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Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Klamath Basin Weather
High Wind Warning in effect from Dec. 27 beginning at 4AM-28th, 4AM.
Today
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Light southeast winds 6 to 11 mph in the morning. Overnight, mostly cloudy with a low around 37 degrees, gusty winds to 18 mph.
Today’s Headlines
Woman Arrested On Multiple Charges
A burglary in Klamath County shut down Highway 140 in both directions for over an hour yesterday The pursuit of the suspect led to a multi-agency and multi-county chase.
Shortly after 1pm Sunday, Klamath County deputies responded to a reported burglary on Snow Goose Lane where a rifle had been reported stolen. A suspect was identified and it was soon confirmed she had arrived at a residence on Outpost Drive and was in possession of a rifle.
As law enforcement arrived at the Outpost Drive location, the suspect raised and pointed the rifle in their direction and then fled in a vehicle after driving recklessly at the deputies and an OSP Trooper. A vehicle pursuit ensued. On several occasions the pursuing deputies lost sight of the vehicle until it was located near Fort Klamath by a Forest Service LEO. The pursuit continued at speeds from 80-90 mph with light traffic conditions on Westside Road. A first attempt to spike the tires on the fleeing vehicle was unsuccessful but a second attempt near the county line on Hwy 140 succeeded. Speeds reduced to 35 mph until the vehicle came to a stop at mile post 21 in Jackson County.
Highway 140 was shut down in both directions for just over an hour as law enforcement attempted to get the driver to exit the vehicle. She surrendered to the arresting deputies. The stolen rifle was located in the vehicle.
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oregon State Police, a US Forest Service LEO, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The multi-agency/multi-county incident was made possible by the working relationships our law enforcement community works hard to maintain.
No injuries were sustained by the suspect or any of the responding officers.
After all of that, the suspect, 41 year old Cynthia Pettit was lodged on the following charges:
Pettit was lodged in Klamath County Jail. Charges include Theft I, Burglary I, Unlawful Use of a Weapon x2, Pointing Firearm at Another x4, Attempt to Elude, Menacing x4, Reckless Endangering x3, Attempted Assault on a Public Safety Officer x 3, Violation of Restraining Order, and Contempt of Court.
KCSO says Additional charges from previous cases may be added. (kcso release)
Klamath County Sheriff’s office officials say a missing man’s case has ended with a happy ending.
On Saturday shortly after noon, the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office was notified by a family member of David Parker Wangsness that he had been located after he showed up at a friend’s home. It has been reported that he is in good physical condition and had been staying at a remote location outside of the search area without notifying anyone. It is possible, yet unconfirmed, that he didn’t realize anyone was looking for him.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all assisting agencies and Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers who spent a large number of hours and resources in the three-day search.
Sheriff Chris Kaber said in a statement that “Often law enforcement and SAR organizations are asked and expected to perform their duties with incomplete and evolving information which accurately describes this incident. We were happy to learn that David Parker Wangsness is back with his family.” (KCSO)
More than 4,000 children in Klamath County had presents come Christmas morning thanks to this year’s Marine Corps League Toys for Tots campaign.
All week long, volunteers helped spread the joy of the holidays by assisting parents and guardians in picking out the right gifts to put under the tree for their children.
Kay Ortega from the Oregon Child Development Coalition said their organization also gathered volunteers for picking up, organizing, purchasing and distributing toys.
OCDC and KBBH staff as well as other volunteers stayed late some nights, working well into the night to prepare for the families coming the following morning.
In total each day, Toys for Tots provided presents for 1,033 children in the community this year. (Herald and News)
Boy Scout Troop 8 in Klamath Falls is offering the annual Christmas tree pickup this Saturday, Dec. 30th.
To arrange a pickup, call 541-850-9217. The scouts are raising funds for summer camp and other scout activities.
They ask for a minimum $7 donation. Trees are recycled for biofuel and feed for goats.” (Herald and News)
It appears you will be paying more for your electricity in Klamath Falls come the new year. Pacific Power, whose parent company is Portland-based PacifiCorp, is seeking to raise electricity rates for Oregon customers by 11% overall in 2024 to cover higher power costs, according to a filing to the utility commission on Monday.
