Klamath Basin News, Tuesday, 5/2/23 – Oregon Tech and Klamath Tribes Strengthen Partnership in Ceremony

Today’s Headlines

Klamath County schools will be receiving updated educational materials and resources for the coming school year.

The Klamath County School District board of directors approved curriculum and textbook changes for K-12 classes during the regular meeting Thursday, April 27.

Elementary Curriculum Director Doris Ellison said the new materials for kindergarten through fifth grade classes, called myView, will cover the core English language arts (ELA) curriculum necessities.

Sixth-grade classes will receive new materials from StudySync, another educational resource program which integrates digital learning.

Together, the two new curriculum materials will cost $1.6 million for six years of kindergarten through sixth grade learning in county schools.

Recommendations for new, state-approved mathematics programs were also discussed during the meeting.

Sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade classes will adopt MidSchool Math, a program which integrates scientific processes and real-world problem-solving into the studies.

High school students also will be receiving a new math curriculum and materials from Reveal Math, a McGraw Hill educational program.

In addition to curriculum, the board also moved to accept a board member resignation from Laura Blair, representative of the Henley-Keno area. The official reason Blair resigned, as well as the exact day she resigned, were not available at the meeting.

Board Chair Jill O’Donnell announced that applications to fill the position will be made available next week on the school district website, kcsd.k12.or.us.

The Bonanza community is in a state of shock after a weekend accident claimed the life of a 17 year old Bonanza High senior, set to graduate high school in about a month.

According to the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bonanza High Facebook page, Adrian Mojica died in the late Friday evening accident as law enforcement and fire agencies were dispatched to the area of Teare Ln and E. Langell Valley Rd.

Upon arrival deputies made contact with crews from Bonanza Fire who were attempting to extricate a 17-year-old juvenile. Following extrication fire personnel as well as ambulance personnel from Klamath County Fire District 1 attempted life saving measures without success. KCSO detectives are working with Oregon State Police crash reconstruction investigators to determine the cause and circumstances leading to the crash.

Bonanza Jr./Sr. High opened their doors Sunday afternoon so the  students, staff, and families can gather and support each other.

The District Office provided a Crisis Team at Bonanza on Monday, May 1 to help students and staff throughout the day. The school encouraged all students to come to school on Monday so they could  process this event with their peers and teachers with the help of professional support.

An active investigation is underway on the incident, according to authorities.

Klamath Community College’s Board of Directors approved a 4% tuition cost increase for the 2023-24 school year at its April meeting – a rate that trends well below increases in federal and Oregon financial aid, and national inflation. The tuition cost rate increase will take effect starting July 1.

The 4% increase is approximately half of the state and federal financial aid increases available to students for the 2023-24 fiscal year through the Oregon Opportunity Grant and Federal Pell Grant; and more than half of the national inflation rate. The Oregon Promise Grant will also see a slight increase.

Among the 17 community colleges in Oregon, KCC ranks seventh in best value. The college has grown rapidly over the past decade in construction of new facilities and adding available modern technology for students, trending concurrently with a large increase in graduation rates and new degree and certification programs. The latest additions to KCC include an on-campus childcare facility in partnership with the Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) available for children of KCC students and the general public, and a state-of-the-art KCC Apprenticeship Center. The Apprenticeship Center is an approximately $11 million facility housing programs funded through grants and community donations. It serves as the primary training facility for a number of skilled trade programs including carpentry, welding, plumbing, electrical, manufacturing, wildland and structural fire science, and emergency medical technician, among others.

Oregon Tech and Klamath Tribes strengthen partnership and celebrate with ceremonial tree planting

Oregon Tech and the Klamath Tribes renewed their memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further strengthen collaboration in academic support and access, financial assistance, cultural and social support, and research.

The renewed MOU was signed at a special ceremony Friday by Oregon Tech President Dr. Nagi Naganathan, Klamath Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman Gail Hatcher, and Klamath Tribes General Manager George Lopez. The original MOU was signed in 2017. At that time, both groups agreed to periodically review activities, performance, or satisfaction with memorandum focus areas and to evaluate additional collaboration opportunities.

Before the Friday signing, Naganathan, Hatcher, Oregon Tech Trustee Kathleen Hill, and 75^th Anniversary Committee Co-chair Dr. Christopher Syrnyk helped plant a ceremonial chokecherry tree on campus. The event also included a round dance and honor song by the Klamath Tribes Youth Council.

The MOU meets the common purpose of helping people to better themselves through education, research, economic development, and other forms of personal enlightenment. It also provides a collaborative environment to make the respective communities prosperous with multiple opportunities for surrounding citizens.

