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Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024

Klamath Basin Weather

Today, Election Day
Widespread frost before 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 47. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Overnight, frost, mostly clearn with a low around 26 degrees.

Around the State of Oregon

The presidential election and the race for control of the closely divided U.S. House are expected to dominate attention in Oregon on this election day.

Voters will also decide a ballot measure to establish ranked-choice voting. At the top of the ballot, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump will compete for Oregon’s eight electoral votes.

Liberal Oregon has moved sharply towards Democratic candidates in presidential elections over the years, so much so that neither ticket has stepped foot in the state since becoming their parties’ nominees.

In the U.S. House, Republican incumbent Lori Chavez-DeRemer faces a tough reelection bid for a second term in a district where voters preferred President Joe Biden over Trump by almost 10 percentage points in 2020. The Democratic nominee is Janelle Bynum, a state representative. Three third-party or independent candidates are also on the ballot.

Chavez-DeRemer was first elected in 2022 by a 51%-49% margin. Republicans are targeting two first-term incumbents in Democratic-leaning districts covering the Salem and Eugene areas. Both Reps. Val Hoyle and Andrea Salinas won their seats in 2022 with a fraction more than 50% of the vote, although Hoyle enjoyed an 8-point margin of victory over her Republican opponent.

Biden carried both Hoyle’s 4th District and Salinas’ 6th District with 55% of the vote.

Voters will also consider Measure 117, which would establish ranked-choice voting. If passed, the measure would represent a significant shift in Oregon’s voting system. It’s one of five statewide questions on the ballot. Oregon’s first reports typically focus on votes cast before Election Day, as the state primarily uses mail-in ballots. Oregon allows ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive up to seven days later. This means initial results can shift as later ballots are processed.

Areas to watch include Clackamas and Deschutes counties, which are often pivotal in close races​. Ballots were mailed out starting Oct. 16.

 

SALEM, OR – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has activated the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) out of an abundance of caution in preparation for the upcoming election period.

This activation is a proactive measure to ensure readiness and support for communities and local leadership across the state. It is not in response to any specific threat or situation but is part of OEM’s ongoing commitment to support safe and secure elections.

In July, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) achieved a significant milestone by securing approval for pre-award costs from FEMA to enhance election security across the state. In coordination with the Oregon Secretary of State, local county clerks, and the Department of Homeland Security, Oregon’s most vulnerable election infrastructure was hardened to ensure the integrity of the election statewide. According to FEMA, this is the first time a state has been awarded pre-award costs under the Homeland Security Grant Program. This accomplishment underscores Oregon’s commitment to protecting the integrity of its election process.

OEM is working in close collaboration with the Oregon Secretary of State and state agencies, tribal and local jurisdictions, and private sector partners, and other essential service providers. This coordinated effort is designed to enhance the state’s ability to respond quickly and effectively should any requests for support arise from community leaders or local emergency management offices.

Activating the Emergency Coordination Center enables the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to maintain a heightened state of readiness. The goal is to ensure that, if any requests for assistance arise, OEM can promptly coordinate and provide support across all levels of government during the election period.

OEM remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard communities and maintain open lines of communication with all partners. The State ECC will remain operational to monitor and support ongoing election activities.

 

Starting next week, Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members with specific health conditions may qualify for new, first-in-the-nation benefits to keep their current housing and access other housing services.

The housing benefits include rent assistance for up to six months, utility set-up and payments for up to six months, home modifications and upgrades for health or safety reasons (e.g., grab bars, ramp installation, pest control), and rental navigation services.

Unlike other state and local prevention services, eligible members can request these benefits ahead of receiving an eviction notice. Not all OHP members will qualify for these new benefits. To qualify, OHP members must meet specific requirements, including at least one of the following health conditions: a complex physical or behavioral health condition; a developmental or intellectual disability; difficulty with self-care and daily activities; experience of abuse or neglect; be 65 years of age or older; be under the age of six; currently pregnant or gave birth in the past 12 months; or repeated use of emergency room or crisis services.

Oregon received permission from the federal government to test whether and how addressing health-related social needs improves health outcomes. While other states have launched similar benefits, Oregon is the first in the nation to roll out rent assistance as a statewide Medicaid benefit for eligible OHP members.

Of renters across Oregon, 22% have extremely low income, with $30,560 being the average income limit for a four-person household. Adults living with housing insecurity, including threat of eviction, are 19% more likely to lack access to a primary care provider and 35% more likely to postpone preventative health care even if they have chronic health conditions.

