Klamath Basin News, Thursday, Dec. 28 – Woman Dies After Head-On Collision with Log Truck; KCC Cosmetology Expands Training and Services

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Thursday, December 28, 2023

Klamath Basin Weather

Today’s Headlines

On Tuesday, December 26, at 4:05am, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office deputies and emergency medical services were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle crash on Sprague River Road near mile marker 4.

A Sheriff’s Office deputy was responding to a disturbance call in the Chiloquin area at the time of the reported crash. It was later confirmed that a vehicle leaving the disturbance was involved in the crash.

Initial investigation reveals that a westbound Dodge Durango, operated by 35 year old Sasha Atchley, was involving a head-on collision with an unloaded (bunked) log truck. The collision occurred in the eastbound lane of Sprague River Rd. The Durango left the roadway and the log truck was blocking the travel lanes when it came to rest.

Sasha Lee Atchley was transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center by a Chiloquin Fire and Rescue ambulance crew with serious injuries; she later passed away as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. 

The driver of the log truck was transported to the hospital by a Bonanza Ambulance crew with minor injuries.

The investigation is underway and is being assisted by the Oregon State Police with a crash reconstruction. No further details are available at this time.  (KCSO)

For the time being, all remains status quo at the Klamath County Sheriff’s Department with the officers which includes Sheriff Chris Kaber’s two sons.

In a letter to Southern Oregon media yesterday, Sheriff Kaber said:

“Just before 3pm on Tuesday, the Sheriff was informed by Commissioner David Henslee that during the BOCC meeting held the previous Friday a decision had been made to not terminate the employment of Deputy Erick Kaber and Sergeant Ryan Kaber on December 27^th. That date was scheduled by Human Resources and the BOCC following their September 27^th meeting and is documented by a series of emails and letters received by the deputies informing them of the date their loss of benefits would begin.

The 90-day ultimatum for either the Sheriff to resign his elected position or his family members law enforcement careers with Klamath County would end, barring a “creative” solution, has been suspended for the time being. During the conversation, there was no indication that the topic wouldn’t be picked up again at a later date by the Board. Later Tuesday afternoon, the two deputies received email confirmation from the Human Resources Director indicating that, “your employment status with Klamath County will not change on December 27, 2023.”

The Sheriff contends that the Constitution of the State of Oregon, state law, and prior Oregon Attorney General opinions give the Office of Sheriff the sole authority in organizing the office and appointing deputies while the authority of the county board, and by proxy the Human Resources Department, is limited. (Refer to Oregon Revised Statutes 206.210, 204.116, 204.635, 204.601) . The Office of the Sheriff is not a “department” of the county and the Sheriff believes this is an important distinction worth defending for reasons related to the Constitutional protections to the public provided by an elected Sheriff. As a result of this opinion, arbitrary county policies do not govern the employees of the Sheriff’s Office in the same manner as other county employees.

It does appear that the governing body of the county and their legal team disagrees with this assessment, therefore, the Sheriff intends to pursue a legal resolution to the questions raised by these differing viewpoints”.     (KCSO press release)

After four years, a trial is set to begin on a  $11.75 million federal lawsuit against the city of Klamath Falls next week.

Estimated to cover five days, Cisneros v. City of Klamath Falls is set for trial beginning at 9 a.m. Jan. 8, 2024, in Medford with a pretrial conference taking place in December.

Filed back in 2019, plaintiffs Elizabeth and Antonio Cisneros, former owners of Mexican restaurant El Palacio, alleged that Klamath Falls and the Klamath Falls Police Department (KFPD) at the direction of former KFPD Chief Dave Henslee, former City Manager Nathan Cherpeski and former City Councilor Kendall Bell violated their 14th Amendment equal protection due process constitutional rights by discriminating against them and targeting them for a higher level of law enforcement activity.

The plaintiffs state in the lawsuit that KFPD, at the direction of Henslee, made patrols of El Palacio, including walk-throughs of the premises and that they were being treated differently from other similarly situated non-Hispanic establishments.

