The latest and most comprehensive coverage of local News, Sports, Business, and Community News stories in the Klamath Basin, Southern Oregon and around the state of Oregon from Wynne Broadcasting’s KFLS News/Talk 1450AM / 102.5FM, The Herald and News, and BasinLife.com, and powered by Mick Insurance. Call 541-882-6476.

Monday, August 5, 2024

Klamath Basin Weather

Around the State of Oregon

As school approaches, measles outbreak highlights importance of kids being up to date on vaccinations

Kids across Oregon are still behind on their routine vaccinations, and it’s critical to get them back on track before school starts to protect them, as well as our schools and communities, from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Take this quiz to learn which vaccines your child needs. You can also check out this printable 2024-2025 School Year Immunization requirement sheet for Oregon.

For the 2022-2023 school year, only 87.1% of Oregon’s kindergarteners were up to date on their required vaccinations. Twenty years ago, that number was 94.4%. The overall decline has state health officials concerned, especially with a recent measles outbreak among mostly unvaccinated people under age 20, centered in Marion County.

People in Oregon may have been exposed to measles if they were in any of these locations during these times on Wednesday, July 17:

• Waremart (5450 River Road N., Keizer), noon to 1:20 p.m.
• Walmart (3002 Stacy Allison Way, Woodburn), 1:15 to 2:35 p.m.
• Safeway (1550 N. Pacific Hwy, Woodburn), 2:40 to 3:05 p.m.

Measles is highly contagious (watch video), and it may take 7-21 days after exposure before symptoms appear (fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, rash). Stay up to date on Oregon’s current measles outbreak, including what to do if you think you were exposed, here.

Every child who attends public and private schools, preschools, child care facilities, and Head Start programs in Oregon must be up to date on required vaccinations (including measles), unless they have a medical or non-medical exemption. COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are not required in these settings but are highly recommended for people of all ages. Parents and caregivers can learn more about children’s vaccine safety here.

Visit OHA’s interactive School Immunization data page for Oregon’s latest school immunization statistics, and track infectious diseases in Oregon on our Monthly Communicable Disease Surveillance Report.

The Klamath National Forest has updated existing fire restrictions to reduce the number of sites where campfires are permitted.

The expansion of fire restrictions was prompted by an intensifying fire season in Northern California, which has reduced the number of firefighting resources that are available to respond to new fires.

Additionally, a number of abandoned campfires have been found at some of the recreation sites that were previously allowing campfires under the earlier fire restriction order.

Under the updated order, campfires will only be permitted in the following areas:

• Goosenest Ranger District – Juanita Lake Day Use Area, Campground, and Group Site; Martin’s Dairy Campground; Martin’s Dairy Horse Campground; Orr Lake Campground
• Happy Camp and Oak Knoll Ranger District – Grider Creek Campground; Norcross Trailhead; Sulphur Springs Campground; Tree of Heaven Campground
• Salmon River & Scott River Ranger District – Carter Meadows Group Campground; Hidden Horse Campground; Idlewild Campground; Indian Scotty Campground; Jones Beach Picnic Area; Kangaroo Lake Campground and Picnic Area; Trail Creek Campground

Campfires remain prohibited in wilderness and dispersed areas. Other fire restrictions remaining in effect include:

• Campfires, stove fires, and barbecue grills using charcoal briquettes are only allowed in the developed recreation sites listed above. No permit required.
• Smoking is limited to inside enclosed vehicles or buildings, within developed recreation sites, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
• Operating an internal combustion engine, except on National Forest System roads or trails, or within developed recreation sites is prohibited.
• Welding, or operating an acetylene torch or other torch with an open flame is prohibited.

Outside of the designated developed recreation sites, forest visitors with a valid California Campfire Permit will still be able to use pressurized liquid or gas stoves, grills, or lanterns with shut-off valves, in an area that is cleared at least five feet of any flammable materials. Permits may be obtained at any forest office or online at www.preventwildfireca.org/campfires/.

For a complete list of fire restrictions for the Klamath National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices.

