Contributions from Paul Hanson at Wynne Broadcasting’s KFLS 1450AM / 102.5FM and The Herald & News
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
KLAMATH BASIN WEATHER
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 69. Overnight, clear with a low of 37.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 69.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 65.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 68.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.
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 Basin News Headlines
Endangered sucker recovery program supervisor named
U.S. Fish & Wildlife in Klamath Falls last week named an endangered sucker program supervisor – Evan Childress – to more broadly oversee Klamath Basin recovery efforts.
The new position, along with the hiring of three additional employees, is part of a growing Lost River and shortnose sucker recovery program focused on preventing the species’ extinction. Juvenile suckers released into Upper Klamath Lake over the past two decades have not survived to adulthood.
Kiewit wins dam removal contract from KRRC
The Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) took a major step toward removal of four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River by entering into a design-build contract with construction firm Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. of Fairfield, Calif.
The initial award authorizes $18.1 million in preliminary services, with a further amount for project implementation work to follow once design is finalized, according to a press release issued Thursday morning.
The entire dam removal project is estimated at $450 million.
KCEDA gets $20k grant for Oktoberfest event
A Klamath Octoberfest is in the works for the fall, to be managed by the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA).
Tentative date is Sept. 21 at the Running Y Ranch and Resort.
KCEDA was awarded a $20,000 grant by the county commissioners under the county’s tourism grant program which will help supplement the budget in creating, organizing and marketing the event.
According to a KCEDA press release, the Octoberfest will be “family friendly event that brings together regional vendors, brewers, entertainment and outdoor recreation activities.”
County, city school districts respond to walkout plans
While supportive of promoting education funding, the Klamath County School District is holding firm against a staff walkout planned for Wednesday, May 8.
The district will not close school that day, according to a statement sent to employees by KCSD superintendent Glen Szymoniak on Wednesday.
City schools Superintendent Paul Hillyer plans to make a decision on whether to close city schools for the walkout based on information provided by a city schools union employee poll.
“That will totally drive whether we can conduct school on May 8 or whether we cannot, because I won’t be having school if it’s unsafe, because we don’t have enough adults on the premises,” Hillyer said.
KCEDA helps recruit hotel to Klamath Falls
Ferguson Hotel Development (based out of Kansas City, Mo.,) announced Wednesday that it will build a new, “one of a kind” Fairfield Inn and Suites hotel along the Lake Ewauna waterfront in TimberMill Shores.
The hotel will be a 92-room, four story building, that includes custom exterior colors, a lakeside patio with a fire pit. Inside, local artwork will be exhibited that incorporates historical themes of Klamath’s old mill site and Crater Lake.
Twenty-four new jobs are expected to be created by the new hotel, plus spin-off jobs, the release said.
According to KCEDA, the developer intends to break ground on the project starting the second week of May.
County to demolish Washburn property, replace bridge
Klamath County Public Works is planning a $129,000 project to replace the bridge on West Langell Valley Road and West Canal with a three-sided precast concrete box.
Public Works Director Jeremy Morris said it was important to replace the 1968 bridge because it is currently weight restricted, meanings vehicles carrying heavy loads of things like gravel or animals can’t cross it.
The county is also primed to demolish its dilapidated property at 705 Washburn Way to the tune of $450,000.
Commissioners approved Property Sales Manager Rick Vaughn’s request to seek proposals for hazardous material removal and demolition of the 29,000-square-foot building on .8 acres. It was formerly a behavioral health facility and sat vacant for at least 10 years.
…For complete details on these and other stories see today’s Herald & News. Wynne Broadcasting and the Herald and News…stronger together to keep you informed.