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.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, with a high near 82. Light and variable wind. Overnight, clear with a low near 43.
Today’s Headlines
City and county law enforcement and emergency services will soon have integrated access to all public safety reports and information.
Klamath Falls City Council entered into an intergovernmental agreement Monday evening with Klamath County commissioners, 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatch and Fire District 1, agreeing to split all costs amongst the parties and begin transitioning to the new system.
A software program from Tyler Technologies provides a platform where all public safety entities in a community can access each other’s reports and information.
The system received approval from Klamath Falls budget committee during the 2023-25 biennial budget meeting earlier this year.
Klamath Falls Chief of Police Rob Dentinger briefed the city about the system during a work session in September.
The work session presentation listed potential benefits of the Tyler system, including across the board access to warrants, pre-bookings, citations, alerts and custody statuses.
Oregon State Police entered a 10-year contract with Tyler for statewide “CAD (computer-aided dispatch) & Mobile” in May, according to the report from city police. All Oregon law enforcement agencies with the Tyler system will have access to all of OSP’s data.
The new system is said to improve safety and efficiency for police officers in the field by providing real-time access to dispatch information and immediate updates and alerts while on a call.
Data through the Tyler system is stored in a cloud, allowing instant and continuous access to information for all incorporated agencies.
Once up and running — approximately 17 months from now — the public safety system will allow community members to view location-based reports as well.
Local agencies also have access to a “hot spots” map which shows the areas in the community where crime takes place most and least often and provides trends of crime data throughout the area.
Cost of implementation will be $606,545 with an annual fee of $362,514. Both costs will be split between all parties. (more at HeraldandNews.com)
Great Oregon ShakeOut is Today, 10:19AM
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.
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.
Chairman of the Board of Klamath County Commissioners Derrick DeGroot quashed a circulating rumor about the board’s interest in annexing the South Suburbs into the city of Klamath Falls during a weekly meeting Tuesday.
DeGroot said the county commission has been having meetings with the five municipalities of Klamath County (Bonanza, Chiloquin, Malin, Merril, Klamath Falls) to find ways to best spend county dollars to provide the “best possible” level of policing, and that the meetings have not been about annexation.
Outlined by DeGroot was the total budget of the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office for the 2023-24 fiscal year: $17,766,000. DeGroot said that the sheriff’s budget is made up of the general fund, contracts, grants and “numerous” other sources.
From Klamath County’s general fund, the Sheriff’s Office received $12,247,636; a figure DeGroot said is $2 million more than what is received from taxpayers.
The weekly business meeting also saw the allocation of $2 million from the Oregon Legislature to fund the construction of a residential treatment center for youth, the Klamath Crimson Rose facility.
Klamath Crimson Rose is a behavioral rehabilitation program for girls aged 12-20 at the Klamath County Juvenile Center. Klamath Crimson Rose serves youth needing behavioral stabilization services including mental and physical health, and substance use dependency and provides academic assistance, general structure and safety.
(more at heraldandnews.com)
Klamath County is well on its way toward having a brand new “hub.”
The Klamath Hub is the county’s project intended to “celebrate and support the working hands of the Klamath Basin.”
Designs for the hub were reviewed at the board of commissioners’ administrative meeting Tuesday afternoon.
Plans for the project place it in what was once Hanscam’s Bowling Center, located on the 3300 block of South Sixth Street.
Three organizations will occupy the space as tenants: Klamath Grown, Oregon State University Extension Office and Klamath County Event Center.
In all, the project is projected to cost a little more than $14 million, with contingencies included. Total cost is expected to rise 3% each year after 2024 should the county choose to hold off on beginning construction.
The total cost does not include a budget for the proposed roundabout in the same vicinity. (more at HeraldandNews.com)
Following the Klamath Hub discussion, Commissioner Kelley Minty brought the topic of employment of relatives to the table regarding the current situation with county Sheriff Chris Kaber and his two sons working in the same department.