If visitors choose to have a campfire within a listed developed recreation site, they must follow these safety tips to prevent starting a wildfire:

• Only use developed fire rings.
• Clear all flammable materials from the ground for five feet in all directions from the edge of the fire and make sure it is located away from overhanging limbs.
• Have a shovel and water nearby.
• Keep your campfire small, and only use dead and downed wood. Don’t cut live trees for firewood.
• Make sure a responsible adult is always in attendance of your campfire. NEVER leave a campfire unattended!
• Always make sure your campfire is DEAD OUT before leaving it! Drown it with plenty of water, stir well with a shovel, feel to see if it is hot, and REPEAT. If it is too hot to touch, then it is too hot to leave.

The CHP conducted a hoist rescue on the Wooley Creek Trail on Thursday.

CAL FIRE requested H-14 to assist with the hoist rescue. The person they rescued was suffering from heat exhaustion, according to the CHP.

H-14 transported the man to a landing zone and then he was transferred to a hospital.

The CHP wants to remind people to carry a personal locator beacon. A PLB was the only way for this person to request help in remote western Siskiyou County.

Community members weighed last week on the latest Oregon Wildfire Hazard Map.

The series of meetings taking place Wednesday and Thursday give property owners a chance to voice their opinions over the latest draft of the of the map.

Most of the comments Wednesday morning expressed concern over the high hazard designation of their properties and how they could appeal to ODF.

Eric Krueger, a federal firefighter for 32 years and a representative of Rocky Point Fire and EMS near Klamath Falls, was concerned with how data was collected.

Krueger also says there are many people in his community that will be appealing the designation of their property.

Deputy Chief of Policy with ODF Tim Holschbach explained that each property owner in a high hazard area will receive an information packet and appeal form.

A team of engineers from Oregon State University is racing their motorcycle in a competition at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Their 50cc motorcycle engine isn’t super powerful, but they set a record of over 87 miles an hour earlier this year at another competition. Southern California Timing Association Speed Week runs from August 3rd through the 9th.

Five megafires continue burning in eastern Oregon. Those are fires over 100-thousand acres. Oregon’s Department of Emergency Management says the full impact of losses won’t be clear for months, but initial reports indicate dozens of injuries, at least one wildfire-related death, and the destruction of more than two-dozen homes.

Several organizations are now collecting money and resources to help those most impacted, but you’re urged to be cautious and avoid scams. Legitimate groups accepting donations include the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, Oregon Farm Bureau and Oregon State University.

Summer Gas prices in Oregon are still higher than more than 30 other states in the nation.  Triple-A reports Oregon drivers are paying an average of $3.94 a gallon for regular gas. The national average was unchanged at $3.50 a gallon.

Many Oregon State Parks are CLOSED because of wildfire danger. Closings can be monitored by visiting www.stateparks.oregon.gov.

In addition, some roads and highways leading to state parks have been closed due to wildfires. Visit tripcheck.com to learn about closures and alternative routes and don’t rely on GPS units, as they may not have updated information.

For more information on wildfires in the state, visit the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website at www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/firestats.aspx.

Telephone Area Fire Rages in Harney County, 39,000 acres burned

The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing four structural task forces and its green incident management team to the Telephone Fire burning in Harney County, 12 miles northeast of Burns.

The lightning-caused fire started on July 22 and is now threatening homes and structures. 

The area remains under a Red Flag Warning, Excessive Heat Warning, and Fire Weather Watch. Temperatures are in the high 90s to low 100s. Critical fire weather will continue for the next several days with high temperatures and low relative humidity.

The incident management team and two structural task forces will be briefed at 9 p.m. tonight with another two task forces arriving tomorrow morning. 

“Another heat wave with critical fire weather is affecting much of Eastern Oregon. The 2024 wildfire season has already proven to be difficult, with more than 1.2 million acres burned across the state. We have many large wildfires burning with no end in sight,” Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Travis Medema said. “I encourage everyone to be aware of these critical fire weather conditions and take every precaution you can to avoid sparking a wildfire.”