 

Bird flu was confirmed in a backyard flock in Jackson County.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture says the flock was euthanized and none of the animals from the farm entered the food chain. This time of year, with wild birds migrating, it’s especially important for owners of backyard flocks to keep them separated from wild birds that carry bird flu.

 

A Roseburg man is in jail on sexual corruption charges following an investigation by the Winston Police Department.

On October 30, 2024, Winston PD began investigating Bailey Ray Hoover, 26, of Roseburg. According to police, it was found that Hoover had engaged in an online relationship with a juvenile and eventually agreed to meet the juvenile for sexual contact. Hoover attempted to meet the juvenile in Roseburg and was subsequently arrested.

Hoover was charged with Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the first and second degree for Luring a Minor.  Hoover was lodged at the Douglas County Jail.

 

Average gasoline prices in Oregon are up according to GasBuddy’s survey of 1,307 stations in Oregon.

Prices in Oregon are rising again and higher than most places in the nation.

Neighboring areas and their current average gas prices:

• Klamath Falls – $3.26 per gallon to $3.73 per gallon.
• Medford- $3.53 per gallon.
• Salem- $3.48 per gallon.
• Portland- $3.74 per gallon.

are 6.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 72.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has declined 1.3 cents in the last week and stands at $3.52 per gallon- the lowest level since 2021. A

ccording to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Oregon was priced at $2.88/g Sunday while the most expensive was $4.59/g, a difference of $1.71/g. 

The national average price of gasoline has fallen 2.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.05/g Monday. GasBuddy data is compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.

 

Bob Sallinger, a pillar of Oregon’s conservation community and a driving force in wildlife advocacy, died suddenly at the age of 57 on Wednesday.

His death leaves a deep void in Oregon’s environmental landscape and among his friends and family. As a conservation stalwart, Sallinger helped scuttle plans to develop West Hayden Island, pushed through a plan to protect swaths of Elliott State Forest from logging and successfully partnered with an organization advocating for feral cats to protect urban birds — to list just a few of the victories lauded by friends and colleagues.

 

In the days after Sallinger’s death, conservationists and activists have extolled his impact on the state, listing off countless projects he spearheaded or was actively involved in. He worked legendarily long hours, they said, was technically versatile and a good speaker, regularly took on new environmental issues, and was a reliable partner. His family has not yet said how he died.

 

As wildfire increasingly impacts communities across the state, the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is working with communities to improve their resilience through newly awarded grant funds.

The OSFM awarded $3 million to 40 communities across the state to create defensible space and other wildfire risk reduction projects.  Earlier this year, local fire agencies, cities, and counties applied for the grant. The OSFM received 58 applications totaling $4.1 million, highlighting the critical need for funding for these projects. Agencies are in the process of accepting awards. The historic 2024 wildfire season revealed the importance of defensible space and reducing risk. More than 1.9 million acres burned but despite these unprecedented conditions, structure loss and damage were minimal. Every loss is hard and minimizing these losses is a priority for first responders.  The summer of 2024 also showed the critical need for the OSFM and our partners to continue that work as Oregon grapples with the growing wildfire crisis.

The projects funded include things like creating fire-resistant landscapes around residential, commercial, and municipal buildings or other critical infrastructure; locally managed cleanup days, debris disposal days, or chipper programs; fuel mitigation on county properties or parks; and communitywide fire breaks or greenways that directly protect vulnerable communities or critical infrastructure.

The OSFM is dedicated to finding funding solutions to continue these projects. Defensible space is not a one-time project; it requires continuous attention and upkeep to help keep our communities safe from wildfire.

 

BLM Positions Available for Resource Advisory Board

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking citizens with an interest in public lands management to fill vacant positions on its Western Oregon Resource Advisory Council. Applications are due November 15, 2024.

The Western Oregon RAC provides advice and recommendations on all aspects of public land management to the BLM’s Coos Bay, Medford, Roseburg, and Northwest Oregon Districts, as well as part of the Lakeview District. The Council is made up of citizens that represent diverse interest areas and organizations, including conservation, outdoor recreation, state and local government, academia, and forest management.

The 15-member Western Oregon RAC has four positions open for public application through November 15, 2024. The BLM is seeking interested individuals who represent:

• Energy and mineral development; commercial timber industry; organized labor or non-timber forest product harvester groups; developed outdoor recreation; off-highway vehicle use; commercial recreation activities; or non-industrial private forest landowners.
• National, regional, or local environmental organizations; dispersed recreation; archeological and historical interests; wildlife or hunting organizations; or watershed associations.
• State, county, or local elected office; represents Indian Tribes; is a teacher or school official; represents the public-at-large; or is employed by a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources, land, or water.

