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, March 25, 2021
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Today’s Headlines
There is one new COVID-19 related death in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,368, the Oregon Health Authority reported today. Oregon Health Authority reported 379 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of today, bringing the state total to 162,384.
Klamath County did not report any new cases yesterday.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (6), Benton (11), Clackamas (41), Clatsop (9), Columbia (8), Coos (12), Curry (1), Deschutes (23), Douglas (5), Grant (3), Hood River (1), Jackson (45), Jefferson (1), Josephine (16), Lane (26), Lincoln (5), Linn (9), Malheur (3), Marion (36), Multnomah (63), Polk (5), Tillamook (5), Umatilla (7), Union (3), Washington (30) and Yamhill (5).
The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 102, which is seven fewer than yesterday. There are 19 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is three more than yesterday. Oregon has now administered a total of 782,265 first and second doses of Pfizer, 760,231 first and second doses of Moderna and 34,165 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.
Appointments are now being scheduled for three Sky Lakes COVID-19 vaccination clinics next week. Eligible for those clinics are Klamath County adults aged 45-64 with underlying health conditions.
First-dose shots will be given Tuesday, March 30, and Wednesday, March 31, at the Sky Lakes vaccination clinic on the fourth floor of the original medical center. On Saturday, April 3, COVID-19 first-dose vaccinations will be given at the Sky Lakes Collaborative Health Center.
Shots are by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling 1-833-606-4370; no walk-in slots or on-site appointments are available. The call center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
The Oregon Health Authority on Monday gave the county permission to immediately begin vaccinating adults aged 45-64 with underlying health conditions. Underlying health conditions that put people in the category at increased risk include cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, Down syndrome, heart conditions, obesity (BMI of 30 or greater), pregnancy, Type 2 diabetes, and sickle cell disease. Also, people who are immunocompromised from organ transplant or HIV are at increased risk.
Others in Group 6 f Phase 1B include farm and agricultural workers, and people living in low-income senior housing. Appointments are also being scheduled for Sky Lakes-hosted clinics this week on Friday, March 26, on the fourth floor of the original medical center.
Klamath County’s plan to purchase the Oregon 8 Motel and RV Park for transitional housing is part of Project Turnkey, the county was awarded a $1.779 million federal grant to support temporary housing for people who have been incarcerated and for veterans.
Neighbors are also concerned about the future of families that live at the RV park and motel. Multiple residents of Wocus Road and the surrounding area shared concerns yesterday with Klamath County Commissioners about a planned housing project in their neighborhood.
Commissioner Kelly Minty Morris said “We do not have the details worked out of who, what, where, because we didn’t even know if we’d get the grant. And now we have successfully gotten the grant. I know there’s a lot of questions as to why this hotel … this was the one that was available. Commissioner Donnie Boyd emphasized he is opposed to the project on separate grounds, but added that the process of purchasing the property has taken place in public meetings.
While the AARP Tax Aide service won’t be at the downtown Klamath County Library this tax season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Klamath County libraries are offering an alternative: private computer rooms for members of the public to file their taxes online.
And you’ve got more time to file – tax officials recently moved the deadline forward to May 17th this year.
Two private rooms at the downtown Klamath County Library will be available: one on a first-come, first-served basis, and the other via appointment. Each room will come equipped with its own computer, scanner, and printer, as well as supplies to sanitize between users. The library requires users to wear a face covering over their mouth and nose the whole time while using the private rooms with a Two people per room restriction.
The downtown library’s appointment-only computer will be available at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:30 pm on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, until at least Monday, May 17th.
To claim a time slot, please call the downtown library at 541-882-8894 or visit the library’s Information and Reference desk. Both rooms will close for the day 15 minutes before the library closes – at 4:45 pm on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and at 7:45 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
The South Suburban Branch will have a single appointment-only computer dedicated to self-service tax filing. Please call them at 541-273-3679 after February 1st to make an appointment. The Chiloquin Branch Library also plans to accommodate self-service online tax filing by appointment. Please call them at 541-783-3315 for details.
Around the state of Oregon
The Oregon Health Authority has expanded who can administer FDA authorized COVID-19 vaccines, as permitted under the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act.
The federal PREP Act amended declaration, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and effective March 11, increases the pool of vaccinators who may not be currently authorized to vaccinate under state law, subject to certain training and supervision requirements.
Under the PREP Act declaration and this most recent amendment, OHA can further expand the list of who may administer authorized COVID-19 vaccines, which it did, adding, for example, traditional health workers. OHA Director Patrick Allen signed the authorization on March 22, making it immediately effective.