Jackson County, Ore. 2 August 24- Oregon State Police has received multiple reports of persons receiving calls from individuals impersonating Oregon State Troopers.

Oregon State Police wants to remind the public that Oregon State Police does not ask for bank account information, credit card information, or any other form of payment information required to complete a financial transaction via phone call. In addition to account information, investigators will not request personal information required to access financial institutions. 

Please remind your loved ones and those vulnerable to these type of scams that law enforcement will not attempt to resolve arrest warrants by financial payment- especially over the telephone. Never provide any sort of financial payment via telephone to avoid an arrest- whether for yourself or a family member.

While investigators face significant challenges in locating and arresting suspects related to these scams, incidents may be reported to the local police agency in which a resident lives.

Wildfires Could Cause Power Outages

As wildfires continue to burn throughout the state and extreme weather events impact communities, Oregon residents are reminded to be prepared for potential power outages.

Wildfires and extreme weather can cause power outages, and weather and other conditions in specific geographies may cause electric utilities to adjust system settings, which can result in more frequent and longer outages, or even in certain cases, implement public safety power shutoffs (PSPS). A PSPS is a safety measure designed to help protect people and communities in high fire-risk areas by proactively shutting off electricity during extreme and dangerous weather conditions that might result in wildfires. Utilities may also need to deenergize lines to protect equipment from nearby fires, or to protect personnel fighting fires.

Be prepared in advance 

• Be two weeks ready – Gather food, medical supplies, batteries, pet supplies, among other things, needed by family members during an outage or evacuation for up to two weeks. Learn more about what supplies to consider.
• For individuals with a medical condition that requires power, contact your electricity service provider in advance of an outage to register a Medical Certificate. This certification provides added benefits and helps the utility ensure they meet your needs in the event of an outage.
• Make sure your utility service provider has current contact information to receive notifications by updating your account online. If uncertain which electric utility serves your area, visit https://www.oregon.gov/energy/energy-oregon/pages/find-your-utility.aspx.
• Keep cell phones fully charged in anticipation of an outage. Consider a car-charger for cell phones and other electronic devices.
• Plan for livestock water needs in the event well pumps lose power.
• Have a plan to relocate to an alternative location for power needs, or if you can, consider a backup generator.

During a power outage

• Avoid downed power lines, including anything near downed lines, at all costs.
• Stay clear of fire personnel and utility crews working to restore service in your community.
• Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns for emergency lighting. Do not use candles or other potential fire hazards.
• Turn off lights and unplug electric appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer to help avoid a surge to the system when service is restored. After turning off all the lights, turn one light on to know when power has been restored.
• Use generators safely – Do not run the generator inside the home or garage or anywhere near a window or vent, as these spaces can capture deadly levels of carbon monoxide. Learn more about proper use of a generator to avoid hazardous conditions.
• Check on elderly neighbors or individuals with special needs who might need additional assistance.
• Call your electricity service provider to report an outage, do not call 911.

Natural gas tips

• If required to evacuate, no need to shut off natural gas.
• If natural gas appliances do not operate properly once electricity is restored, call your natural gas service provider.
• If natural gas service is shut off, do not turn on yourself. Call your natural gas service provider to restore service.
• If you smell natural gas, evacuate immediately and call 911.

Stay informed

• Contact your electricity provider or log in to your account and make sure all contact information is current so you can receive alerts and messages.
• Visit Oregon Alert to find your local alert system. Provide current contact details and sign up for wildfire alerts.
• Before traveling visit Trip Check for details on road closures and conditions.
• Check air quality in Oregon.
• Visit State of Oregon Fires Dashboard.

Be Prepared with Fire Weather Tools

As we prepare for the peak of wildfire season in the U.S., the National Weather Service (NWS) reminds wildland fire managers that we have tools to help you monitor and fight wildfires. Whether it is a prescribed burn, ground fire or crown fire, fire managers can use this information to make decisions on how best to combat fires and keep the public safe.

