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, your local health and Medicare agents.
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
Klamath Basin Weather
Today Sunny, with a high near 80. Southwest wind around 9 mph. Overnight mostly clear with a low around 50.
Thursday Sunny, with a high near 82. Light and variable wind becoming west southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.Overnight clear with a low around 50.
Friday Sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Sunny, with a high near 84.
Sunday Sunny, with a high near 89.
Monday Sunny, with a high near 94.
Today’s Headlines
Oregon State University begins a unique partnership this month, joining a Klamath-area tribe to study the impact of removing four dams.
The removal of four Klamath River dams built between 1918 and 1962 is expected to be a massive undertaking.
Over the next five years, they’ll collaborate with the Yurok Tribe in a first-of-its kind partnership. The data will be useful for future dam removal plans.
The dams provide hydroelectric power for PacifiCorp, but don’t meet current fish passage guidelines. Managers determined decommissioning the dams was more cost effective than paying for the needed upgrades. Work is expected to begin next year, with the four dams slated for removal in 2024.
Craig Schuhmann has been promoted to executive director of Integral Youth Services (IYS) is a non-profit, faith-based social service organization for children in Klamath Falls.
Last December, former executive director Larry Zeilstra stepped down from his position, retiring from IYS after 22 years.
Schuhmann has worked for IYS since 2008, starting as the Outreach Programs Director, and later advancing to Operations Director. He is also an accomplished fly-fishing guide, as well as the editor of the magazine “Fly Fishing and Tying Journal.”
In the years prior to his work with IYS, Schuhmann studied at the University of Portland, earning his Bachelor’s degree in business and his Master’s degree in theology. He then began this tenure with the Archdiocese of Portland in 1998.
He said as the executive director, he hopes to take IYS in a direction of “continued growth, and development of community partnership,” with the intention of strengthening current programs and starting new programs to offer the community as well.
Klamath Folk Alliance, in partnership with the Ross Ragland Theater, announces the return of the annual Klamath Folk Festival on Saturday, August 27.
The event will feature 12 performances across two stages at the Ragland complex between noon and 7pm, children’s activities, and food and beverage vendors.
Headlining this year’s festival will be The Brothers Reed. With their fifth studio album released in May, a collaborative beer bearing their name with Pelican Brewing, and gracing the cover of “Southern Oregon Magazine,” The Brothers Reed are quickly becoming one of the Northwest’s most talked about acts.
Also on the bill are Shasta Music Summit co-founders, The Bee Eaters, and one-man band, savage folk artist Arthur Buezo. Along with cultural music performances from many local artists. Food and beverage vendors will be available, as well as children’s activities.
Tickets are available in person at the Ragland box office, 541.884.LIVE, and at Ragland.org. Proceeds go to help cover the ongoing nonprofit efforts and operations of the Klamath Folk Alliance and the Ross Ragland Theater.
Around the state of Oregon
Interstate 5 South of Ashland Closed after Trucks Collide
Ashland, Or. – Both southbound lanes of Interstate 5 just south of Ashland were closed Tuesday night after two trucks carrying wood products crashed under the railroad overpass near Exit 11.
ODOT and tow company crews worked to move the cargo and crash debris to the shoulder to get at a single lane open southbound later tonight.
A southbound detour was set using Exit 14 to Tolman Creek Road to OR 99 and back on I-5 southbound. ODOT warned that drivers should expect long delays and congestion using the detour. Consider delaying travel until southbound lanes are again open. ODOT: SW Oregon
Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office Serves Another Illegal Grow Search Warrant 06/30/22
INCIDENT DATE: June 30th, 2022
REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)
On Tuesday, June 30th, 2022, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) executed a search warrant in the 100 block of Browntown Road, Cave Junction, regarding an illegal marijuana grow site.
During the execution of the warrant, approximately 419 marijuana plants located in 3 green houses were seized and destroyed. The grow site was unoccupied and no arrests were made.
At the time of this press release the investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released.
We want to keep you informed about COVID-19 in Oregon. Data are provisional and change frequently. This report covers the four-day period from July 1 to July 4.
Note: Due to an electronic laboratory report (ELR) auto-processing delay, the case count for July 2 is lower than anticipated and the case count for July 3 is higher than anticipated.
