Klamath Basin News, Thursday, Nov. 17 – KF Police and SWAT Team Arrest Man on 14 Charges After Standoff

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Thursday, November 17, 2022

Klamath Basin Weather

Today Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Light and variable wind. Overnight, patchy freezing fog with a low of 17 degrees. North northeast wind around 6 mph.

Friday Patchy freezing fog before noon. Sunny, with a high near 40. Clear overnight with a low around 16.
Saturday Sunny, with a high near 44. Cloudy overnight, with a low around 18.
Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Overnight low of 22.
Monday A slight chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 48.


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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

Tuesday, members of the Klamath Falls Police Department (KFPD) and their Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team served a search warrant at 336 Lewis Street in Klamath Falls. 

Alvin Ayes Jr., 40, was arrested after a short standoff without further incident.

His warrants are for two felony counts for violation of release agreement, three felony counts for failure to appear three misdemeanor counts for violation of release agreement, four misdemeanor counts for FTA, one misdemeanor charge for Assault in the 4th degree / Domestic Abuse, and one misdemeanor charge for harassment. Ayers was lodged in the Klamath County Jail and was held on all fourteen (14) charges.

Ayers had been avoiding police contact for more than a month.  Police say he ran multiple times inside his residence to avoid capture, and he has been an ongoing public safety concern for his neighbors due to his reported erratic and violent behavior toward them.

The Klamath Falls Police Department would like to thank these community members for their patience and cooperation, so we were able to provide a peaceful resolution to a potentially violent situation.

Klamath Falls SWAT includes members of KFPD and Klamath County Fire District (KCFD) #1, and members of the Basin Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (BINET) and KFPD Patrol Division assisted in the search warrant execution.

Klamath County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) says a juvenile was in custody after posts about a bomb threat appeared on social media last Wednesday evening.

Brandon Fowler, Public Information Officer with KCSO, says deputies were first dispatched to Mazama High School on Nov. 9 just before 9 p.m. after school staff members told them about the threat.

After an investigation, police determined the threat to be unviable. There is no active threat to the school at this time.

The juvenile is being charged with disorderly conduct. The Sheriff’s Office says no further information can be released at this time.

A 25-year-old Salem man died Friday night after crashing his car into a pickup truck on icy roads in rural Klamath County, Oregon State Police said.

State Police said Sabino Cuautenango-Zacualpa was driving a Chevrolet Aveo east on Highway 58 when he lost control on the icy roads.

State Police said Sabino Cuautenango-Zacualpa was driving a Chevrolet Aveo east on Highway 58 when he lost control on the icy roads. His car crossed the middle lane and crashed into a 1999 Ford pickup.

Cuautenango-Zacualpa was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup had minor injures and didn’t immediately go to a hospital, police said.

State police also reported another fatal crash yesterday, one that happened last week.

On November 5th, at approximately 6:29PM, a green Ford F250, operated by Kenn Alan Biando (37) of Shady Cove, was traveling west on Hwy 62 when it lost control, resulting in a roll-over crash. The driver of the vehicle was in critical condition and life-flighted to Rogue Regional Medical Center. The driver later died at the hospital on Nov 8th. 

Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) is celebrating its largest first-year class in 32 years and stable enrollment from Fall 2021 to Fall 2022.

The university also experienced an increase in enrollment of culturally diverse students, who now make up more than a third of Oregon Tech’s students.

The University’s largest student populations are in Klamath Falls, Portland-Metro, and Online. Sites in Salem at Chemeketa Community College and Seattle at Boeing serve an additional 174 Oregon Tech students. This fall, 4,913 students enrolled at Oregon Tech compared to last year’s 4,910 students, with first-year students increasing by 4.5%. The university also remains dedicated to serving high school students enrolled in college courses through Oregon Tech’s dual credit program, which increased by 16%.

Oregon Tech’s most significant enrollment decrease was in the number of transfer students from community colleges, driven by an overall decline in community college enrollment in Oregon since 2019.

