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.

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Poor Air Quality Alert today, 8/7/2024

Klamath Basin Weather

Around the State of Oregon

Fire restrictions are now in effect at Lava Beds National Monument.

In a news release, park officials said the park is “enduring extreme drought conditions while experiencing high temperatures, low humidity, and critically dry fuels.

To reduce the possibility of accidental human-caused fire that could threaten visitors and employees, fire restrictions are being implemented.”

Under the restrictions, wood, charcoal fires, and smoking outdoors are prohibited but gas and propane stoves are permitted. All areas are also closed to smoking, although the restrictions do not include smoking at a permitted campsite, in the designated smoking area at Lava Beds — or within 5-feet of the smoker’s disposal receptacle post by the bulletin boards — and in a private vehicle.

The order is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice. These restrictions will be in place until rescinded.

For more information about visiting Lava Beds National Monument, call (530) 667-8113

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Town Gulch Fire in Baker County. The OSFM is mobilizing its Blue Incident Management Team and four structural task forces. The fire is burning in timber and steep, rocky terrain with temperatures in the mid-90s.

The fire sparked on Monday eight miles northwest of Richland and quickly grew. On Tuesday, the fire grew significantly and started threatening structures, prompting the conflagration act and the Oregon State Fire Marshal structural protection resources. 

“As the Oregon fire season continues, we face another fire in tough terrain and conditions,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Our teams are working hard to protect structures, doing their best to keep fires away from communities. We are asking everyone to stay vigilant to prevent sparking a wildfire.”

The Baker County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuations for areas around the Town Gulch Fire. For evacuation information, follow the Baker County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

All Oregonians should do everything they can to be wildfire aware. Find tips to prevent wildfires here.

About the Emergency Conflagration Act

The Emergency Conflagration Act is invoked by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, allowing the state fire marshal to mobilize state resources to wildfires to protect life and property.

The conflagration act is invoked following ORS 476.510-476.610 when Governor Kotek determines threats to life, safety, and property exist because of the fire, and the threats exceed the capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.

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.

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.

Oregon Ducks Football Ranked #3 in nation

EUGENE, Ore. — The Oregon football team came in at No. 3 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll released on Monday morning, the highest ranking in the preseason coaches poll for the Ducks since 2013.

The Ducks are joined in the top five by No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Ohio State, No. 4 Texas and No. 5 Alabama. Michigan (No. 8) and Penn State (No. 9) join Oregon and Ohio State to give the Big Ten four teams in the preseason top 10, while USC (No. 23) and Iowa (No. 25) give the conference six in the top 25.

Oregon is in the top 10 of the preseason coaches poll for the first time since 2020 (No. 9), and in the top five for the first time since 2015 (No. 5). The Ducks’ No. 3 ranking matches the 2013 and 2011 teams as the highest preseason rankings in program history.

UO is coming off a 12-2 season in 2023, its second season under head coach Dan Lanning that culminated with a win over Liberty in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. Oregon is 22-5 through Lanning’s first two seasons in Eugene.

The Ducks will kick off their inaugural season as members of the Big Ten Conference against Idaho on Aug. 31 in Autzen Stadium (4:30 p.m. PT, Big Ten Network).

Single-game tickets are on sale now, as well as a two-game mini plan for the Idaho and Boise State (Sept. 7) games. CLICK HERE to select your seats.

Thousands of Marijuana Plants Seized

Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant Friday morning, August 2nd, at a black-market cannabis grow in the 5900 block of Highway 234 in rural Central Point.

IMET detectives seized approximately 39,000 illegal marijuana plants, $3000 in cash, and two firearms. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. IMET detained seven people on the property and charges are being referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies, and Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers. Jackson County Fire District 3 responded to this same property on April 16, 2024, after receiving reports of three large piles of prohibited material had been set on fire.

Firefighters working to contain 27 fires around Diamond Lake and Crater Lake

Oregon Wildfire Firefighters from all over the state are working on containing the 26 fires that make up the complex of forest fires near Diamond Lake while also dealing with a fire in the Crater Lake National Park.

