Klamath Basin News, Monday, October 9 – Solar Eclipse Week Comes to Oregon; Gov. Kotek Visits Lake and Klamath Counties on her “One Oregon” Listening Tour

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Monday, October 9, 2023

Klamath Basin Weather

Today’s Headlines

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek visited Lake and Klamath counties last week as part of her “One Oregon” listening tour.

On Wednesday, the governor toured Lake County, stopping to meet with local leadership throughout the community. Kotek said she started off in Christmas Valley to meet with county commissioners and discuss some of the proposals to add solar facilities in the area. Thursday, Kotek visited Lake Health District to discuss behavioral health and how health districts support the community. Then, the governor and her party went next to the Swan Lake Energy Storage facility that is being planned and learned about where they are in the process and looked at the topography. Kotek says “You don’t get a sense of where you’re going to build these reservoirs until you’re actually out there.” In a Q and A session with some members of local media, Kotek spoke highly of Kingsley Field saying ”it is incredibly important we have Kingsley in Oregon. I’m very excited about the new fighter unit that will be coming to Kingsley. I can tell you from my conversation with our national partners, that the defense of our country, not only Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, that having Kingsley and those assets here are incredibly important. I’ll do everything I can to support it and support the men and women and their families who are doing the hard work every day. We are very lucky to have that piece here and really appreciate all the families of what they do because when deployments happen and when folks have to scramble at the moment’s notice, they’re there, and they’re keeping us all safe.”  (more at HeraldandNews.com)

As the Oct. 14 annular Solar Eclipse nears this Saturday across Oregon, Klamath County Commissioners continue to prepare for the event and the many visitors expected.

During their weekly business meeting last week, 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.

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)

  Fall in the Klamath and Tule Basins marks the season for harvesting crops, and the Klamath Water Users Association welcomed dozens of community members to tour some of the most prolific producers in the region. The 12th annual KWUA Fall Harvest Tour took 75 residents to multi-generational family farms on Thursday, giving the public a chance to see first-hand the work that goes into farming and harvesting. Every harvest season since 2011, the nonprofit KWUA has offered this tour to anyone and everyone who’s interested, free of charge thanks to local sponsors. A presentation prior to the tour was given by KWUA executive director Paul Simmons. Although tensions are often high surrounding the issues of water rights and usage, Simmons said KWUA wanted to show the positives of agriculture in the basins. Simmons said the boards of the three visited counties — Klamath County in Oregon and Siskiyou and Modoc counties in California — also work very well together to accomplish common goals in the world of agriculture.  (more at HeraldandNews.com)   In a strategic move to enhance healthcare services for the underserved communities in the Klamath Basin and surrounding areas, the Klamath Health Partnership (KHP) has announced the temporary closure of its Campus Convenient Care clinic at 2684 Campus Dr. in Klamath Falls, effective through Dec. 31, 2023. KHP’s realignment comes in tandem with the continuing expansion of services at the newly inaugurated Pine Street Open Door clinic, a state-of-the-art facility offering a range of healthcare services. The Pine Street Open Door clinic, located at 403 Pine St., is equipped to provide primary care, behavioral health, imaging, lab services, and soon, physical therapy. It also stands as the hub for KHP’s patient outreach department, offering essential community health worker services, transportation assistance, and Oregon Health Plan support. The temporary closure of the Campus Convenient Care clinic and the subsequent reallocation of staff are designed to meet the growing healthcare demands of the community without compromising service quality. KHP, with its team of more than 50 health professionals, operates multiple clinics in Klamath Falls, Chiloquin, and beyond.  (more at HeraldandNews.com)   People looking to apply for a noncommercial driver’s license in Oregon can now take their knowledge test online from the comfort of their own homes or anywhere with a stable internet connection.  https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/index.aspx The Oregon Department of Transportation, or ODOT, has announced that the new online knowledge test is available to applicants seeking a Class C noncommercial driver’s license or a motorcycle driver’s license endorsement. Before this service was introduced, driver’s license applicants were limited to visiting a local driver and motor vehicle services, or DMV, office to take the knowledge test using on-site testing screens. State DMV Administrator Amy Joyce said people can now take the online knowledge test at their convenience, eliminating the need for appointments that are required for testing at a DMV office. Joyce added that once driver’s license applicants pass their online test, they won’t need to schedule appointments for identity document verification, vision screening, or a driving test at the DMV office. Oregon’s driver’s license knowledge test consists of 35 multiple-choice questions, and applicants have 60 minutes to complete it. The cost for each test is $5. ODOT emphasizes the online testing experience closely mirrors testing at a DMV office, and there is no difference in fees between the two testing formats. To take the online test, the department requires applicants to use a laptop computer equipped with a keyboard, a mouse and a webcam. The webcam takes multiple photos of the test taker’s face to confirm their identity and ensure compliance with testing regulations. The department doesn’t allow the online test to be taken with a touch-screen device. (more at HeraldandNews.com)  