Dr. Joanna Mott, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Strategic Enrollment Management, said Oregon Tech’s stable enrollment defies national downward trends.

Despite the coming holidays and below freezing temperatures, a local property management company is threatening to evict multiple families from low-income housing units in Klamath Falls by Dec. 2.

Affected are  eight side-by-side cohousing units owned by SoCo — a Southern and Central Oregon low-income housing provider. The families in these units are renting their homes with the assistance of state and federally funded programs, such as Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Section 8.

Earlier this year, SoCo announced the private company was going out of business following the death of the original founder and owner.

According to Municipal Court Judge and SoCo’s attorney Nathan Ratliff and Klamath Housing Authority (KHA) Director Diana Otero, the plan is for these and all other SoCo-owned low-income residences to change hands and be gifted to the KHA so they can take over ownership of the units.

At a previous KHA board meeting, Otero discussed plans to take on all three of SoCo’s properties, which in total house more than a dozen low-income families in the community. She noted her concern that families could be in danger of losing their homes if they did not act quickly.

In the meantime, a property management company has been hired to handle the residences during the interim — 1st Choice Property Management.

Based in Klamath Falls, 1st Choice is a local agency that manages properties on behalf of owners, acting as the landlord for renters of the properties.

Ratliff also said that grant funding is necessary for KHA to take over ownership of the properties.

New reports show gas prices are on the decline a bit as drivers prepare for Thanksgiving holiday travel.

According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.77. That is 13 cents less than a month ago.

Drivers can expect to see lower prices at the pumps in Southern Oregon, even though prices are still above the state and national average for most consumers.

Oregon’s state average is $4.79 as of Monday, Nov. 14.

AAA reports the current average in the Medford-Ashland metropolitan area is $4.84. That is down 7 cents from a week ago and 70 cents from a month ago.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Medford was priced at $4.47 yesterday while the most expensive was $4.99, a difference of 52 cents per gallon.

Klamath Basin gas station prices are a few cents higher.

Friends of the Children of the Klamath Basin will host the Ugly Sweater Run & Scavenger Fun event, on Saturday, December 3, at 9AM.

The 9th annual fundraising event will offer a 5K run or a downtown scavenger hunt, both starting at the Fairfield Inn & Suites at 460 Timbermill Drive, as well as a free Santa Dash with medals for kids.

Festive beanies, tote bags, and other swag will be offered for participants, plus free drinks, snacks, and special prizes for a lucky few, including first finishers and best-dressed pets. Free vaccines against flu (6 months and up) and Covid (all ages) also will be offered on site.

Register by calling Friends of the Children – Klamath Basin at 541-273-2022 or register online.

Friends of the Children is a national nonprofit that creates generational change by empowering youth facing the greatest obstacles through relationships with professional mentors (“Friends”) for 12+ years. The Klamath Basin chapter was established in 2000 and will support 61 youth this year.

Integral Youth Services started its “Giving Tuesday” campaign earlier this month in hopes of spreading awareness of the organization and raising funds to further its mission.

Since 1988, Integral Youth Services has continued filling the gaps in services, and helping at-risk youth within Klamath County. Last year, IYS served more than 994 youth, and that number is expected to continue increasing.

In order to continue addressing the rising number of at-risk youth, IYS is looking for the help of the community through its Give Hope campaign.

The campaign hopes to raise $30,000 to support ongoing efforts through sheltering, nutrition and outreach programs offered by the organization.

IYS will be hosting a telethon and a “pay what you can” fundraiser at the Children’s Museum of Klamath Falls on Tuesday, Nov. 29. Donations are being accepted for the campaign throughout the month of November.

The Bureau of Land Management will close several campgrounds and recreation sites for the winter season beginning Monday, Nov. 14.