“This is an all-hands-on-deck effort nationally and in Oregon to ensure we are safely vaccinating all eligible adults who wish to receive a vaccine,” said Allen. “The federal directive and my authorization greatly expand the number of professionals who can support this historic public health effort, as we continue to expand our efforts to schedule and vaccinate Oregonians throughout the state as quickly as we can with the supplies provided to us by the federal government and vaccine manufacturers.”
The Oregon Health Authority marked another positive milestone in the coronavirus pandemic on Wednesday, reporting that one million Oregonians have released at least one dose of the vaccine. Earlier this month, state officials reported that one million total doses of vaccine had been administered. While fewer than one million people are now fully vaccinated — which requires two doses for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines — Wednesday’s milestone means that more than a million people are at least on the path to full vaccination.
The state’s vaccination dashboard on Wednesday showed that more than 585,600 people are considered fully vaccinated, with a little more than 433,000 still awaiting a second dose.
Nearly one in five Oregonians who are eligible have received at least one dose, OHA said. The agency reported that more than 62 percent of Oregonians age 65 and older have now been vaccinated. OHA also said that the state is on track to vaccinate more than seven out of 10 Oregonians who are 65 and older by March 29, which is the next date that new groups become eligible statewide.
Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit seeking to preserve protections for 3.4 million acres of northern spotted owl habitat from the US-Canada border to northern California, the latest salvo in a legal battle over logging in federal old-growth forests that are key nesting grounds for the imperiled species.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cut the amount of protected federal old-growth forest by one-third in the final days of President Donald Trump’s administration, a move that was cheered by the timber industry. Democratic lawmakers called the reduction in logging protections “potential scientific meddling” and called for an investigation.
President Joe Biden’s administration has since temporarily delayed putting those new rules into effect in order to review the decision. The 3.4 million acres at the heart of both lawsuits include all of Oregon’s O&C lands, which are big timber territory. The more than 2 million acres are spread in a checkerboard pattern over 18 counties in western Oregon.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced a 10-Point Economic Recovery Plan Tuesday that aims to help families and businesses across the state with a focus on people of color impacted financially by the pandemic and 2020 wildfires.
In addition, Brown said the state is slated to receive $6.4 billion in funds from the recently passed COVID-19 stimulus package, which she said should be invested in a way that “maximizes economic recovery efforts for Oregonians this year, while also addressing the existing disparities that were exacerbated by the pandemic.”
Oregon had among the strictest strictest COVID-19 restrictions and safety measures in the United States, with the state shutting down in March and businesses — restaurants, gyms and indoor entertainment venues — again forced to close their doors in November for weeks and in some counties months. The governor listed the following 10 actions for her economic recovery plan: Investing in Oregon’s hardest hit workers, those currently unemployed or underemployed; Reinvesting in innovative housing; Supporting rural communities; Supporting Oregon’s workforce that is currently employed but struggling; Creating workforce development opportunities for Oregonians; Getting small business back on its feet; Investing in Oregon’s infrastructure; Oregonians investing in Oregon; Safely reopening Oregon’s economy; and Innovation in manufacturing.
Oregon Credit Unions Contribute $2.8 Billion Economic Impact to State
Landmark study documents economic impact, volunteerism, charitable contributions, and extraordinary service by credit unions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tigard, Oregon (March 24, 2021) — Oregon’s credit unions have proved a critical role in supporting the state’s economy, consumers, businesses, and local communities, according to an analysis performed by ECONorthwest, one of the region’s leading economic firms. The analysis documented a positive impact of nearly $3 billion on the state’s economy.
How are Credit Unions Able to Drive Such an Impact?
Unlike profit-driven Wall Street banks under pressure to enrich stockholders, credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives, owned by their members. Credit unions reinvest their earnings in members through direct benefits such as fewer fees, dividends, lower interest rates on loans and credit cards and more. When those benefits are spent in local communities, the ripple effect helps the entire economy. ECONorthwest measured the impact of member benefits, credit union jobs and other factors in its analysis. Economists also documented credit unions’ significant community impact including volunteerism, financial education provided to adults and students and services such as first-time homebuyer loans. Cooperative credit unions put people before profits!