The test counts and percent positivity for July 2 were unaffected by the auto-processing delay. The case counts for the week of June 26 are lower than anticipated. We do not anticipate that this auto-processing error will affect CDC’s Community Levels, which use a Thursday to Wednesday timeframe.For more information, including COVID-19 data by county, visit our dashboard: http://ow.ly/qi6e50JOY8g
People who survive COVID-19 are significantly more likely to have certain health complications than those who have no evidence of ever having COVID-19, according to a recent CDC report.
These types of lingering health complications linked to a COVID-19 infection are commonly referred to as Long COVID.
The CDC study included data from 2 million participants ages 18 and up. Some key findings include:
◌ 1 in 5 COVID-19 survivors ages 18-64 experienced at least one health complication that may be a result of COVID-19.
◌ 1 in 4 COVID-19 survivors age 65 and older experienced at least one health complication that may be a result of COVID-19.
◌ COVID-19 survivors in both age groups had twice the risk of developing a respiratory condition or a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot that travels to the lung).
◌ Respiratory symptoms and musculoskeletal pain (joint and muscle pain) were the two most common conditions in both age groups.
This analysis highlights the importance of practicing preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated and boosted and wearing a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor settings. Additionally, it’s important, especially for people age 65 and older, to monitor for post-COVID-19 symptoms and to seek routine care after infection.To learn more: http://ow.ly/UPLM50JP6Yo
Lane County has reported two presumed monkeypox cases after testing from the state public health lab — the second and third presumptive cases reported in Oregon.
Jason Davis, a spokesperson for Lane County Public Health, said an epidemiological link between the first and second case reported in the county — which both were reported Friday — has not been established.
Officials said the first patient is an adult who did not have a travel history in areas with known cases. Lane County noted the test sample has been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation. The second patient was identified only as an adult residing in Lane County.
Most monkeypox patients experience only fever, body aches, chills and fatigue. People with more serious illness might develop a rash and lesions on the face and hands that can spread to other parts of the body.
The disease is endemic in parts of Africa, where people have been infected through bites from rodents or small animals. It does not usually spread easily among people.
Anyone working for the minimum wage in Oregon got a raise July 1.
The last phase of the state’s minimum wage increase took effect Friday. Oregon has three rates. The Portland area rate increases to 14 dollars and 75 cents, the standard rate will be 13 dollars and 50 cents and the rate for nonurban counties will be 12 dollars and 50 cents an hour.
Starting next year, the minimum wage will increase based on the Consumer Price Index.
Some Oregon Landowners Say the New Wildfire Risk Map is Inaccurate
The new interactive wildfire risk map from the Oregon Department of Forestry shows how at-risk your property is from wildfires. But some property owners say the map doesn’t accurately reflect the fire danger on their land.
The searchable map shows the wildfire risk of properties across the state. Anyone can plug in their address and see where their property falls on a risk spectrum. The map was made by a collaborative that included the state’s Department of Forestry, the U.S. Forest Service and Oregon State University as part of Senate Bill 762. That bill, passed during the 2021 Legislative session, ordered state agencies to undertake a slate of proactive measures to prevent and respond to the growing threat of wildfires.
Doug Grafe, Gov. Kate Brown’s wildfire programs director, said in a press conference Tuesday that many have asked questions about how the map will impact their insurance rates and property values since it was released. And some cities that have their own risk maps have asked to have them grandfathered into the database: They say their own assessments and building standards are superior to those the state might mandate.
About 120,000 of the state’s nearly 2 million tax lots are in what’s called the wildland-urban interface – an area where wild vegetation transitions into areas with more human activity – and in high or extreme risk zones.
“The map is the lynchpin for everything. All of the other programs that could potentially impact property owners are all dependent upon the map,” said Dave Hunnicutt, rural representative on the state’s Wildfire Program Advisory Council.
The color shades on the map show how high the risk of wildfire danger is to your property, with green showing “Low Risk” and red indicating “Extreme Risk.” The map also shows which properties are in the Wildland Urban Interface zone, meaning there’s a significant amount of wildfire fuel near structures.