The city “failed to apply its laws uniformly and has used race as a basis for making these decisions,” the lawsuit claims.

According to court documents, the defendants assert they were attempting to address criminal activity within the downtown area arguing that law enforcement incidents were occurring as a result of the Cisneros failing to abate the over-consumption of alcohol at El Palacio.

While Klamath Falls did submit an extensive amount of evidence to dispute, presiding Judge Ann Aiken said it is not the court’s role to determine which set of facts is more plausible and that a jury should weigh the evidence and make the determination if the allegations against Klamath Falls are true.  (Herald and News)

A Washington man arrested 2021 on drug trafficking charges will serve 60 months in prison and five years post-prison supervision.

Daniel Martin Ponce-Gonzalez, 39, was arrested after law enforcement stopped a black sedan on U.S. Highway 97 in Klamath County.

Ponce-Gonzalez was driving and gave the arresting state officers a false name and fake identification.

According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Oregon, officers recognized signs of drug trafficking during the stop and were given permission by Ponce-Gonzalez to search the vehicle.

“Officers discovered a hidden compartment near the trunk containing more than 55 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately two pounds each of fentanyl pills and cocaine,

Both Ponce-Gonzalez and his passenger were arrested without incident.

The driver was arrested on multiple charges, including unlawful possession and delivery of methamphetamine, cocaine and a schedule II controlled substance. He was also charged with giving false information to a police officer.

A criminal complaint against Ponce-Gonzalez was filed two months later on Aug. 5, listing potential charges of conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine.

In March 2021, a grand jury in Medford returned an indictment, charging Ponce-Gonzalez with one count of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

(Herald and News/US Attorney’s Office)

An officer with the Mt. Shasta Police Department was involved in an Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) on Sunday, according to a press release from the Mt. Shasta Police Department.

An Amtrak representative has confirmed that they are working with local authorities investigating the incident.  A check of  the Amtrak website confirmed there are were no delays on the Coast Starlight line going through Klamath Falls and northern California.

The release said the Attorney General’s Office will be taking over the investigation. This is a developing story and KFLS news will provide more information as it becomes available.  (kdrv 12)

The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office sadly reports a fatal motor vehicle crash occurred on Christmas Eve.

On Sunday, December 24th at 4:05pm, emergency service personnel responded to a crash at Summers Lane and Anderson Avenue. A collision occurred on Summers Lane between a southbound car and a westbound car. Initial investigation and witness statements indicate that the westbound car failed to stop for a stop sign on Anderson Avenue at Summers Lane. 

Both the driver of the southbound car and the passenger of the westbound car were injured in the crash. The male driver of the westbound car was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The victim in the accident is 29 year old Caswell Madison Stanton of Keno. The investigation continues and no further information is available for release at this time.   (kcso)

Klamath Community College is expanding its Cosmetology program to allow for online access.

This initiative allows students, including those already licensed as cosmetologists, to enroll and earn an Associate Degree in Cosmetology or Esthetics, or obtain certification as a licensed professional, in as little as six months online, according to a KCC news release.

Additionally, the KCC Foundation will donate scholarships to sponsor student tuition for the new online program.

The KCC Associate Degree in Cosmetology is designed to equip professionals with skills needed to elevate student business knowledge, as well as train students in beauty and wellness.

Notably, the program focuses on key subjects such as marketing and financial business skills, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to start or expand their salon.  The program is only in its second year of operation, and online access will allow students better access to becoming licensed professionals in barbering, esthetics, hair design and nail technology.

This unique approach distinguishes the KCC Cosmetology program from others, and provides a comprehensive education that goes beyond technical skill alone, the release said.

In developing the program, KCC collaborated with Bellus Academy, a leader in beauty and wellness and the recipient of multiple industry awards.

Salon services are available at KCC Cosmetology, 357 E. Main St., in Klamath Falls. A wide variety of hair, skin and nails services are available to the public. For appointments, call (541) 882-6644.