The seasonal closures will affect the North Eagle Lake Campground and Hobo Camp Day Use Area in Lassen County, and the Pit River Campground near Fall River Mills in eastern Shasta County. While the Hobo Camp closure affects vehicle access and parking, visitors can still hike into the area from the adjacent Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail which is open year-round.

The Rocky Point shoreline camping area at Eagle Lake and the Ramhorn Springs Campground off State Route 395 near Ravendale in eastern Lassen County are exempt from the seasonal closures. Both facilities are open year-round, however access may be limited by snow.

Call the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office, 530-257-0456, to check conditions.

The seasonal closures do not apply to dispersed camping away from developed recreation facilities. Dispersed camping is allowed for up to 14 days in areas that are not posted as closed to camping

Healthy Klamath – a Certified Blue Zones Community is thrilled to announce that the Moore Park Playground Project is now fully funded. This was a labor of love spearheaded by the City of Klamath Falls, pushed forward by Healthy Klamath, and supported by businesses, organizations, and individuals across the community.

From the vision to development, the ADA-accessible playground at Moore Park garnered positive community support and involvement throughout the process. The playground design was created based on the input and imagination of local elementary school students and community leaders, and incorporates artistic elements that showcase the rich cultural history of the Klamath Basin.

With features such as a lava cave labyrinth, a Klamath Tule Hut and a Mt. Mcloughlin climbing wall, the custom designed 18,000-square-foot playground will be installed next to the tennis courts in Moore Park in the summer of 2023. 

he playground will truly be community-owned with a large portion of the total fundraising coming from the City of Klamath Falls, Klamath County and local organizations such as Sky Lakes Medical Center, Cascade Health Alliance, Klamath Basin Behavioral Health, Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services, churches, businesses and philanthropic individuals. A large amount of grant funding from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department as well as funding from Ford Family Foundation, Union Pacific Foundation and Graham Family Foundation also helped to make the park a reality. 

If you are interested in getting involved in this project, there is still time for you to put your name on this innovative playground by purchasing a personalized engraved fence post. This simple gesture will stand the test of time as a visual representation of your dedication to improving the health and wellness for families in our community. For more information, go to www.healthyklamath.org/playground.

The City of Klamath Falls is in need of individuals interested in volunteering to serve on the several Advisory Committees and Boards.

Individuals are urged to apply to serve on the parking district board, budget committee, and parks and recreation boards.

The Volunteer Application can be found on the city’s website, or by calling 541-883-5270.

Around the state of Oregon

Oregon’s unemployment rate rose to 4.1% in October from 3.8% in September and was above the recent low of 3.5% reached in May, June and July. October was the first month Oregon’s unemployment rate was above 4% since January, when the rate was 4.2%. Meanwhile, the U.S. unemployment rate rose from 3.5% in September to 3.7% in October.

 In Oregon, nonfarm payroll employment rose by 5,200 jobs in October, following a loss of 500 jobs in September. The gains in October were largest in financial activities (+2,500 jobs), manufacturing (+1,100), health care and social assistance (+1,100), leisure and hospitality (+800), and construction (+700). These gains were partially offset by losses in retail trade (-700 jobs) and government (-600).

 Oregon’s private sector added 5,800 jobs in October, reaching another all-time high of 1,682,300. This was 10,600 jobs, or 0.6%, above this sector’s pre-recession peak in February 2020.

 Financial activities added 2,500 jobs in October, bouncing back from job declines totaling 1,600 between June and September. Job gains in October were strongest in real estate and rental and leasing, which added 1,900, as firms in the following industries added workers: rental centers and lessors of buildings and dwellings

Construction continued its rapid expansion of the past 12 months, when it added 8,800 jobs, or 7.9% growth. It employed 120,900 in October, another record high, which was well above construction’s pre-recession total of 112,300 in February 2020.

 In contrast to the rapid growth of many of Oregon’s industries, retail trade trended downward this year. It employed 208,500 in October, which was a loss of 2,900 jobs during the first 10 months of the year. Since October 2021, general merchandise stores cut 2,300 jobs, which was the most of the retail component industries. Two other retail industries shedding jobs over the year included motor vehicle and parts dealers (-900 jobs) and building material and garden supply stores (-800).

