Klamath Basin News, Monday, October 16 – Varying Views of Solar Eclipse With Oregon’s Cloudy Weather Saturday

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, your Local Health and Medicare agents. Call 541-882-6476.

Monday, October 16, 2023

Klamath Basin Weather

Today’s Headlines

A local Klamath Falls woman charged with multiple sex crimes involving minor children changed her pleas Friday morning, resulting in a sentence of 12 years in total.

Tiffany Fregoso, 36, was first arrested in October 2022 after the mother of a 14-year-old boy overheard his conversation with the defendant. Representing the state, Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General Jayme Kimberly explained the history and evidence of the case. In October of 2022, the 14-year-old victim was overheard by his mother having a phone conversation with the defendant. The mother could tell from the nature of that phone conversation that it was inappropriate and sexual in nature. The victim’s mother confronted her son, Kimberly said, who then confessed that he and Fregoso had been engaging in sexual acts for three to four weeks prior, including once in a movie theater, once after a homecoming game and once in Fregoso’s home. Two days after Fregoso’s initial arrest on Oct. 8, 2022, she was released after posting 10 percent of the $43,000 bail bond. Four months later, Fregoso was arrested on charges of furnishing alcohol to minors after hosting a party for the youths in her home. One minor child was in a car accident after leaving her home and found to be intoxicated, and another minor child was transported to the hospital where the child was intubated for alcohol poisoning. Fregoso was arrested a second time on Feb. 22 having violated the terms of her release agreement and for committing new crimes which also involved minors. When additional evidence was discovered — including a video of sexual activity involving the first victim and Fregoso — the first case was dismissed for the purpose of being refiled with additional charges including recording pornography involving a minor child. Because charges were filed under a new case number, Fregoso was able to be released on bail again. Then, on July 28, Fregoso was arrested again after a second 14-year-old boy reported he had also been raped by the defendant during the event where alcohol was furnished to a group of minors. Fregoso appeared in court before Klamath County Circuit Court Judge Stephen Hedlund alongside her appointed attorney, Jennifer Schade, Friday morning to change her plea and enter a plea deal. For the charges of first-degree rape — a Measure 11 charge with a mandatory minimum sentence of 100 months — and furnishing alcohol to a minor, Fregoso entered a guilty plea. A plea of no contest was entered for the charge of unlawful delivery of a marijuana item. Fregoso also entered guilty pleas to two counts of third-degree rape and one count of sodomy in the case involving the first minor child victim. In total, Fregoso will serve a mandatory 100 months with the opportunity to partake in prison programs as well as potential for parole and early release for good behavior allowed during the 44-month consecutive sentence. Conviction of felony sex offenses will require Fregoso to report as a sex offender once released and will mandate that she not be in the presence of minor children from that point forward.   (see more at HeraldandNews.com)  

Saturday’s  annular “ring of fire” Solar Eclipse is leaving varied images of the visual spectacle across Oregon and across the country.

Oregonians and Californians are reflecting on their eclipse experience, sharing their photographs on multiple social media sites. Their photos show that the annular eclipse was obscured for Southern Oregon viewers, with clouds as forecast by StormWatch 12 meteorologists this week. An EclipseFest news coverage crew in Fort Klamath from NewsWatch 12’s media partner The Weather Channel reported that the view of annularity was blocked by clouds, though it saw post-annularity partial eclipse glimpses through thinning clouds at that point. Tens of thousands of people attended Eclipsefest 2023 near Fort Klamath, which clogged highways 97 and 62 somewhat over the weekend. While it was mostly cloudy on the west side of the cascades, some on the east side, including the Altamont and Klamath Falls city areas, were able to get a good view and photos of the event. (kdrv 12)   A 68-year-old man was rescued after he was found clinging to a downed tree in the Klamath River last Monday. According to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, the 68-year-old man was swept downriver after his kayak overturned.  Deputies were able to locate him in the river around 1/4 mile south of the Ash Creek Bridge. The deputies tossed the man a throw line and pulled him out of harms way, though police say he needed medical attention. CAL FIRE was called to help and the man was transported by ambulance to a local hospital to be treated. (Siskiyou county SO)  

The Bureau of Reclamation’s California-Great Basin Region announced the selection of Alan Heck as the new manager for the Klamath Basin area office located in Klamath Falls.