In total, the Diamond Complex is estimated to be burning about 5,188 acres in the Umpqua National Forest and is about 7% contained.

The largest fire in the complex, the Pin Bench Fire north of Highway 138 near Dry Creek, is burning 1,981 acres and is 0% contained as of July 29.  Firefighters said they carried out a controlled burn to stop the fire’s northward spread, and the fireline created by this burn will be monitored for any spillover from the wildfire itself.

The Trail Fire east of Diamond Lake itself, is burning 826 acres and is 25% contained, according to U.S. Forest Service officials. Crews are working to monitor the fire with the objective of protecting Diamond Lake’s resort, infrastructure and campgrounds.

The Lemolo Fire, burning 804 acres north of Lemolo Lake on Bunker Hill, is 0% contained. Crews have been working to put out hot spots and build control lines to protect infrastructure and recreational sites around Lemolo lake.

In the northwest corner of Crater Lake National Park, the Middle Fork Fire is burning about 715 acres and is 1% contained. Forestry officials said fire crews were able to complete a containment line along the western flank. The park is still open, but USFS officials said visitors should use caution as fire personnel are working in the area. Stay tuned for more, from BasinLife.com and Wynne Broadcasting.

Near Crater Lake National Park, the Middle Fork Fire is nearly 2,000 acres burned and is still 1% contained, according to the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership.

“Crews are using heavy equipment to open old fire lines from the 2015 National Creek Complex fires to stop the Middle Fork’s northward spread and confine it within the park. Firefighters are doing some structure protection work around the north entrance,” SCOFMP said in a news release. “On the west side, crews are working on a shaded fuel break and opening roads that parallel Highway 230. The Pacific Crest Trail from the Dutton Ridge Intersection to Hwy 138, Lightning Springs, Bald Crater Loop, Bert Creek and Boundary Springs Trails (within the park) are closed.”

Residents wanting information about current park conditions can call Crater Lake National Park at 541-594-3000.

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.

Oregon State Police are warning residents to beware of scammers. Police have received multiple reports of people receiving calls impersonating Oregon State Troopers. 

Police will not ask for bank account, credit card information, or any other payment information required to complete a financial transaction through a phone call.

Incidents can be reported to your local police agency.

The Oregon Health Authority reporting over 14% of Covid-19 tests are coming back positive.

This is a significant leap since spring, seeing as OHA reports Covid-19 test positivity rates were as low as 3.1% in April.

The CDC is also estimating that Covid-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 36 states and territories.

OPB says the virus is a variant of the Omicron virus.

It says while the variant is proving to be very contagious, the illnesses don’t appear to be severe.

Oregonians can protect themselves by wearing a mask, social distancing and being up to date on vaccinations.

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) are leading more than 25 Members of Congress in filing an amicus brief urging the Federal District Court for the District of Oregon to grant the Federal Trade Commission’s request for a preliminary injunction in the Kroger-Albertson’s merger case.

The brief outlines three major concerns with the merger: harm to consumers, harm to workers, and the growing consolidation of grocery chains leading to monopolistic practices.

The FTC’s current challenge to the Kroger-Albertson’s merger, which threatens 617 stores nationwide, charges that the proposed deal will eliminate competition, leading to higher prices and lower quality products at stores. These negative impacts were seen in 2015 when Albertsons merged with Safeway resulting in store closures and higher consumer costs.

A potential Kroger-Albertson’s merger would also limit employment competition, reducing workers’ ability to negotiate higher wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions. For that reason, the FTC has focused this case on the likely harm to nearly 100,000 unionized grocery workers. Federal legislation protects workers from mergers that negatively impact employment, especially for unionized workers.

Finally, the merger is part of a larger trend toward consolidation in the supermarket industry. The U.S. has one-third fewer grocery stores than 25 years ago. Aside from the direct threats this poses to consumers and workers, it gives large grocery chains monopoly power to disadvantage smaller, independent grocers and farms.

This case is being heard by the Federal District Court for the District of Oregon where the FTC has requested a preliminary injunction.