The Oregon State Police (OSP) is aware that the public has many questions regarding Ballot Measure 114.  The Oregon Secretary of State’s office notified OSP that Ballot Measure 114 will go into effect at 12:00 a.m. on December 8, 2022. 

The Oregon State Police is working very closely with the Department of Justice, the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association and the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police to assess the required processes that need to be completed to implement this law.

For the month of November 2022, approximately 63% of the requests received into the OSP Firearms Instant Check System (FICS) unit have been approved. The remaining transactions must be evaluated by an OSP employee to determine what caused the person to be kicked out of the automated process.  If applicable a manual correction can be made, and the application can be approved. 

Here are some important notes to consider when submitting for a Firearms purchase or transfer that could exclude you from the automated process:

  • If you have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime in Oregon or any other state.
  • If you have incomplete or incorrect information listed on federal ATF Form 4473
    • Potential Fix- Double-check the information for accuracy.
  • If your registered DMV address does not match the address listed on federal ATF Form 4473
    • Potential Fix- Update your personal address with DMV.

This unit has been working through these extreme firearms request volumes and will continue to process them as quickly as possible.  

Grants Pass Sound Lounge Robber Arrested

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On Monday, November 14, 2022, Grants Pass Police Detectives, with the assistance of the Medford Police Department, arrested Gregory Scott Jetmore, 41 years old, for the robbery of the Sound Lounge that occurred on November 8thin Grants Pass.

Following a losing Oregon Lottery gambling spree at the Sound Lounge, Jetmore allegedly returned and held the bartender at knifepoint while he demanded cash and the bartender’s phone. Jetmore fled the scene with approximately $4,000.00 cash.

Following an in-depth investigation by the Grants Pass Police Department, Gregory Jetmore was identified as the subject captured on surveillance video robbing the business. Following the arrest, Jetmore was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Robbery in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing, and Theft in the First Degree.

The Grants Pass Police Department would like to thank all those who assisted with the investigation. If anyone has further information about this crime, they are asked to call the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-450-6260 and reference case # 22-49208. Further media inquiries should be referred to the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office.

Oregon income levels remain strong despite worries about a potential recession and that has pushed state economists’ expectations for tax revenues up yet again, in the latest forecast they delivered to lawmakers on Wednesday.

One likely upshot is that taxpayers will receive an even larger “kicker” tax rebate on their 2023 taxes when they file returns in 2024: $3.7 billion total, up from $3.5 billion just three months ago. At the same time, economists Mark McMullen and Josh Lehner said they now believe it’s more likely Oregon will experience a recession in the near future. They incorporated a recession starting next year in their revenue and economic forecasts. “It’s rather mild from a historical perspective,” McMullen said of the recession the state economists included in their modeling.

Oregon lawmakers will start working on the next two-year budget in a couple of months and economists had already predicted months ago that lawmakers would have approximately $3 billion less in revenue compared with the current budget cycle. That is because economists expected the state’s long run of windfall tax revenues, which was fueled in part by federal pandemic stimulus programs and upper income Oregonians cashing out capital gains, to slow down.

In 2021, Oregon tax filers reported 77.9% more capital gains income than in the previous year. By contrast, tax filers’ reported wage income only grew 5.8% in 2021, according to the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis. 

Paid Leave Oregon launches statewide campaign to help employers prepare for paid leave

This week, Paid Leave Oregon launched a statewide campaign aimed at notifying Oregon employers about their role and responsibilities in the new program, which begins in just six weeks, on Jan. 1.

To make sure employers are ready to participate in the program, the statewide campaign includes social and digital advertising featuring Oregon employers. High-resolution photos for media from the campaign are available at this link.

