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 and News, and BasinLife.com, and powered by Mick Insurance, your Local Health and Medicare agents. Call 541-882-6476.
Friday, October 6, 2023
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, with a high near 83. Light and variable wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon. Overnight, mostly clear with a low around 45 degrees, light winds of 6 mph.
Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.
Today’s Headlines
Four significant grants awarded to Klamath Community College (KCC) during the month of September — totaling nearly $2.4 million — will support students, develop new programming, and complete fundraising for the campus’s newly constructed Apprenticeship Center.
Established in 1996, KCC has been consistently growing in recent years through expanding programs and facilities, most recently with completion of the KCC Apprenticeship Center and addition of a cosmetology program. The four grants, some covering multiple years of program operations, reflect KCC’s focused efforts on providing the best programming, direct student supports, modern facilities, and collaborative community work.
Grants received by KCC include $900,000 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, supplementing its initial $3 million grant applied to Apprenticeship Center construction; with this award mitigating construction cost increases.
A third cycle of U.S. Department of Transportation funding, for $199,988, through the Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) program was announced by the offices of Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. CMVOST grant funds will cover tuition and fees of up to 34 students through 2025 for commercial driver’s license and hazardous materials certification training, with a priority toward current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Oregon Health Authority has also notified KCC of its intent to award a Healthy Oregon Workforce Training Opportunity (HOWTO) grant of potentially $270,000 across three years for creation of a non-credit community health worker training and certification program to serve both Klamath and Lake counties. The grant will also provide supports for more than 80 students through an “earn to learn” structure. KCC is partnered with Cascade Health Alliance for development of this program. (KCC press release-K. Liedtke)
Construction plans are underway for the static F-15 jet display installation after the Klamath Falls City Council approved an amendment to the contract with Modoc Construction Company on Monday night.
The contract was amended to reflect a change of the jet’s placement within Veterans’ Memorial Park.
ZCS Engineering and Architecture’s initial design plans for the jet installation in Veterans’ Memorial Park placed it near the banks of Lake Ewauna so that motorists entering Klamath Falls on U.S. Highway 97 could see the static display, according to city records.
But after nearly a year of pushback from city residents, including an organized march and protest of the “jet in the park,” public works director Mark Willrett said the city decided to relocate the static jet display.
New designs for the decommissioned jet display place it on the preexisting, concrete amphitheater next to the memorial in Veterans’ Park.
Complaints from citizens included concern and disapproval of the removal of longstanding trees along the banks of Lake Ewauna.
Since the plot of land the jet was intended for is technically an easement from local nonprofit WingWatchers to the city and county, members of the nonprofit frequently spoke out against the project.
The relocation of the installation was first announced in May during a council meeting.
Placement of the jet on the park’s amphitheater is expected to reduce the overall cost, according to city records. According to the amended contract with Modoc Construction, the guaranteed maximum price, or GMP, for the jet display project came in at $512,575.
With $300,000 from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated by both city and county government, the relocated project is well within the expected budget. The adjusted completion date of the project is spring of 2024. (more at HeraldandNews.com)
As the Oct. 14 annular Solar Eclipse nears, Klamath County Commissioners continue to prepare.
During their weekly business meeting, an agreement with Adventure Medics LLC for additional ambulance and staffing was signed.
Commissioner Derrick DeGroot said after having conversations with local ambulance providers and the Fire Defense Board, the need for additional staff was made clear.
Based out of Bend, Adventures Medics LLC will provide two advanced life support (ALS) ambulances that include one paramedic and one emergency medical technician (EMT) each. Adventure Medics will be working five 12-hour operational periods during the annular solar eclipse at a fiscal impact of $21,500 from the general fund.
In other county business, Klamath County Public Works was approved to enter into a contract with the Chiloquin/Chemult Forest Ranger District for work on a non-county maintained road as major repairs are required on a bridge located at Saddle Mountain.
As explained by Public Works director Jeremy Morris, the bridge on Saddle Mountain Pit Road has a five-ton weight restriction. eliminating its use for construction equipment and road graders during the winter.
Also occurring at the meeting was the board’s approval of a memorandum of agreement naming the Klamath County Fairgrounds and Event Center as a Reunification Center for the Klamath County School District.
Having the capacity to accommodate approximately 9,000 people, the Klamath County Fairgrounds will act as a shelter site in the event of an evacuation of the students and staff of the Klamath County School District during an emergency. (more at HeraldandNews.com)
A local critical care emergency nurse is to receive the Star of Life award next month in Washington D.C.
Dan Lee was one of four crew members aboard an AirLink critical care transport helicopter which crashed during landing in Christmas Valley in May of 2022.
Matt Brimmer, base medical transport manager for AirLink Critical Care Transport in Klamath Falls, commended Lee for his heroism.
Dan and three of his colleagues were involved in a helicopter crash up in Christmas Valley. For Dan’s heroism, his rapid call to action, he helped extricate individually one crew member, who is also a Klamath Falls native, and assisted with the extrication of a flight respiratory therapist and the pilot, both who were unconscious and were not able to take action for themselves.
Brimmer said Lee is the first person in Oregon to receive the Star of Life award.
Mayor Carol Westfall thanked Lee and Brimmer for their service. (more at HeraldandNews.com)
U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley of Oregon announced the Klamath Tribes have secured a $500,000 federal grant to improve broadband service for its Tribal members.
Wyden says tribal communities in Oregon and nationwide need and deserve reliable, modern broadband for educational and job opportunities, small business growth, telehealth and more. Wyden earlier this year successfully fought to correct inaccuracies in the National Broadband Map that would have cost Oregon hundreds of millions of dollars in grants. The Klamath Tribes have earned this federal investment to achieve those key objectives.