The board of commissioners recently revoked and terminated a resolution from 2018 which was created to allow the sheriff and his sons, one of whom had been working for the sheriff’s office for many years prior, to serve their community in the same department.
The resolution was revoked during a county counsel meeting which Minty was unable to attend, leaving the sheriff and his sons, Corrections Deputy Erick Kaber and Det. Sgt. Ryan Kaber, 90 days to decide which of them will resign or potentially transfer to a new department in the case of the sergeant and deputy.
Minty said she looked to departments that were struggling or in need of manpower and support. The county District Attorney’s office was the first that came to mind. Minty said she asked the DA’s office if there was any role the sheriff’s sons could play.
Her second idea was to consider reassigning Ryan and Erick to serve on a temporary task force in the Bly Mountain area where they could collaborate with and be supervised by Lake County Sheriff’s Office. (more at HeraldandNews.com)
The trial for a Klamath Falls man accused of kidnapping a woman and locking her inside a makeshift cell will now start in December.
Negasi Zuberi’s original trial date was set to begin yesterday, but it has since been delayed because his attorney asked for a continuance.
Zuberi faces charges of felony kidnapping and transporting a woman with sexual intent from Seattle to a rented home here in Klamath Falls.
The new trial date is set for December 12 at 9am. It will be held in Federal court in Jackson County. (local sources)
Calling all volunteers!
The Moore Park Playground project is underway and is asking the public to lend some helping hands this Friday.
According to the Healthy Klamath website, volunteers are needed this week to help install fencing around the playground area from 9 am until 12:30 p.m.
“This is your opportunity to volunteer, get your hands dirty, build and be a part of creating a playground that future generations will enjoy,” the site said.
The last volunteer day for the project, held in August, brought more than 150 community members together to help erect the ADA-approved playground structure.
To sign up and volunteer, visit healthyklamath.org and scan the QR code listed on the Moore Park Playground page. (HeraldandNews.com)
Despite the noise of road construction and gawking onlookers complicating matters, final scenes were completed earlier this month on a feature film being made in Klamath Falls; the latest example of professional film productions seeking locales in Klamath County.
A Portland-based film crew and actors descended upon Klamath Falls for a week for a feature-length film titled “Back Seat Driver,” expected to debut sometime in early 2024. The film marked the latest in growing interest among regional filmmakers and major film studios to conduct their film productions in the Klamath Basin to take advantage of the area’s variety of unique landscapes, settings, and accommodating weather.
A general increase in film productions in the region has been trending upwards for several years, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, to an average of 8-10 films, documentaries, TV shows, and commercials filming in Klamath and Lake counties every year. While still small in nature compared to hotbeds of film production outside of Hollywood like Atlanta, New Mexico, and Vancouver, B.C.; for a rural area not on a major interstate the growing increase in film productions means not just a boon to cultural impact, but a palpable bump in economic growth as well.
States like Georgia and New Mexico that have invested heavily in film incentives and facilities over the past several decades are now garnering hundreds of millions of dollars added to the state economy each year related to the jobs, lodging, catering, security, trucking, and other needs associated with most film productions.
The romantic-comedy film “Back Seat Driver” follows the story of two individuals, both of whom happen to have imaginary friends who can hear each other, that over time fall in love unbeknownst to their living compatriots. Locations used around Klamath Falls for the film included the Back 40 Café, the OC&E Trail, Veterans Memorial Park, Linkville Cemetery, and the Linkville Playhouse. (more at HeraldandNews.com)
Some proposed changes to the Lake of the Woods are under discussion, to help with visitor overflow.
Lake of the Woods has seen a lot more tourism recently, especially after the pandemic. To accommodate, the Fremont- Winema National Forest wants to make space for parking.
It is proposing multiple new recreational vehicle sites and parking spots.
These are among other different proposals, that are currently under analysis by the national forest. Other proposals include changes to the Lake of the Woods Resort itself, like dock renovations, the installation of park model cabins and building remodels.