“The diverse membership of the Western Oregon RAC helps ensure that BLM land managers get the varying perspectives they need to achieve their mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple uses,” said Heather Whitman, the Designated Federal Official for the Western Oregon RAC.

Member of the Western Oregon RAC typically serve a three-year term. The Council meets two to four times per year, both virtually and in-person at various locations in western Oregon. All applicants must be Oregon residents. Although members serve without monetary compensation, travel and per diem expenses are reimbursed.

To receive an application, contact Western Oregon RAC Coordinator Megan Harper at (541) 751-4353 or by email at m1harper@blm.gov. Individuals can also download an application at.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/apply.

Individuals may submit their signed application and letter of recommendation by email to m1harper@blm.gov, by mail to the BLM, Coos Bay District Office, Attention: Megan Harper, 1300 Airport Lane, North Bend, OR 97459, or deliver in person to the same address.

 

As Oregon heads into the back side of fall, what does the weather have in store?

The signs are still pointing towards a weak La Niña winter, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and snow is already falling in the mountains while rain soaks the valleys. La Niña was favored to emerge between September and November, said Marissa Anderson, a spokesperson for NOAA. Of course, it is already November, but Anderson said there was still a 60% chance of the pattern emerging and it was expected to persist from January to March.

For November, NOAA is predicting equal chances that the entire state of Oregon has above-normal, near-normal and below-normal temperatures. Basically, temperature-wise, that means anything could happen. And, with a weak La Niña, that “anything” could also change more frequently. As far as precipitation, most of the state is favored to have above-average levels of rain, snow and everything in between.

For 2025, we are likely to start off wet but not too wet in the first week, then maybe a small break, before returning to wet conditions, especially the northern half of the state.

 

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is committed to supporting safety, and preparedness during election periods and beyond. OEM emphasizes the importance of addressing hate speech and bias crimes that impact our communities.

Understanding Hate Crimes:

A hate crime is defined as a crime motivated in part or whole by bias against another person’s actual or perceived protected class—including race, color, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Examples of hate crimes include:

• Racist or discriminatory graffiti.
• Theft or destruction of symbols such as Pride flags.
• Threats involving slurs or derogatory language.
• Physical assault based on someone’s identity.

Reporting Hate Crimes:

If you or someone you know experiences a hate crime, it is crucial to report the incident. Oregon residents have access to the following reporting resources:

Non-Emergency Bias Response Hotline
Phone: 1-844-924-BIAS (1-844-924-2427)
Available: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time

Details: Trauma-informed operators are ready to assist. Interpretation services are available in over 240 languages. If you call outside of business hours, please leave a message, and someone will return your call.

Online Reporting:

Bias crimes and incidents can also be reported via the Oregon Department of Justice’s Bias Crime Reporting website.

Support:

An important resource for Oregonians is the Voter Protection Hotline, managed by the Oregon Department of Justice. This hotline, launched earlier this month, will remain active until after the election to assist voters with non-emergency questions and concerns about the voting process. The hotline number is 971-673-4111, and messages are reviewed regularly, with calls returned within 24 hours on weekdays and on Monday following the weekend. Voters should call the hotline if they suspect or have experienced any types of voter intimidation, at a voter drop box or elsewhere.

Trauma-informed support is key when dealing with hate crimes. Being “trauma-informed” means understanding how trauma affects people. It means knowing how trauma can change a person’s feelings, actions and overall well-being. Being trauma-informed means, we create a safe and supportive space to help people heal without making things worse. It’s about showing empathy, knowing what the survivor needs, and giving the right care and support.

It’s been two months since Oregon recriminalized drug possession and new data from across the state is starting to show how the new law, which aims to deter drug use and offer treatment, is shaping up.

So far, more than 1,424 people have been arrested for drug possession, according to the Criminal Justice Commission, the state agency that researches and tracks Oregon’s criminal justice system. In most of those cases, defendants face other charges too, such as trespassing and theft. Between Sept. 1, when the new law went into effect, and Oct. 19, some 378 people have been arrested only on drug possession charges.

Oregon lawmakers recriminalized drugs earlier this year, amid growing frustration over Ballot Measure 110, which decriminalized small amounts of hard drugs and became associated with widespread public drug use. House Bill 4002 brought back criminal penalties for drug use, but also included provisions to ensure that substance use disorders are addressed in a health care setting rather than jail.