The $500,000 federal investment in the Klamath Tribes from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program will fund environmental technical studies and compliance documents, as well as network design and engineering to support the future deployment of a fixed wireless backhaul and last mile fiber-optic network.
The Tribal Broadband Connectivity program offers grants to eligible Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian entities for high-speed internet deployment, digital inclusion, workforce development, telehealth, and distance learning. (more at HeraldandNews.com)
The cooler temperatures and rain have helped fire fighters get containment on fires, but new fires can still start. Temperatures will rise into the weekend, getting to the high 80s for some viewers.
It is critical to still be fire safe. About 200,000 acres have been burned by wildfires in our viewing area. To put that in perspective, that’s about the size of New York City.
Jennifer Case, a public information officer for the Oregon Department of Forestry Klamath-Lake district, is urging residents of Klamath and Lake counties to stay vigilant and cautious as we approach the end of fire season.
Debris burns are still banned in Klamath and Lake counties. However, you can have things like campfires in designated areas if your planning on camping.
Natalie Weber, a public information officer for the ODF Southwest District, urged people to continue to follow the fire season restrictions there.
Fire season will officially end once ODF offices see consistently cool and wet weather. Case also said the unofficial end to fire season is when restrictions on debris burns are lifted. (ODF press release)
Wildfire managers at the Fremont-Winema National Forest, Lakeview District Bureau of Land Management, Crater Lake National Park, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex and Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex will start prescribed burns soon, with the prescribed fire season lasting a few months.
“Fire managers use prescribed fire to improve forest health and wildlife habitat and reduce hazardous fuels to minimize the threat of high-intensity, severe wildfires in our area. Applying prescribed fire is a part of our continued commitment to protecting communities and natural resources from wildfires,” the Fremont-Winema National Forest said in a news release. “During the next few months, area residents and visitors may notice smoke or fire on public lands in various areas…. Areas, where prescribed fire operations are taking place, will be well signed and may have increased fire personnel, traffic, and smoke in the area. Please stay clear of these areas for public and firefighter safety when possible.”
Prescribed burns will happen on days where weather conditions are favorable, the release said. (news release-fremont national forest)
A Klamath Falls resident was taken into custody late Wednesday night by the Klamath County Sheriff’s Department on charges of rape in the first degree and first-degree sexual abuse.
39 year old Colby Rae Dell was arrested at the caboose at the old OC and E trail. He was booked into the Klamath County Jail around 11pm.
No bond amount was listed on the jail log. No other information was immediately available from the KCSO regarding this incident. (KCSO Jail Log)
The Oregon Health Authority has failed to recoup more than $1 million of Measure 110 grant money – nearly five months after the state terminated its contract with a Klamath Falls provider over mismanagement of funds.
In May, the authority’s Measure 110 oversight committee ended its grant agreement with the organization, Red is the Road to Wellness, over misused money.
This marked the first time the state had canceled a contract tied to Measure 110, which decriminalized possession of small amounts of hard drugs and put a share of cannabis revenue toward addiction treatment and programs. Since voters passed the measure in 2020, the state has put more than $260 million into 233 programs, including this one.
In August 2022, the authority awarded the organization a $1.55 million contract to help people access housing, outpatient addiction treatment and vocational training. The agency gave the provider $1.08 million, records show.
But it received complaints that the organization had misspent money, including failing to help people in recovery find jobs. The organization also failed to submit expenditure reports in December 2022 and March, the health authority said.
Health authority officials demanded that Red is the Road to Wellness refund the money by Oct. 2. That deadline has passed and the organization has not paid the money back, said Tim Heider, a spokesman for the Oregon Health Authority.
Heider said the health authority is working with the Oregon Department of Justice’s Civil Enforcement Division to “determine next steps for recovering the funds owed.” Heider had no other details, nor did a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Justice on the state’s options.
Jennifer Davie, executive director for Red is the Road to Wellness, declined to comment to the Capital Chronicle about the issue.
In September, the health authority’s oversight committee terminated two other Measure 110 grant agreements, one with a Multnomah County provider and another in Malheur County, after receiving complaints about mismanagement.
Those grants totaled $1.2 million. Bright Transitions in Portland received $717,000 to run a home for people with addictions. Origins Faith Community, an Ontario-based church, received $513,460 to provide counselors at a meal service. (more at HeraldandNews.com)
On September 25th, E. Werner Reschke filed to run for State Representative, House District 55 in 2024.
Reschke was elected as State Representative in 2016 and has brought back tens of millions in state funding to Klamath & Deschutes counties. He has also worked to help Sky Lakes Medical Center with the rural medical tax credit and improved Internet service to Merrill and Malin businesses and residents. Reschke is a strong advocate of Klamath Community College, Oregon Tech, and the US Air Force’s 173rd at Kingsley Field.
Reschke has strongly advocated for conservative values during his time in the Oregon legislature. (submitted press release)
After a national search, Dr. Radu Moisa has been selected as the permanent Program Director for Cascades East Family Medicine Residency.
Dr. Moisa is replacing Dr. Joyce Hollander-Rodriguez who is now the Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education at OHSU after serving in the role for 12 years.
In his new role, Dr. Moisa is responsible for maintaining the residency program’s accreditation status, recruiting new residents to the program, and implementing and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures for all aspects of resident education. In addition, Dr. Moisa is accountable for the overall operation of Cascades East Family Medicine Residency clinical programs. The Cascades East Rural Medicine Residency program is a top nationally recognized program that prepares physicians for practice in rural communities across the West.
Dr. Moisa is a 2008 graduate of the Cascades East Family Medicine residency. He received his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timisora Romania and is board certified in Family Medicine.