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 at last week’s City Council meeting.

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)  

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.   Hunter Communications, Oregon’s largest privately owned fiber-optic internet provider, announced the acquisition of Origin Networks LLC, the parent company to InfoStructure in Ashland, Oregon. “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.  

Around the state of Oregon

Governor Kotek Ordered Public Flags To Half-Staff Over The Weekend In Honor Of Eugene Airman Killed In Colorado Humvee Crash

Governor Kotek on Friday ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff over the weekend in honor and remembrance of Air Force Airman Trinity Reinhart, a Eugene native who was killed in a Colorado Humvee crash last month. Kotek said she took the action pursuant of her authority under the United States flag code and that the flag should be flown at half-staff until sunset on Saturday, the day of Airman Reinhart’s memorial. “I send my condolences to Airman Reinhart’s family in the wake of this tragedy and extend my deepest gratitude that she chose to devote her life, though far too brief, to serving others,” Kotek said. Airman Reinhart was killed in the Sept. 16 crash near Grover, Colorado, about two months before her 20th birthday.  A second airman was not seriously injured. Airman Reinhart was originally from Eugene and a graduate of the Willamette Leadership Academy. She had been assigned since May 19 to the 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron, based at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Air Force said it initiated an Interim Safety Board immediately after the mishap to gather the facts surrounding the incident. A Safety Investigation Board will be convened to determine the cause of the crash and to recommend measures necessary to prevent future mishaps.  

Oregon State Parks ready for Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse

Oregon State Parks offers prime viewing spots for the Saturday, 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.  

FBI Portland Seizes 25 guns, Nearly Nine Kilos of Suspected Cocaine and Makes Five Arrests in Multi-State Takedown

PORTLAND, OREGON – Five people were arrested on Wednesday in a large-scale drug and gun bust throughout three states. 

During the operation – which involved over 150 officers, agents and personnel from federal, state and local agencies – law enforcement seized nearly nine kilos of cocaine, 25 firearms (11 from one location), nearly $50,000 in cash and thousands of suspected fentanyl pills.  “The amount of suspected fentanyl alone that we seized in this operation will make a difference in our communities. 25 guns now off the streets, kilos of drugs out of circulation, that’s an impact,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “In a coordinated effort across three states the FBI and our partners, worked seamlessly to cut into the capabilities of these criminal enterprises and we are working hard to put the most violent offenders and facilitators behind bars for as long as we possibly can.”  Five people were arrested in the Portland metro area on a complaint of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Additional charges could follow.  A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Portland Field Office and the Portland Police Bureau conducted the operation with the assistance of the FBI Seattle, FBI Los Angeles, HSI, IRS, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Gresham Police Department, Vancouver Police Department, Oregon State Police, Washington State Department of Corrections, Port of Portland, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the United States Marshals Service.  

After Taking Reports of Irrigation Water Drying Up, Task Force Serves Search Warrants at Two Neighboring Black-Market Cannabis Grows, Discover Clandestine Laboratory, 1,800 lbs. Processed Illegal Marijuana; Code Enforcement Fines Nearly $900,000

Video Available for Download: https://vimeo.com/872004037?share=copy IMET Cases 23-15461, 23-15560

GOLD HILL, Ore. – Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant at neighboring black-market cannabis grows yesterday. These properties were both located in the 2000 block of Rogue River Highway in rural Gold Hill.