The lake is well known for its year-round recreational activities, fishing, lodging, winter kite festival and more. (F/W nat’l forest)
Peterson, Shasta, and Stearns schools arrived at Fred Meyer last week for the Assistance League of Klamath Basin’s annual Operation School Bell shopping event.
Each of 125 students was allowed up to $130 to spend on clothing and shoes for school, and Fred Meyer provided a 10% discount on all items purchased.
The OSB is fully funded by the Assistance League through fundraising events and its Findables Store, located at 1330 E. Main St. in Klamath Falls. The organization is staffed by an all-volunteer effort; there are no paid employees.
Linda Hartenberger, chair of the Operation School Bell program, credits its success to the close partnership the Assistance League has with the local Fred Meyer store.
Matt Galli, manager of Fred Meyer here, says he and the Fred Meyer staff look forward to the shopping event every year.
The Assistance League plans to clothe approximately 1,900 students in the area for the 2023-2024 school year.
In addition to clothes shopping, students and their families are treated to snacks and drinks at the event. Students are also given hats, gloves and toothbrushes provided by the program.
Three programs are operated by the nonprofit organization, however Operation School Bell is its primary program. Its purpose is to provide new clothing for children in need of help purchasing school clothing and shoes.
The Assistance League sets allotments for each school that are based on the number of students enrolled in each school, and the number of students that participated in previous years.
Because the shopping event invites only a certain number of students per year, the remainder of K-12 school students in the Klamath Basin selected to participate in OSB are clothed through its Clothing Certificate program. The program operates from September through March each school year.
(more at HeraldandNews.com)
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.
Around the state of Oregon
FBI’s Portland Field Office is closely monitoring for local threats of violence, following the bombings in Israel and Gaza.
Special Agent in Charge Kieran Ramsey says that, “We just saw something pretty brutal, pretty barbaric happen halfway around the world, and unfortunately, it does have consequences locally.”
He says Israel – and everyone – was caught off guard by Hamas, leading to big questions here, “Are we being vigilant enough? Are we being forward-looking enough to make sure that we are not going to be surprised here, in the United States?”
And, specifically for the FBI teams in Oregon- Are we doing everything we can to make sure that we are not surprised in Oregon?”
Those concerns escalated after a “call to action” by Hamas was echoed by Al Qaeda and Hezbollah, Ramsey says they’re working closely with faith communities, And, they’re watching for misinformation and disinformation that can sow discord among some populations,
The FBI works with local law enforcement around the state, Ramsey says, to gather intelligence and share resources as needed. If you see or experience something with immediate safety concerns, call 911. If it’s not a life-threatening emergency, you’re encouraged to report it to local law enforcement or directly to the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI or the at TIPS.FBI.gov.
(Oregon news/FBI Oregon)
Fire Season Comes To An End in Oregon
Salem, Ore.—With temperatures cooling and widespread rain soaking the state, all Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) protection districts have terminated fire season restrictions, marking the end of the 2023 Oregon fire season declarations.
Year to date, there have been 975 fires on ODF-protected lands resulting in 17,968 acres burned. Three ODF Type 1 Incident Management Teams (IMT) were deployed this season: one to the Golden Fire in the Klamath-Lake District, and two to the Tyee Ridge Complex in the Douglas Forest Protective Association district. Statewide to date, regardless of jurisdiction, there have been 1,909 fires that have burned 190,507 acres.
“This year, I would say was the year of partnership,” Mike Shaw, Protection Division Chief, said. “We had several opportunities this year to help to our local, state, and federal partners keep Oregon safe from wildfire, and vice versa,” said Shaw.
Starting in May this year, ODF deployed firefighter IMT members to Alberta, Canada through the Northwest Compact—an agreement created to facilitate assistance in wildland fire pre-suppression and suppression efforts between member agencies. In August, an ODF Type 3 IMT was deployed to manage the Wiley Creek Fire to assist our partners at The Willamette National Forest. ODF also supported local fire service agencies and the Oregon State Fire Marshal multiple times throughout the summer by deploying aircraft when called upon and sharing personnel and other resources. Lastly, the department remained engaged with partners during long-term fire events and offered resources or advice wherever needed.
