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Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Rain and snow likely in the morning, then a chance of rain, high near 43. Snow level 4600 feet rising to 5400 feet. South southeast wind 10 to 16 mph with higher gusts at times. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no snow accumulation expected. Overnight, 90% chance of rain mixed with snow, snow level lowers to 4200 feet, low of 29 degrees. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Today’s Headlines
Klamath, Jackson and Curry counties have received funding that will bring over $119,000 and 28 electric vehicle charging ports through the Community Charging Rebates program.
This program is part of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s $100 million commitment to increase EV charging along major roads and within Oregon communities over the next five years.
The focus was not just on providing rebates but on preparing communities by strategically placing charging stations where they could have the most impact. This included rural tourist destinations, areas with long commutes and locations enticing people to spend time while charging their cars.
The first round covered $1.75 million in funding. 70% of that funding goes towards projects in disadvantaged and rural communities.
With more funding rounds anticipated, interested people and organizations were encouraged to keep an eye on future rounds and reach out for assistance during the application process.
The second round will launch in early March 2024. Anyone who is interested can head over to ODOT’s website.
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 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)
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)
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 this week 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.
Around the state of Oregon
Hospital Nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford Accused of Replacing Fentanyl with Tap Water Leading to at least 10 Patient Deaths
• A nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Oregon is accused of replacing fentanyl with tap water, leading to the deaths of approximately ten patients.
• The tap water injections allegedly caused Pseudomonas infections, which can result in severe conditions like sepsis and pneumonia.
• The act of substituting medications, known as “drug diversion,” is a problem in the medical field, with fentanyl being one of the most commonly diverted drugs.
• No charges have been filed yet, but police are actively investigating the incident.
• The hospital has reported the issue to law enforcement, but details such as the exact number of affected patients have not been officially confirmed.
A nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford allegedly swapped medication with tap water, resulting in the death of approximately ten patients, NBC5 reported.
Sources say the nurse used tap water to cover up the hospital’s misuse of medication.
Citing several anonymous sources, media reports that at least ten patients at the Medford hospital were allegedly injected with tap water in an attempt to cover up a nurse’s misuse of fentanyl, a pain medication.
According to sources within the hospital, tap water, which is not sterile, led to Pseudomonas infections.
The Medical Center’s intensive care unit reported that up to nine or ten people caught infections and later died. The tap water that was used in the injections was reportedly not sterile and led to multiple infections of pseudomonas, which can be very dangerous to those with weak immune systems.
“It could cause sepsis, pneumonia, it could infect all the organs, so it could be a very severe infection,” said Dr. Robin Miller. The Asante Rogue Medical Center released a statement saying, “We were distressed to learn of this issue. We reported it to law enforcement and are working closely with them.”
As of press time, no one has been arrested or charged, and Medford Police provided no more details. They only confirmed there’s an open investigation at the medical center.
A Call for Comprehensive Solutions in Homeless Crisis in Oregon and California
The homelessness crisis in Oregon and California has reached alarming levels, with Oregon experiencing a 12.15% increase in homelessness from 2022 to 2023.
High housing costs and the pandemic have exacerbated the issue, with federal counts suggesting that the true extent may be even greater. This crisis has impacted families, veterans, and youth, with a significant number living unsheltered despite efforts to increase shelter beds and supportive housing. Similar trends are evident in nearby cities and counties, reflecting a broader regional struggle.
California, for instance, faces a substantial homeless population despite significant financial investments, including a $17.5 billion allocation aimed at addressing the problem. However, the persistence of homelessness indicates that funds alone are not enough, and systemic issues remain unaddressed. The economic impact of this crisis on local communities cannot be overstated. In Portland, nearly $1 billion is dedicated to homeless services, underscoring the strain on taxpayer resources.
The latest figures show that for every 10,000 people in Oregon, 48 are without a home. This adds up to 20,142 homeless individuals. Experts believe the real number might be higher. Homelessness in Oregon is a growing problem. Since 2007, the number of homeless people has gone up by 15%, and there was a big increase of 23% during the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2022.
In Oregon, 65% of homeless people were not in shelters, but in places like streets or cars.
The rate of homeless families with children is 9 per 10,000 residents. The next highest state is Idaho at 4 per 10,000 residents.
Since 2020, the number of homeless families in Oregon went up by 27% to 3,900. Almost 60% of them don’t have a safe place to stay. Both Oregon and Washington have many homeless families, but Oregon’s rate of those without shelter is much higher.
The cycle of homelessness affects local economies by deterring business, reducing consumer traffic, and impacting tourism, which in turn hampers revenue and growth. It also creates social barriers, perpetuating poverty and exclusion, and poses risks to public health systems, environmental resources, and social service capacities.
Long-term solutions require addressing the root causes of homelessness. While initiatives like Project Homekey represent positive steps, the housing shortage and systemic issues persist. To break the cycle and foster economic stability, communities must advocate for preventative measures and invest in inclusive strategies that promote prosperity for all residents. It’s clear that a financial fix isn’t enough; a multifaceted, strategic approach is essential to tackle this complex issue and prevent its economic and social ramifications from spiraling further. (SOURCE)
Man Arrested After Threatening to Shoot People at Coburg Road Restaurant
Friday evening, December 29, an officer was dispatched to 1500 Coburg Road to check the welfare of a man, later identified as Christopher James Koehn, age 39, of Eugene.