Heck will oversee operations and maintenance of the Klamath Project, which includes nine dams, 19 canals, and three major pumping plants. Heck began acting in this role a year ago, effectively covering multiple roles ever since. His selection reflects the leadership and dedication that he has demonstrated over this year. The bureau says they look forward to advancing our many priorities in the Klamath Basin under his continued guidance, including the backfill of several leadership positions in the office. Heck has served as the acting manager for the Klamath Basin area office since January. Prior to Reclamation, Heck served as the Host Nation Program coordinator for Marine Forces Japan, managing joint-nation construction projects throughout Japan. He was also the lead engineer for the Department of Defense Education Activity Pacific Region where he was responsible for a $3 billion military construction program that covered the U.S. Pacific Command in support of the Alliance Transformation and Realignment Agreement.   (more at HeraldandNews.com)  

Klamath County Fire District 1 Board of Directors Regular Meeting Agenda 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 17, 2023 Central Fire Station

143 N. Broad Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601 Virtual Attendance Information: Please register to join the meeting from a computer, tablet or smartphone by contacting our administrative office at 541-885-2056 by Monday, October 16, 2023. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Klamath County Fire District 1 Board of Directors will be at the Central Fire Station, 143 N. Broad Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601 on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.  

Visitors services are now reduced at the Lava Beds National Monument as the park transitions to its winter hours.

Marc Blackburn, Lava Beds’ manager of visitor services, said the visitor center will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through the spring. It will be closed on Christmas Day but open on other major holidays, including Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. If the park receives snow, access could be limited. Snow did fall at the park Wednesday. “We don’t have any major activities planned for the winter,” he said, adding, “If something does come up, however, we will post it on our social media feeds. Blackburn said summer visitation at Lava Beds was busy. Lava Beds commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Modoc War in late 2022, and earlier this year with a series of events and programs. Blackburn said one of the results of the Modoc War programs is the pending realignment of the Stronghold trail. In other matters, Blackburn said phase one of the park road rehabilitation project, repairing and paving the north-south road from the north entrance station to the park’s southern boundary, was completed just before Labor Day. The next section of road improvement, from the entrance station to the east boundary, will be phase two, but there is currently no timetable for that work. The onset of winter also means some caves will be seasonally closed to protect bats. Fall and winter mean cooler temperatures, making it “a perfect time to hike.” Blackburn suggests visitors consider walking the Lyons Trail, which at 8.2 miles is the longest trail in the park. Other popular trails include the Thomas-Wright Battlefield, Fleener Chimneys, Schonchin Butte, Three Sisters and Gillem Bluff.  (more at HeraldandNews.com)  

Klamath County Public Works lists road work, anticipated from Monday through Friday this week, at the following locations:

• Sprague River Road Asphalt paving operations will be occurring between mileposts 5 and 12.
• Shasta Way Sidewalk work between Madison and Patterson streets. Traffic control measures will be in place for guidance, maximum flagger controlled delays of 20 minutes should be expected.

For questions or concerns, please contact Jeremy Morris, Klamath County Public Works Director at (541) 883-4696. (kc public works)  

Klamath County’s woodstove air quality season has begun.

Klamath County Public Health (KCPH) officials say the seasonal Air Quality Advisory for woodstove heating began Sunday, October 15, and runs through March 15, 2024. KCPH Environmental Health Administrator Lance Lindow says residents within the air quality zone (AQZ) help reduce local air pollution from woodstoves and fireplaces by using information provided by Klamath County Public Health. During more extreme events of air stagnation, agencies and residents outside the AQZ are also involved in the reduction of pollution by reducing or restricting burning in their area. Klamath County residents can learn when to burn by calling 541-882-BURN (2876), or checking an air quality message board at the Fairgrounds as well as online.  Daily information is available after 8:30 a.m. Klamath County Public Health supplied a color-coded guide to help determine whether wood heating is allowed within the AQZ:

• Green: All woodstoves, pellet stoves and fireplaces may be used inside and outside the air quality zone. Outdoor burning is allowed outside the air quality zone. Check with your local fire district prior to burning. Use only seasoned dry wood.
• Yellow: Only certified woodstoves, pellet stoves, and fireplace inserts may be used inside the air quality zone. Individuals with approved exemptions may use their wood burning heat source inside the air quality zone. Use only seasoned dry wood.
• Red: Only pellet stoves may be used inside the air quality zone. Individuals with approved exemptions may use their wood burning heat source inside the air quality zone. Use only seasoned dry wood. Outdoor burning is prohibited countywide.
• Red health alert: Only pellet stoves may be used inside the air quality zone. Exemptions are void inside the air quality zone. All Klamath County residents, inside and outside the air quality zone, are encouraged to use a non-wood burning source of heat. Outdoor burning is prohibited countywide.

Klamath County is in the process of updating the Air Quality Ordinance for the Klamath Falls-area Air Quality Zone. The changes make the ordinance simple to understand with only three burning-related options: burning allowed, exempt woodburning devices only, and no burning allowed.  

In the midst of fall weather, it’s the time of year to get out the winter attire for the coming cold months and, if you can, help others in need.

The annual Coats for Kids campaign is underway with donations of children’s new and gently used coats are now being collected in communities across southern Oregon through October 29th. Windermere Real Estate announced that the public can donate youth-sized coats at local Windermere branches, including one in Klamath Falls, located at 519 Main St. in Klamath Falls. Donated coats can be dropped off between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. To donate at a different time, the release said community members can contact their local Windermere broker for more details.  Coats will cleaned and delivered to local schools every Friday for children in need, the release said.   (more at HeraldandNews.com)  

Friends of the children of the Klamath Basin will launch its Annual Potato Sale fundraiser Saturday, November 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., in the parking lot of Klamath Falls Subaru on Washburn Way.

Beginning November 6, potatoes will be available for delivery in Klamath Falls.

The potatoes are premium russets donated by CAL-ORE Produce. They will be sold in 20-pound boxes for $25, with all proceeds directly supporting youth mentoring in the Klamath Basin. New this year is online ordering through https://ddock.co/199bdd. Buyers can also call 541-273-2022. Friends of the Children – Klamath Basin is a chapter of a nationwide organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty through salaried, professional mentoring. We select youth facing the greatest obstacles and commit to working with those children for 12+ years. Learn more at friendsklamath.org.  (submitted press release)  

Master illusionist Michael Grandinetti, who has been featured on NBC, ABC Family, CBS and stages across the country,will perform at the Ross Ragland Theater this Saturday, Oct. 21, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. 

Named by Entertainment Weekly as “a great magician who can truly communicate with a TV audience,” Michael Grandinetti has made a name for himself around the world as a talented and innovative illusionist, according to a news release from the Ragland. Through his work, Grandinetti is making the art of magic modern, innovative, charismatic, and exciting while showing audiences around the world that nothing is impossible, the release said. Grandinetti was one of the stars of The CW’s hit series “Masters of Illusion” for the past five seasons. The show is also currently syndicated in over 100 countries worldwide. Michael has also starred in NBC’s “The World’s Most Dangerous Magic” and POP’s “Don’t Blink,” now currently in syndication across the country as well. The Magic of Michael Grandinetti is one of the hottest touring attractions across the US and Canada, the release said. Grandinetti recreates many of the stunning illusions from his television and stadium appearances live on stage, right before the audience’s eyes. The Ross Ragland Theater strives to bring family friendly live entertainment to Klamath Falls that can be enjoyed by all, and this show does just that. Michael Grandinetti is redefining the word “magician.” With intimate sleight of hand, innovative platform effects, and spectacular grand illusions, combined with his inimitable personality and contemporary style, Michael shows his audiences a side of magic they will not soon forget, the release said. Tickets may be purchased at ragland.org. (more at HeraldandNews.org)  

Ready for a scare?  Monster Mac’s Lunatic Asylum is back to haunt your dreams this October for one last year of fright before moving on from Klamath County.