“Today we celebrated our valued partnership and friendship with the Klamath Tribes and the 75 years Oregon Institute of Technology has been honored to reside in Klamath Falls,” President Naganathan said. “The tree we planted today represents our strengthened relationship with the Klamath Tribes. As this chokecherry tree grows, so will our partnership with the Klamath Tribes. I sincerely hope both develop strong roots and continue to flourish.”

The agreement focuses on the following areas:

Education: To ensure that qualified members of the Klamath Tribes have every opportunity to attend Oregon Tech in programs of their choosing. Both parties agree to work with Native American students to ensure they have the requisite academic, financial, cultural, and personal support to succeed in their academic endeavors.

Educational Access: Currently, Native American students are one of the most underrepresented groups in higher education due to limited resources and a lack of access to quality educational services. To boost access to higher education for Native Americans, Oregon Tech will assist Native American students in applying for financial support from federal, state, institutional, and other sources.

Education campaign: Preparing educational materials that explain Klamath history and the Klamath Tribes’ ongoing cultural and economic contributions to the state in coordination with the Tribes. Oregon Tech is committed to supporting and promoting campus events that bring Klamath Tribal heritage and Culture to the Oregon Tech community. The Tribes will assign a tribal representative to assist the university and the Native American Student Union in ensuring accurate representation and adherence to cultural standards. If possible, credit-bearing courses in Native American Culture and history will be developed and taught on campus.

Research: To work together to perform research projects to understand topics of mutual interest better, develop programs to address areas of need, and collaborate closely on research, intervention programs, reports, or dissemination of findings.

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Cultural Engagement at Oregon Tech will play a key role in implementing the Memorandum of Understanding. Parties from both groups will continue to meet annually and evaluate the areas to increase collaboration.

Sky Lakes Medical Center is seeking an artist to paint a mural.

According to a press release, art is one way the hospital plans to illustrate its investment to foster a beautiful and thriving community.

“We will achieve this by installing art on the new Washburn Pharmacy,” the press release states. “For this project, we hope that the art will reflect our community slogan of life, healing and peace. The selected artist will be given some inspirational words to interpret in a creative, nonpolitical and unbiased way. We aim to have something that will be positive and uplifting to the community.”

The Washburn Pharmacy is a brand-new amenity in Klamath Falls, the release states.

The artist will be given $3,500 as a stipend and for materials to be purchased, the release states.. The artist will be chosen by a selection committee based on their application, mock-up design and ability to execute the project. Sky Lakes asks that the artists respond to the organizational values, listed in the full project proposal and interpret them in a creative and artistic manner.  Artists will be asked to provide a final design and color palette that will be approved by the art selection committee, the release states. Artists are asked to apply online. This application must include: A letter of intent outlining any accomplishments as an artist, their interest in the project, a narrative description of the proposed design (maximum of 2 pages), one full color mock-up design and examples of previous work.

Artists can apply to paint the mural at healthyklamath.com/pharmacyartapplication.

This evening, community members in Klamath Falls and surrounding areas are invited to attend an open house event to learn how to become licensed teachers without leaving Klamath County through Klamath Community College (KCC) and Southern Oregon University (SOU). 

The event starts at 5:30 p.m. May 2 in KCC’s Building 8, Room 812.

Representatives from KCC and SOU are jointly hosting the open house to share information about their partnership, which allows students registered at SOU to complete a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at KCC. The event is intended as an informational evening for anyone interested in earning a teaching license.

Bullock said the program is designed to be flexible to meet students’ needs, and program courses can be completed online and remote via the Zoom videoconferencing platform.

The KCC-SOU collaboration provides a clear pathway for students in the Klamath Falls area to earn a bachelor’s degree and provides options for earning a teaching license and/or a minor in early childhood development.

Community members who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to become teachers can also get information about earning a teaching license, as well as school staff, graduating high school students, and those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field of study. Options include a K-12 special education teaching license, a second bachelor’s degree with licensure, and a Master of Arts in Teaching at SOU.

Crews will continue work on the Washburn Way Asphalt Preservation Project through Friday, May 5.

Crews will be performing night and early morning work to repair and replace the asphalt in Washburn Way between the hours of 7 p.m. and noon of the following day. The project will be active over the next several weeks on Washburn Way between South 6th Street and Laverne Avenue.

For more information, call the City Development Services Department at 541-883-4950.

Oregon Tech students, faculty, and staff will participate in a multi-organization transport drill in conjunction with Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) and AirLink Critical Care Transport-Klamath Falls on Thursday, May 4, at 9 a.m. to gain hands-on emergency experience.