ODF and association firefighters responded to nearly the same number of fires this year as the 10-year average, but kept the acres burned at approximately 16% of the 10-year average, which was 119,526 acres burned. This is due to the agency’s aggressive approach to initial attack to preserve natural resources, protect communities, and increase firefighter safety, as well as investments of additional staffing and aircraft resources from the 2021 Legislature.
Overall, the department put out 94 percent of fires at 10 acres or fewer this year.
The start and end of fire season restrictions and regulations are set by each forest protection district based on the conditions in their area including drought, climatic forecasts, and season trends. These restrictions and regulations of activities prone to start wildfires, such as debris burning and certain equipment use, are intended as preventative measures during times with elevated wildfire risks. The arrival of steady, soaking rain coupled with cooler temperatures and shorter days usually triggers the closure of fire season. The end of fire season removes ODF imposed fire restrictions on ODF-protected lands. However, many structural fire departments in Oregon still require a permit for debris and slash burning, so check with your local fire department before starting a burn.
As Oregon transitions out of fire season, ODF districts across the state are shifting their attention to wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts. Clearing vegetation, creating defensible space around homes, and safely burning debris piles are just a few ways ODF is working with local landowners, members of the public and fellow fire response agencies to mitigate wildfire risk.
For more tips on how to keep yourself, your loved ones and your property safe from wildfire at any time of year, visit ODF’s Fire Prevention website or Keep Oregon Green’s website.
ODF protects about 16 million acres of private, county, state and federal forest and grazing lands in Oregon.
Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Employment Rises by 8,100 in September
In September, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 8,100 jobs, following a revised decline of 700 jobs in August.
September’s over-the-month job gains were largest in construction (+3,200 jobs); professional and business services (+2,200); and leisure and hospitality (+900). Most of the other major industries were relatively flat over the month, with none cutting more than 200 jobs.
Construction employment surged to another record high in September, gaining 3,200 jobs. At 119,900 jobs in September, construction is up 2,300 jobs, or 2.0%, since September 2022. Most of the gains in the past 12 months were in specialty trade contractors, which added 4,000 jobs. Meanwhile, construction of buildings had the same employment level as the prior year.
Professional and business services grew at a moderate pace over the past year, adding 3,900 jobs, or 1.5%. This gain was led by management of companies and enterprises, which added 2,400 jobs, or 4.8%. Professional and technical services grew moderately, adding 1,600 jobs, or 1.4%. But the third component industry, administrative and waste services, was nearly flat over that period, cutting 100 jobs, or -0.1%. And within that industry, employment services was particularly weak, shedding 2,000 jobs, or -4.5%, over the past 12 months.
Leisure and hospitality expanded at a consistent and rapid pace over the past 24 months. During that time, it was up 23,900 jobs, or 12.8%. Despite these rapid gains, at 210,800 jobs in September, it is still 5,700 jobs below its pre-recession peak reached in February 2020.
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 3.5% in September and 3.4% in August. September was the fourth consecutive month in which Oregon’s unemployment rate was between 3.4% and 3.5%. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.8% in both August and September.
Oregon lawmakers want to look at the state’s drug addiction crisis — and seek solutions — from all angles before the next legislative session starts in February.
That work starts in earnest at 1 p.m. Wednesday, when the new Joint Interim Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response meets for the first time. Legislative leaders announced the eight-member committee in September amid concerns about drug addiction, deadly overdoses and what role Oregon’s drug decriminalization law plays after voters in 2020 passed Measure 110, which also put marijuana revenue toward addiction programs throughout the state.
The committee will look at the addiction crisis from a wider perspective than Measure 110 alone, said Sen. Kate Lieber, D-Beaverton, who is co-chairing the committee with Rep. Jason Kropf, D-Bend.