Fire weather forecasters – The NWS issues Fire Weather Outlooks for the next eight days. These outlooks show areas where pre-existing fuel conditions, combined with forecast weather conditions, may result in a significant threat of wildfires.

Our Fire Weather Program supports land managers and firefighters who mitigate and respond to fires. Our weather forecasts are designed to highlight times and locations where a fire may be exceptionally hard to control. For example, we offer Red Flag Warnings, which mean warm temperatures, very low humidities and stronger winds are ongoing or expected to produce an increased risk of fire danger in 12 to 24 hours for specific locations.

Need a fire weather Spot Forecast? Land managers can request a site-specific, localized forecast for prescribed burns and wildfires to assess a potential threat. NWS recently updated this tool and will deliver additional enhancements to the application later this year. Learn more about the new Spot Forecast tool.

For federal and select state large wildfires, onsite weather forecasting support to firefighters is critical. An NWS Incident- Meteorologist (IMET) can be deployed to your incident command post. IMETs arrive on scene within 12 to 24 hours after activation and can serve up to 14 consecutive days before being relieved by another IMET. https://www.weather.gov/news/241507-fire-weather-tools

PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires

• Immediately call 911 to report fires.
• Drones and other unmanned aircrafts are illegal to fly near fires.
• Fireworks, incendiary/tracer ammunition and exploding targets, are prohibited during fire season (May-October).
• Use caution when target shooting. Clear a 20-foot radius around the target by removing all vegetation and rocks.
• Ensure vehicles and trailers are properly maintained
• Make sure chains and other metal parts are not dragging.
• Keep exhaust systems clean and use spark arrestors.
• Do not park on dry grass.
• Carry extra water, shovel, and/or a fire extinguisher with you.
• Ensure your campfire is completely extinguished before leaving your campsite by making sure it is cool to the touch.
• Please don’t smoke and if you do, don’t throw out cigarette butts.
• Please be mindful and think about your actions

To ensure all Oregonians remain safe during the 2024 wildfire season, we urge everyone to stay tuned into these communications channels and follow all official safety guidelines related to air quality and recreation:

Watch Duty app: Download this app on your smartphone to understand where wildfires are in real time as well as monitor air quality and other metrics. https://app.watchduty.org

Northwest Interagency Coordination Center: During fire season, this web-based interactive map is updated daily with current fire perimeters and locations. This website acts as the wildfire resource coordination center for the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, Oregon Dept of Forestry, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington Dept. of Natural Resources and the National Park Service. https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/index.aspx

InciWeb the Incident Information System: The federal interagency all-risk incident information management system provides an interactive map with real-time location information on wildfires. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire News: The official wildfire news blog for the Oregon Department of Forestry. Look here for all wildfire news related to state forest lands. https://odffire.com/

Keep Oregon Green: A partnership comprised of statewide and interagency groups working together to promote awareness of the risk and causes of wildfires and how to be prepared in case of a wildfire emergency. https://keeporegongreen.org/

OregonLive Wildfire Map: A project managed by OregonLive that incorporates data from InciWeb, National Interagency Fire Center, Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, NOAA into an easy-to-use map tool. https://projects.oregonlive.com/wildfires/map

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Air Quality Monitoring Data: A real-time map and cell phone application you can use to track air quality, including wildfire smoke impacts, across the state. Check your app store for OregonAir. https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map

Purple Air – Air Quality Map System: Real-time air quality information using crowdsourced data and data from EPA air sensors. https://map.purpleair.com/1/mAQI/a10/p604800/cC0…

NOAA High Resolution Rapid Refresh Data Visualization: The High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency(NOAA) is an experimental data visualization tool for wildfire smoke. Be sure to turn on the “Vertically Integrated Smoke” layer to see smoke paths. https://hwp-viz.gsd.esrl.noaa.gov/smoke/index.html

(Salem, Ore.) — The Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) seeks public comment on updates to its six 1915(c) Medicaid waivers:

• Adults’ Home and Community-Based Services Wavier
• Children’s Home and Community-Based Services Wavier
• Children’s Extraordinary Needs Waiver
• Behavioral Waiver
• Medically Fragile Waiver
• Medically Involved Waiver