The “Monster” himself said this year’s production is a real scream with an assortment of famed static and animatronic props. With an animatronic hand 10 feet in length and a few choice pieces straight from the 1982 film “The Thing,” the Asylum doesn’t intend to disappoint. Though it is their last production here in Klamath Falls, Mac and his wife, “Kreepy” Kristi McCune, aren’t ready to give up the ghost quite yet, with promises to continue the memorable haunt in Nevada, to which they’re currently in the process of moving. For now, though, the horror enthusiasm continues in Klamath Falls with tickets available every Friday and Saturday in October, as well as Oct. 30 and, of course, Halloween Day, Oct. 31. Tickets can be purchased online at app.hauntpay.com/events/monster-macs-lunatic-asylum, or by scanning the QR code available on their official Facebook page, facebook.com/monstermac2018. Tickets can also be purchased at the door, at 601 Main St.  (more at HeraldandNews.com)  

Around the state of Oregon

On Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 7:27 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Hwy-97, near milepost 118, in Deschutes County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Jesse Carl Ross (43) of Corvallis (MT), was northbound when it crossed the center line, sideswiped a southbound Kenworth commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Thiara Onkar Singh (50) of Livingston (CA), and then struck a Toyota Rav4, operated by Gary J Rutledge (57) of Troutdale, head on.  The Toyota subsequently caught fire and became fully engulfed. The operator of the Toyota, Gary Rutledge, and passengers- Michelle Jean Windsor Rutledge (53), Kate Rutledge (15), and Ryan Rutledge (17)- were all declared deceased at the scene.  All of the deceased were related as immediate family members. The operator of the Chevrolet (Ross) was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The operator of the Kenworth (Singh) was not injured. The highway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation.  The Oregon State Police is working with the district attorney’s office in continuance of the investigation. OSP was assisted by Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Fire, Redmond PD, and ODOT. OSP is requesting any witnesses to this crash contact the Oregon State Police at *OSP and reference case SP23326671. (OSP press release)  

Oregon House Speaker Dan Rayfield is throwing his hat into the ring for Oregon state Attorney General.

The Democrat announced his intention to run for the position yesterday. Current Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum announced last month she won’t be seeking a fourth term. (Oregon News)  

Laying It All Down at Save Eugene’s Hospital Protest

About 75 protesters laid on the ground in front of PeaceHealth Medical Center University District on Friday as part of a “die-in” demonstration. The effort was meant to symbolize potential impacts if plans to close Eugene’s only hospital proceed.

The protest included nurses in hospital scrubs and speakers from CAHOOTS and the Oregon Nurses Association. Sen. James Manning, D-Eugene, called upon his legislative colleagues to join him in demanding that the hospital remain open. Manning, who is also running for Secretary of State, referred to a past marketing campaign fun by the hospital system. “The billboard said, ‘We see you,’” Manning boomed. “PeaceHealth! Do you see us now?” Demonstrators chanted, “Save Eugene’s hospital! Save Eugene’s hospital!”

PeaceHealth announced closure plans on Aug. 22 but has not specified a date when services will be phased out at the facility. “PeaceHealth remains committed to its caregivers and Lane County and will continue to strategically invest in our staff and the healthcare needs of those in Eugene, Springfield and the entire region,” read a statement emailed to media Friday by PeaceHealth spokesperson Joseph Waltasti. “Seriously ill or injured patients in the area are already transported to PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend,” Waltasti wrote in response to “comments at the protest.” “Since RiverBend’s opening 15 years ago, care for patients suffering heart attacks, strokes, traumas and other high-acuity conditions has occurred on that campus,” he continued. “Those services are not offered at University District.”  

