The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current, March 26, 2020, Image 2

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The Observer., March 26, 2020, Page 2, Image 2

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Newspaper Page Text2A — THE OBSERVER DAILY PLANNER TODAY Today is Thursday, March 26, the 86th day of 2020. There are 280 days left in the year. TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT On March 26, 1945, during World War II, Iwo Jima was fully secured by U.S. forces following a ﬁ nal, desperate attack by Japanese soldiers. ON THIS DATE In 1812, an earthquake devastated Caracas, Vene- zuela, causing an estimated 26,000 deaths, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. In 1827, composer Ludwig van Beethoven died in Vienna. In 1911, American play- wright Tennessee Williams (“The Glass Menagerie,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”) was born in Columbus, Miss. In 1962, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Baker v. Carr, gave federal courts the power to order reapportionment of states’ legislative districts. In 1964, the musical play “Funny Girl,” starring Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice, opened on Broadway. In 1979, a peace treaty was signed by Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and witnessed by President Jimmy Carter at the White House. In 1982, groundbreaking ceremonies took place in Washington, D.C., for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. In 1997, the bodies of 39 members of the Heaven’s Gate techno-religious cult who committed suicide were found inside a rented mansion in California. In 2013, Italy’s top criminal court overturned the acquit- tal of American Amanda Knox in the grisly murder of British roommate Meredith Kercher and ordered Knox to stand trial again. (Knox was exonerated by the Italian Supreme Court in 2015.) LOTTERY Megabucks: $1.0 million 7-8-21-23-37-40 Mega Millions: $107 million 2-8-16-18-31-14 x2 Powerball: $150 million 2-23-40-59-69—PB-13 x2 Win for Life: March 23 47-48-52-75 Pick 4: March 24 • 1 p.m.: 5-6-8-4 • 4 p.m.: 9-2-1-7 • 7 p.m.: 5-4-9-5 • 10 p.m.: 9-5-0-5 Pick 4: March 23 • 1 p.m.: 4-4-9-9 • 4 p.m.: 5-7-2-7 • 7 p.m.: 4-9-6-8 • 10 p.m.: 7-1-9-8 DELIVERY ISSUES? If you have any problems receiving your Observer, call the ofﬁ ce at 541-963-3161. TODAY’S QUOTE “Life’s like a play; it’s not the length but the excellence of the acting that matters.” — Seneca the Younger, Roman statesman and phi- losopher (3 B.C.-A.D. 65) New channel to help keep locals informed New BMTD channel may be on air in three weeks  By Dick Mason The Observer LA GRANDE — Union and Baker county residents who receive their televi- sion signals from the Blue Mountain Translator Dis- trict soon will be closer to the pulse of the COVID-19 crisis. The district is speeding up its effort to get a non-commercial, public access-type television channel on the air, one which will help residents of the two counties keep up with what their govern- ment is doing on the local level and receive emergency information much faster. The district board voted Monday to begin working toward getting a public access channel operating. District Executive Director Alex McHaddad said he and his board had planned to wait until July to get a Submitted photo This transmitter on Mount Fanny near Cove is part of the Blue Mountain Translator District’s network, which broad- casts to Union and Baker counties. The district is moving forward to start a local channel to provide information during the coronavirus outbreak. public access channel on the air but decided instead to do it as soon as pos- sible due to the growing COVID-19 crisis. “The time is right to do this,” McHaddad said. “We should have it up in about three weeks. That is the goal.” The new channel will Revenue woes could lead to reform for child welfare system By Gilliam Flaccus Associated Press PORTLAND — Gov. Kate Brown said Tuesday that she is “gravely con- cerned” about Oregon’s ability to deliver basic ser- vices over the next six months to a year because of the economic fallout from statewide closures, massive lay-offs by affected busi- nesses and stay-at-home orders aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus. “The bottom line ... is that we have far more needs than we have resources and the economy is tumbling down and we don’t know what that will look like until we have the forecast in mid-May,” she said in a conference with reporters. “I am gravely concerned about our ability to deliver basic services over the next six months to a year given the drop in revenues and that’s why I am encour- aging the Legislature to be extremely ﬁ scally prudent,” Brown said. Brown plans to call a special session of the Legis- lature as early as next week to earmark $250 million for the COVID-19 response and to insure there is enough provide live broadcasts