Under this new law, people facing drug possession charges have the ability to access treatment rather than face criminal penalties through a process called deflection. The law allows counties to design their own deflection programs or decide whether they want to participate at all. While a majority of Oregon counties are participating in deflection, only some had programs up-and-running in the first months of the law taking effect.

According to a memo sent last week to Gov. Tina Kotek’s office, obtained by OPB through a public records request, 213 people across 11 counties have been deflected. That’s slightly more people than the agency predicted would be deflected by this time.

 

A sophisticated group of thieves that hit banks and ATMs across California spent time in Oregon, renting out an Airbnb where federal agents found power tools, blowtorch equipment and the robbers’ construction vests and helmet disguises, according to a federal affidavit.

Investigators tracked some of the suspected crew members to the Airbnb in Welches, which had been rented from Oct. 16 to 22, according to the affidavit, but when FBI agents moved in on Oct. 19, the occupants had “fled in haste.

But agents did find what was left behind, the affidavit said: several large rolling toolboxes that contained “hundreds of pounds” of power tools, including portable saws, blowtorches, oxygen tanks, pry bars, sledgehammers and heavy-duty rope, as well as clothing the thieves apparently wore for the heists, including goggles, construction vests and helmets and face masks, the affidavit said.

Agents also discovered portable shades, which were sometimes used to cover windows to hide the crimes-in-progress, investigators said.

 

A bill to protect the Owyhee Canyonlands in southeastern Oregon is being introduced in Congress.

U.S. Representative Cliff Bentz is sponsoring the bill with Senator Ron Wyden doing the same in the Senate. Bentz says it’ll protect the land, plants, animals and communities. The bill will get a hearing later this month. He says it’s the result of hundreds of hours of negotiations and collaboration by those who live, work and recreate in Malheur County. They hope to get the bill passed by the end of year.

 

The Oregon State Marine Board is reminding boat owners to check their email. Owners with an email on file with the state won’t receive a renewal reminder by standard mail. They can renew registrations online. Boat owners without emails on record will still get a renewal notice in the mail.

 

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is making its way to Oregon as part of its four-thousand-mile trek from Alaska to Washington, D.C.

The 80-foot Sitka spruce was placed on a barge last night in Ketchikan, Alaska to be shipped to Seattle. From there, it will travel to Baker City, Oregon for one of about a dozen whistlestops as it makes its way to the eastern seaboard.

The 39-year-old spruce tree was harvested from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest earlier this month. It will arrive in D.C. on Thursday, November 21st.

 

A pig has tested positive for bird flu for the first time in the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the pig was from a backyard farm in Crook County, Oregon that has a mix of poultry and livestock.

The USDA says bird flu was found in other animals on the farm. Five pigs were euthanized and tested out of an abundance of caution. The USDA also says the swine did not display any sign of illness. According to the agency, one test came back positive, and two results came back negative. Test results are still pending for the other two.

The farm has been quarantined and other animals are under surveillance. The agency says there is no concern about the safety of the nation’s pork supply since the farm was not a commercial farm.The USDA also says the current risk to the public remains low.

 

The Food and Drug Administration has expanded a recall of Dynacare-brand baby powder made by the Dynarex Corporation.

The recall expansion is due to recent tests that indicate the possible risk of asbestos. The FDA says the recall is now affecting products in 35 states, including Oregon, California, and Washington. That’s up from just 12 states in September.The company says it has stopped the distribution of the products and is investigating to determine what caused the contamination of the talc.

 

Tax help volunteers are needed in Oregon.

The Department of Revenue’s Taxpayer Advocate is encouraging people to help. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs offer training to help find specific tax credits. This year, Oregon volunteers helped over 32-thousand people, which was an increase of 47-hundred people from 2023.

 

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently approved a decrease in rates for Avista customers that goes into effect November 1, 2024. 

The PUC approves adjustments annually to the rates of the three regulated natural gas companies, including Avista Utilities, Cascade Natural Gas, and NW Natural, to reflect changes in the actual cost of wholesale priced natural gas. This annual adjustment, known as the purchased gas adjustment (PGA), allows companies to pass through their actual cost of purchasing gas to customers without a markup on the price. 

This decrease is largely due to the lower than anticipated price of natural gas last year as compared with projections when rates were set, which resulted in over-collection of revenues from customers last year. The over-collected funds are used to reduce collections from customers this year. Additionally, customers experienced a mild winter, which reduced the demand for natural gas services. 