(KCC/HeraldandNews/KFLS)

Oregon Governor Kotek has appointed David Schutt as the new district attorney of Klamath County.

Schutt currently serves as a public defense attorney in Lake County. From 2000 through 2012, Schutt was the Lake County DA.

The announcement fills the seat left empty following the vacation of office of former DA Eve Costello.

After Costello stepped down in September 2022, Klamath County was provided a substitute — John Casalino, senior assistant attorney general for the Oregon Department of Justice — to fill her place until an appointment was made.

In the ensuing 15 months, Casalino served Klamath County as the state’s prosecutor for many of the cases brought before the circuit court.

After at least three rounds of applications and more than a year later, the governor selected Lake County’s public defense attorney and former district attorney.

A news release from he governor’s office expressed a positive outlook for the incoming appointment.

Though the official appointment was not made for some 15 months, there were multiple applicant periods in which other local attorneys applied for the position.

Schutt served three four-year terms as Lake County DA and ran for a fourth term in 2012. (press release/Herald and News/KFLS)

Woman Arrested On Multiple Charges

A burglary in Klamath County shut down Highway 140 in both directions for over an hour on Sunday. 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)

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. (Heraldand News/KFLS)

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)

The price for electricity in Klamath Falls is going up 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 28^th and if approved, residential customers will see their rates increase on January 1^st.

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.

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. 1^st, 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

Despite the political disruption of this year’s legislative session, lawmakers were able to pass more than 650 bills and resolutions during the five month session.

The highest-priority issues of the session were housing, homelessness, drug addiction, public safety and education. Many of the laws took immediate effect earlier this year, such as a massive $200 million housing and homelessness package signed by Gov. Tina Kotek in April.

There are bills aimed at these and other projects:

Overdose protection, retail theft, domestic partnerships, zoning, children’s tax credits, breast cancer screenings, wildfire protection, and a ban on flavored tobacco.

Driver’s license or ID card, renew vehicle tags, and take a driver’s test, among other DMV services, will see increased fees starting Jan. 1st.

The fee increases are a result of legislation passed earlier this year (House Bill 2100) designed to help DMV recover costs and temporarily avoid service reductions. Plate transfer, replacement plate/sticker, VIN inspection, plate manufacturing, camper/travel trailer/motorhome registration, and dealer document fees are included in the bill.

Other fees, such as vehicle registration and the road usage charge, will see their fourth and final step increase Jan. 1 as part of Oregon’s historic House Bill 2017 transportation investment package.

The DMV says you can save time and perhaps some money by conducting your DMV business online.

Be Ready For Busy Roads and Airports in Oregon

Of course this is the busiest travel time of the year in the nation and here in Oregon, it’s no exception.

Every year, AAA runs the numbers to estimate the travel forecast for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. According to AAA, the Oregon is setting records this year with 115 million Americans, including 1.6 million Oregonians traveling by air, ship and rail.

“That’s more than a third of the population,” said Marie Dodds, Director of Government and Public Affairs for AAA Oregon & Idaho.

This is up more than 2% compared to last year and the highest travel volume for the year-end holidays since AAA began tracking in 2000.

“We’ve seen travel rebound since the pandemic. And it always takes a few years for travel to get back to normal,” Dodds said. “We saw it after 9/11… and then we saw it again in 2008 with the Great Recession… So with the pandemic, we are seeing people rebound with travel. And travel is one of those things where when you can’t travel, you really miss it.”

According to AAA, many road trips could take anywhere from 20% to two times longer to reach the destination. Drivers are enjoying lower gas prices. Nationwide the average price-per-gallon is $3.07 — the lowest price in two years.

“Before you leave during the winter, ask yourself: ‘Do I have enough provisions? If I am stranded somewhere for hours or worse, overnight, will I be able to keep everybody in my vehicle safe and comfortable?’”