Dr. Moisa is passionate about teaching and preparing the next generation of Family Medicine physicians serving rural communities. Dr. Moisa has a special interest in supporting patients with opioid use disorders through Medication Assisted Treatment and working with residents to provide this specialty training. He has served as Assistant Medical Director at Cascades East since 2015 and is active in the medical staff leadership of Sky Lakes Medical Center, currently serving as President of the Medcial Staff. He enjoys time with his spouse and son – hiking, skiing, snowboarding, welding, grilling meat and starting new projects of all kinds. (submitted press release)
Klamath Falls police are proving they’re tough enough to wear pink. They’re wearing it all month, on their uniforms.
Klamath Falls Police Department (KFPD) says today that during October it has a change to its officers’ uniforms. It says because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a proud participant in the Pink Patch Project.
It is part of an innovative public awareness campaign to put attention on the fight against breast cancer and to support breast cancer research organizations fighting this disease.
KFPD says, “In October, you will begin to see our patrol officers proudly displaying a KFPD pink patch in support of the fight against breast cancer.” (KFPD press release)
The next Klamath Falls City Schools board meeting that was originally scheduled for Monday, Oct. 9, has been changed.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. in the Lucille O’Neill Education Center Boardroom, 1336 Avalon St. The public is invited to attend. (HeraldanNews.com)
While the idea was to help those that may need it most, the City of Klamath Falls has run into issues with porta-potties.
The city didn’t expect porta-potties to become a difficult situation. City Parks Staff began putting portable toilets in some City Parks to help individuals in our community meet their basic needs, including ADA accessible porta-potties.
In a Facebook post, the city said they thought the community would be proud of how we are helping our neighbors – but that’s not what has happened.
Units have been burned, spray painted, items stolen from inside, and objects thrown in the toilets, making them unusable. The City leases the units and pays maintenance fees to keep the units in usable condition. Repeat visits begin to add up.
Even with the attacks on portable toilets, the City says they are undeterred in its mission to provide for the basic needs of people who visit public parks. If you witness individuals vandalizing amenities such as these, please contact law enforcement. (City of Klamath Falls)
Friends of the children of the Klamath Basin will launch its Annual Potato Sale fundraiser Saturday, November 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., in the parking lot of Klamath Falls Subaru on Washburn Way.
Beginning November 6, potatoes will be available for delivery in Klamath Falls.
The potatoes are premium russets donated by CAL-ORE Produce. They will be sold in 20-pound boxes for $25, with all proceeds directly supporting youth mentoring in the Klamath Basin.
New this year is online ordering through https://ddock.co/199bdd. Buyers can also call 541-273-2022.
Friends of the Children – Klamath Basin is a chapter of a nationwide organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty through salaried, professional mentoring. We select youth facing the greatest obstacles and commit to working with those children for 12+ years. Learn more at friendsklamath.org. (submitted press release)
Hunter Communications Acquires InfoStructure
Acquisition allows Hunter to further its mission of delivering world-class telecommunications services to businesses and communities throughout Oregon.
MEDFORD, ORE., October 3, 2023 – Today Hunter Communications, Oregon’s largest privately owned fiber-optic internet provider, announced the acquisition of Origin Networks LLC, the parent company to InfoStructure.
“This acquisition is an important step in the success of our communities, as it allows us to continue bringing better internet service to businesses throughout Oregon,” said Michael Wynschenk, CEO, Hunter Communications. “The employees of InfoStructure compliment Hunter in ways that will help us serve more customers with efficiency and reliability. We want to attract new businesses to Oregon and encourage current companies to stay here. This acquisition demonstrates that we are committed to supporting the ongoing technological development of our region.”
Hunter is consistently striving to fortify its core services, enhance its performance in emerging markets, and provide the best service for its customers. The acquisition of InfoStructure presents an opportunity for Hunter to better support the economic growth and success of Oregon businesses. Additionally, both organizations share a common commitment to delivering exceptional service and customer care, ensuring a seamless alignment of values.
“This is more than an acquisition- it’s an alignment around a shared vision,” said Speck Hansen, CEO, InfoStructure. “Like InfoStructure, Hunter Communications believes in empowering their employees, customers, and communities through with new opportunities and expansion. Together we will be able to serve our customers better, bringing the fastest internet and voice services to businesses in the markets we serve. In today’s world, the most successful businesses are the ones who utilize the best technologies. Hunter Fiber is undoubtedly the best, and we are excited about what this will mean for the future.”
About Hunter Communications
Hunter is headquartered in Medford, Oregon, where the company has established a legacy of service excellence and commitment to local communities. With multi-gig speeds, no data caps, competitive pricing, and customer service representatives who genuinely care, Hunter’s 3,000-plus mile fiber network is nationally recognized for performance and reliability.
In 2022, PC Magazine recognized Hunter as the top internet service provider for gamers in the Northwest. In 2020, BroadbandNow recognized Hunter with four Internet Service Provider Awards, including for fastest business internet speeds in Oregon and among the top ten nationwide.
To learn more, visit hunterfiber.com or call us at 541-772-9282.
About InfoStructure
InfoStructure is a new generation telecommunications provider. The company began as an Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the college town of Ashland, Oregon in 1994. The strategy of InfoStructure can be encapsulated in one word – scalability. As a full-service provider of mission critical voice, data, and cloud services, committed to helping your business take advantage of best-in-class communication and collaboration technology.
Klamath County is expecting thousands of visitors as it provides some of the nation’s best views of the annular eclipse on Saturday, Oct. 14.
The moon will begin to move across the sun at 8:05AM with the maximum eclipse happening at 9:19AM.
Klamath County leaders are reminding you that with many extra people all over our county and attending eclipse events, be prepared for an increase in traffic and crowds that week.
Please note:
- The regular school calendar already has a no school day scheduled for Friday, Oct. 13. It is a grade day for teachers.