Oregon Delegation and Governor Announce Federal Disaster Declaration for Chinook Salmon Commercial Fisheries

Impacted fisheries will be notified of their eligibility for funding by NOAA in the coming weeks Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo has determined that a commercial fishery failure occurred during 2018, 2019 and 2020 due to a fishery resource disaster, affecting Oregon Chinook Salmon Fisheries. This determination is in response to a request from Governor Kate Brown in October 2021. Approved fishery disaster determinations make these fisheries eligible for funding from current fishery disaster appropriations to aid in the recovery of affected communities, restore the fishery, and/or prevent future disasters. “This determination is incredible news for commercial fishers who have been waiting for years to find out whether or not they can receive support from the federal government,” Governor Kotek said. “This is a result of the work of Governor Brown and our congressional delegation to recognize and advocate for Oregon’s commercial fisheries. I am also hopeful for a future determination for our recent fisheries disaster declaration request.” NOAA Fisheries, the federal agency in charge of the stewardship of U.S. national marine resources, will notify award recipients of their eligibility for funding and provide guidance on the development of applications for federal financial assistance (also known as spend plans) in the coming weeks. In April 2023, Governor Tina Kotek requested that the U.S. Department of Commerce make an expedited declaration of a federal fishery resource disaster for ocean commercial salmon fisheries for 2023. That request is still active and has not yet been determined. The press release with that announcement can be found here. The 2021 request from Governor Brown for a federal determination of a fisheries disaster declaration can be found here.  

Study Shows Oregon and Washington Lead Nation In Increased Fentanyl Deaths

The states of Oregon and Washington had the highest increase of fentanyl-related fatalities – 13 times the national average – and other drug overdose deaths over the past year, according to a recent study.

The findings were among those summarized last month by the Families Against Fentanyl, a nonprofit organization that seeks to promote public awareness of dangers posed by illicit use of the potent synthetic opioid. Citing data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s estimated that 111,000 Americans died from drug overdoses nationwide during a 12-month period ending in April. Of those fatalities, more than 77,000 involved fentanyl and synthetic opioids other than methadone. “Both are record numbers and increases over the prior year,” the FAF said in its summary. According to the organization, fentanyl poisoning is now the leading cause of death among 18- to 45-year-olds – persons considered to be in the prime of life – exceeding motor vehicle accidents, suicides, COVID-19, heart and liver disease, homicides and other drug-related deaths. During the most recent 12-month study period, FAF said Oregon had the highest rate of increase in fentanyl deaths among U.S. states: jumping from 610 to 1,020, or more than 67% compared to the prior year and far higher than the national average of 5%. Oregon also ranked second-highest for increases in overdose deaths overall, going from 1,217 to 1,501, an increase of 23%. Neighboring Washington state saw its overdose deaths increase by over 34%, going from 2,349 to 3,155, the highest one-year increase in the nation. And Washington narrowly trailed Oregon with the nation’s second-highest increase in fentanyl deaths at 65%, increasing from 1,403 to 2,313, according to the FAF analysis. Although the two Northwest states experienced the biggest percentage spikes in overdose deaths, they were not among the states with the highest number of drug-related fatalities during the 12-month period. California witnessed both the most fentanyl/synthetic opioid deaths (7,728) and overall overdose deaths (12,542), followed in both categories by Florida (respectively 5,349 and 7,830). According to the Centers for Disease Control, the states with the lowest predicted deaths in a 12-month period through April were South Dakota (89), Montana (168) and Arkansas (549). The CDC noted that drug overdose deaths may involve multiple drugs and a single death might be included in more than one category. The FAF briefing did not elaborate on factors which may have contributed to the dramatic increase in drug deaths in Oregon and Washington during the recent 12-month comparative period. The two were among 31 states which saw increases in deaths from fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for pain relief and as an anesthetic. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. In recent years, steep increases in fentanyl deaths were first reported in the eastern United States and have since spread westward across the nation, said Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, MPH, chief science officer for the Washington State Department of Health. “The rates of deaths from fentanyl overdose currently observed in Washington reflect its spread to every corner of the U.S.,” Kwan-Gett said in emailed comments Thursday. “To save lives from fentanyl and other opioids, we need to urgently increase access to treatment medications for opioid use disorder, get life-saving naloxone to anyone who uses substances as well as the people around them, and raise awareness of the dangers of opioids.” Naloxone is a life-saving medication that reverses the overdose effects of opioids including heroin, fentanyl, methadone, OxyContin and Vicodin. Naloxone, also called NARCAN, can be administered as an injection or nasal spray. In Washington state, naloxone is covered by Medicaid and can be dispensed at pharmacies without a prescription or provided by community-based organizations under a statewide order. People who should carry naloxone include drug users, their friends and families, and those who interact with people who use drugs, including service providers and emergency personnel. More information is available from the Washington Department of Health. Families against Fentanyl was founded by Jim Rauh, a chemical engineer from Ohio, following the death of his son, Thomas, who unknowingly ingested illicit fentanyl. The organization seeks to have illicitly manufactured fentanyl – which has been smuggled into the U.S. across both its northern and southern borders – declared a “weapon of mass destruction” and an issue of national security.  The group wants foreign governments held accountable, and it promotes harm-reduction programs to support individuals and communities from fentanyl poisonings. Authorities note that illicit fentanyl is increasingly being cut into other illegal drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines, and users are often unaware of its presence and potential for lethal overdose. According to CDC data, an estimated 64,268 fatal fentanyl overdoses took place in the U.S. between April 2020 and April 2021, a 50% increase over the prior 12 months. (SOURCE)  