AAA also sees vehicle-related calls spike during the winter, according to Dodds, with the top the top four issues being dead batteries, lockouts, tire issues and extrications.

Air travelers

More than 7 million people are expected to fly over the holiday period.

“This is the time that you definitely want to get to the airport two hours before your domestic flight, three hours before your international flight, because lines are going to be longer,” she said. “And if you can go without checking a bag, that’s great too. Carry on your bag if you can.”  (Oregon news sources)

State biologists say Oregon’s gray wolf population may have reached its ecological limit in the eastern third of the state and that packs will probably spread out to the west and south in greater numbers.

Those comments, made at a meeting of the state Fish and Wildlife Commission, came as Colorado released five wolves trapped from Oregon as part of a historic reintroduction program.

Roblyn Brown, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s wolf coordinator, told ranchers and conservationists last week that about 200 gray wolves in nearly 25 packs call Oregon home. She said their numbers have leveled off in recent years because most wolves live in northeast Oregon, an area that’s becoming crowded for the species. Wolves first recolonized their native habitat there in 2009 after hunting and harassment eradicated them from Oregon for 50 years.

The wildlife agency counted 178 wolves in the state in 2022, up from 175 in 2021 and 173 in 2020, though officials say that’s an undercount. Their numbers have plateaued in recent years after spiking for a decade. Wolves packs have taken root in central and southwestern Oregon, including a pack in Jackson County that has become notorious for preying on cattle.(Herald and News)

Two people are behind bars after Weed, California Police found them in possession of drugs wrapped like Christmas presents.

According to the Weed Police Department, during a traffic stop, officers searched the vehicle and found about 20 pounds of narcotics wrapped as gifts.

Police say they also found two unregistered firearms in the car.

The 48-year-old man who was driving and his 33-year-old passenger were both arrested on multiple charges, including possession and possession with intent to sell methamphetamines. (Siskiyou co/Weed PD)

Drivers, beware…Smartphones can tap the world’s accumulated knowledge, but in one significant way they can be utterly ignorant about winter travel in many parts of Oregon.

Drivers who heed their phone’s misguided route and map advice to take a particular road might at best be saddled with a hefty towing bill and a slog through snow.

At worst they might put their lives in peril.

Hundreds of miles of roads in the region, including many paved routes that are popular during balmier seasons, are not maintained during winter and are impassable, at least as through routes, for several months.

Yet some phone-based navigation apps will suggest those roads — in some cases even touting them as the shortest way — and lure unwary drivers into dangerous situations.

Sheriff’s offices and search and rescue teams around the region respond most years to at least a few reports of people whose vehicle bogged down in snow on a road that isn’t plowed during winter.

The episodes continue even as agencies install warning signs, post notices on websites and otherwise encourage motorists to stay on roads that are regularly maintained.

Now that the excitement of the gift-giving season has come to a close, many Oregonians’ thoughts will turn to the anticipation of something even bigger—claiming their share of the state’s all-time record $5.6 billion kicker tax credit.

The good news is anyone who filed a 2022 Oregon income tax return is all set to claim their kicker on their 2023 return next year. The not so good news? Filing taxes often creates anxiety, worry, and stress.

For those who dread tax season every year, the Oregon Department of Revenue says there’s no reason to let tax season make you sweat. Taking a few easy steps in the next few weeks can make preparing your 2023 tax return easier in 2024—and lower your heart rate in the process.

The first thing taxpayers should do if they hope to claim their share of the kicker next year is to make sure they have filed a 2022 return. The department received more than 2.2 million 2022 tax returns so most taxpayers have done that, but for those who haven’t, filing a 2022 tax return should be their first priority.

Taxpayers can make sure their information is current at Revenue Online, the state’s online tax portal. File electronically, choose direct deposit and you will get a refund faster. Information is available at this IRS website.    Visit www.oregon.gov/dor or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. 

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.

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

1. Learn more about how to renew your Oregon Health Plan medical coverage.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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; 35^th for flu vaccine coverage; and 16^th 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.

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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