- To eliminate possible issues with eclipse traffic, two Friday, Oct. 13 football games – Lost River v. Chiloquin and Mazama v. Klamath Union — have been rescheduled to Thursday, Oct. 12.
- KCSD is evaluating its food service delivery schedule to ensure that all schools have the products and supplies they need during that week and the following week.
- The district is following the recommendation of Klamath County leaders and encouraging staff to complete shopping for food, purchasing gas and complete banking so businesses can resupply for the eclipse visitors.
To stay up-to-date on eclipse information, follow the Klamath Eclipse 2023 Klamath Eclipse 2023 Facebook page and watch the KlamathEclipse2023.wordpress.com site.
Klamath County Public Health has provided the following tips to make your experience better during the week of the eclipse (Oct. 9-15):
- Get your grocery shopping done about a week or more ahead of time. Not only will you beat the crowds, but this gives our stores time to restock.
- Pick up your prescriptions and/or medical supplies early.
- Get doctor and dental appointments out of the way. It will start getting crowded the Thursday prior to the eclipse and could remain busy for several days.
- Conserve energy by unplugging appliances you’re not using and do laundry, use dishwashers and other necessities at low peak hours.
- Be prepared for slow internet.
- Fill your gas tanks.
- Get cash. ATMs might run out or be hindered by slow internet.
- Overall, supplies will be limited and high demand may mean you can’t get all of the things you need and want.
- Traffic will be heavy and lines for food and in stores will be long. Please be patient.
Eye safety
- Viewing any part of the bright sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.
- Eclipse glasses are not regular sunglasses; regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the Sun. Safe solar viewers are thousands of times darker and must comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard. (KCSD press release)
Warner Canyon Ski Area in Lake County is offering a viewing area from their ski hill for the upcoming annular eclipse on Oct. 14.
Camping and RV reservations for the sites have filled up, but Warner Canyon is still open to visitors who want to see the eclipse. Lift rides are $10 per person to view the eclipse from the top of the hill, with glasses provided for viewers. More information can be found at warnercanyonskihill.com. (kdrv 12)
The Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base in Klamath Falls will be home to a new squadron of F-35A Lightning II jets, with a special task force organized to prepare the community for the new opportunity.
The aircrafts are set to come to Klamath County by 2025 or 2026 after the Air Force selected the 173rd Fighter Wing to host the fleet.
The F-35s will replace F-15s in use at Kingsley for military jet training.
Klamath County Commissioner Kelley Minty said the new fleet will allow the already-established Kingsley base to train pilots on an elevated level.
The squadron is slated to open up new economic opportunities in the area for aerospace and other industries tied to the upkeep of the F-35. According to Minty, this also necessitates new housing, mental health facilities and other amenities for the community.
The Commissioner’s Office is organizing a task force, called K.F-35, to make sure Klamath County is prepared for the arrival of the new jets. (kdrv 12)
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden in town this weekend with two in-person town halls in Klamath and Lake Counties.
Wyden has already held 36 town halls so far throughout Oregon in 2023 and 1,063 town halls overall statewide in fulfillment of his pledge to hold at least one town hall each year in each of Oregon’s 36 counties.
The schedule for the upcoming town halls is as follows:
- Klamath County, 4 pm, Saturday, Oct. 7,
Klamath Community College Apprenticeship Center,
7390 S. 6th St., Klamath Falls - Lake County, 1 pm, Sunday, Oct. 8,
Lakeview High School,
906 S. 3rd St., Lakeview
(US Sen. Ron Wyden press release)
The Ross Ragland Theater will kick off its 2023-2024 season with The Junebugs. The live, family-friendly performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6th.
There is little something for every kind of music lover in this season opener. The Junebugs cover a wide-array of genres. Concert goers will be treated to music from Tom Petty to TLC, and Taylor Swift.
The Junebugs originated on the Vancouver, B.C., circuit before moving back home to Portland. There, guitarist Moses Barrett picked up drummer Kyle Owen and bassist Nathaniel Daniel, to round out the dynamic trio.
This show is co-sponsored by the Epicenter and Lynne & Dave LeBlanc, and Jean Pinniger.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for senior/military/students, and $10 for ages 12 and under, and can be purchased on the theater’s website, or at the Ragland box office. The box office is open Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m., or two hours before show time on the day of the show.
The theater recommends patrons arrive early to pass through new security checks.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the event’s webpage. (more at HeraldandNews.com)
Ross Ragland Theater, 200 N. 7th Street, Klamath Falls, Oregon https://ragland.org/
Around the state of Oregon
The Oregon DMV says users can take the DMB knowledge test at any location with a reliable internet connection. You can test online instead with a computer that has a webcam, keyboard and mouse.
By going online and using the DMV’s services at DMV2U, tests can be taken at the time that works best for potential drivers. No scheduling appointments or waiting.
‘We hope customers embrace this new way to take their knowledge test,’ said DMV Administrator Amy Joyce. ‘It is an easy and convenient option that we are proud to offer to Oregonians.’
The online test closely mirrors the testing screens shown in a DMV field office, so customers can expect a similar experience. There is no cost difference to use online testing.
Testers under 18, DMV’s largest group of testing customers, need an adult 21 years or older to supervise their test as they take it. The Class C (regular driver) knowledge test and motorcycle endorsement test are available online in English and Spanish.
“Testing online allows customers the chance to know that they have passed their exam before coming into the DMV office. This can save some people multiple trips into the office if they don’t pass the first time,” said Joyce. “You don’t need an appointment to come in once you pass online, but do come prepared with all the documentation you need to make sure it is a smooth visit.”
After customers pass their test online, they will need to come into the office with their identity documents, and pass a vision screening. Then they will be issued a permit or be eligible to schedule a drive test, depending on their age.