While serving the warrant, detectives discovered a clandestine Butane Honey Oil (BHO) laboratory. Jackson County Code Enforcement issued a citation totaling $887,710 for the unauthorized hydrocarbon extraction facility including the use of butane gas, and failure to obtain land use approval for marijuana production. IMET served the search warrant after receiving tips that the irrigation canal water in the local area was drying up. Overall, investigators seized 1,221 illegal marijuana plants, 1,851 lbs. of processed cannabis, 12 BHO jars, and $17,900 cash. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at either of the locations. Four suspects were on the property when the warrant was served and charges will be filed with the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) and Medford Police Department (MPD) assisted IMET with the warrant service.  Oregon Water Resources Department District 13 Watermasters will issue three separate Notices of Violation (NOV) to the responsible party for three separate well locations. Despite being a paying patron of the Gold Hill Irrigation District and with the canal running through the properties, it was observed that both grow operations were not diverting water from the irrigation district source water during the time of the Watermaster’s investigation. According to Oregon Water Law it is unpermitted to use domestic well water for a commercial grow operation or to water beyond 1/2 acre. Water violations of this kind are subject to both civil and criminal penalties. The Watermaster’s office received several anonymous calls in early September about the tenants on the properties taking more water from the canal than allowed, drying up the allotted source. While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, MPD, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office. Investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads. No further information is currently available for release.  

Oregon State Police arrests Connecticut murder suspect in Josephine County

On October 4, 2023, Oregon State Police detectives assisted the Connecticut State Police with locating and apprehending a murder suspect in Josephine County. Christopher Suarez (31) was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on a nationwide warrant for murder related to a Connecticut shooting that occurred in February of 2023.  During the investigation, it was determined Suarez was associated with an illegal marijuana grow in the Merlin area. A search warrant was served on the illegal marijuana grow with assistance from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Josephine County District Attorney’s Office. During the execution of the search warrant, four greenhouses and 796 marijuana plants were located and destroyed.  Additionally, six grams of cocaine, three packages of methamphetamine, and unidentified orange pills were located and seized.  Further information is not available for release at this time due to the on-going investigation.  

Salem, OR—The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) has confirmed a more than $5.61 billion revenue surplus in the 2021-2023 biennium, triggering a tax surplus credit, or “kicker,” for the 2023 tax year.

The surplus—the largest in state history—will be returned to taxpayers through a credit on their 2023 state personal income tax returns filed in 2024. The credit is based on tax liability for the 2022 tax year. Taxpayers who have not yet filed a 2022 tax return, should file now so they can claim their kicker credit when they file their 2023 tax return. To calculate the amount of their credit, taxpayers can multiply their 2022 tax liability before any credits—line 22 on the 2022 Form OR-40—by 44.28 percent. This percentage is determined and certified by OEA. Taxpayers who claimed a credit for tax paid to another state would need to subtract the credit amount from their liability before calculating the credit. Personal income taxpayers can also determine the amount of their kicker using a What’s My Kicker? Calculator available on Revenue Online. To use the calculator, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2022 and 2023. Taxpayers are eligible to claim the kicker if they filed a 2022 tax return and had tax due before credits. Even taxpayers who don’t have a filing obligation for 2023, still must file a 2023 tax return to claim their credit. The 2023 Oregon personal income tax return instructions will include detailed information on how to claim the credit on Form OR-40 for full-year Oregon residents, Form OR-40-P for part-year residents, and Form OR-40-N for nonresidents. Composite and fiduciary-income tax return filers are also eligible. Taxpayers should keep in mind that the state may use all or part of their kicker to pay any state debt they owe, such as tax due for other years, child support, court fines, or school loans. Taxpayers can donate their kicker with a checkbox on their tax return to the Oregon State School Fund for K-12 public education, but they must donate the entire amount. The donation is permanent and cannot be taken back. Taxpayers also have the option of donating part or all of their refund to any or all of the 29 charities approved by the Charitable Checkoff Commission. Taxpayers use Form OR-DONATE to designate any amount or all of their refund to donate to charity. Free tax preparation services are available for both federal and Oregon tax returns. Some software companies offer free software use and e-filing for eligible taxpayers. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services. For more information, go to the Oregon surplus “kicker” credit page of the Department of Revenue website. Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments; call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish); 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon; or email questions.dor@oregon.gov.  