A spokesman said the commission is set to rule on Pacific Power’s filing on December 28th and if approved, residential customers will see their rates increase on January 1st.
Pacific Power is also seeking an additional 2.1% increase to cover costs related to lowering wildfire risks in the future but the commission will decide on that on January 9th. If approved, the rate increase would go into effect the next day.
Community members are invited to bring undecorated Christmas trees to the Klamath County Fairgrounds on Saturday, January 6, 8 a.m. – noon.
Absolute Tree Care Service will chip trees in the parking lot, to the right of the entrance, in exchange for any donation to Friends of the Children – Klamath Basin.
Donations can be made with cash or check, at friendsklamath.org “Donate”. “With this event, we hope to encourage environmentally friendly tree disposal and support an organization that does so much for local youth,” said Rick Spicher, owner of Absolute Tree Care Service.
Friends of the Children is a national nonprofit that creates generational change by empowering youth facing the greatest obstacles through relationships with professional mentors, called “Friends,” for 12+ years.
Friends of the Children – Klamath Basin was established in 2000. It has locations in Klamath Falls and Chiloquin and capacity to support 72 youth. Learn more at friendsklamath.org.
The Hispanic Health Committee’s leadership team cordially invites the community to attend our Winter Networking Luncheon on January 17th, 2024 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Klamath Community College’s (KCC) Building 7. (see attached bilingual flyer).
Admission is free and the event is open to anyone interested in creating better health and wellbeing for Klamath’s Latino community. At the luncheon we will review our progress to date, discuss future plans and do some fun networking. So bring your business cards and a plus-one!
RSVP on Eventbrite using the QR code or this link: https://tinyurl.com/HHCWNL
We would like express our deep appreciation to generous co-sponsors KCC and Klamath & Lake Counties Council on Aging for making this event possible. For questions, email KDuarte@klamathcounty.org
Chiloquin, Ore. – Guided First Day Hikes led by rangers and volunteers are set for 31 Oregon State Parks on New Year’s Day—Monday, Jan. 1st, 2024.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is partnering with America’s State Parks for free guided First Day Hikes in state parks as we start the new year.
Here’s information about the hike hosted at Collier Memorial State Park:
- Join us for a brisk morning 3-mile hike along the Spring Creek and Williamson Rivers. At the halfway point, we will have snacks, hot and cold drinks, and a warming fire. We may see bald eagles and river otters.
- The path is hard packed dirt and gravel with uneven terrain and roots. Little to no elevation gain. Plan for possible snow and ice on the ground. Traction devices for shoes recommended.
- Please register for the hike online so we can plan for the snacks and beverages
- The hike starts at 11 a.m. Meet at the Cookhouse located on the west side of the highway north of the parking lot at the Collier Memorial Logging Museum, 46000 Highway 97 N.
- Friendly dogs are welcome on six-foot leashes.
- Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy hiking boots, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- For more information, call 541-783-2471 prior to Dec. 29.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please email Park Ranger Dave Padgett. Requests must be submitted by Dec. 29.
The $5 day-use parking fee is waived that day for all state parks that require a parking permit and are open.
Share photos of First Day Hikes via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes.
First Day Hikes is a national initiative to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012.
Around the state of Oregon
Two arrested for possessing explosives and endangering child in Coos Bay
The Coos County Sheriff’s Office arrested two people Friday after discovering multiple explosive devices on a property when following up on possible child neglect.
Around 9 a.m. on Friday, December 22, a sergeant was investigating a property on West Beaverhill Road near Hemlock Lane that resulted in an unrelated arrest. It was during that investigation when he developed information a child on the property was being “subject to neglect and criminal mistreatment,” the sheriff’s office said.
A search warrant for the property was issued and law enforcement executed it around 2 p.m. that day. The search turned up several items, according to CCSO, including multiple explosive devices, narcotics, firearms, body armor and ammunition.
The Oregon State Police Bomb Squad responded for the explosive devices and disposed of them.
The sheriff’s office also said a young child at the location was also found and removed from the home by the Department of Human Services.
37-year-old Ryan Woolman and 26-year-old Megan Woolman were arrested on several charges, CCSO said, and booked in the Coos County Jail.