Doing Good in Difficult Times
In addition to documenting credit unions’ economic contribution to the state’s economy, ECONorthwest measured the extraordinary services delivered by credit unions during the COVID-19 pandemic. While other industries closed, reduced services or laid off the workforce, credit unions hired additional employees to serve their members. According to the analysis, credit unions also made a higher volume of loans available to members and served as safe havens for consumers who deposited stimulus and unemployment checks to save for emergency needs. During this difficult time, credit unions waived $4.4 million in fees. Oregon credit unions also stepped up to help the state distribute more than $30 million in emergency payments to 60,575 Oregonians. More than 80% of the funds the state set aside were distributed by credit unions. Oregon credit unions also assisted the state in distributing $2.8 million to 568 truly small businesses left behind by other government relief programs – lifeline loans they will not have to repay.
“Credit unions are in the people business,” said Troy Stang, President and CEO of the Northwest Credit Union Association. “They stood by their members throughout the pandemic and will help them get back on their feet and prosper into the future.”
Everyone should open their eyes to a credit union. For more information, please visit https://yourmoneyfurther.com.
The Northwest Credit Union Association is the trade association representing more than 175 not-for-profit, cooperative credit unions in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, and their 8.1 million consumer members. As not-for-profit cooperatives, credit unions look out for their members’ financial well-being. — Northwest Credit Union Assn
For the first time in a year, since Covid-19 began spreading across the United States forcing Americans to stay home, retail alcohol sales have fallen.
That’s according to newly released data from Nielsen, which reported that total sales declined 1.9% for the week ending March 13. This time a year ago, consumers stockpiled alcohol as shelter-in-place orders were implemented across several US states and bars and restaurants were closed or reduced service. As a result, retail alcohol sales shot up as much as 55% in March 2020 with spirits, wine and beer among the top sellers.
Wine sales fell 8% for the week ending March 13, with spirits flat and beer sales slightly higher thanks to the continued popularity of spiked seltzers. If Nielsen excluded seltzer sales from its beer measurement, that category would have fallen more than 2% for the week. Perhaps more notably, total alcohol sales for the week would have fallen 3% if not for hard seltzers.
Southern Oregon Residents Still Looking For Help to Rebuild
Six months after the catastrophic wildfires that destroyed over 2,500 homes in Southern Oregon, many are experiencing issues with their insurance claims and need expert guidance to navigate through negotiations and disputes.
Many residents are still looking for rebuilding answers.
Talent city council met Wednesday to discuss a resolution about building codes, that have kept some fire victims at a standstill and prevented them from rebuilding their properties.
Past restrictions did not allow any building along the FEMA-designated floodway boundary and a 35-foot buffer zone. Talent City Manager, Jamie McLeod Skinner says if the city moves forward with approval, it could raise insurance rates for residents.
“Staff is going to recommend that tonight is that we begin the conversation tonight, we’ve opened the public hearing, we keep it open and continue the conversation and not close it,” said McLeod-Skinner. The city council will meet on April 7th to discuss the matter again.
On Tuesday, March 23, the nonprofit consumer advocacy group, United Policyholders, and Rep. Pam Marsh, hosted free online workshop for wildfire-impacted households in Southern Oregon with legal issues and questions about insurance claims.
This event will provide guidance about documenting and valuing losses, strategizing claim negotiations, and resolving disputes regarding loss estimates and coverage. Legal Aid Services of Oregon and Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services will be on hand to answer questions and share information. Simultaneous Spanish translation will be available. Registration link: www.uphelp.org/mar23
On Wednesday, March 31, 2-5 PM, wildfire-impacted households in Southern Oregon with legal issues and questions about insurance claims can access a free, one-on-one online consultation with an insurance attorney volunteer.
Examples of insurance-related legal problems include under insurance, unfair claim handling, replacement cost disputes, unreasonable delays, and low estimates/offers. A limited number of appointment clinics are available. Registration link: www.uphelp.org/mar31
Medford Sets Study Session on Homeless and Housing Situation
Medford City Council has a proposed camping ordinance underway. If passed it would ban people from setting up tents in Medford, including along the Bear Creek Greenway.
“Because of the fires that ripped through our Greenway this past summer, it definitely exacerbated the issue and it’s created more homeless,” Matthew Vorderstrasse, the Development Director for Rogue Retreat said.
Deputy City Attorney Eric Mitton says one proposal is to limit lying, sleeping and tent camping on the city’s greenways from May 1st to September 30th – during fire season.
Vorderstrasse hopes that the conversation moves forward in adding more spaces for those who are not sheltered.
“As long as we can continue getting more spaces and beds for people to go to, then it is easier to enforce, not camping in certain zones and areas, “Vorderstrasse said.