An investigation is underway into the death of a 17-year-old who was in Oregon foster care. The Oregon Health Authority says the child was in temporary lodging, staying in a hotel with Oregon Department of Human Services employees when the child took their own life. OHA and DHS are investigating the death. They released a statement saying they had worked for an extended period of time to connect the child with appropriate services and support. More information will be released after the reviews are complete.

Some 30,000 children in Oregon may be eligible for extra food assistance over the summer break, the state says, but the deadline to apply is drawing near.

The application deadline is Sept. 2, and benefits last 122 days from when they are received. Families can visit the state’s website in English and Spanish to check eligibility.

Families can visit sebt.oregon.gov or contact the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328) to verify eligibility.

Eligible families receive one annual payment of $120 per child for groceries to help when school is out.

Families taking part in programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or the Oregon Health Plan received the added benefit on their electronic benefit card automatically in June.

Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum is applauding a federal court ruling that Google violated U.S. antitrust law. Oregon joined several states in a lawsuit that accused Google of paying companies such as Samsung and Apple billions of dollars each year to have their smartphones and web browsers automatically use their search engine.

Rosenblum says the ruling upholds the fundamental principle that every company in America, including the largest ones, is expected to play by the rules and respect the importance of a free and fair marketplace.

Oregon Fish and Wildlife plans to increase efforts for hunters to have their animals tested after a case of chronic wasting disease was found in a deer near Spokane, Washington.

Chronic wasting disease is spread among deer, elk and moose. There’s no evidence it can be transferred to people, but research shows it might be possible. Hunters are advised to not eat animals that test positive for CWD. Oregon has tested decades for CWD and has not found a positive case. It has also been detected in Idaho and California.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the search for two missing Butte County residents.

According to the sheriff’s office, Vivan Luna and Dolores Sakamoto were last seen around noon in Chico, California on July 20. However, police say their cell phones pinged three days later near the Mount Shasta Ski Park in Siskiyou County.

At that point, a search and rescue team began to search for the two women, yet neither of them nor their vehicle have been found.

Police believe Luna and Sakamoto to be driving a black 1996 Lexus ES300 with a license plate number 6KSP061.

Anyone who has seen either woman or knows where they might be is asked to contact the Butte County Sheriff’s Office at 530-538-7671.

Oregon’s legal psilocybin program broke new ground again last month when the first license was granted to manufacture psilocybin edibles.

Under Oregon’s legal framework, all psilocybin must be consumed at a licensed service center under the supervision of a trained and licensed facilitator. No psilocybin or psilocybin products can be sold over the counter for consumption off-site.

Users of the state’s program are limited to one species of mushroom – Psilocybe Cubensis – and since Oregon’s first legal psilocybin service center opened its doors in 2023, all of that has been ingested in a capsule form, as a tea or as dried mushrooms.

But now, one manufacturer said it has obtained a license to make edible psilocybin products, including chocolates and gummies.

Milwaukie-based Spiritus Oregon said in a press release in July that it became “the first legal psilocybin edible company in the United States” in July. Spiritus’ edible products go under the name Horizon Edibles.

In Jackson County, the Oregon Water Resources Department Enforcement section will issue a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the responsible party for the unauthorized appropriation of water from Snider Creek.

This type of water violation is subject to both civil and criminal penalties. Due to the age of the plants, Watermasters estimate that roughly 1.5 million gallons of water was saved by stopping water use at this time.

During the search warrant, Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene and issued a total of $64,000 in fines to the landowner and a known responsible party at the site. Fines were for violations related to solid waste, non-permitted construction of a large pole barn structure, non-permitted electrical installations, and failure to obtain land use approval for marijuana production. The solid waste violations issued as a result of this search warrant were related to plastic materials including PVC piping, plastic sheeting, and other miscellaneous materials that were burned and buried in April of this year.

Code Enforcement had previously cited the landowner for the above ground waste prior to the materials being buried and set on fire. Ashes and residual materials remained near the burn piles which is a violation of the County’s solid waste ordinance. Code Enforcement issued a second citation for failing to properly dispose of those residual materials.

While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, Homeland Security Investigations, OSP, Medford Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.

Investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads. No further information is currently available for release.

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.

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.

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