of meetings of the county commissioners, city coun- cils and school boards, information about emer- gency situations and more. Viewers will be able to watch broadcasts of these meetings on television and online via livestreaming. McHaddad said an increasing number of people are going to want to watch government board meet- ings because of COVID-19 and they will not be able to attend due to new state restrictions on prohibiting gatherings. The channel will help residents keep up with what their local government is doing. It also will help get the word out about new developments. District board member Christina Wood said the channel would, for example, broadcast information about the local distribution of medicine for the treatment of COVID-19. “We have to get infor- mation on the ground to everyone,” Wood said. “We speeded up the pace because of this.” McHaddad said emer- gency service providers, including Union County and Grande Ronde Hos- pital, will be able to quickly share urgent messages via the public access channel. The BMTD board will work with TelVue Corpora- tion, a broadcast technology State extends tax deadline until Juy 15 Delaying tax income could impede fighting COVID-19  By Dick Hughes For the Capital Bureau SALEM — Oregonians will have until July 15 to ﬁ le their personal income taxes with the state, Gov. Kate Brown said Wednesday. But any quarterly pay- ments for 2020 still will be due on April 15. The IRS has extended its deadline to July 15 for ﬁ ling personal and corpo- rate federal tax returns, making payments, contrib- uting to an IRA for 2019 and making the ﬁ rst quar- terly estimated tax pay- ment for 2020. However, for those who making quarterly payments, the “second” payment for 2020 still is due on June 15. Wednesday was the deadline for the Oregon Department of Revenue to announce whether it will extend the state deadline. Brown said the Oregon Department of Revenue would provide more infor- mation later Wednesday on the state’s extension. A full-ﬂ edged delay until July could create up to a $1.5 billion cash- ﬂ ow problem for the state budget, said Rep. Paul Holvey, D-Eugene, co-chair of the Legisla- ture’s Joint Special Com- mittee on Coronavirus Response. “That’s a huge cash-ﬂ ow problem, which probably takes many of the items we want to help with off the table, I’m afraid,” he said during the committee meeting Tuesday. His comments drew a strong response from Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Bend. “Cash ﬂ ow problems, really? The government just shut down about 90 percent of our businesses in the state of Oregon, who now have massive cash- ﬂ ow problems. And the whole reason to delay the ﬁ ling and payment is for them to be able to catch up,” Knopp said. “So for the govern- ment to, at this point, claim poverty or to claim cash- ﬂ ow problems after what they’ve done to business, quite frankly just seems incredibly hypocritical.” Knopp said the deadline should be delayed so busi- Oregon governor says state may have trouble providing ‘basic services’  THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020 STATE/REGION money for the upcoming wildﬁ re season, she said. The full damage to Ore- gon’s revenue won’t be clear until mid-May, when the revenue forecast comes out. State lawmakers have also expressed concerns, saying a spike in unemploy- ment means far less money coming into Oregon coffers through an income tax. A decision on whether to push back the state’s April 15 tax ﬁ ling deadline for Oregon returns should come by the end of the week, she said. Oregon’s economy was booming before the arrival of COVID-19, with unem- ployment rates at record lows and a $1.5 billion tax surplus. That triggered Ore- gon’s unique “kicker” law which gave Oregonians a tax surplus credit that can be claimed on state income tax returns. The state budget pro- vides $85.8 billion in total funds for the 2019-2021 biennium, an increase of $7.8 billion — or nearly 10% — over the previous budget. One casualty of the state’s revenue woes will likely be an overhaul of the child welfare system, which came under ﬁ re for placing foster care children in out- of-state facilities where they were mistreated. Rec- ommendations on how to reform the system that were nesses could recover and have sufﬁ cient cash-ﬂ ow to pay their taxes. Rep. Greg Barreto, R-Cove, agreed and added, “I can tell you right now businesses across the state are laying off.” The committee also dis- cussed whether to delay implementation of the new corporate activity tax as part of proposals to help businesses and individuals. Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Happy Valley, urged the state government to stay disciplined: “That means we ﬁ nd out who’s in trouble and who’s not. I don’t want people who are doing just ﬁ ne to hide behind those of us who really are struggling.” Bynum, who co-owns several fast food restau- rants in the Portland area, added that she probably wouldn’t have the cash to pay all her taxes. “I’m one of those busi- nesses that looks like it has a lot of money,” she said, “but it goes out faster than I can keep it. But I’d rather be upfront about what is happening in my busi- ness, so that whatever help I need, I know what to ask for.” She suggested the Department of Revenue offer payment plans and, if necessary, partial forgive- ness instead of delaying the ﬁ ling and payment deadlines. State economists are scheduled to deliver their next economic and rev- enue forecasts on May 20. The projections for state tax and lottery revenues are expected to fall sharply due to coronavirus-related layoffs, reduced business operations and shutdown of video poker machines. During a telephone press conference Tuesday, Gov. Kate Brown said already worried the state faces a huge shortfall. The Legislature likely will hold a special session next week to provide funding and make temporary changes in state law to deal with the pandemic. Brown said she is seeking $250 million to respond to COVID-19 along with policy changes to aid response. She also is asking for more reserves in case of a bad wildﬁ re season. The governor said she received information Monday about whether to change the state tax dead- line and would announce a decision within the next 36-48 hours. ﬁ rm, and Sinclair Broad- casting, in getting the new channel on the air at a cost of $23,000. McHaddad said he hopes sponsorships will offset the cost of setting up the new channel. He told his board Monday getting the new channel up and running will not stretch the district’s budget too thin, noting its reserve fund will remain solid. “If something blows up, the BMTD will still have the money it needs to make repairs,” McHaddad said. He said the new channel will operate at least through the COVID-19 crisis. If the channel is not self-sup- porting by that point, the district may shut it down until the board develops a sustainable plan. The 2019 Legislature’s passage of Senate Bill 394 makes the channel pos- sible. The bill gives a public translator district the authority to use the technology necessary to create public access-type channels. State issues grace period order for insurance deadlines EO Media Group SALEM — The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services issued a temporary emer- gency order Wednesday requiring all insurance companies to extend grace periods for premium pay- ments, postpone policy can- cellations and nonrenewals and extend deadlines for reporting claims, according to a news release from the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. The COVID-19 outbreak has caused widespread business closures, job losses and social distancing mea- sures. The severe disrup- tion to business in the state includes some Oregonians’ ability to make insurance premium payments, report claims and communicate with insurance companies. The order is effective immediately, and will be in force through at least April 23, the news release said. Your Generous Donations are deeply appreciated ! made in the wake of the scandal could be affected, Thanks to WCHS Volunteers for over 6000 hrs of your time! Brown said. Your Generous Donations Brown also said Tuesday Your Generous Donations the Oregon Medical Board are deeply appreciated ! had implemented emer- are for deeply appreciated Thanks to WCHS Volunteers over 6000 hrs of your time! ! gency rules to make it Thanks to WCHS Volunteers for over 6000 hrs of your time! easier for retired or inac- In 2019, Wallowa County County Humane Society Cooney of the Wallowa Chieftain for arranging for tive doctors and health care Thanks to Jennifer 2019, Wallowa County Humane Society workers to return to the job sponsors spent of “pet In of the week” advertising, and those sponsors: Les care! Schwab Tires over $21,000 in our community for animal and for volunteer-only doc- Enterprise spent over $21,000 in our community for Veterinary animal care! Animal Hospital, Carpet One, Double Arrow Clinic, Susan Thanks to Jennifer Cooney of the Wallowa County Chieftain for arranging for tors to resume working for Gilstrap CPA, Main Street Motors. Thanks Tim Parks of TW Bronze for donation o sponsors of the Cooney week” advertising, and County those sponsors: Schwab Tires, Thanks of to “pet Jennifer of the Wallowa Chieftain Les for arranging for pay. bronze for a fundraising raffle which allowed to Veterinary trap neuter/spay feral cats Enterprise Animal Hospital, Carpet One, Double Arrow Susan Those who practice out- sponsors of “pet of the week” advertising, and WCHS those sponsors: Les Clinic, Schwab Tires, of-state can now practice Gilstrap CPA, Main Street Motors. Thanks Tim Parks of TW Bronze for donation of a Enterprise Animal Hospital, Carpet One, Double Arrow Veterinary Clinic, Susan the vicinity of Safeway, and find homes for them. in Oregon without