Paid Leave Oregon also has a new online employer toolkit, a one-stop place for employers to find all the resources they need to prepare. The toolkit includes the required notice poster, an employer guidebook, a new video, and sample social posts that employers and partners can use to share information with their employees and networks, and much more. Resources for employers are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, simplified Chinese, and traditional Chinese.

“Paid Leave Oregon is here to support employers so they can help their employees prepare for this new program,” said Karen Madden Humelbaugh, director of Paid Leave Oregon. “We are excited to share all of these new resources with employers, who we know are still learning about the program and how it will help Oregonians.”

Paid Leave Oregon allows employees to take paid time off for some of life’s most important moments. It covers leave for the birth or adoption of a child, for serious illness or injury, for taking care of a seriously ill family member, and for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or harassment.

The new campaign targets employers, because all employers, regardless of size, will collect contributions from employees starting Jan. 1. Both employers and employees fund Paid Leave Oregon with a total contribution rate of 1 percent of gross payroll. Employees will pay 60 percent, and large employers will pay 40 percent, of the 1 percent contribution rate. For example, if an employee makes $5,000, the employee will pay $30, and the employer will pay $20.

However, only employers with 25 or more employees also will contribute to the program. Small employers with fewer than 25 employees are not required to make contributions, but they can choose to participate in coverage as a benefit to their employees.

“Paid Leave Oregon will make it easy for business owners like us to support employees, and that helps keep trained folks on our team,” said Kathryn Weeks of Peoria Gardens in Linn County. 

Peoria Gardens is one of the local Oregon employers featured in the Paid Leave campaign. 

“Without this program we could not afford such comprehensive coverage, and we know that our workers are also contributing,” Weeks said. “The state will confirm a worker qualifies, and of course pay for the leave itself out of the fund. This is a real service, both for us and for our employees.”

Paid Leave Oregon will administer the program, including paying employees while they are on leave and determining their eligibility for benefits. Benefits will be available to employees in September 2023. Another statewide campaign focusing on employee outreach begins in 2023.

### The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov. — MORE INFO: https://paidleave.oregon.gov/Pages/default.aspx

OHA offers telehealth visits to improve access to COVID-19 therapy

Agency partners with Color Health to provide free clinician appointments so people can find out if they’re eligible for oral antivirals

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) now offers free telehealth visits statewide for those at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness. This provides easier access to potentially life-saving treatment.

OHA partnered with Color Health to launch the new program Monday. Through this program, any person in Oregon, regardless of health insurance status, can make a no-cost telehealth appointment with a clinician. During the appointment, they can find out if they are eligible for COVID-19 oral antiviral medicine.

People at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness whose symptoms started in the prior five days are eligible for treatment. If a clinician confirms the patient is eligible for treatment, the clinician can prescribe the medication.

“These medicines can help prevent severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and even death,” said Andrea Lara, M.D., M.P.H., therapeutics clinical and equity lead with Oregon Health Authority. “They should be available for free for anyone who needs them, whether or not the person has health insurance.”

She added that the service will especially benefit communities hit hardest by COVID-19. This includes Tribal nations and communities of color.

OHA recommends people with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive COVID test first call or visit a health care provider. If they don’t have a provider or are unable to quickly get an appointment, they can find a federal Test to Treat site.

If there is no Test to Treat site nearby or they can’t get to one, they can make a telehealth appointment through Color. The process is as follows:

  1. Visit Color.com/COVID-19-treatment-OR and take the survey, or call 833-273-6330 and describe your symptoms.
  2. Join the video or phone call.
  3. Those given a prescription can pick it up at their local pharmacy or get home delivery.

Telehealth visit hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Consultation is offered in 17 languages. You can visit OHA’s COVID-19 treatments page, or call Color at 833-273-6330 for more information.

For people who can’t use the service or who need additional assistance or accessibility accommodations, there is another option. They can find participating federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) on the Test to Treat site. They should look for sites that say “HRSA supported health center” or read OHA’s monthly COVID-19 Therapeutics Newsletter, found on OHA’s COVID-19 Treatments page, for a list.

