases were reported and over in Klamath County the OHA did not report any new cases.

Oregon still needs more vaccine from the feds. Despite ongoing struggles with the relative scarcity of coronavirus vaccine doses, Governor Kate Brown and Oregon health officials expressed optimism on Friday that three-quarters of all eligible groups — including the large population of seniors — would be able to get their first doses by early April. Friday’s estimate marked a leap from the previous approximation of early May, in the face of accusations that Oregon has been “overpromising” its vaccine supply line. State officials cautioned that any projection hinges on the federal government’s ability to deliver the promised shipments. The first group of independent seniors, those 80 and older, ostensibly become eligible for vaccination under Oregon’s plan on Monday, just two weeks after educators and childcare workers. At the same time, a federal court ruling earlier this week mandated that inmates of Oregon’s prison system become eligible as part of the early Phase 1a group, requiring that prisoners begin receiving the vaccine as well.

Construction is already well underway on Wilsonart’s $20 million building south of Klamath Falls, where employees will produce laminate and other composite materials used in furniture. But how much the company will pay in taxes is still far from settled. In a letter to the Klamath County Board of Commissioners, Wilsonart Vice President Ron Ubertini claims the company was told to expect a $30,000 to $50,000 annual community service fee, which it would pay in lieu of local taxes for 15 years if it located in the rural enterprise zone. The county and city, however, proposed the company would pay $175,000 annually, which would be split evenly between both entities. That amounts to a $1.8 million misunderstanding. Wilsonart said the lower tax figure was crucial to building the factory locally.

United Way of the Klamath Basin officials will announce its 2020 Community Campaign final results on Feb. 12 in its annual report, according to a press release. Contributions will benefit 17 local health and human care organizations, and 98 cents of every dollar stays in Klamath County to benefit thousands of local citizens. For more information contact United Way at 541-882-5558, or visit its web page at www.unitedwayoftheklamathbasin.org.

There has perhaps never been a more appropriate time for use of the classic cliché “the show must go on” than with the on-again off-again performance of PUFFS, which will assuredly finally take place Friday night at the Ross Ragland Theater. PUFFS culminates months of work for a dedicated collective of teens participating in the Ross Ragland’s Teen Theater program since October, a play that while set in the wizarding world of the iconic Harry Potter books and film series has no direct relation to those classic fantasy tales. PUFFS follows the also-rans, the background characters and underdogs at Hogwarts; a lighthearted and uplifting nostalgic look at 90s teens who are the social outcasts but bond together to overcome. . .oh, and who also happen to be wizards. Originally slated for performances in early January, the play was bumped to February in the hopes that COVID-19 restrictions on theaters would be lifted in time. While a 100-person maximum capacity audience will be permitted, what was intended to be three days of performances will only have one public showing on Friday at 6 p.m. as a first-come first-serve maximum 100-person audience. As a result, rather than charge ticket prices instead those attending are asked to simply donate what they can.

Retirement, a moment of discovery and an ever-expanding appreciation for the place she’s lived for the past 20 years helped Joanne Baeth, who lives outside of Bonanza, become an internationally-known art quilter. Quilts are typically used as bed coverings or, less often, displayed by hanging on walls. Baeth’s quilts are functional and more — works of imagination using often vivid colors and patterns that feature landscapes, birds, animals and her surroundings. She focuses mostly on the Klamath Basin, though some of work features Eastern Oregon and Oregon coast surroundings. Along with traveling and hiking throughout Oregon, she and family routinely spend two months camping near Winchester Bay. Baeth enjoys all aspects of quilting, a pastime that’s been especially appreciated during the travel and social limitations of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation selected the Ross Ragland Theater, for a grant of $10,000.00. The Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to partner with the Ragland to help improve Southern Oregon communities. The Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians has a long and proud history of giving to the communities in which they live and work. In 1997 the Tribe formalized this tradition of philanthropy by establishing a grant making Foundation. The Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation, is a private, independent foundation, representing the Tribe, and not to be confused with one of the Tribe’s many economic development endeavors, the Seven Feathers Resort. Each year the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation makes grants to eligible non-profit organizations in communities in Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, and Lane counties. The mission of the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation is to offer support for youth education, help strengthen youth and family, provide for positive youth development, and add to the quality of life for Oregonians. The Ragland is focused on pivoting all programs to encompass new ways of providing social interaction, positive mental health and create a safe place for the community to be exposed to the Arts during the Covid-19 pandemic. “We are extremely grateful to receive this kind of support from Cow Creek,” said Interim Director Samantha Burris. “This grant helps us continue to move forward this year.” ### The Ross Ragland Theater is located at 200 North 7th Street in Klamath Falls. Telephone 541- 884-LIVE (5483) for ticket information and reservations or visit the theater’s website at www.rrtheater.org for additional details. The box office is open 12-3 M-W-F and two hours prior to show time the day of any weekend show.