Ryan Woolman was charged with possession of a destructive device, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of body armor, first-degree criminal mistreatment and endangering the welfare of a minor.
Megan Woolman was charged with possession of a destructive device, first-degree criminal mistreatment and endangering the welfare of a minor. The investigation continues.
Fatal Crash on Interstate 82 in Umatilla County
On Sunday, December 24, 2023, at approximately 6:37 a.m., the Oregon State Police (OSP) responded to a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 82 near milepost 1 in Umatilla County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Chevy Traverse, operated by Jose Angel Alonso (32) of San Diego, CA, was driving westbound when it hit the barrier on the bridge. The Chevy then crossed the highway into the dirt median where it rolled and a minor passenger was ejected.
The ejected minor passenger was declared deceased on scene. Two other minor passengers were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
The operator of the Chevy, (Alonso) was checked by EMS and remained at the scene during the investigation.
The highway was impacted for approximately three hours, during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by Umatilla Police Department, Umatilla Fire, and Oregon Department of Transportation.
The Mt. Ashland Ski Area is preparing to welcome a big crowd ahead of a delayed start to their winter season.
Mt. Ashland needs about 24 to 30 inches of snow before it can reopen to skiers and snowboarders. According to the Mt. Ashland website, there has been zero inches of snowfall over the past week.
Andrew Gast, the general manager of the ski hill, said there isn’t enough snow on the ground to operate but everything else at the hill is up and running.
Right now the team is working on a shuttle program after receiving a $50,000 grant from Travel Oregon. Minibuses will be running from Ashland up the hill once the season gets started.
Mt. Ashland will be celebrating their 60th anniversary on Jan. 11. Gast said the crew will be celebrating the milestone with a party that day if the hill is open.
Ski hill staff are on a holiday break right now as they wait for more snow. Updates on Mt. Ashland’s opening date can be found on their Facebook page.
There was a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on all around us over the Christmas weekend.
A 2.9 earthquake was reported in the Spanish Springs area of Reno on Saturday. It was reported as a sharp jolt and awoke thousands of residents, but no major damage or injuries were reported.
Meanwhile, A 4.0 magnitude earthquake hit the Olympic Peninsula on Sunday at 7:14 a.m. and it lightly shook homes from Victoria, B.C., to Tacoma, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, which gathered reports from a few hundred people. So far, there’s been no reports of damage and authorities don’t expect any.
The epicenter was just west of the small town of Quilcene, Washington.
Back in October, a 4.3 magnitude earthquake hit south of Port Townsend in Scow Bay, between Indian and Marrowstone islands.
The last time Washington state had a 4.0 magnitude earthquake was in 2019, when a 4.6 earthquake hit near Monroe.
Oregon’s population declined for the second year in a row, new population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show.
Federal data released last week estimate Oregon shed about 0.1% of its residents, or 6,021 people, in the year leading up to July 1, 2023. That comes after the state lost about 0.4% in the year before. While the Census Bureau has yet to release population numbers at the city and county level, the Portland State center estimates that Multnomah County gained 1,728 residents in the year ending in July 1, 2023.
The Portland State center’s city population numbers indicate that Portland added 4,015 residents, reflecting a 0.6% growth over the same time period. (more at oregonlive.com)
Oregonians urged to respond to renewals for medical benefits; data shows 5 out of 6 people keeping benefits
SALEM, Ore. — With more than a million renewals complete, so far more than 5 out of 6 Oregonians are keeping their Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or other Medicaid benefits. Oregon is nearly three quarters of the way through the process of renewing medical benefits after the COVID-19 emergency.
Oregon’s 85 percent renewal rate is the third highest in a national comparison of state renewal rates by KFF, a nonpartisan health policy organization. KFF analysis shows Oregon also has saved more people from unnecessary paperwork than any other state via the automated renewal process.
Oregonians encouraged to respond to renewals
More than 400,000 people — about 9 percent of Oregon’s population — still need to respond to a renewal or will receive a letter in coming months.
Members who have not received a renewal yet should:
- Keep their address and contact information up to date.
- Check their mail or Online ONE account for their renewal letter.
- Do what the renewal letter asks as soon as possible.