Fire Prevention Week: Cooking causes most U.S. home fires; Red Cross issues 10 steps to help keep the chef safe

During Fire Prevention Week (October 8-14), the American Red Cross Cascades Region reminds everyone that cooking is the leading cause of home fires and issues safety steps to follow to help avoid one of these blazes. “The top reason for cooking fires is someone leaving the stove unattended while cooking,” said Dawn Johnson, Regional Communications Manager, Red Cross Cascades. “Cooking brings family and friends together, but this normal, everyday activity can also lead to disaster. In fact, cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. To help keep your loved ones safe, it’s important to stay in the kitchen while you’re cooking.” Follow these 10 steps to help stay safe while cooking:

1. If you are frying, grilling or broiling food, never leave it unattended — stay in the kitchen. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
2. Don’t wear loose clothing or sleeves that dangle while cooking.
3. If you’re simmering, baking, roasting or broiling food, check it regularly.
4. Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
5. Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area. Make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
6. Keep anything that can catch fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
7. Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
8. Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
9. Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.
10. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year if your smoke alarm requires it.

If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for more information. Download the Red Cross First Aid app for quick, expert advice on what to do in case of an emergency. Find all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.  

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVE LIVES Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 1,928 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country.

To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires. About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood and is the primary blood supplier to 65 hospitals throughout Washington and Oregon; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Oregon or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossCasc.  

On Monday, October 2, 2023, at approximately 5:20 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-26, near milepost 45.5, in Clackamas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Kia Soul, operated by John Walker Yost (51) of Oregon City, crossed the center line and struck an eastbound Freightliner commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Clayton Grant Kenyon (67) of Washougal (WA).  The collision caused the Freightliner to leave the roadway and hit several trees. The Kia spun and came to rest on the shoulder of the roadway. The operator of the Freightliner, Clayton Grant Kenyon (67) of Washougal (WA), was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Kia, John Walker Yost (51) and passenger, Joshua Allen Anthony (45) of Oregon City, suffered minor injuries. The highway was impacted for approximately 10 hours during the on-scene investigation.  Kenyon remained on scene and was cooperating with investigators.   OSP was assisted by ODOT.  

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.  

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services is commemorating National Energy Awareness Month by highlighting the impactful work of the Oregon Multifamily Energy Program (OR-MEP) to make affordable housing more energy efficient in an effort to reduce utility costs for low-income households.

Since it launched in 2018, the program has awarded $12.6 million in funding to 100 affordable housing developments to facilitate energy-efficient construction and reduce the energy burden for residents across multifamily affordable housing. Currently, 6,800 units have utilized the funds for energy upgrades and the need for this type of funding is great, with over 6,000 units on the waitlist. “Investing in the Oregon Multifamily Energy Program is not only a commitment to environmental progress but to helping Oregonians have access to a utility that is vital to health protection and improvement,” said OHCS Director Andrea Bell. “In the dance between progress and compassion, energy efficiency takes center stage, illuminating a path where sustainability meets accessibility.” The program aims to lower energy consumption, reduce utility costs, and contribute to the overall environmental well-being of communities throughout the state by offering the following to qualifying new and existing affordable multifamily properties:

• Cash incentives
• Design assistance
• Coordination with other programs
• Training and education

The energy-efficient strategies reduce energy use by nearly $400,000 per year. The life cycle of the investments averages 25 years and will continue to pay energy savings benefits for low-income Oregonians for years to come. OR-MEP accepts applications for incentives once every six months and will reopen to applicants in December 2023. For more information, visit the OR-MEP website at https://oregonmultifamilyenergy.com.   Oregon State Police F&W requesting public assistance- Jefferson County On Monday, September 11, 2023, Oregon State Troopers responded to the report of a dead buck deer that was found left to waste in the Three Rivers Community, Jefferson County.  It was determined the buck deer was shot three times with a bow, two arrows were located still in the buck deer.  No meat was salvaged from the buck and the antlers were still attached. The Oregon State Police is requesting the publics assistance with identifying the person(s) responsible for the wasting of the buck deer. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, *OSP (*677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP23-29048.  

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.  

The new, wider pedestrian bridge at Smith Rock is now open, and visitors can once again access popular trails and climbing areas on the other side of the Crooked River.