Oregon State Police Intercept Illegal Drugs on I-5

K-9 officers seize 80,000 fentanyl pills, 14 pounds of fentanyl powder, and 92 pounds of cocaine Recently, Oregon State Police (OSP) K-9 officers have seized significant quantities of illegal drugs bound for distribution. The effort is part of a targeted campaign to intercept these deadly substances before they reach the street.  Traffic stops on I-5, in Linn County, led to the seizure of 80,000 fentanyl pills, 14 pounds of fentanyl powder, and 92 pounds of cocaine within 30 days. During each investigation, as part of the enforcement action, the trooper became suspicious of the occupants’ behavior and obtained lawful authority to search the vehicle. 

• On Aug. 29, 2023, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a trooper stopped a vehicle for traffic violations on I-5 north, in Linn County. A search of the vehicle was conducted and the trooper located approximately 70,000 suspected fentanyl pills hidden in a backpack in the vehicle’s trunk. 
• On Aug. 31, 2023, at approximately 9:55 a.m., a trooper stopped a vehicle on I-5 north, in Linn County. During a search of the vehicle, the trooper located several packages that contained a total of 14.1 pounds of fentanyl powder.
• On Sept. 28, 2023, a trooper stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on I-5 north, in Linn County. A K-9 was deployed, alerted to the odor of narcotics and a search warrant for the vehicle was obtained. During the vehicle search more than 10,000 fentanyl pills and 92 pounds of cocaine were seized. 

Criminal charges in each case have been referred to the appropriate jurisdiction for prosecution. OSP reminds the public of the danger of illicit drug use, which is the leading cause of injury deaths in Oregon. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or is in crisis, help is available. Call or text “988” or visit 988lifeline.org to chat. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free and confidential support.  # # # About the Oregon State Police K-9 Program  The Oregon State Police K-9 program includes explosives, fish and wildlife, and drug detection K-9s. A variety of dog breeds are included in the program including Blood Hound, Springer Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, and Belgian Malinois. K-9s are selected based on the dog’s personality, high drive, workability, and intense desire for tracking and detection. K-9 teams assist in detecting illegal drugs, recovering stolen property, and arresting wanted persons on Oregon’s highways and in local communities. These teams work closely with other troopers, drug enforcement detectives, as well as city, county, and federal law enforcement agencies.  

New affordable housing development opens doors to wildfire survivors in Talent, Oregon