Around the state of Oregon

Phase 1b: People 80 and up now eligible for vaccine

As part of Oregon’s Phase 1B in the vaccination distribution plan, people 80 years and older are now eligible to get vaccinated — but the Oregon Health Authority leaders are warning that this latest phase could be “chaotic.

The OHA says the biggest challenge for them is the scarcity of the vaccine. While they can’t give every older adult an appointment as soon as they want one — they can give them different ways to get linked to vaccine information and events.

For this week, the OHA has allotted just shy of 20,000 doses to the group of 80 and older. As of right now, the OHA doesn’t think the vaccination of prisoners is going to get in the way of vaccinating teachers and older people.

But, they say it’s all dependent upon weekly vaccine supply from the federal government.

Have a question about the COVID-19 vaccine?

  1. Check out the website below.
  2. Text ORCOVID to 898211 to get text/SMS updates (English and Spanish only)
  3. Email ORCOVID@211info.org (All languages)

If you can’t find the answer on the website, by text, or by email:

  • Call 211 or 1-866-698-6155 from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily, including holidays. Please be aware that wait times may be longer due to high call volumes. There is an option to get a call back rather than wait on hold. (Languages spoken: English and Spanish. Free interpretation available for all other languages.)
    • TTY: Dial 711 and call 1-866-698-6155

A female Dutch Bros employee was attacked early Monday morning in Eugene.

Police say this happened early in the morning at the Franklin Boulevard location. They say a man came through the window of the coffee stand and began attacking the woman with a stick. The woman, who was working alone, escaped out the back door and called 911. The suspect continued to try to attack her but eventually gave up and ran off.

Police attempted to track him with police dogs but were unable to locate him.

Based on security camera footage, he is described as a white male in his 20s wearing a puffy black coat, a gray beanie, white shoes and a white mask.

Friday, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 97 near milepost 256. Preliminary investigation revealed a BMW, operated by Justin Brennan of Klamath Falls, was southbound when it crossed the northbound lane, left the roadway, and struck a tree.  Brennan sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

A White City man was sentenced Thursday for illegally poaching elk, deer and bear in Crater Lake National Park for years. According to U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams, Adrian Duane Wood, 44, was sentenced to five years’ federal probation to include a six-month stay at a residential reentry center. The court also ordered that Wood be banned for life from Crater Lake National Park, be restricted from hunting for the duration of his probation, and pay $42,500 in restitution to the National Park Service. According to court documents, in July 2014 the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Oregon State Police began a multi-year investigation into Wood’s illegal hunting activities based on reports that he was poaching wildlife in Crater Lake National Park.

Oregon State Police Troopers responded to a call of a deceased person being found near milepost 12 on Interstate 5 in Jackson County. OSP Major Crimes Detectives responded to conduct an investigation and were assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation determined there was no foul play and the male died of natural causes. Investigators were able to determine the identity of the deceased as 73 year old James Earl Baldwin. Baldwin had been reported missing on December 1, 2020 to the Roseburg Police Department.

In Canby, a restaurant that had its liquor license suspended by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission for “not following public health social distancing and face covering requirements” does not plan to appeal the decision, owner Rachelle George said Friday. Route 99 Roadhouse′s license was suspended on Tuesday, Feb. 2. On Wednesday, Feb. 3, the restaurant announced on Facebook that it would be “closed for a few weeks.” Route 99 has struggled to earn $500 a day given the current dining limitations, George said. According to the OLCC release, Route 99 is entitled to an administrative hearing to challenge the OLCC’s actions. After a warning from the OLCC, Route 99 attempted to restructure as a “clubhouse,” as other nearby restaurants have done, according to George. Effectively, restaurant customers became members of a club, and were allowed to arrive without masks and eat indoors. The number of new COVID-19 cases has been falling for about a month throughout most of the United States, including in Oregon.

On Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at approximately 8:09 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 99E near Boones Ferry Rd. 

Preliminary Investigation revealed a Ford Fusion, operated by Jordan Chandler (26) of Salem, was southbound when it drove into the northbound lane and collided with a Cherriots mini bus operated by Rachel Bunting (51) of Salem.

Bunting was transported to the Salem Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

There were three passengers on the bus all transported to the Salem Hospital:

  • Phillip Splawn (34) of Woodburn
  • Chelsea Arredondo (30) of Woodburn
  • German Gomez Paz (45) of Woodburn.

Chandler sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Passenger in the Ford, Brooke Fisher (21) of Salem, was transported to Emmanuel Hospital in Portland.