Summary of substantial updates

• Expanded eligibility for Medicaid services: This change affects all six waivers. The change will make it easier for children with low income to access these waivers’ services. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is making this change to the Oregon Medicaid State Plan. ODDS is making this change to be consistent with OHA.
• Easier to move between waivers: This change affects all six waivers. This change lets people move between waivers that have the same level of care without getting a new assessment. One example would be a child who moves from the Behavioral Waiver to the Children’s Extraordinary Needs Waiver.
• Increase the Medically Fragile Waiver by 10 children: This change adds five spots for children to get services from this waiver. The change also adds five spots for children under 18 who leave the Children’s Extraordinary Needs Waiver. Without this change, children who aren’t eligible for intellectual and developmental services could lose their services when they leave the Children’s Extraordinary Needs Waiver.
• Decrease the Behavioral Waiver by 10 children: This change decreases the number of children served by this waiver by 10. This change allows the Medically Fragile Waiver to serve 10 additional children. Children who are now on the Behavioral Waiver will stay on the waiver. Children who could be eligible for the Behavior Waiver will still be able to get services. They will still be eligible for intellectual and developmental services via the Children’s Home and Community-Based Services Wavier. 

Summary of technical updates 

• One change clarifies the qualifications for state-trained assessors and case managers. This affects all six waivers.
• The other change clarifies a sentence in the service plan development process. This affects all six waivers.
• Projections for the Medically Fragile Waiver will increase by 10 children.
• Projections for the Behavioral Waiver will decrease by 10 children. 

These technical changes will not affect individuals’ services or access to services.

All six wavier applications are available to read on the ODDS website. Print versions are posted in local community developmental disabilities programs and support services brokerages. To request print versions, contact the ODDS Medicaid waiver and State Plan analyst, at 503-507-2083 or odds.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov. 

How to submit feedback

Please submit comments by:

1. Sending an email to odds.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
2. Sending written comments to ODDS Medicaid waiver/State Plan analyst, 500 Summer Street NE E-09, Salem, OR 97301.

The deadline is Sept. 4, 2024. Mailed comments must be received by this date.

More information

Translations of the summarized changes are online at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/agency/Pages/odds.aspx#dm. Look for the message titled “Public comment period open for Medicaid wavier updates.”

To request this or other documents in other languages, large print, braille or a format you prefer, contact ODDS at 503-945-5811. We accept calls from all forms of relay service for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, blind or have low vision. For more information about relay service providers visit https://www.oregonrelay.com or https://www.fcc.gov/general/internet-based-trs-providers.

The Red Cross is looking for people to donate blood and platelets before the summer ends.

The Red Cross says donors are critically needed to support hospitals’ around-the-clock demand.

Type O blood donors or anyone giving platelets are especially needed to keep hospital shelves stocked through August.

Anyone who donates from August 1 through August 31 will get a $20 Amazon gift card.

Go to the Red Cross website for more details.

Thanks for reading the the news on BasinLife.com from Wynne Broadcasting.

Ready to Advertise in 2024? Let’s get the word out for Summer! Call BasinLife.com at 541-363-7503. Or email us today at INFO@BasinLife.com with your name, business, and what you’re looking for. We’ll customize a plan fit for your budget.

We offer more local advertising opportunities than any one in the Klamath Basin. We’re ready to help you with the best radio and digital advertising in Southern Oregon.

You can receive Daily Radio Mentions across our 6 stations, Articles, direct link Banner Ads, floating Banner Ads on hundreds of article pages daily, Social Media Posts, geo-fencing and geo-targeting services, and also available are Email Blasts to thousands of local residents. We can also keep you updated with the latest smart digital marketing strategies for 2024 for your business. BasinLife.com is still the best value in the Klamath Basin for advertising, as we celebrate our 8th year promoting businesses!

For information or prices on plans, simply call us today at 541-363-7503 or email us at Info@BasinLife.com.  Let us keep your business top-of -mind!