Lawsuit Seeks To Preserve Protections for Northern Spotted Owl Habitat
Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit seeking to preserve protections for 3.4 million acres of northern spotted owl habitat from the US-Canada border to northern California, the latest salvo in a legal battle over logging in federal old-growth forests that are key nesting grounds for the imperiled species.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cut the amount of protected federal old-growth forest by one-third in the final days of President Donald Trump’s administration, a move that was cheered by the timber industry.
Northern spotted owls live in forests characterized by dense canopy closure of mature and old-growth trees, abundant logs, standing snags, and live trees with broken tops.
Democratic lawmakers called the reduction in logging protections “potential scientific meddling” and called for an investigation. President Joe Biden’s administration has since temporarily delayed putting those new rules into effect in order to review the decision. The 3.4 million acres at the heart of both lawsuits include all of Oregon’s O&C lands, which are big timber territory. The more than 2 million acres are spread in a checkerboard pattern over 18 counties in western Oregon.
11 People Arrested in Oregon Marijuana Money Laundering Case
A combined regional investigation that included the Oregon State Police and the FBI landed 11 people from Oregon, Washington and California in jail, each facing multiple charges including racketeering and money laundering.
The people were arrested March 17 after search warrants were served in Linn, Benton and Marion counties, the Albany Police Department said in a press release.
Investigators were looking into the illegal manufacture of marijuana which included money laundering through various restaurants in those 3 counties. The searches turned up cocaine, more than 1900 pot plants, 40 pounds of processed pot, guns, cars and more than $373,000 in US money.
Each person faces a variety of charges. The full list of charges includes racketeering, money laundering, criminal conspiracy and aid and abet unlawful manufacturing of marijuana, unlawful manufacturing of marijuana, and identity theft.
The 11 arrested are:
Yue “Michael” Chong Chen, 41, Yongkang Chen, 36 and Liang Huan Chen, 65, all of Salem; Enrong Zhou, 40, of Albany; Yaorun Li, 27, of Lebanon; Guiqua Chen, 33, of Renton, Washington; Pinzheng Zhao, 39, of Sweet Home; Jinhui Liu, 28, of Portland; and Jianwen Zhu, 52, Rongchu Mai, 52 and Weihong Gong, 56, all of San Francisco.
The LINE Taskforce is made up of investigators from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Albany Police Department, Lebanon Police Department, Sweet Home Police Department, Oregon State Police, Eugene office of Drug Enforcement Administration and Oregon National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.
Deadly Wrong-Way Crash Shuts Down I-84 Near I-205
A stretch of eastbound Interstate 84 is closed after a wrong-way crash resulted in the death of two people early Thursday.
Multiple people reported a wrong-way driver going down eastbound I-84 around 2:15 a.m. Shortly afterward, a crash near Interstate 205 occurred. Once officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a head-on collision between two vehicles.
Two people died in the crash. No further details about the collision or the victims are available at this time.
Eastbound I-84 is shut down at Northeast 68th Avenue in what will be a lengthy closure. Traffic is being diverted onto surface streets, avoid the area or expect delays. This is a developing story.
Oregon Senate Looks To End Concealed Weapon Carry Exemption
Senate Bill 554 would disallow concealed carry weapons in public building.
In Oregon, guns are not allowed in public buildings — unless you have a concealed handgun license.
People with a concealed carry permit are exempt from the rule. “It’s called an affirmative defense,” said State Sen. Ginny Burdick. “But it functions as an exemption.”
Burdick said it’s time to do away with that exemption or at least give local authorities the option to do so. That’s why she’s a chief sponsor of Senate Bill 554.
If passed, the bill would do away with the concealed carry exemption in state buildings and the Capitol. But other local buildings and local governments will be able to make their own decisions.
“Senate Bill 554 would allow local governments and school districts and other local entities to keep their public buildings gun free,” Burdick said. “You have a state like Oregon, where people in more rural parts of the state look at guns a little differently than we do in urban areas. They don’t have to exclude concealed handgun license holders. And it also allows people not to just ban them, but to limit them.”
Burdick believes people bringing guns into the public is intimidating and unsafe.
“There’s no training requirement to get a concealed handgun license,” she said. “All you have to do is take a gun safety class. You don’t even need to own a gun. You don’t need to know how to fire one.
But the Oregon chapter of the NRA said Senate Bill 554 is bad legislation that would force law-abiding citizens to stow their guns in vehicles to avoid becoming a felon.
The president of the Oregon State Shooting Association, Kerry Spurgin, declined an on-camera interview and referred KOIN 6 News to their website for their state opposition.
The Oregon Senate will hold a third hearing on SB 554 on Thursday.