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 & News, and BasinLife.com, and powered by Mick Insurance, your local health and Medicare agents.
Friday, May 27, 2022
Klamath Basin Weather
Today Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Light and variable wind becoming west 11 to 16 mph in the morning. A 40% of showers overnight with a low near 43.
Saturday Rain likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 60. Breezy, with a southwest wind 8 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch. Overnight, mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.
Sunday A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 52.
Monday Memorial Day Partly sunny, with a high near 58.
Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 71.
Today’s Headlines
The 173rd Fighter Wing out of Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Ore. will conduct Memorial Day flyovers for ceremonies at locations throughout Oregon.
F-15 Eagle fighter jets are scheduled to conduct flyovers at the following community locations at, or around, the designated times on Monday, May 30:
11:00 a.m. Veterans Memorial Park, Klamath Falls, Ore.
11:10 a.m. Eagle Point National Cemetery, Eagle Point, Ore.
11:20 a.m. Brookings Harbor Port, Brookings, Ore. 11:25 a.m. Collier H Buffington Memorial Park, Gold Beach, Ore.
11:40 a.m. Roseburg National Cemetery, Roseburg, Ore.
12:00 p.m. Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Medford, Ore.
12:05pm Memory Gardens Memorial Park, Medford, Ore.
12:15 p.m. Riverside Park, Grants Pass, Ore.
All passes will be approximately 1,000 feet above ground level and about 400 mph airspeed. Flights could be cancelled or times changed due to inclement weather or operational issues.
The Oregon Air National Guard has been an integral part of the nation’s air defense since 1941. The 173rd FW is home to the sole F-15C pilot training facility for the United States Air Force.
 Forest Service asks local services to register with SAM.govYreka, Calif., May 26, 2022—The Klamath National Forest values the assistance of local resources during natural disasters, such as wildfires, and is urging all local vendors, equipment rentals, and landowners to register at SAM.gov ahead of fire season. When natural disasters like wildfire occur, the Klamath National Forest relies on the support of the local community. If you have a service you might be able to offer to contribute to our collective response, we could use your help but can only do so if vendors are registered in SAM.gov. Free registration assistance is available at www.aptac-us.org/find-a-ptac/ or www.norcalptac.org/. Once registered, please email Emily Towers at emily.towers@usda.gov with the items or services available to be added to the Forest’s local supply plan. Types of services include but are not limited to: Meals and catering (under 150 persons)· Sack lunches (for NWCG specifications visit gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/nrcg/committees/business/toolbox/contracting/SackLunchSpecifications.pdf)· Waste management services (portable toilets, trash, or recycling)· Land or water use· Communication Services· Incident specific equipment (pumps, forklifts, etc.)· Tents, trailers, and other mobile lodging |
Around the state of Oregon
I-5 Siskiyou Pass Construction Continues During Memorial Day Weekend
Drivers on Interstate 5 between Ashland and the California border should expect delays due to construction on Siskiyou Summit, including this weekend.
While ODOT will suspend most statewide highway lane restrictions during the Memorial Day weekend, the single lane of traffic in each direction on I-5 south of Ashland will continue.
ODOT says that reconstruction of the southbound slow lane continues into next month so, “Drivers should give themselves more time and extra following distance for safety.”
ODOT said today it will suspend most scheduled highway closures in the Portland area during the Memorial Day weekend as drivers travel for the first of the summer holiday weekends. It expects a busy holiday weekend on Oregon roads, noting AAA Oregon predicts that 530,000 Oregonians will travel during this Memorial Day weekend, Thursday, May 26 through Monday, May 30.
ODOT advises drivers to check travel routes on Tripcheck.com and to be careful as, “Last year in Oregon, cars were the number one source of summer wildfires.”
ODOT also reminds drivers to follow Oregon’s Move Over Law and move to another lane if an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road with lights flashing; otherwise, slow down as, “ODOT Incident Responders are on the road to respond to incidents with other first responder partners. Brush up on the rules of the road in the 2022-2023 Oregon Driver Manual.”
It says some upgraded charging stations along Interstates 5 and 84 and U.S. 101 are part of the West Coast Electric Highway with upgraded plug types to connect to more EV models. ODOT says, “Oregon has about 2,100 public EV charging stations and we’re about to get a lot more along major roads, courtesy of ODOT’s pledge of $100 million for EV charging infrastructure.”
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Mercedes “Bow” Dunnington, age 16, a child in foster care who went missing from Bend on May 27, 2022. She is believed to be in danger.
ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Bow and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.
Bow is known to spend time at the local parks, gas stations and homeless encampments in Bend. She also goes by the name Katie.
Name: Mercedes “Bow” Dunnington
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Jan. 10, 2006
Height: 5-foot-6
Weight: 187 pounds
Hair: Dyed blond
Eye color: Green
Other identifying information: Bow was last seen wearing a fleece red and black button up jacket with a hood.