TALENT, ORE. — NOWIA Unete and Commonwealth Development Corporation announced that residents this week began moving into Renaissance Flats, a new affordable housing development in Talent. Several of the families and individuals who are moving into a home in the 72-unit affordable housing community were impacted by the 2020 Labor Day fires. “The Almeda fire had a devasting and disproportionate negative impact on immigrant families, so our work until this point was focused in doing outreach for people who were displaced by the fire to help them with the application process,” said Kathy Keesee, programs director at NOWIA Unete. “This week we saw the fruits of our labor as many families who were not likely to apply are moving in.” Commonwealth Development Corporation, the developer of Renaissance Flats, is working with ACCESS and NOWIA Unete, a Medford-based nonprofit, to remove barriers for access to affordable housing for the Rogue Valley Latino community in a culturally responsive manner. “One of our objectives from the beginning was to partner with a respected community organization to help provide quality homes to underserved people and families who were most impacted by the fires,” said Daniel DiFrancesco, vice president of development at Commonwealth Development Corporation. “The cities of Talent, Phoenix, Ashland, and Medford are still recovering from the damage and loss of over 2,500 housing units so it’s an honor for us to bring these 72-units back into the Talent community.” Renaissance Flats is one of more than a dozen new affordable housing developments in wildfire-affected areas that received funding from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). The state housing finance agency has prioritized these impacted communities when selecting developments for funding from multiple pre-existing housing development programs, including the Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) Homeownership Program and Federal Disaster Housing Tax Credits.  “In total, 975 new homes both for rent and purchase will be built in fire-impacted counties and will prioritize fire survivors,” said OHCS Director Andrea Bell. “This is a testament to the resiliency, commitment to resolve, and state and local partnership to rebuild after the fires. This is about centering community voice and community solutions. We are fortunate that we can come together and do the things that maybe a lot of folks think we can’t do.” The majority of the OHCS-funded affordable housing developments will open their doors to tenants next year and provide much-needed housing in Jackson, Lane, Marion, and Lincoln counties.  Commonwealth Development Corporation is planning a grand opening celebration for Renaissance Flats on Nov. 29.  

Pacific Northwest Selected for Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub

The PNWH2 Hub will enter into negotiations with DOE for initial hydrogen hub federal funding Salem, OR—Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association’s PNWH2 Hub has been selected as one of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs following a competitive nationwide process. “Oregon has long been a leader in clean, renewable energy production,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “This transformational opportunity to accelerate development of the nation’s clean energy economy is tailor-made for the Pacific Northwest, where a proud tradition of technological innovation and collaboration in taking on bold challenges is in our nature. I am grateful for this exciting investment from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Biden Administration.” “With this investment, the Pacific Northwest will be able to develop a new clean hydrogen economy that will create local jobs and build on the region’s long history of supporting clean energy resources,” said Oregon Department of Energy Director and PNWH2 Board Vice Chair Janine Benner. “We can seize this opportunity to ensure an equitable clean energy transition that invests in local communities across the region.” The PNWH2 Hub will span across Washington, Oregon, and Montana, and will leverage the abundant clean power and innovative technology companies in the Pacific Northwest to accelerate the transition to clean hydrogen production and use. The hub will focus on decarbonizing the region’s hard-to-electrify heavy-duty transportation, long-duration energy storage, ports, agriculture and industrial operations. Founded with unions, environmental groups, and tribal representatives, the PNWH2 Hub includes representation from these groups on its planned Community Benefits Plan governing board. The hub has also committed to negotiating Project Labor Agreements for all projects over $1 million and anticipates creating more than 10,000 direct jobs. The PNWH2 Hub is eligible to receive up to $1 billion in federal funding over four DOE-defined development phases spanning nine years, with $20 million allocated for Phase 1. DOE will evaluate the hub’s activities and deliver go/no-go decisions at each phase. For more information and updates on the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association, visit https://pnwh2.com.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A former Olympic equestrian who in retirement became a world-class equestrian coach was sentenced to federal prison today for sexually abusing a minor student. 

Richard Rankin Fellers, 63, of Sherwood, Oregon, was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. According to court documents, from late 2019 until the summer of 2020, Fellers maintained an intimate sexual relationship with a minor female equestrian student who he had been coaching since the student was 14 years old. The relationship, which began when the student was 16 years old, culminated with a multiday road trip in June 2020 to an equestrian event in Michigan. Investigators later learned Fellers planned the trip so he could engage in sexual conduct with the student. On May 24, 2023, Fellers was charged by criminal information with one count of traveling across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. On July 13, 2023, he pleaded guilty. Fellers has a pending state criminal case in Washington County Circuit Court where he is facing four counts of second-degree sex abuse for illegal sexual conduct with the same minor student. As part of a global resolution with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, Fellers’ federal prison sentence will run concurrently with any state prison term imposed when he is sentenced on October 27, 2023, in Washington County. Fellers was ordered to voluntarily surrender into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following sentencing. This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Gary Y. Sussman and Kelly A. Zusman, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon. Anyone who has information about the physical or online abuse of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.  