Oregon’s Doctors and Nurses Join Together, Ask Oregonians to be Vigilant Against RSV, Other Illnesses

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA)

(Portland, Ore.) – Across the state, hospitals are seeing a serious surge in cases of respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV. RSV is a common airborne respiratory virus.

Young children are especially vulnerable to RSV, with children under the age of two at increased risk for severe symptoms.

Combined with increased risk for cases of influenza and COVID-19, hospitals are on the verge of being overwhelmed, if they aren’t already. Public health officials across the country are warning that winter could see a “triple-demic” that will add overwhelming stress to an already stressed health care system in Oregon.

The Oregon Medical Association (OMA) and the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) are joining together to call on Oregonians to take steps to protect themselves and their children from the threats of RSV, flu, and COVID-19 – not only for their own health, but also to reduce the impact on the physicians and nurses who are facing unprecedented patient numbers in hospitals and clinics.

“All signs indicate that we are at the very beginning of this RSV surge,” said Marianne Parshley, MD, internal medicine specialist and President of the OMA. “Public health officials believe we won’t see the peak of this surge for another 10 to 12 weeks, until well past the holidays. Physicians and physician assistants across the state join their nursing colleagues in asking all Oregonians to take extra precautions now to help reduce the impact of these illnesses on our health care workers and prevent further strain on hospitals and clinics.”  

A crucial step for Oregonians is to know when (and when not) to go to the emergency room. “Our ERs are overflowing with patients right now,” said Tamie Cline, RN, President of the ONA Board of Directors. “It is important for people to know when they should head to the ER and when it is better to visit urgent care, call an advice nurse, see your primary care provider, or simply stay at home and care for yourself.” 

“If you suspect you or your child has been exposed to RSV, call your primary care physician or nurse advice line rather than coming into the ER where you will face a long wait, or even risk exposing yourself and your child to other illnesses like COVID-19 or the flu,” said Parshley. “Your doctor or advice nurse can run through a checklist of warning signs and symptoms and make suggestions for potential at-home treatments or recommend other steps, like visiting an urgent care clinic or coming to the ER, as needed.”

A serious symptom of RSV includes working extra hard to breathe – like flaring of the nostrils, grunting while inhaling or exhaling, or when skin between the ribs or collarbone pulls in and out. If an individual experiences such symptoms, they should be seen by a medical professional immediately. Check with your primary care provider or advice nurse if you have any questions about other symptoms.

“Just as we have been for the past two years, we are all in this together,” said Cline. “Physicians and nurses are asking everyone to take precautions like voluntarily wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, washing your hands frequently, keeping your hands away from your face, disinfecting frequently used surfaces, staying home from work or school if you suspect you might be ill, and, of course, make sure you get your flu shot and your COVID-19 booster. Spreading the message now, before this surge gets worse, is essential if Oregon is to avoid the worst impacts of an overwhelmed health care system.”

The Oregon Medical Association (OMA) is the state’s largest professional organization engaging in advocacy, policy, community-building, and networking opportunities for Oregon’s physicians, physician assistants, medical students, and physician assistant students. In the state capitol of Salem and in Washington, DC, the OMA’s members speak with one voice as they advocate for policies that improve access to quality patient care and reduce administrative burdens on medical professionals. For more information visit: www.TheOMA.org

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is the state’s largest and most influential nursing organization. We are a professional association and labor union which represents more than 15,000 nurses and allied health workers throughout the state. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit: www.OregonRN.org.

FBI Investigating Suspicious Death on Warm Springs Reservation

WARM SPRINGS, OR – The Federal Bureau of Investigation, partnered with the Warm Springs Tribal Police, are investigating the death of a man on the Warm Springs Reservation.

Warm Springs Tribal Police received a call Monday night notifying that a man had died in a home on Dry Creek Trail Road. 