DMV partnered with an expert in the online testing industry, Intellectual Technologies Inc., to develop the new service, to learn more about online testing at DMV2U.oregon.gov.
Newberg Plane Crash Claims The Lives Of Hillsboro Flight Instructor And Student Pilot – Crash investigation underway
Officials released more details Wednesday about the circumstances of a small plane that crashed into a Newberg home the evening prior, identifying all three young occupants of the plane. Two of them died in the crash, while a third was airlifted to the hospital with critical injuries.
According to a statement from the Newberg-Dundee Police Department, the occupants were 20-year-old Barrett Bevacqua, 22-year-old Michele Cavallotti and 20-year-old Emily Hurd, all three of whom lived in Hilllsboro. Cavallotti was an instructor with the Hillsboro Aero Academy, while Bevacqua and Hurd were both student pilots.
Cavallotti and Bevacqua were found dead inside of the plane wreckage. Firefighters managed to extricate Hurd from the plane and get her to a Life Flight helicopter. She remained hospitalized in critical condition as of Wednesday’s release. Her mother, who lives in Spokane, shared a Facebook post Wednesday morning saying Hurd was out of surgery and her spinal cord is intact.
Hillsboro Aero Academy confirmed its aircraft was on a training flight when it crashed.
“This is a profoundly challenging time for our community as we process this event and support each other in our grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are impacted, especially the families and loved ones of those involved,” said a statement from the academy on Wednesday afternoon. They declined to comment further as an investigation from the National Transportation Safety Board is underway.
Police said they were working with the Yamhill County Medical Examiner and the county district attorney’s office to determine exact causes of death, while the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have taken over the investigation into the crash itself.
NTSB investigator Eric Gutierrez delivered an initial briefing to the press on Wednesday afternoon. He confirmed that the plane was a Piper PA-44 Seminole, a small twin-engine plane, on an instructional flight. Both Bevacqua and Hurd were pilot-rated, he said, and the former was seeking multi-engine certification — something Hurd may have been interested in pursuing as well. She was seated in the back of the plane when it crashed.
Investigators are still in the “fact-finding” phase, and they’ll be looking at whether mechanical issues, weather conditions or anything else contributed to the crash. Gutierrez acknowledged that pilots sometimes have to practice intentional stalls in order to prepare for emergency situations, but he didn’t have any information on whether that was the case here.
Gutierrez also could not comment on whether there had been any distress calls from the plane prior to the crash, saying that the NTSB would be looking into that information. They’ll also be working with the FAA to gather official flight tracking information.
The NTSB will be extracting all pieces of the plane and taking them to an indoor facility for examination beginning Wednesday afternoon, Gutierrez said. It could take between 18 and 24 months before the agency publishes its final report on the crash.
Police said they were working with the Yamhill County Medical Examiner and the county district attorney’s office to determine exact causes of death, while the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have taken over the investigation into the crash itself.
Health Care Strike Over Pay And Staff Shortages Update
75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers walk off the job. It’s the largest health care worker strike in US history
On Wednesday, more than 75,000 unionized employees of Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit health providers, walked off the job, marking the largest health care worker strike in US history. More than 4,000 of them are in Oregon.
A massive health care strike over wages and staffing shortages headed into its final day on Friday without a deal between industry giant Kaiser Permanente and the unions representing the 75,000 workers who picketed this week.
The three-day strike carried out in multiple states will officially end Saturday at 6 a.m., and workers were expected to return to their jobs in Kaiser’s hospitals and clinics that serve nearly 13 million Americans. The two sides did not have any bargaining sessions scheduled after concluding their talks midday Wednesday.
The strike for three days in California — where most of Kaiser’s facilities are located — as well as in Colorado, Oregon and Washington was a last resort after Kaiser executives ignored the short-staffing crisis worsened by the coronavirus pandemic, union officials said. Their goal was to bring the problems to the public’s consciousness for support, according to the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions. Some 180 workers from facilities in Virginia and Washington, D.C., also picketed but only on Wednesday.
“No health care worker wants to go on strike,” Caroline Lucas, the coalition’s executive director, said Thursday. “I hope that the last few days have helped escalate this issue.”
The company based in Oakland, California, warned the work stoppage could cause delays in people getting appointments and scheduling non-urgent procedures.
Kaiser spokesperson Hilary Costa said the company was working to reconvene bargaining “as soon as possible.”
Unions representing Kaiser workers in August asked for a $25 hourly minimum wage, as well as increases of 7% each year in the first two years and 6.25% each year in the two years afterward.
Kaiser, which turned a $2.1 billion profit for the quarter, said in a statement Wednesday that it proposes minimum hourly wages between $21 and $23 depending on the location. The company said it also completed hiring 10,000 more people, adding to the 51,000 workers the hospital system has brought on board since 2022.
Union members say understaffing is boosting the hospital system’s profits but hurting patients, and executives have been bargaining in bad faith during negotiations.
Lucas said the two sides have made several tentative agreements, but nothing in major areas like long-term staffing plans and wage increases. The coalition, which represents about 85,000 of the health system’s employees nationally, is waiting for Kaiser to return to the table, she added.
“They could call now and say, ‘We want to pull together a Zoom in 20 minutes,’” she said. “We would be on that Zoom in 20 minutes.”
The workers’ last contract was negotiated in 2019, before the pandemic.
The strike comes in a year when there have been work stoppages within multiple industries, including transportation, entertainment and hospitality. The health care industry alone has been hit by several strikes this year as it confronts burnout from heavy workloads — problems greatly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The White House on Thursday said President Joe Biden “always” supports union members who choose to strike when asked about the demonstration by Kaiser workers. The president last month joined picketing United Auto Workers in Michigan on the 12th day of their strike against major carmakers, becoming the first known sitting president in U.S. history to join an active picket line. (SOURCE)
Oregon State Parks ready for Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse
Oregon State Parks offers prime viewing spots for the Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse.