previous bronze for a fundraising which allowed WCHS feral cats of in a Gilstrap CPA, Main Street raffle Motors. Thanks Tim Parks to of trap TW neuter/spay Bronze for donation "WCHS is committed to the Safeway, well-being of companion animals, working restrictions. the vicinity and WCHS find homes for neuter/spay them. bronze for a fundraising raffle of which allowed to trap feral cats in The move could free up the community for and the of all " working the vicinity Safeway, find homes for them. "WCHS with is committed to of the well-being of betterment companion animals, as many as 500 providers "WCHS is committed to the well-being companion animals, working with the community for the of betterment of all " statewide, although it’s 244 up local pet owners received $10 off coupons for spays/neuters at local vets. with the community for the betterment of all " to individual practitioners local and pet owners received $10 off coupons spays/neuters at local pets vets. found 71 fostered 244 dogs cats were adopted to new for homes. 33 local n to decide if they want to go fostered dogs and cats were adopted to new for homes. 33 local at pets found new 244 local pet owners received $10 off coupons spays/neuters local vets. 71 doz homes though “private adoption” notices on our website. WCHS assisted two back to work, she said. homes though “private notices to on new our website. assisted two dozen fostered dogs and cats adoption” were adopted homes. WCHS 33 local pets found new lost dogs and cats to re-unite with their owners. WCHS provided “We’ve got retired folks lost dogs and cats to re-unite with their owners. WCHS provided financial homes though “private adoption” notices on our website. WCHS assisted two dozen financ who are willing to reacti- assistance to cats spay/ neuter 330 330 their pets. 336 feral feral cats were spayed/ assistance to and spay/ neuter pets. 336 WCHS cats were spay lost dogs to re-unite with owners. provided financial vate their licenses. You’re neutered. In 2019, WCHS received $2,100 in grants, over $18,000 in donations, assistance to spay/ neuter 330 pets. 336 feral cats were neutered. In 2019, WCHS received $2,100 in grants, over $18,000 spayed/ in donatio literally putting your lives took in $3600 at fund-raising events. $2,100 in grants, over $18,000 in donations, neutered. In 2019, WCHS events. received took in $3600 at fund-raising on the line to protect Ore- took in $3600 WCHS at fund-raising events. PARTICIPATES IN COMMUNITY EVENTS and ACTIVITIES, gonians and we are incred- WCHS PARTICIPATES IN DAYS COMMUNITY EVENTS LIVING and ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING PET THERAPY AT LOCAL ASSISTED FACILITIES. ibly grateful,” she said, WCHS PARTICIPATES IN COMMUNITY EVENTS and ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING PET THERAPY DAYS AT LOCAL ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES. VISIT OUR INFORMATION / CAT ADOPTION CENTER INCLUDING PET THERAPY DAYS AT LOCAL ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES. speaking directly to health- AND OUR NEW “RE-TAIL BOUTIQUE” care workers. OUR INFORMATION / / CAT CENTER VISIT VISIT OUR INFORMATION CAT ADOPTION ADOPTION CENTER 119 EAST MAIN STREET IN ENTERPRISE, OREGON Brown has ordered all AND OUR NEW “RE-TAIL “RE-TAIL BOUTIQUE” AND OUR NEW BOUTIQUE” WE ARE OPEN THURSDAY-FRIDAY-SATURDAY 11 AM - 3 PM 119 EAST MAIN STREET IN ENTERPRISE, OREGON schools statewide to close 119 EAST MAIN STREET IN ENTERPRISE, OREGON WE ARE may OPEN 11 AM OR, - 3 PM DONATIONS be THURSDAY-FRIDAY-SATURDAY mailed to WCHS, PO BOX 565, Enterprise, 97828, until April 28. Restaurants WE ARE OPEN THURSDAY-FRIDAY-SATURDAY 11 AM - 3 PM or thru PAYPAL on our website: and bars are also closed DONATIONS may be mailed to WCHS, PO BOX 565, Enterprise, OR, 97828, for dine-in service, but can WALLOWACOUNTYHUMANESOCIETY. ORG OR, 97828, or thru our BOX website: DONATIONS WWW. may be mailed to PAYPAL WCHS, on PO 565, Enterprise, offer carryout or delivery. Visit our website to see pets for adoptions, schedule of events, or thru PAYPAL on our website: WWW. WALLOWACOUNTYHUMANESOCIETY. ORG and meet our Board Members! And Brown’s executive Visit our website to see pets for adoptions, schedule of events, order on Monday means WWW. WALLOWACOUNTYHUMANESOCIETY. ORG WCHS is an our ALL VOLUNTEER and meet Board Members! all Oregonians must stay at Visit our website to see pets for adoptions, schedule of events, NON-PROFIT 501(C)3 ORGANIZATION. WCHS is an ALL VOLUNTEER home if at all possible. and meet our Board Members! Information: 541-263-0336 NON-PROFIT 501(C)3 ORGANIZATION. Grocery stores, phar- Information: 541-263-0336 WCHS is an ALL VOLUNTEER macies and other essential businesses will remain open NON-PROFIT 501(C)3 ORGANIZATION. during the shutdown. Information: 541-263-0336 In 2019, Wallowa County Humane Society spent over $21,000 in our community for animal care!