Oregon’s workers’ compensation insurance and benefits agency has free safety seminars planned for agriculture and construction industries.  They include Central Point and Klamath Falls.

The State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation (SAIF) says it will tour the state during the next few months to offer those free agriculture and construction safety sessions.  The seminars are designed primarily for people working in the two industries but are open to anyone interested in safety and health—they don’t have to be insured by SAIF. SAIF is offering seven free construction seminars in four cities, starting October 31 and planned through May 2024. Three of the seminars will be presented entirely in Spanish. SAIF also is hosting English and Spanish webinars online. Topics include how to prepare for an injury-free workday and how to respond to incidents and analysis. The seminars—in Wilsonville, Eugene, Central Point and Newport—run 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. SAIF says its 30 free agriculture safety seminars in 17 cities across Oregon start October 24 and continue through March, with 10 of the seminars presented entirely in Spanish.  SAIF also will host online sessions in December and March in English and Spanish. (kdrv 12)  

A new report says arts and cultural events are worth 829-million-dollars to Oregon’s economy.  

Brian Rogers, Executive Director of the Oregon Arts Commission, says a new survey looked at 19 communities across the state to determine how those events benefit the economy. It also asked attendees how much they spend on lodging, meals, parking and babysitting. Rogers says every dollar a government spends on a cultural event is returned six-fold. This is the sixth survey. The first survey only included Portland and Eugene, and now there are 19 communities across the state that take part. (Oregon news)  

Fifth graders across Oregon are campaigning to become the next Kid Governor.

They need to submit their online application before October 26th. Outgoing 2023 Kid Governor Lea Andrus won on her anti-bullying platform. The program is intended to teach fifth graders about civics. The 2024 winner will be announced in mid-November, and sworn in during a special ceremony in January. (Oregon news)  

Great Oregon ShakeOut

An effective and no-cost way for individuals and families to practice earthquake safety is to register for The Great Oregon ShakeOut, a self-led earthquake drill taking place at 10:19 a.m. on Oct. 19. Nearly half a million Oregonians have already registered, pledging to Drop, Cover and Hold On for at least 60 seconds as if a major earthquake was occurring at that moment. “Knowing what to do when the earth starts shaking helps people reduce their risk and better protect themselves to prepare for earthquakes,” said Director McMahon. “Most emergency management experts and official preparedness organizations agree that Drop, Cover and Hold On is the appropriate action to reduce the chance of injury from falling objects and flying debris during earthquakes. When people practice these simple steps, it becomes a routine that allows instincts to kick in when shaking starts.” When the ground starts to shake, or you receive an earthquake alert on a cell phone:

• Drop immediately onto hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and allows you to stay low and crawl to a nearby shelter. If you use a wheelchair or walker, lock your wheels.
• Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If there is no nearby shelter, crawl next to an interior wall away from windows. Remain on your knees and bend over to protect vital organs.
• Hold On until the shaking stops. If under a shelter, hold onto it with one hand and be ready to move with the shelter if it shifts. If there is no shelter, hold onto your head and neck with both arms and hands.

If you’re near the ocean and feel a large earthquake, Drop, Cover and Hold On until the shaking stops. Then walk inland and up to high ground. Do not wait for an official warning, as a tsunami could come ashore in a few minutes. Learn more about earthquake preparedness on OEM’s website. ORAlert and Be 2 Weeks Ready OEM also encourages people in Oregon to sign up for local emergency alerts from their county or tribe at ORAlert.gov; be informed and knowledgeable about the hazards where they live; and have an emergency plan and enough food, water and supplies to survive for at least two weeks following any disaster. The agency’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program offers several resources in multiple languages to help people prepare. Learn more at oregon.gov/oem.  

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