Visitors to parks within the path of annularity will watch the moon partially cover the sun, which creates a ‘ring of fire’ because the moon appears slightly smaller as it passes.
“Our park staff are ready to help visitors safely view this phenomenon,” said JR Collier, deputy of Statewide Operations.
He added that a limited number of free eclipse glasses will be available at Oregon State Parks on the day of the event.
He also emphasizes that safety is crucial while observing an eclipse.
Use ISO 12312-2 certified solar filters, avoid damaged filters, and consider projection methods. The eclipse glasses from the 2017 event are expired and shouldn’t be used.
Travelers coming to Oregon should prepare for potential traffic congestion, check local weather conditions, and pack essentials, including water, food, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Whether you’re an experienced eclipse enthusiast or a first-time observer, prioritize safety, and plan your trip to witness the ‘ring of fire’ against Oregon’s breathtaking landscapes and clear skies.
For more information and updates about viewing the eclipse from an Oregon state park, please visit https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=327.
Update on the Rollout of Paid Leave Oregon
SALEM – The latest data for Paid Leave Oregon is on the Oregon Employment Department’s dashboard. The data, through Oct. 2, shows more than 10,000 applications have been approved since Aug. 14.
Applications have increased significantly in recent weeks. About 20,400 benefits applications have been received since Aug. 14.
So far, almost $15 million in benefits have been paid. Benefit payments started going out to Oregon workers with approved claims on Sept. 13.
Paid Leave Oregon Director Karen Humelbaugh said people can speed up their claims by:
- Informing their employer about their leave before they apply
- Using the What You Need to Apply for Benefits Checklist and making sure they upload the correct documents for their type of leave
- Checking their Frances Online account regularly for action notices and messages
- Making sure to put the employer’s name on their claim as it appears on their W2 or paystub
Claims that have incorrect information or where the employer wasn’t notified may be delayed.
Paid Leave Oregon sped up its claim processing time in recent weeks, with a 162% increase since the program started. Staff are working hard to get through claims, but with any new program, there is a learning curve as well as programmatic adjustments.
“This is the first program of its kind in Oregon, and that means there will be bumps along the way,” Humelbaugh said. “However, we are working hard to make sure staff are trained and able to provide a good customer service experience.”
Paid Leave Oregon covers paid family leave, medical leave, and safe leave for working Oregonians. Employees apply through Frances Online.
Detailed information for employees, including eligibility requirements, tutorial videos, a benefits calculator, and much more, is on the Paid Leave website at paidleave.oregon.gov.
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. Everyone has a right to use OED programs and services. OED provides free help. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, braille, large print, audio and other formats. If you need help, please call 971-673-6400. TTY users call 711. You can also ask for help at OED_Communications@employ.oregon.gov.
Oregon health leaders warn of bumpy start for expanded Medicaid system
Oregon’s new Medicaid plan will offer people help with housing and food as state faces homelessness crisis
Oregon’s Medicaid system, which covers more than one in three Oregonians, faces a monumental challenge: proving that its expansion will help keep people housed, fed and healthy.
Oregon’s new Medicaid plan will put more than an additional $1 billion into the system, in part to help people with housing assistance, food and address climate-related needs like air conditioners. The plan also will keep children under 6 enrolled while focusing on helping the most vulnerable Oregonians.
It’s an historic change for the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program that has traditionally focused on providing medical, dental and behavioral health care coverage to low-income Oregonians.
But nutrition, housing and living accommodations also affect long-term health, prompting Oregon officials to apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for permission to launch an expansion.
Apply for Medicaid
Oregon’s Medicaid system generally serves low-income residents under 65, though it also serves people who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare. To check benefits and apply, go online here.Federal and state officials signed off on the agreement last year, creating a five-year period for Oregon to demonstrate the plan’s worth. The federal government will give Oregon an estimated $1.1 billion and the state will pay an estimated $500 million in general funds through June 30, 2027.
“This is a demonstration,” said Dana Hittle, Oregon’s Medicaid director, at a panel discussion on Thursday at a health care conference in Salem. “We’re going to make mistakes and hopefully there’s some grace at the federal level. We’re learning.”
Hittle spoke in a panel about the new program at CCO Oregon’s annual conference in Salem, attended by 350 people. CCO Oregon, a nonprofit, has members that include health care companies, advocates and coordinated care organizations, the state’s regionally based Medicaid insurers.
The panel also featured: Marin Arreola, a member of the Governor’s Racial Justice Council; Sarah Holland, director of supportive housing and employment services at Central City Concern in Portland; and Melanie Westrick, vice president of population health and clinical operations at Trillium Community Health Plan, a coordinated care organization with about 87,000 people in the Portland area and Lane County.
Central City Concern helps homeless people find housing, employment and health care. Holland said the organization works with people to develop a long-term employment plan while they receive the six months of housing so they don’t return to the streets.
“The reason that we offer health care, employment services and housing is we believe that most people actually need all three to not only secure housing, but maintain housing,” Holland said.
Hittle agreed. “The six-month rental assistance is not the end-all-be-all,” Hittle said. “That’s why the coordination of the health care system and the housing system is going to be so critical.”
In a prior interview with the Capital Chronicle, Hittle said the Oregonians most at risk for homelessness will be eligible for the housing benefit. Often, that’s people who are going through a transition: parolees leaving prison, youth aging out of the foster care system and people with severe mental health conditions.
Hittle said services will be tailored to the person’s needs. “A person who is homeless may need six months worth of rental assistance,” Hittle said in the interview. “Or someone who was at risk for homelessness, who may need rental help in order to maintain their housing, may get two months worth of rental assistance. So it’s really based on the individual.”