Anyone concerned they missed their letter should get help with their renewal via one of the ways to find help listed below.
People who are asked to submit information to finish the medical renewal process should consider uploading documents through a ONE online account at ONE.Oregon.gov or the free Oregon ONE Mobile app. They are the fastest ways to share required information.
- It’s best to set-up a ONE online account before downloading the mobile app.
- People who need help setting up a ONE online account can call 833-978-1073 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. All relay calls accepted.
Although most people are keeping coverage, 1 in 6 people are losing or reducing benefits. Over 150,000 people will need to consider their other coverage options after completing their renewal.
People who do not have coverage through a job or Medicare may be able to enroll through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace with financial help. People who have recently lost OHP benefits can enroll anytime until July 31, 2024 or within 60 days of their benefits ending. Open enrollment for 2024 also continues until Jan. 16, 2024. For more information and ways to get help signing up for Marketplace, Medicare, or employer coverage, see “what to do if OHP is ending” below.
Find help renewing your benefits
- Learn more about how to renew your Oregon Health Plan medical coverage.
- Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075. All relay calls are accepted, and help is available in multiple languages. Wait times are lowest between 7 and 8 a.m.
- Visit or call a local Oregon Department of Human Services office. People can find their local office at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/Pages/office-finder.aspx.
- Visit a community partner for free in-person help. To find one near you visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp (English) or orhim.info/ayuda (Spanish).
The large number of OHP renewals, along with renewals of long-term services and supports, may cause greater wait times, delays, and possible interruptions to people’s OHP benefits. The fastest way members can provide an update is by going to benefits.oregon.gov and logging into their ONE online account.
If you need to sign up for Medicare for the first time, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 800-772-1213 to enroll by phone or find a local office. You can also enroll in Medicare online at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.
- Need free local help finding other coverage? Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp to find professional help near you.
Resolve to get vaccinated against respiratory viruses for the new year
Everyone urged to protect themselves, loved ones against COVID-19, flu, RSV
PORTLAND, Ore. — With the new year fast approaching, Oregon health officials are asking people to resolve in 2024 – or in what remains of 2023 – to get vaccinated against respiratory viruses that are on the rise in the state.
Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA, says vaccination remains the best way for Oregonians to protect themselves against COVID-19, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and it’s not too late to get any of the vaccines.
“While some resolutions require making healthy changes for the rest of your life, we’re asking you to resolve to make an appointment for a vaccination,” Sidelinger said. “We’re not asking you to change your behavior for the year. We’re asking you to change your risk of getting sick.”
The renewed push for vaccinations comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today published the latest edition of its Morbidity and Mortality Week Report (MMWR) on fall 2023 respiratory virus vaccination coverage among adults. The report includes national and jurisdiction-specific estimates for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccination coverage among adults 18 and older from the National Immunization Survey-Adult COVID Module.
According to the report, 25% of eligible Oregon adults have received the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine, 40.8% have received the influenza vaccine and 20.3% have received the RSV vaccine. Oregon ranks ninth in the nation for COVID-19 vaccine coverage; 35th for flu vaccine coverage; and 16th for RSV vaccine coverage.
Supply is not a problem for most of the vaccines, Sidelinger says. COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are readily available in Oregon, as are the new RSV vaccines for older adults and pregnant people. The RSV antibody immunization for children is still in limited supply across the country and in Oregon, though some doses are available for newborns and prioritized high-risk babies – parents should talk to their health care providers.
It can take a couple weeks for the body to ramp up its immune response following vaccination, but Sidelinger says antibody levels start rising within days of getting a shot and will offer some protection. He said people can think of getting vaccinated as a gift for themselves and loved ones, or as a New Year’s resolution.
People can get the vaccines by contacting their health plan, health care provider, county public health clinic or federally qualified health center (FQHC). They can also search for a clinic by ZIP code by visiting vaccinefinder.org, or by calling 211 or visiting 211info.org.
MEDFORD, Ore.—A man believed to reside in Yakima, Washington who was caught transporting more than 55 pounds of methamphetamine and more than a thousand fentanyl pills in Southern Oregon was sentenced to federal prison last week.