If someone’s property falls into one of those areas, their property may be subject to new regulations from state agencies. Those include hardening a home against fire danger and creating a defensible space around a structure.
But Hunnicutt, who’s also the president of the Oregon Property Owner’s Association, says he’s gotten a lot of phone calls from property owners, like sixth-generation Central Oregon farmer Matt Cyrus, since the map was made public.
“My first thought was whoever drew the map was probably drunk at the time,” Cyrus said.
His property was designated as “High Risk,” but he’s fought wildfires for decades in Oregon and says he knows his property is not at high risk for fire danger.
“It would be difficult to get any fire going on my property at any time of the year. I mean, it’s irrigated farmland, very few trees on the entire property, it’s quite literally hayfields,” Cyrus said.
For situations like this, the Oregon Department of Forestry says it’s created an appeals process for property owners to challenge their property’s risk assessment if they feel it’s inaccurate.
“So we welcome those appeals. They help us verify the map,” said Tim Holschbach with ODF.
Cyrus told us that’s definitely something he’ll be doing in the coming days.
And Hunnicutt says he’ll be far from alone.
“If the volume of calls that I’m getting reflect the concern from the public, they’ll be quite a few appeals the state will have to wade through over the next couple of months as we work through these maps,” he said.
State partnership announces new foreclosure prevention campaign to support homeowners
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), together with the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, has launched a new website and awareness campaign to support struggling homeowners at risk of foreclosure.
The state agencies worked in partnership with Oregon Consumer Justice (OCJ) to develop www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org as a central hub for foreclosure prevention resources.
The mortgage foreclosure moratorium in Oregon expired in December 2021. With rising inflation, many households that are having trouble keeping up with living expenses may be at risk of missing a mortgage payment. Some Oregonians are not aware there may be ways to avoid foreclosure.
“We want homeowners who have fallen behind or are at risk of missing a mortgage payment to know they may have options,” said Emese Perfecto, director of the Homeownership Division at OHCS. “It can be overwhelming to receive a letter from a mortgage company. You are not alone. This website, which highlights certified housing counselors as a key resource, can help them find the best way to move forward.”
The emphasis of the awareness campaign is to direct homeowners who are worried about being able to make their mortgage payment, or who have received a foreclosure letter from their servicer, to do one of two things:
- Call 211 to be put into contact with certified housing counselors at one of the many homeownership centers throughout the state.
- Visit www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org for more information.
“Housing counselors can advocate on your behalf with your mortgage servicer,” said Andrew Stolfi, director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “If you get a call or a letter from your mortgage servicer, contact a homeownership center right away. The earlier you reach out for help, the more options you will have.”
In addition to housing counseling services, the website can also help homeowners avoid falling victim to fraud and connect them with legal assistance.
“As the attention on foreclosures increases, so will the foreclosure-related scams. It’s important for homeowners to be on the lookout and avoid falling victim,” said Ellen M. Klem, director of Outreach and Education for the Oregon Attorney General. “The new website and awareness campaign will provide Oregonians with the information they need to stay safe from fraud during this challenging time.”
If a homeowner has provided that information to a scammer and believes they are a victim of a scam, they should do the following:
- File a police report to document the crime for their creditors. Make sure they get the report number and a copy.
- Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission at 877-438-4338 (toll-free) or at www.ftc.gov.
- Call their creditors such as their bank or credit union, credit card company, cell phone provider and other utilities, and their health insurance provider.
- File a complaint with the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation or call 888-877-4894 (toll-free).
“We know that during the subprime scandal, thousands of Oregonians were targeted by scammers with a disproportionate impact on communities of color,” said Jagjit Nagra, executive director at OCJ. “Many families were displaced and have yet to recover. We want to work hard to prevent people from losing their homes due to scams.”
For more information, visit www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org or call 211 to be connected to a housing counselor that serves your area.
Search For Inmate Who Walked Away From Salem Work Crew
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help finding a man who walked away from a work crew in Salem Tuesday morning.
Juan Castillo, 43, was working with a crew near 12th Street Southeast and Bellevue Street Southeast when he walked away shortly after 8 a.m., the sheriff’s office said.