This means agencies and providers will need to work closely together – even if they haven’t in the past, Hittle said. Those groups include housing providers, community organizations and others.
And the state will have to train people on how to use the system, including people outside the health care industry like community organizations that provide housing and nutrition.
“This is something that the neighborhood providers who interact with us have never had to do before,” Hittle said in the interview.
State officials are asking for patience as the project unrolls next year.
“It’s not going to be perfect,” Hittle told the audience. “It’s not going to be anywhere near perfect in the first five years, but we need to be able to make it so that we can show progress for the people that we serve.”
For health care providers and officials, that’s key to ensuring the new Medicaid plan doesn’t fail.
“If it’s not going to work for the housing providers or the nutrition providers or the climate advice providers, it’s not going to work for our members,” Hittle said. “It’ll be a wasted opportunity.
Arreola, of the Governor’s Racial Justice Council, told the audience to be willing to change their organizations so the new program works for Oregonians.
“Challenge your system,” he said. “Challenge your organization. Don’t be afraid to rock the boat.”
Westrick, with Trillium, said Medicaid insurers will need to coordinate even more than they do now to help people access all the services.
“Listening to our members and hearing how they need to receive those services is really an important piece,” Westrick said.
Oregon’s Medicaid system generally serves low-income residents under 65, though it also serves people who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare. To check benefits and apply, go online here. —- (SOURCE)
Corvallis Fire Responds to a Fire That Reveals a Fatality
The Corvallis Fire Department responded to a smoke investigation that turned out to be a residential structure fire in rural Benton County just before noon on October 2, kicking off a firefighting response and subsequent cleanup operation that persisted for nearly 24 hours.
The call came in around 11:50 a.m. on October 2 reporting smoke in the area of the 3200 block of Northwest Ponderosa Avenue. This area is located just outside Corvallis city limits within the Corvallis Rural Fire Protection District, which is protected by CFD. This area was previously covered by Fire Station 5, which was closed in 2012.
A fire engine, dispatched from Fire Station 3 on Circle Boulevard, arrived and immediately began firefighting operations and called for additional resources.
When firefighters entered the home to attack the fire and perform a search, they encountered an occupant inside the structure. Firefighters quickly removed the occupant from the structure and immediately performed an evaluation. It was determined that the occupant was deceased due to injuries not related to the fire.
As the firefighting response continued, a portion of the roof collapsed, rendering the entire residence unstable. Nevertheless, Corvallis firefighters methodically searched the house multiple times to ensure that there were no additional occupants present.
Based on deteriorating safety conditions inside the house, firefighters were withdrawn and the decision was made to allow the fire to burn itself out. Firefighters adopted a defensive firefighting strategy focused on protecting nearby vegetation to limit the fire’s spread.
Ultimately, the fire consumed the residence but was prevented from spreading. Benton County Public Works operators used heavy equipment to assist firefighters by moving debris and uncovering smoldering hot spots located deep in the foundation. Firefighters remained on-scene until late in the morning on October 3, monitoring hot spots and working to fully extinguish the fire.
CFD is grateful for the professional assistance from its public safety partners, including the Benton County Sheriff, Corvallis Police Department, and the Benton County Medical Examiner. CFD also wishes to thank its mutual aid partners, including Adair Fire, Philomath Fire, Polk County Fire District #1, Albany Fire, Monroe Fire, Lebanon Fire, and Lane Fire Authority, who all stepped in to provide coverage for multiple emergency calls in Corvallis and the rural district during this extended incident.
EPD Seeking tips on pedestrian/vehicle hit and run (injury) case
Eugene Police is seeking tips in a Hit and Run case: On the morning of September 12, Eugene Police responded to crash between a pedestrian and a minivan at W. 7th Avenue and Olive Street.
The female victim, age 41, was struck by the involved vehicle while in the crosswalk and received non-life-threatening injuries. The vehicle stopped after proceeding through the intersection and the male adult driver stayed until Eugene Springfield Fire medics arrived, but then left the scene without providing any of his identifying information or insurance.
Attached are photos of the involved vehicle, a white and grey, late 1990s or early 2000s Toyota Sienna. The plate may or may not include numbers “309” and the letters “N” or “M.” The driver is described as a white male, standing approximately 6-feet-tall, with ‘salt and peppered’ hair, an unshaven face. He was wearing glasses. Please send tips to Officer Allison Jordan, amjordan@eugene-or.gov, or call 541-682-5154, ext. 1463Case number 23-13593.
October Events Raise Awareness About Earthquake Preparedness
Oregon is home to several fault lines that cause dozens of earthquakes every year. The most known earthquake threat is the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a 700-mile fault located off the Pacific coast that puts Oregon at risk for a 9.0+ magnitude earthquake.
A quake of that size could cause five to seven minutes of shaking, followed by a tsunami that would devastate coastal areas. October features several events reminding Oregonians to prepare and protect themselves before the ground starts shaking.
Wireless Emergency Alerts
“One of the most important steps people can take is to enable Wireless Emergency Alerts, or WEA, on their cell phones,” said Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Erin McMahon. “WEA are short emergency messages sent to your phone to warn of an impending natural or human-made disaster, like an earthquake. WEA messages can provide immediate, life-saving information.”
ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning Notifications
People in Oregon, Washington and California who’ve opted into WEA automatically receive ShakeAlert earthquake early warning notifications for earthquakes in their area with a magnitude of 4.5 or greater, which can offer critical seconds of warning to seek cover from falling objects and brace themselves. ShakeAlert uses science and technology to detect significant earthquakes quickly and sends an alert to people on their cell phones. The alert makes a distinctive sound and displays a text message reading, “Earthquake detected! Drop, cover, hold on. Protect yourself.” This message is also available in Spanish for phones set to receive alerts in that language. Some cell phones with text-to-voice capability may read out the message text.