Oregon Tech Respiratory Care students will begin the drill and assess the quality and nature of the “patient” and provide emergency care of “patient” while arranging for transport with KCFD1 ambulance. KCFD1 will provide ambulance coordination and be on the ground arranging for landing and helicopter transport operated by AirLink CCT.

Public spectators are discouraged as pedestrian traffic may interfere with helicopter arrival and departure. Helicopter landing is dependent upon weather and landing conditions at time of arrival. The simulation will run approximately 1 hour from care, to ambulance transport, helicopter landing, and liftoff. The helicopter portion of the drill will occur at Lot O, which is the gravel lot east of the solar array.

Friends of the Children – Klamath Basin invites the community to its annual fundraising program and auction,”Friend Raiser,” presented by Lithia Ford of Klamath Falls, Thursday, June 1.

Doors open at Mike’s fieldhouse at Steen Sports Park at 5 p.m.

The event begins at 5 p.m. with music, cocktails by Pourhorse Canna, “Cowcohol” vodka samples from TMK Creamery, bidding on silent aucon items, a wine toss, and a MirrorMe photo booth by Impressions Design. A “Bite of the Basin” buffet-style dinner begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a program and live auction.

The event site is accessible via friendsklamath.org or directly at hps://fckb.ejoinme.org/FR2023. Available now are event ckets ($50), succulent centerpieces ($30), and entries for a $1450 Holliday Jewelry gi cerficate raffle ($10) and a $1000 Golden Ticket raffle ($50). Silent and live aucon items will be added May 25 for preview.

Supporters unable to attend but wishing to participate can arrange for proxy bids by calling 541-273-2022 or by donang via credit card (friendsklamath.org) or check (to Friends of the Children – Klamath Basin, 3837 Altamont Drive, Klamath Falls, OR 97603). Friends – Klamath Basin was established in 2000 to impact general change by empowering youth facing the greatest obstacles. It pairs youth with professional mentors for 12+ years, no matter what.

The Klamath Falls Community Band, a 501©(3) nonprofit organization, is seeking players for the 2023-24 concert season.

The all-volunteer band seeks to promote band music as a traditional community art form through performances, music education programs and community partnerships. The group performs an average of three concerts per year and provides an opportunity to make music, have fun and build community in the Klamath Basin.

Any musician with at least a high school level of experience on their instrument is welcome to join the band, no auditions necessary,. High school students are welcome at the recommendation of their band teacher. The band is especially looking for clarinet and saxophone players at the moment, but all instruments are welcome.

Rehearsals are currently underway for a July 4 concert and a Halloween concert to be held in October.   Regular rehearsals are held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays in the band room at Mazama High School.   Interested musicians can sit in on a rehearsal or contact basincommunityband@gmail.com for more information.

Oregon Tech Wins CCC Baseball Title, Will Host CCC Championships

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The final day of the regular-season was a memorable one for the Oregon Tech baseball team, as the Hustlin’ Owls clinched their first Cascade Conference title in program history – earning the right to host next weekend’s CCC Championships.

The 4-team tournament at Steen Sports Park is set for Saturday through Monday, with the winner earning an automatic bid to the NAIA National Championships.

It marks the fourth league title for OIT – as Tech won the 1974, 1981 and 1982 Evergreen Conference titles, with the 2009 and 2010 teams claiming South Division titles in the NAIA West Grouping.

The Owls finished their conference season last weekend with a 16-8 record and capped the regular-season with a doubleheader sweep yesterday against Simpson – finishing with a 31-17 overall mark. 

Ticket Prices will be announced later this week, with all games broadcast live on the Owls Sports Network.

Tournament Schedule (at Steen Sports Park, Klamath Falls):

Saturday (May 6)
GAME 1: No. 2 seed British Columbia (31-19) vs. No. 3 seed College of Idaho (31-16), 11 a.m.  
GAME 2: No. 1 seed Oregon Tech (31-17) vs. No. 4 seed Lewis-Clark State (29-14), 2:30 p.m.

Sunday (May 7)
GAME 3: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 8:30 a.m.
GAME 4: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 12 p.m.
GAME 5: Winner Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4, 3:30 p.m.

Monday (May 8)
GAME 6: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 11 a.m.
GAME 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6 (if necessary), 30 minutes after Game 6

Schedule Set for CCC Softball Championships in Klamath Falls

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The field is set for the 2023 Cascade Conference Softball Championships, presented by U.S. Bank, set for this Friday through Sunday at Stilwell Stadium in Klamath Falls.

Regular-season champion, Oregon Tech, will host the event for the second-straight year, as the No. 1-ranked Lady Owls (43-6) set a new CCC record by posting a 29-1 mark in league contests.