Koehn is reported to have asked a driver for a ride and when the driver declined, kicked the vehicle. Additionally, another call came in regarding a man threatening to fight and shoot people at Ta Ra Rin, at 1580 Coburg Road.
He was reported to have started focusing on a family in the restaurant with small children and then aggressed towards them. No weapons had been observed. The officer was flagged down by the employees.
When the officer attempted to stop Koehn, the man refused to take his hands out of his pockets, closed the gap between himself and the officer, and refused commands to get on the ground. Due to the earlier threats to shoot, the officer did not know if Koehn was armed. Koehn refused the officer’s commands and stepped toward him, lowering his hands. The officer deployed his taser, which didn’t have an effect, then took Koehn to the ground. Koehn resisted the officer’s efforts, but the officer was able to get control of him. Other arrived officers assisted in taking Koehn into custody. He was lodged at Lane County Jail for Menacing, Resisting Arrest, and Open Container. Case 23-19549.
Oregon DMV Raising Fees In 2024 To Cover Operating Costs
It will cost more to take a drivers’ test next year in Oregon. A number of fees are going up in 2024 under new legislation.
The increases are a result of legislation passed this year (House Bill 2100) designed to help DMV recover costs and temporarily avoid service reductions, ODOT says.
A behind-the-wheel test will increase from $9 to $45. Other fees are going up by a dollar or two.The increases are a result of legislation passed this year (House Bill 2100) designed to help DMV recover costs and temporarily avoid service reductions, ODOT says.
According to ODOT, statutory fees recovered by Oregon’s DMV have not kept pace with the actual cost to deliver services. Most DMV fee increases over the last 20 years have gone to transportation projects at the city, county, and state levels, not to DMV operating costs.
Godfrey encourages people to use the DMV’s website for more of their transactions. She said things like registration renewal are easily done online instead of in person.
Golden Retriever Rescued by Coast Guard Helicopter at Ecola State Park
A golden retriever fell off a cliff at Ecola State Park near Indian Point. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, prompting a call to the U.S. Coast Guard.
First responders could not reach the dog due to the steep cliffs and inaccessible beach. The Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter, and a rescue swimmer was lowered to secure the dog in a rescue basket.
The dog was hoisted to safety, reunited with its owners, and had visible injuries, though the severity was not disclosed.
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.
Oregon State Parks host Whale Watch Week
An Oregon Parks and Recreation Department release said every year thousands of gray whales migrate south through Oregon’s waters at the end of December and state parks invite visitors to the coast to see their journey.
Trained volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily. The Whale Watch Week spots are some of the best places to spot whales on the Oregon coast.
A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online at: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=183
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about whales.
For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, go to: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
Manage state benefits with the Oregon ONE Mobile app
People can now securely manage their medical, food, cash and child care benefits through the State of Oregon from the convenience of their mobile devices using the new Oregon ONE Mobile app. People first will need to apply for benefits online, in person at a local office or over the phone.
The app is available for free in the Apple and Android app stores. It is an official State of Oregon app created by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). The app’s development was partially funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“At ODHS we are committed to meeting people in Oregon where they are with as many ways as possible to manage their benefits, check application status and share needed documentation, like when they get a request for information during a renewal,” said Nathan Singer (he/him), director of the ODHS Oregon Eligibility Partnership. “People can now manage their benefits in-person, by mail, by fax, by telephone, online and on their mobile phone using the Oregon ONE Mobile app, which is available in English and Spanish.”
Interview with OEP Director Singer available on YouTube
Oregon ONE Mobile app video on YouTube
New Oregon ONE Mobile app video link
- Create a ONE Online account.
- Access their existing ONE Online account.
- Report changes to household information including address, contact information and income.
- Upload requested documents using a smartphone camera.
- Get updates on application status and check if it is approved, denied, or pending, and what actions might need to be taken.
- See and download notices that were mailed.
- Find the next renewal date for their benefits.
- Get important, time-sensitive alerts and notifications about benefits on mobile devices.
- View benefit issuance history for food and cash payments.
People who serve as Authorized Representatives for people with benefits are also able to use the app.
How to manage your medical, food, cash and child care benefits:
- By phone at: 1-800-699-9075. All relay calls accepted.
- Online at: benefits.oregon.gov
- Through the free Oregon ONE Mobile app available on Apple and Android app stores
- In person at an office near you: Find an office.
- In your language: Help in Your Language
- By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
- By fax at: 503-378-5628
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find food resources in your community: needfood.oregon.gov.
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
- Oregon Department of Human Services help center
About the Oregon Department of Human Services
The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve well-being and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
About the Oregon Eligibility Partnership
The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services. OEP supports state staff who determine eligibility for people applying for and receiving medical, food, cash and child care benefits. It also manages the ONE Eligibility System used to process applications and deliver benefits to eligible individuals and families in Oregon. One in three people in Oregon receive benefits through the ONE Eligibility System. OEP administers the ONE Eligibility system in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).###
2024 comes some changes to Oregon laws, including voter approved Measure 110.
Oregon has multiple new laws coming into effect New Year’s Day, including a law aimed at strengthening and improving Measure 110. House Bill 2513 works to make addiction and treatment services more available to every Oregonian, speeding up the process to get addiction funds out the door.
Other bills look to develop school curriculum to help students understand the dangers of opioid use, require health care facilities to provide Narcan upon discharge to patients admitted for opioid abuse, and increasing access to addiction treatment for inmates.
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.
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