Great Oregon ShakeOut
An effective and no-cost way for individuals and families to practice earthquake safety is to register for The Great Oregon ShakeOut, a self-led earthquake drill taking place at 10:19 a.m. on Oct. 19. Nearly half a million Oregonians have already registered, pledging to Drop, Cover and Hold On for at least 60 seconds as if a major earthquake was occurring at that moment.
“Knowing what to do when the earth starts shaking helps people reduce their risk and better protect themselves to prepare for earthquakes,” said Director McMahon. “Most emergency management experts and official preparedness organizations agree that Drop, Cover and Hold On is the appropriate action to reduce the chance of injury from falling objects and flying debris during earthquakes. When people practice these simple steps, it becomes a routine that allows instincts to kick in when shaking starts.”
When the ground starts to shake, or you receive an earthquake alert on a cell phone:
- Drop immediately onto hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and allows you to stay low and crawl to a nearby shelter. If you use a wheelchair or walker, lock your wheels.
- Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If there is no nearby shelter, crawl next to an interior wall away from windows. Remain on your knees and bend over to protect vital organs.
- Hold On until the shaking stops. If under a shelter, hold onto it with one hand and be ready to move with the shelter if it shifts. If there is no shelter, hold onto your head and neck with both arms and hands.
If you’re near the ocean and feel a large earthquake, Drop, Cover and Hold On until the shaking stops. Then walk inland and up to high ground. Do not wait for an official warning, as a tsunami could come ashore in a few minutes. Learn more about earthquake preparedness on OEM’s website.
ORAlert and Be 2 Weeks Ready
OEM also encourages people in Oregon to sign up for local emergency alerts from their county or tribe at ORAlert.gov; be informed and knowledgeable about the hazards where they live; and have an emergency plan and enough food, water and supplies to survive for at least two weeks following any disaster. The agency’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program offers several resources in multiple languages to help people prepare. Learn more at oregon.gov/oem.
For the record, most of the Northwest Congressional delegation in Washington D.C. voted to oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his leadership role. Oregon Republicans Cliff Bentz and Lori Chavez-DeRemer voted in McCarthy’s favor.
All Oregon Democrats voted to remove him from the Speaker’s role. And what has Congress done for you, the country or Oregon lately? Good question.
Upper Table Rock trailhead and trail closed weekdays Oct 16-Nov 22
Medford, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management Butte Falls Field Office will close the Upper Table Rock trailhead and trail on weekdays from October 16 through November 22, 2023.
The trailhead and trail will be open on the weekends. BLM will be working with contractors to re-route steep and unsustainable portions of the existing Upper Table Rock trail. Small excavators and motorized trail building equipment will be used to complete the work. The closure will allow for public and worker safety during construction periods.
“Upper Table Rocks is an iconic hike in the Rogue Valley, and this work is necessary to create a safer, more durable trail,” said Jared Nichol, Butte Falls Field Manager. “This closure is a great opportunity to explore some of the other incredible trails in the area.”
The project will create a more sustainable trail that will require less maintenance in the future. Currently, steep areas along the trail wash out during large rain events, removing gravel and creating channels in the trail. These sections become muddy and create the potential for hikers to fall. The new sections will reduce the slope of the trail and provide a safer and more durable route to the top of Upper Table Rock.
Until the trailhead and trails officially reopen, members of the public may not enter closed areas, and all uses—including hiking and hunting—are prohibited.
There are plenty of other exciting hiking opportunities to explore during the closure. Lower Table Rocks, located 5 miles west, will remain open. Other BLM trails include the East Applegate Ridge Trail, the Jackash Trail, The Sterling Mine Ditch Trail. Slightly further away, Cascade Siskiyou National Monument features miles of hiking trails, including the Green Springs Mountain Loop Trail, Hobart Bluff Trail, Grizzly Peak Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.
For more information about the Upper Table Rock, please visit:
Customers of Pacific Power will get a credit of $404 on their October bill.
The credit is paid twice a year and comes from California’s efforts to fight climate change. The Cap-and-Trade program requires power plants, fuel providers and extensive industrial facilities that emit greenhouse gasses to buy carbon pollution allowances. The credit is designed to help utility customers during the transition to a low-carbon future. Cap-and-Trade proceeds fund programs to cut pollution, create jobs and invest in cleaner energy and transportation. (Oregon news)
California ended its “miracle” water year on Saturday with enough rain and snow to fill the state’s reservoirs to 128% of their historical average, making it among the wettest years in recorded state history.
That’s a welcome boon to a state that has spent much of the past dozen years in a deep drought, forcing state leaders to grapple with how the state should share and manage its water in the future. A series of winter storms in early 2023 busted the state’s most recent dry spell.
State officials measured 33.56 inches of precipitation through the end of September. California’s “water year” begins annually on Oct. 1 so it can include all of the fall and winter months when California gets the bulk of its rain and snow. The state depends on those wet months to fill its reservoirs that supply water for drinking, farming and environmental uses throughout the state.
Those reservoirs dipped to dangerously low levels in in recent years because of an extreme drought. That prompted water restrictions on homes and businesses and curtailed deliveries to farmers. It also threatened already endangered species of fish, including salmon, that need cold water in the rivers to survive.
But the State Water Project — which includes 30 reservoirs and storage facilities and provides water to 27 million people — reported 27.4 million acre feet in its reservoirs as of Sept. 30. One acre foot of water is enough to supply two families of four for a year.
The storms also dumped tons of snow on the mountains. The state snowpack on April 1 was 237% above its historical average. It’s just the fourth time since 1950 the state’s snowpack exceeded 200% of average, according to Michael Anderson, the state’s climatologist.
(more at HeraldandNews.com)
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