FATAL CRASH ON HWY 101 – LINCOLN COUNTY

On Sunday, February 7, 2021 at approximately 8:10 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle collision on Highway 101 near milepost 122.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Chevy Scottsdale pickup, operated by Johnny Widerman (33) of Newport, was southbound when it crossed into the northbound lane and collided with a Chrysler Pacifica van operated by Eva Della Alcala (41) of Woodburn. 

Alcala and a male juvenile passenger were transported to the hospital for injuries.

A female juvenile, passenger in the Chrysler, was transported by Life Flight to a Portland area hospital for injuries.

Ruben Esteban Vasquez (20) of Woodburn, passenger in the Chrysler, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Widerman was taken into custody and lodged in the Lincoln County Jail for Manslaughter II, Assault III, two counts of Assault IV, DUII – Controlled Substances, Reckless Driving and Criminal Mischief II.

On Sunday, February 7, 2021 at approximately 5:10 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 22W near milepost 8.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a maroon Dodge pickup, operated by Robert Leach (73) of Albany, was westbound when it crossed into the eastbound lane and collided with a silver Dodge pickup operated by Jeffrey Sittisuphachoke (42) of Independence.

Leach and his passenger, Linda Leach (75) of Albany, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased.

Sittisuphachoke was transported to the Salem Hospital.

FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION COSTLY, STILL DIFFICULT TO PROVE, NEW ODHS STUDY SHOWS

Salem, OR – Family members, or those in a close, trusted relationship, are responsible for nearly half of substantiated financial exploitation cases of older adults in Oregon and the success of all investigations often depends on access to records and involvement of law enforcement, according to a study by the Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Aging and People with Disabilities.

Financial exploitation and neglect are tied for the lowest survivability rate of all abuse types and at least 13 percent of the victims in this study had to immediately seek some sort of governmental benefit as the result of the abuse. This included Medicaid to cover the cost of residential care and property tax deferral, energy as well as utility and food assistance.

These findings are part of a comprehensive study of financial exploitation of older adults in Oregon. The study is a follow up to Oregon’s 2014 retrospective study on financial exploitation and helps provide a better understanding and picture today of financial abuse in Oregon.

The study contains analysis of financial exploitation from more than 600 cases investigated statewide in 2019. Staff reviewed these cases while documenting what has changed, what has stayed the same, where did interventions applied after 2014 work and where is focused effort still needed. 

Some of the other findings include:

  • In 2019, there were 4,152 investigations of alleged financial exploitation in Oregon conducted by the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. This report pulls from some of those cases. In the 2014 report, 400 cases of the 2,929 reports involving financial exploitation were reviewed.
  • Family members and others that are in a close trusted relationship with the victim continue to be the highest percentage of perpetrators using means of undue influence, deceit and threats to steal from the victim.
  • The average quantifiable loss to a victim in this year’s report was $16,905.  In 2014, the average loss per each substantiated case of monetary theft was $24,915.
  • The tools that the legislature has given financial institutions to limit losses are working, including the passing and implementation of House Bill 2622 in 2017. This has given these institutions a tool to very quickly stop the financial losses on some of these cases.
  • There are many other losses to victims such as personal property, unauthorized credit card use, and medication that can be more difficult to quantify financially.
  • Victims are more often women than men by nearly a 2:1 margin.
  • The average age for both alleged and confirmed victims of abuse is 75.9 and 77 respectively. In 2013, the average age for a confirmed victim of financial exploitation was also 77.
  • Financial institutions and case managers are the most frequent reporters of financial exploitation making up more than a third of all reports received and subsequently investigated.
  • Bankers are not only well positioned to identify financial exploitation, but they often identify other types of abuse and self-neglect as well.  In 2019, they reported more than 200 other concerns that were investigated including 150 cases of possible self-neglect and multiple cases of physical and verbal abuse. 

While there still is a lot of outreach to be done, progress is being made through education and outreach to financial partners and law enforcement stakeholders. The ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities has teamed up with these stakeholders to continue to make an impact on this issue.

The primary barrier to investigating these cases thoroughly and effectively continues to be the inability of investigators to obtain necessary financial records.

“Financial exploitation has a major impact on older adults, especially those who may be isolated or lack social support systems,” said Marie Cervantes, ODHS Adult Protective Services Administrator. “This publication offers updated findings so that we may more closely examine this very costly, prevalent, and disturbing form of abuse of our most vulnerable Oregonians.”

Mike McCormick, interim director of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities added, “With the aging demographics here in Oregon and nationally, financial exploitation is unfortunately forecast to grow. It’s critical that we, as a society, devote all the tools and resources to protect vulnerable adults from exploitation.”

Resources:

To read the study in its entirety, go to: Financial Exploitation in Oregon: A Look at Community Based Investigations During 2019.

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