The double-elimination tournament begins Friday at 9 a.m. – with the tournament champion earning the CCC’s second automatic bid to the NAIA Championships (OIT earned the league’s first automatic bid with their regular-season title). All games will be carried live on the Owls Sports Network.

CASCADE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS (Stilwell Stadium, Klamath Falls)

Friday, May 5
GAME 1: No. 4 Eastern Oregon (31-17) vs. No. 5 British Columbia (24-19), 9 a.m.
GAME 2: No. 3 College of Idaho (43-6) vs. No. 6 Carroll (20-26), 11:30 a.m.
GAME 3: No. 1 Oregon Tech (43-6) vs. Winner Game 1, 2 p.m.
GAME 4: No. 2 Southern Oregon (40-9) vs. Winner Game 2, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 6
GAME 5: Loser Game 2 vs. Loser Game 3, 9 a.m.
GAME 6: Loser Game 1 vs Loser Game 4, 11:30 a.m.
GAME 7: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 2 p.m.
GAME 8: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 7
GAME 9: Loser Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8, 11 a.m.
GAME 10: Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 9, 1:30 p.m.
GAME 11: Winner Game 10 vs. Loser Game 10 (if necessary), 30 minutes after Game 10.

Around the state of Oregon

A man died after he was struck by a vehicle that crashed through the Walmart shopping center’s parking lot.

According to the Grants Pass Police Department, at about 10:00 p.m. on April 29, a vehicle driven by 53-year-old Tanya Allen was parked in the Grants Pass Walmart parking lot.

After having a conversation with another person in the parking lot, Allen allegedly accelerated rapidly through the lot, striking numerous other vehicles.

GPPD said 65-year-old Kenneth Nickerson was outside his vehicle when he was hit by Allen’s vehicle. He was unresponsive when first responders arrived and later pronounced dead at the scene.

Eventually, Allen’s vehicle came to a stop due to damage.  Allen was still at the scene when she was taken into custody and sent to a local hospital for medical evaluation.  After that, she was lodged in the Josephine County Jail for manslaughter, DUII, and reckless driving.

The Oregon Department of Transportation wants your feedback on the Oregon Transportation plan. There’s a public hearing this Wednesday from 10am to noon, so residents can share input on the 25-year plan that will guide transportation related decisions affecting our community.Visit www.Oregon.govfor hearing details and to leave your comments online now through May 12th. 

Fingers into too many pies. Oregon Secretary of state Shemia Fagan issued an apology on Monday after reports of her taking a consulting job with a marijuana firm while auditing the cannabis industry.

The statement came after reports came out last Friday, when Fagan recused herself from an audit her office released calling on the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission to restructure rules and regulations for marijuana businesses. 

According to Ben Morris, Fagan’s spokesman who spoke at a news conference following the release of the audit, Fagan consulted with La Mota, a marijuana retail chain. La Mota is owned by Rosa Cazares and Aaron Mitchell, Democratic donors who have hosted fundraisers for many candidates, including Fagan, in the past. 

The news has prompted political backlash. Shelly Boshart Davis, a Republican representing Albany in the state House of Representatives, called for an amendment to the state constitution that would allow impeachment.   Boshart Davis added that the idea should be a bipartisan one.   The impeachment bill is in the House Committee on Rules, where it is waiting for a hearing, the release said. 

Fagan hosted a press conference Monday morning. 

Investigators in Northern California are trying to find a missing teen.   The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office said 15-year-old Gabriel Criner was last seen when he was dropped off at his school in Yreka at about 8:00 a.m. on Friday, April 28.

When his grandmother came to pick him up at the end of the school day, Criner was nowhere to be found. Staff members at the school reportedly said he missed his last class of the day as well.

According to SCSO, Criner has disappeared for a day or two in the past, but he usually lets his grandmother know where he is.

In this case, family members haven’t heard from Criner since Friday, deputies said.  The sheriff’s office couldn’t ping Criner’s phone and it’s not currently activated.

Flyers are being handed out to businesses around the Yreka and Montague area in an attempt to find clues about Criner’s whereabouts.

Funding has been approved to support Oregon’s Homelessness State of Emergency.

Governor Tina Kotek set a goal of preventing nine-thousand people from becoming homeless, rehousing 12-hundred people and creating 600 new shelter beds. Six of seven regional multi-agency coordinating groups developed plans to meet those goals and contracts have been signed allocating the funds. The seventh group will have its contract executed this week after a vote by the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners.

The Oregon legislature is sending Governor Kotek two bills that would limit single-use food containers.

One bill bans styrofoam food containers and the other allows customers to bring their own containers for leftover food at restaurants. The Oregon Health Authority would be required to develop guidelines for personal containers and customers could still request non-styrofoam containers from restaurants.