Daniel Martin Ponce-Gonzalez, 39, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, on June 19, 2021, law enforcement stopped a black sedan traveling north on U.S. Route 97 in Klamath County, Oregon. The driver, Ponce-Gonzalez, provided officers with a false name and fake identification documents. During the stop, officers observed signs of drug trafficking and obtained consent from Ponce-Gonzalez and a passenger to search the vehicle. Officers discovered a hidden compartment near the vehicle’s trunk containing more than 55 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately two pounds each of fentanyl pills and cocaine. Ponce-Gonzalez and his passenger were arrested without incident.
On August 5, 2021, Ponce-Gonzalez was charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine. Later, on March 3, 2022, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Ponce-Gonzalez with one count of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with assistance from Oregon State Police (OSP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Water woes continue as the California State Water Resources Control Board took action yesterday to protect the salmon, unanimously extending the region’s expired emergency drought measures.
Ground and surface water for farms will be restricted for another year if flows in the Shasta and Scott rivers dip below minimum thresholds. State officials say these measures are likely to kick in next year.
Water board chair Joaquin Esquivel said action is needed because “a fish emergency” remains on the rivers. “Time isn’t our friend,” he said at a previous meeting in August. “There is an urgency.” The water board also is investigating the possibility of permanent requirements to keep more water in the rivers, after the Karuk Tribe and the fishing industry petitioned the state for stronger protections. That decision, however, could take years.
An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Parrish Leland Chang, died the morning of December 24, 2023.
Change was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at the facility. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.
Chang entered DOC custody on March 5, 2020, from Clackamas County with an earliest released date of May 23, 2025. Chang was 53 years old. Next of kin has been notified.
DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.
TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,700 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.
Bureau of Land Management interns are available for interviews regarding their experiences with BLM, and to let other students know about the benefits of starting a federal career with a paid student internship.
Bureau of Land Management officials have extended the period to apply for paid student internships! Eligible students can now apply through Monday, January 8, 2024.
After a successful push to hire more than 100 student interns across the country last year, BLM leaders are again in search of 100+ enthusiastic students looking for paid internships in the federal government. Jessica Schooley and Scott Truman were hired during the first “100 Interns” campaign. They are currently kicking off their federal careers as part of the BLM survey team in eastern Oregon.
Applying for internships with the federal government is a little different than applying for other jobs, so BLM leaders recently hosted two workshops to help interested students. Internships are available in a variety of career fields and functions, including Civil engineering, Public affairs, Information technology, Survey, Administration, Land law examiner and Natural resources. Other positions include Land surveyor, Wildland fire, Geographic information systems, Human resources, Grant management. Contracting and Budget Environment protection.
A new law in Oregon will let drivers pass a slow-moving cyclist in a no-passing zone.
Starting Jan. 1, vehicles traveling at less than half the speed limit will be considered road obstructions. Therefore, drivers in no passing zones will be allowed to cross into the left lane of the roadway to get around them.
Eugene resident Richard Hughes, a self-described bicycle advocate, requested the law. It was formally introduced by Sen. Floyd Prozanski of Eugene and Rep. Tom Andersen of Salem. It was approved during the 2023 legislative session with no votes in opposition in either chamber.
Hughes said it’s unnerving for cyclists when drivers trail them for miles on rural roads.
When travelling at over 35 mph, Oregon drivers must also maintain enough distance while passing to avoid a falling cyclist. (Oregon news)
Get $5 off annual Oregon State Park parking permit in December
Give the gift of the outdoors and save this season with the Oregon State Parks 12-month parking permit sale during the month of December.
The permit hangtag once again features whimsical designs from Portland artist El Tran. Holiday shoppers can buy the annual parking permits for only $25, which is a $5 savings starting Dec. 1 and running through Dec. 31. The permit is good for 12 months starting in the month of purchase.
Purchasing permits is easy. Buy them online at the Oregon State Parks store (use the drop down menu to pick your favorite design). Parking permits are also sold at some state park friends’ group stores and select local businesses throughout the state. For a complete list of vendors, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.
Parking costs $5 a day at 25 Oregon state parks unless you have a 12- or 24-month parking permit or a same-day camping receipt. The 24-month pass is $50 and is also available at store.oregonstateparks.org. The permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle.
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