Contributions from Paul Hanson at Wynne Broadcasting’s KFLS 1450AM / 102.5FM and The Herald & News
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
KLAMATH BASIN WEATHER
Today
Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. High near 53.
Wednesday
A 20 percent chance of showers before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 55.
Thursday
A 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 50.
Friday
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50.
Saturday
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51.
See Road Camera Views:
Lake of the Woods
Doak Mtn.
Hiwy 97 at Chemult
Hiwy 140 at Bly
Hiwy 97 at GreenSprings Dr.
Hiway 97 at LaPine
TODAY’S KLAMATH BASIN NEWS HEADLINES & STORIES…
Union Pacific Storing Locomotives in Klamath Falls Railyard
Drivers crossing the South Sixth Street overpass to the Union Pacific rail yard, can’t help but notice the string of UP locomotives lined up end to end.
There looks to be more than 30 locomotives — likely more — covering about 2 miles of line and they have been idled there for more than three months.
It is part of the company’s strategic plan called Unified Plan 2020 that was included in the company’s report to the federal Securities and Exchange Commission.
According to UP’s corporate relations agent Tim McMahan, “As stated in our 10k filed with the SEC Feb. 8, with the implementation of Unified Plan 2020 railroad operations improved steadily throughout the fourth quarter of 2018, driving out excess costs.
“We removed over 1,200 locomotives and approximately 30,000 freight cars from our network since Aug. 1, 2018, which increases operational fluidity and provides a source of future growth capacity,” he said.
McMahan did not know the exact number of locomotives being stored at Klamath Falls or if there are rail cars being stored there also or in other places in Oregon.
Brett Way Extension Concerns Aired
Oregon Department of Transportation officials say they have solutions to concerns about speeding along Airway Drive, which first arose at meetings about the new Brett Way extension project last year.
ODOT held an open house last week at Brixner Junior High to further outline plans of the $9.5 million project, which would add a roundabout to Highway 140 and Homedale Road and cut down on traffic in the area.
Many area residents brought up concerns that having Airway Drive connect directly to the South Side expressway would further encourage drivers to speed down the road at the turnoff.
Dismissals at Oregon Secretary of State’s Office
SALEM — On Oregon Secretary of State Bev Clarno’s first full day in office Monday, three executives in her department were dismissed.
The departures of Deputy Secretary of State Leslie Cummings, chief of staff Deb Royal and governmental and legal affairs director Steve Elzinga came just a day after Clarno, an 83-year-old Republican former lawmaker, was sworn in.
“Looking forward to serving Oregon as Secretary of State!” Clarno tweeted.
Clarno succeeds Dennis Richardson, a Republican who died in February of brain cancer. As the state’s top election official, Clarno will be responsible for overseeing the 2020 elections.
New Oregon Tech Librarian; Meet John Schoppert
Oregon Institute of Technology, “Oregon Tech,” announced this week the appointment of John Schoppert, as its new university librarian in Klamath Falls, beginning Monday.
Schoppert comes to Oregon Tech from his former position as library director of Columbia Gorge Community College.
Schoppert brings with him an excellent grasp of the professional scope of Oregon Tech’s library needs, and a breadth of experience for successful leadership to drive an innovative academic library.
In his role as university librarian, Mr. Schoppert will lead budgeting, planning, management, and instructional direction of the University Libraries and its faculty and staff; supporting student success and institutional objectives through implementation of innovative practices.
Working with the academic deans and the Provost, Mr. Schoppert will create pathways and partnerships for the libraries to move into the future of information and research access and services in a high tech environment.
…For complete details on these and other stories see todays Herald & News. Wynne Broadcasting and the Herald and News…stronger together to keep you informed