In four monthly meetings from Wednesday through January, lawmakers will hear from addiction treatment providers, law enforcement and others about the factors driving the crisis and potential solutions.
Lieber, a former Multnomah county prosecutor and the Senate majority leader, said the first meeting will focus on behavioral health and the public health response to the crisis. The committee wants to aid prevention and increase treatment options so people can get off drugs, she said.
The first meeting’s agenda includes presentations on addiction prevention and the treatment system from the Oregon Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission, the Oregon Health Authority and providers throughout the state, from Portland to rural Coos County.
The committee’s second meeting in November will focus on law enforcement and public safety, Kropf said. From there, additional meetings will look at potential immediate solutions and long-term goals.
Fentanyl is a game-changer, as the cheap, highly-addictive opioid has flooded the streets. In 2022, 934 Oregonians died from opioid overdoses, up from 280 in 2019, according to Oregon Health Authority data.
Sen. Tim Knopp of Bend, the Senate Republican leader, has said his caucus will ask the committee to refer a bill that sends Measure 110 back to voters to accept or reject. (more at heraldandnews.com)
Mill City Man Claims $1 Mil Powerball Prize!
Salem, Ore. – A Mill City man claimed his $1 million Powerball win this week with a ticket from the October 9 drawing. Thomas Willard, 77, said he plays when the jackpots grow to large amounts and only missed the record prize by one number – the Powerball.
“At our age, this is just about right,” Willard said of the $1 million win that will be enjoyed with his wife of 49 years, Nancy.
The couple plans to buy a new pick-up truck and a riding scooter for Nancy to get around easier. They bought their winning ticket at the 7 Star Convenience Store in Mill City. The business will receive a $10,000 commission for selling the prize.
Nancy discovered the win by checking their numbers online the morning following the drawing. She initially thought they had won $100,000 but realized it was the $1 million prize and told her husband, “Wake up, you have to see this!”
The second-largest Powerball jackpot of $1.765 billion was won by a California player in the October 11 drawing. Since the jackpot run up began on July 22, smaller prizes won in Oregon total $7.75 million. Approximately a third of sales from Powerball will be returned to state beneficiaries to support economic development, education, veteran services, state parks and more.
Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 45 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The largest prize won in Oregon was a $340 million jackpot in 2005.
The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have a year to claim their prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $15.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.
About 99,000 children in Oregon will receive $43 million in pandemic food benefits, the Oregon Department of Human Services said in a news release.
The benefits will go to children whose families received SNAP benefits between Sept. 1, 2022 and May 11, 2023, the release said. The children must have been five years old or younger during this time period.
“Families will receive the additional food benefits for every month during this period that one or more children in their household were ages 5 and younger (and) the family was receiving SNAP benefits,” the release said.
ODHS will give families $67 per child for every month between September 2022 and April 2023, and $30 for May, the release said. Families can receive up to $566 for every eligible child.
Families receiving SNAP benefits at this time will receive these P-EBT benefits on their EBT card today, the release said. If the family is no longer receiving SNAP benefits, they will receive a P-EBT card “within the coming weeks” with the food benefits on it. (kdrv 12)
The murder case of Danielle Bisnell is holding a 65-year-old man in the Siskiyou County Jail on a homicide charge.
The Redding (California) Police Department (RPD) says it arrested Erick Eugene Card for a missing person case involving Danielle Renee Bisnell that started in 2019.
RPD used a warrant it requested from Siskiyou County to arrest Card at his Chico home last week. Police believe Card picked up Bisnell for a ride, then killed her in Siskiyou County.
RPD said Card’s arrest one week ago is part of a, “complex and multi-state investigation that started December 8, 2019, when Bisnell’s boyfriend reported her missing to the Redding Police Department. , “In the four years since her disappearance, the dedicated Detectives of the Redding Police Department have worked tirelessly to unravel the mystery.”