The new pedestrian bridge measures 8 feet wide and better accommodates life-saving equipment used during the frequent rescue operations at the park. The old bridge was built nearly 50 years ago and had significant wear and needed replacing. “Smith Rock State Park is thrilled to have a beautiful footbridge that will increase safety and serve the public well into the future. The new bridge will accommodate the increased visitation by allowing for two-way traffic across the river, and it will continue to provide critical access to the park’s main climbing and hiking areas for many years to come,” said Park Manager Matt Davey. Visitors can now access the hiking trails and climbing areas that were closed during construction including: River Trail, Misery Ridge, Mesa Verde, Summit Trail, Wolftree Trail and Burma Road Trail. Access was closed for nearly eight weeks as crews worked hard to remove the old bridge and build the new one in a complicated environment that included sensitive habitat and protected species as well as large equipment in a narrow canyon. “Thanks for everyone’s patience during this complex project. The contractor did an excellent job under very challenging conditions.” “Restoration work will continue near the footbridge over the next couple of weeks, so expect to see contractors continuing work in the area. Please be considerate when passing through,” Davey said.  

Oregon State Police and Portland Police Bureau Increased Portland Visibility Patrols Pilot Launches

This morning, several members of the Oregon State Police and Portland Police Bureau met for a joint briefing, prior to deploying multiple bike teams in Downtown Portland.  These teams went out to provide high-visibility enforcement and enhance public safety in strategic areas of the city – a collaborative effort as a part of Governor Tina Kotek’s directive for Oregon State Police to launch several new fentanyl strategic enforcement and disruption strategies statewide. The following is a list of actions these teams were able to take on day one: issued controlled substance citations, arrested wanted fugitives, arrested a fentanyl dealer, processed drug evidence, deployed Narcan at least once, and interacted with dozens of downtown Portland business owners and visitors. The reported actions from day one are an indication of OSP’s commitment to making our communities safer and a single component of our strategic efforts to collaborate across jurisdictions in order to disrupt the distribution and circulation of fentanyl in our communities.  

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is one of 21 higher education institutions in the country recognized for their leadership and commitment to continuous improvement by The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Western’s College of Education was specifically recognized.

The recognition award, The Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement, is named after the founding President of the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). CAEP was created by the consolidation of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and TEAC. Murray was the founding President of TEAC, served as Chairman of the Board for TEAC, and was also an initial member of the CAEP Board of Directors. He was a key advocate for a single set of educator preparation standards to unify the profession and was instrumental in the merger that created CAEP. He also served as the Dean of the College of Education at the University of Delaware from 1979 to 1995. “Frank Murray was passionate about education preparation, a prominent leader in our profession, and an advocate for evidence to improve education. The providers that CAEP is recognizing are committed to continuous improvement and preparing their students to succeed in a diverse range of classrooms after they graduate,” said Yuhang Rong, Chair of the CAEP Board of Directors. “CAEP Accreditation is a sign of commitment to quality through purposeful use of evidence. The Murray Leadership Recognition recipients should be proud of their accomplishments.” Recipients of the 2023 Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement are selected from the educator preparation providers (EPPs) that were granted accreditation by CAEP at the initial level from the previous year, who provided a full complement of evidence with demonstrated data trends and no plans. Recipients had no stipulations or areas for improvement. Providers selected for recognition advance equity and excellence in educator preparation through the purposeful use of self-study procedures and evidence-based reporting that assure quality and support continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 learning. These EPPs use inquiry and assessments to establish quality assurance systems to drive improvement. “The Frank Murray Leadership Recognition demonstrates the exemplary work by our faculty, staff, and students in the College of Education at Western Oregon University,” said Western’s Provost Jose Coll. “It reflects the values and principles shared by our university community and we applaud the College of Education for receiving this award by one of the leading national accreditation bodies for teacher preparation”. “This fifth class to receive the Murray Recognition represents the diversity and innovation that comes with CAEP accreditation. Small, large, public, private, faith-based, and historically minority-serving,” said CAEP President Christopher Koch. “These recipients reflect the innovation that CAEP affords in achieving excellence, by meeting the standards in a variety of ways, for the diverse populations they serve.” CAEP accreditation serves the dual purposes of accountability and continuous improvement. 541 educator preparation providers in 43 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates have been accredited under the CAEP Standards. The CAEP accreditation process evaluates the performance of providers and focuses mainly on whether candidates will be prepared for the challenging responsibilities that educators face in our classrooms. Approximately 600 educator preparation providers participate in the CAEP Accreditation system, including some previously accredited through former standards.  

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