Once police arrived they noticed a wound to the man’s head. The man is identified as 43-year-old Diamond Tewee. 

The FBI’s Evidence Response Team is processing the scene. As this is an ongoing investigation, no further information will be released at this time. FBI – Oregon

Reynolds High School Teacher Arrested In Bend In Online Sex Sting

A Reynolds High School teacher faces possible attempted rape and other charges after being arrested last Friday in an “online sex sting” operation, the Bend Police Department said Monday in a statement.

Edward Hernandez-Corchado, 26, began messaging a Bend police officer on November 4, with the officer posing as a 15-year-old girl, according to the statement. Over the course of the week, Hernandez-Corchado “continued contacting the officer and making sexual statements, and then began making plans to meet up in person at Target in Bend to engage in sexual acts with her,” police added.

The Portland-area teacher and the officer posing as the teen girl agreed to meet Friday evening “so he could take her to a hotel,” officials said. Police arrested him when he arrived at the agreed meeting spot.

Police said they took Hernandez-Corchado into custody on charges including online corruption of a child, attempted rape and luring a minor for sexual conduct. The Portland State graduate has been teaching social studies at Reynolds since 2019, according to a LinkedIn profile.

In a message to parents and staff, Reynolds High School said the teacher has been put on leave.

Police say there may be victims who have not been identified and ask anyone with possible information to contact the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office at 503-988-0560.

North Falls at Silver Falls State Park

Park Waived Fees. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department invites Oregonians to head outside the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 25.

Popularly known as “Green Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving has become a tradition in recent years. Oregon state parks will once again waive day-use parking fees in the 24 parks that are open and charge for parking on that day.

Parking is free year-round at almost all state parks; the waiver applies to the parks that charge $5 daily for parking. Fee parks include popular destinations such as Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Silver Falls, Champoeg, L.L. Stub Stewart, Smith Rock and Milo McIver. 

The fee waiver applies from open to close on Nov. 25, except at Shore Acres State Park, where it expires at 4 p.m. for the Holiday Lights event that runs Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. 

Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink Set to Open Nov 19, 2022

City of Ashland press releaseIt’s that time of year again to lace up your skates and hit the ice! The Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink will officially open on Saturday, November 19, 2022.

The outdoor rink is located in beautiful Lithia Park at 95 Winburn Way, across from the playground, around the bend from the Downtown Plaza, at the corner of Nutley Street and Winburn Way. The rink is managed by Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission (APRC).

APRC and the City of Ashland hope you can recreate, eat and shop locally this winter. Holiday celebrations in Ashland include:

  • The Ashland Chamber & Travel Ashland’s Festival of Light— Celebrate 30 years of magical moments this winter as they flip the switch on more than one million holiday lights! Watch for Santa at 5 p.m. on November 25, as he makes his way from the Ashland Public Library to the Downtown Plaza in a choreographed procession that will lead to the Grand Illumination of Ashland. Caroling, entertainment on the plaza and a season full of festive activities awaits. Travelashland.com/FestivalOfLight
  • The Oregon Shakespeare Festival will present, “It’s Christmas, Carol.” The play will open on November 23 and run through January 1, 2023. Osfashland.org

Please visit ashland.or.us/IceRink BEFORE every trip to the rink as the schedule offers opportunities for all, from figure skaters to hockey players to families with young children, and you will want to plan your visit accordingly. (Weather can also affect the schedule.)

The direct line to the rink, on or after November 19, is 541.552.2258. The rink will be open through February 2023. If you have questions before November 19, please email ParksInfo@ashland.or.us or call 541.488.5340.

Come to the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink this season and experience one of the most magical places in Ashland… that little outdoor rink in beautiful Lithia Park, where the air is fresh, and the white lights are twinkling. May you find your holiday spirit in Ashland’s season of celebration!  Follow us on social media… Facebook & Instagram @AshlandParksandRec  —

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