RPD says detectives learned that on the day Bisnell was reported missing, she encountered Card at a 7-Eleven store along Eureka Way in Redding.
RPD says, “Card has a history of befriending women who appear distressed or under the influence of drugs and alcohol. His most recent similar behavior was during the early morning hours of October 10, 2023, just hours before his arrest. (sks co sheriff’s department)
The city of Roseburg is getting hundreds of thousands of dollars in state funding to renovate its tennis courts.
The Roseburg Parks and Recreation Department says it has secured a 750-thousand-dollar grant to fix up the tennis courts at Stewart Park next to the Umpqua Valley Tennis Center. The courts have not had any major renovations since they were constructed more than six decades ago. The funding comes from the Oregon State Lottery for the Local Government Grant Program.
Jobs. Forest Service officials announced Monday that they are accepting applications for permanent seasonal jobs between October 19 and November 22 with 436 positions opening in Washington and Oregon, including 30 on the Willamette National Forest.
Positions available include trail work, recreation facilities, and helping manage wilderness areas, off-highway vehicle usage, and winter recreation programs, the Forest Service said. Forest officials said that permanent seasonal positions are offered on a 13 pay periods of six months on and 13 pay periods off. As career positions, they may be increased to 18/8 (18 pay periods working with eight pay periods off) or a full 26 pay periods of work dependent upon needs and funding, the Forest Service said. Officials said that eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals at least 18 years old.
Live webinars will be held on October 17 from 2 to 3 p.m. providing tips for job seekers and on October 18 from 9 to 10 a.m. to help applicants navigate the USAJOBS website where job postings are listed, the Forest Service said.
More information can be found online at the U.S. Forest Service’s website.
(USFS press release)
The Oregon Health Authority has started publicly tracking transportation deaths and injuries via a state dashboard, which state officials hope will lead to safety improvements on Oregon’s roads.
The dashboard includes transportation-related emergency department and hospital stays and fatality rates for the whole state and by county.
Data shows that overall transportation deaths are on the rise, particularly for motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists. In 2022, there were 606 transportation-related deaths – a slight uptick from the previous year and a steady climb over the past decade.
The state health department’s numbers are slightly higher than those than those reported by the Oregon Department of Transportation, which focuses only on car-related deaths on public roads. The state health department looks at any type of transportation, including deaths on boats, airplanes, ATVs and e-scooters. In 2022, ODOT reported 575 car-related deaths.
(Oregon news)
The Oregon Supreme Court late Friday dismissed a case designed to force changes in the state’s troubled public defense system.
The justices were considering whether a Marion County Circuit Court Judge could force a public defender to take a new client even if the lawyer said they had too many cases.
In a two-page order signed at 4:09 p.m., Justice Rebecca Duncan wrote that the issues before the court were resolved and that “this matter is therefore moot” because the attorney at the center of the case, Tim Downin, left his job at the Public Defender of Marion County.
Minutes later, the court agreed to hear another case out of Douglas County based on similar arguments. But in dismissing a case they were in the midst of deliberating, the justices have restarted a monthslong process with new oral arguments, and removed the nonprofit firm that has been at the forefront of a novel legal argument.
The Supreme Court case stemmed from a judge in Marion County appointing Downin to a defense case despite his and his firm’s objections. Trial court judges said they had an obligation to the defendant to appoint a lawyer.
Oregon has for years been in the midst of a constitutional crisis for failing to provide people accused of crimes with the legal counsel that is required by the U.S. and Oregon constitutions. Attorneys for the nonprofit firm Public Defender of Marion County developed a case that went beyond the question of whether people charged with crimes merely had a lawyer. Their argument centered the legal and ethical responsibilities of a lawyer to actually provide an effective defense, such as taking time to independently investigate the case and review evidence.
(more at heraldandnews.com)
Curry County has arrested a man accused of killing a Del Norte County, CA, Sheriff’s Deputy.