He had been in custody at the Marion County Transition Center for a parole violation. Anyone who sees Castillo should call non-emergency dispatch at (503) 588-5032.
Oregon Liquor And Cannabis Commission Asking Congress To Remove Barriers To Banking Services For Legal Cannabis Businesses
The agency responsible for regulating Oregon’s pot industry is calling on Congress to change banking regulations. It’s a renewed push by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission – to remove barriers to banking services for legal cannabis businesses.
“We’ve been hearing from the industry, we’ve also seen a proliferation of crime for the past few years occuring at our licensed retail businesses, just because they are cash heavy,” OLCC’s Bryant Haley tells KBND News. He says they have all that cash because federally insured banks are not allowed to do business with companies selling a product considered illegal at the federal level.
The agency recently sent a letter to Oregon’s Congressional delegation, “Our chair of the commission Paul Rosenbaulm is not pleased with federal stagnation, so he’s really been pushing this issue as something that we need to discuss.” Haley adds, “This is what we can do to show support, to show solidarity with the industry for this undue burden placed upon them, versus the business down the street selling ‘x’ widgets. I hate to quote my 7-year-old who loves to use this term, but it’s not fair.”
He says regulators know complete legalization of cannabis is unlikely, but allowing legal businesses access to financial services is long overdue, “So many states in this country are operating some sort of cannabis program.”
Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle Seahawks chairperson Jody Allen says neither team is for sale, and there are no ongoing sales discussions.
In a statement released Tuesday morning, Allen also said that a time will come when the teams will be sold, but that there is no set timeline for their sales. In the meantime, Allen said the focus for both franchises is on winning.
Allen’s statement comes a month after the Blazers confirmed that Nike co-founder Phil Knight and Los Angeles Dodgers minority owner Alan Smolinisky made an offer to buy the team. The offer reportedly was for $2 billion-plus.
Allen did not elaborate on the possibility of Knight obtaining the NBA franchise, the only professional major league sports franchise in the three major sports- football, basketball and baseball in the state. There is major league soccer and women’s major league soccer, widely popular in Portland.
Mountain rescue teams were busy over the weekend.
Clackamas County Search and Rescue responded to Mt. Hood Saturday. Witnesses reported a Happy Valley man lost his ice ax and fell 600 – 700 feet. A National Guard helicopter flew him to a Portland hospital with serious injuries.
On Mount Jefferson, a Texas man is believed to have triggered a fatal avalanche on Thursday. Linn County rescue teams recovered his body Monday, with the help of a Leading Edge Aviation helicopter from Bend.
The agency responsible for regulating Oregon’s pot industry is calling on Congress to change banking regulations. It’s a renewed push by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission – to remove barriers to banking services for legal cannabis businesses.
The OLCC’s Bryant Haley says that there has been a proliferation of crime for the past few years occuring at licensed retail businesses, just because they are cash heavy,” He says they have all that cash because federally insured banks are not allowed to do business with companies selling a product considered illegal at the federal level.
Haley adds that the chair of the commission Paul Rosenbaulm is not pleased with federal stagnation, so he’s really been pushing this issue as something that we need to discuss.
He says regulators know complete legalization of cannabis is unlikely, but allowing legal businesses access to financial services is long overdue.
The High Desert Museum will unveil a stellar collection of traditional and contemporary art on Saturday, July 23 in its annual Art in the West exhibition and silent auction.
This year’s invitation-only, juried exhibition will feature over 90 works of art by dozens of renowned artists from across the country.
Art in the West features a variety of works inspired by the High Desert. Visitors will see new mediums in the exhibition this year including sagebrush, plexiglass, sandstone and enamels. The exhibit also features sculptures, paintings and photography expressing responses to the landscapes, history, cultures and wildlife of the High Desert in mediums ranging from oil to acrylic, pastel to charcoal, mixed media to mosaic, and bronze to branches.
Silent bidding will be available online, with the opportunity to purchase artwork outright. The bidding will launch July 23 and continue through the exhibit’s closing on Friday, September 30. Opening bids for the art range from $50 to $8,200.
Proceeds from the Art in the West auction help support the Museum’s educational programs, bringing science, art and history education to lifelong learners throughout the region.
THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982.