Below is the average impact for each customer type as a result of this annual adjustment decision:

• Residential Customers – The monthly bill of a typical customer using an average of 47 therms per month will decrease by $6.15 or 8.7 percent, from $70.53 to $64.38.
• Commercial Customers – The monthly bill of a typical customer using an average of 204 therms per month will decrease by $28.26, or 10.7 percent, from $264.31 to $236.05.
• Industrial Customers – The monthly bill of a typical customer using an average of 3,641 therms per month will decrease by $550.84, or 24.7 percent, from $2,233.42 to $1,682.58. 

“Oregon’s purchased gas adjustment mechanism reflects that the cost of natural gas is driven largely by regional, national, and global factors outside the utility’s control, but it also creates incentives to keep utilities accountable for careful management within those market conditions,” said PUC Chair Megan Decker. “We are fortunate this year to see the stabilizing supply and demand of natural gas ease financial pressures on consumers.” 

To increase energy efficiency and save on future bills, review Energy Trust of Oregon’s current incentives and opportunities, including income-qualified offers and learn more about low-cost and no-cost tips to reduce energy consumption. For information about bill payment assistance options, available utility discount programs, and the Comfort Level Billing program that equalizes bill payments across winter and summer months, contact Avista at 800-227-9187 or view information online. Customers may also contact their local Community Action agency to request information on what assistance programs they may be eligible for and how to enroll. 

Avista serves more than 100,000 customers in portions of southwest and northeastern Oregon. 

 

With deer and elk migrating to their winter ranges, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is urging drivers to remain vigilant on the roads.

October and November are critical months for wildlife crossings, leading to an increase in animal-vehicle collisions. This seasonal shift means more wildlife may be spotted near roadways, posing risks to both animals and drivers.

To enhance safety, the ODFW recommends several precautions: Be Cautious in Dense Vegetation: Wildlife often hides in thick brush, making them hard to see until it’s too late. Drivers should be particularly attentive in these areas. Slow Down Around Curves: Curves can limit visibility, making it difficult to spot animals. Reducing speed in these sections allows for more reaction time. Expect More Animals: If one deer or elk is seen, be prepared for others to follow, as these animals often travel in groups.

The ODFW also highlights that collisions are a risk not just for large vehicles; smaller animals can pose hazards as well. Accidents involving wildlife can lead to serious injuries for both humans and animals.

Drivers are encouraged to report wildlife sightings and any collisions to local authorities, which can help improve wildlife management and road safety initiatives. As the season changes, the ODFW urges all motorists to prioritize safety to protect both themselves and Oregon’s wildlife during this critical migration period.

 

SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR HOME THIS FALL SEASON

As the leaves change color, fall weather arrives in the Pacific Northwest. The chill in the air and the falling foliage are reminders to take a moment to check the condition of your yard and tend to maintenance issues around your home.

“Fall is a great time to check the condition of your trees and a good opportunity to prune them before they become an issue once storms start,” said Jeremy Gee, Pacific Power’s vice president of health and safety. “Winter storms that bring down branches are a common source of power outages. Check around your property to see if any trees or branches could harm power lines if they fell. Some preventative work now could save you additional trouble and inconvenience related to power outages later.”

Use caution when pruning trees. Don’t use pruning tools or ladders near power lines. Always keep yourself and anything you’re handling at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Never try to remove a branch that is tangled or lying across a power line. Instead, call Pacific Power at 

1-888-221-7070. We’ll be happy to remove it for you.

Some additional tips for fall safety:

• Treat all electric lines with caution.
• Use only wooden and fiberglass ladders. Metal ladders conduct electricity.
• Be aware and steer clear of overhead electrical wires when installing, removing, cleaning or repairing gutters.
• Never use electrical equipment or tools near a pool or other wet areas such as puddles. Additionally, make sure outlets are equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter, designed to automatically disconnect if the tool comes into contact with water.
• Plant trees and shrubs away from meters, switching cabinets and boxed transformers. Vegetation that blocks electrical equipment makes repairs and maintenance challenging and sometimes dangerous for utility workers.
• Have help when installing or adjusting a satellite dish or antenna. Make sure you’re working at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
• Underground power lines are just as dangerous as overhead ones. If your project involves digging, make sure the locations of underground power lines are marked. Call 811 to have underground utilities located and marked for free.

For more safety tips or to order free Pacific Power safety materials, call toll free at 800-375-7085 or visit PacificPower.net/Safety.

 

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