Police arrested the sheriff’s boyfriend, 54-year-old Daniel James Walter, Friday in Curry County. Northern California authorities had issued a warrant for his arrest.
The Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office said Deanna Esmaeel was found dead in her Crescent City, CA, home. An arrest warrant was issued for Walter, who was arrested Friday in Curry County.
It wasn’t known Sunday if he has an attorney. Esmaeel was the mother of actor Marty York, best known for a role in the 1993 movie “The Sandlot.”
Police issued an arrest warrant for Daniel James Walter, who also used the name Edward Patrick Davies. He was last seen near Esmaeel’s house on the day of the killing. After authorities in Curry County found his black Mazda sedan on Friday, he was arrested.
Esmaeel had worked as an animal trainer on film sets for decades before moving into law enforcement in 2021, SF Gate reported Sunday.
York wrote on Instagram Friday that he had been informed of his mother’s death, “The emotions I have are horrible right now between rage, vengeance, crying.”
Del Norte County Sheriff Garrett Scott said his office was heartbroken by the loss of one of its deputies. (kdrv 12)
Oregon Department of Transportation budget cuts will mean less snow removal and winter maintenance on our roads this winter.
Declining gas tax revenue is the reason for the 5% drop across all programs; services and materials are slashed by 15%.
ODOT’s Kacey Davey says high volume roads, those seeing over 3,000 vehicles per day will still get plowed,
She says it won’t be the same for roads that see less than 3,000 cars a day,
In central and south central Oregon, almost 60% of our roads are considered low volume, even popular traveled roads like the road up to Mount Bachelor..” She says drivers will need to be alert.
The mayor of Bend Kebler last week on the issue, and suggested they may ask the State to get involved.
(ODOT)
Flu season is officially underway in Oregon. In the first week of October, labs report 22 positive tests in the state. Of those, 18 were for Influenza A and four for Influenza B.
Six cases are in Central Oregon, which is fewer than 1% of the 667 tests conducted that week. Of the local cases, four are Influenza A and two are Influenza B. Southern Oregon and southwest Oregon report slightly higher numbers.
The Portland-metro area had 10 cases and five of those resulted in hospitalizations. Three other cases are in Southern Oregon, along with three in the Willamette Valley.
Track the state’s flu season on the Oregon Health Authority’s website.
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Oregon announces funding available for Oregon farmers, ranchers and forest owners to perform voluntary conservation activities on their land.
Farm Bill funding for this sign-up period is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Applicants should apply by November 17, 2023 to be considered for the first round of fiscal year 2024 funding.
To learn more and apply for available funding in your area, contact your local USDA Service Center or apply online at farmers.gov. (submitted press release)
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University received a significant award from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) for the inaugural Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) initiative.
The funding amounts to nearly $1.2 million, with Western’s award being $399,999, spanning over three years. The NSP EPIIC award is in partnership with Christopher Newport University and Champlain College.
“We are pleased that we’ve secured additional funds to boost our industry connections, allowing our faculty to dive into more research and development projects,” declared Provost Jose Coll. “Concurrently, this initiative will expand the spectrum of workforce readiness options for our students, reinforcing our commitment to professional growth.”
EPIIC is a new program that aims to promote innovation and advance technologies by supporting partnerships and enhancing workforce opportunities at higher education institutions. It’s a part of NSF’s Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships Directorate (TIP).
Western has specific goals for capacity-building and expanding partnerships, which include:
- Establishing a centralized system to provide support and coordinate industry partnerships
- Developing strategies, best practices, policies, and templates for creating and maintaining industry partnerships.
- Strengthening faculty members’ ability to engage in research and development industry partnerships.
- Increasing opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in the industry to improve workforce readiness.
This grant involved collaboration among three areas on campus: the Sponsored Projects Office, the Division of Computer Science, and Western’s partnership specialist. The project is headed by Western Oregon University faculty and staff, including Hillary Fouts, Becka Morgan, Tad Shannon, Breeann Flesch, and Jessica Murfin.