Bend Police Department Case #22-28935
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1450997
A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
Another Marijuana Search Warrant Served by Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office
INCIDENT DATE AND TIME: May 25, 2022 at 6:00 AM
REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)
ARRESTED: 1- James Filomeo, 28 years-old
2- Sheridan Westin, 24 years-old
CHARGES: 1- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana
2- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana
DETAILS:
On May 25, 2022, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) executed a search warrant in the 1200 block of Pickett Creek Road regarding an illegal marijuana grow site.
During the execution of the warrant, approximately 4,300 marijuana plants and approximately 500 pounds of processed marijuana were located inside multiple greenhouses and an indoor growing area on the property. The marijuana plants and processed marijuana were seized and destroyed. Multiple firearms and pieces of equipment were also seized along with approximately $40,000.
28 year-old James Filomeo and 24 year-old Sheridan Westin were taken into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Unlawful Manufacturing and Possession of Marijuana.
At the time of this press release the investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released. Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office
On May 25, 2022, Deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to an address on Weaver Road in Myrtle Creek to investigate a domestic violence complaint.
Upon arrival the suspect, Spencer Cassanova Heckathorne (60), had fled the scene. Probable cause was established to arrest Heckathorne for the crimes of Menacing and Recklessly Endangering. Shortly after 10:00 AM, DCSO Deputies and officers from the Myrtle Creek Police Department located Heckathorne on Weaver Road near his residence. Heckathorne rammed two deputies in their vehicles before crashing into a ditch. After exiting his vehicle Heckathorne remained uncooperative and engaged a uniformed Deputy. The Deputy fired his duty weapon and Heckathorne was struck one time. Deputies quickly began rendering aid to Heckathorne who was pronounced deceased at the scene.
OSP Major Crimes Detectives from the Springfield and Roseburg Area Commands responded to assist Douglas County Major Crimes Team and is leading the investigation into the Officer Involved Shooting Incident. The Douglas County Major Crimes team is comprised of members from the Roseburg Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office and the Oregon State Police.
Additional details regarding the investigation will be made available through the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office.
Summer travel season is coming fast and as you make your plans, there are a few things to know before you drive, ride, walk or roll along state highways in Oregon.
Check your route on TripCheck.com. We’ve added more cameras showing road conditions, more real travel times, look for cones on our construction projects, and striped lines to see local partners road and construction information.
Major events like the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 in Eugene, July 15-24, may cause delays on Interstate 5.
Watch for message signs warning of congestion. Slow down, and be aware of fellow travelers who may not be familiar with our state highways.
Consider taking the POINT bus or Amtrak to the games in Eugene, and walking or biking around town. Or avoid the crowds and plan a walking or biking tour. Look for resources under “Plan your Trip”.
Look forward to upgraded EV charging stations along major roads like I-5, I-84, and U.S. 101. Some chargers on these roads are part of the West Coast Electric Highway network and now have upgraded plug types that can connect to more EV models. You can spot the new chargers by their orange-colored stickers.
Oregon has about 2,100 public EV charging stations throughout the state. We’re about to get a lot more along major roads and in Oregon’s communities over the next few years, courtesy of ODOT’s pledge of $100 million for EV charging infrastructure.
Road and bridge construction occur year around in Oregon, but paving needs good weather and so large projects happens in the summer. Check out our Project Tracker and see what is planned. Check TripCheck for any delays from projects underway. Watch for orange, slow down around work zones and help everyone get home safely.
Take extra caution around chip seals. This lower cost paving method extends the life of the road, but slow down as there can be loose rock around that may fly and break windows or chip paint.
Finally, Know what to expect on Oregon roads. The Move Over Law says you must move to another lane if an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road with emergency lights flashing. If you can’t change lanes, slow down. ODOT Incident Responders are on the road to respond to incidents with other first responder partners. Have you been driving awhile? Brush up on the rules in 2022-2023 Oregon Driver Manual.
Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, awarded 28 matching grants worth $5,000,000 to Oregon Main Street Network organizations across the state for building projects that encourage economic revitalization.
Projects range from façade improvement to basic facilities and housing with awards ranging from $23,850-$200,000.
The department funded applications that best conveyed the ability to stimulate private investment and local economic development, best fit within the community’s long-range plan for downtown vitality, and community need.
Funded projects include:
- Several projects will bring long-vacant buildings back into use including projects by the Chiloquin Vision In Progress, City of Malin, Klamath Falls Downtown Association, Several projects were for housing increases or improvements including projects in Beaverton, La Grande, and Lebanon.
- Two former local government properties will be refurbished to support local business in Independence and Maupin.
- Roof and electrical improvements will be made to six commercial buildings in downtown Reedsport.
- Several communities were selected for work to repair or restore their historic theaters: Marquee and façade repairs at the Alger Theater in Lakeview; Restoration of the Malmgren Garage in downtown Talent following near destruction in the 2020 Almeda fire.
Other communities awarded grants include Albany, Moro, Stayton, Gold Beach, Oregon City, and Monmouth.
A Medford man with a long criminal history, including multiple convictions for strangulation, has been sentenced for illegally possessing a gun.
James Patterson was pulled over by Medford Police for suspected drug activity. Inside of his car, he reached for his waistband and then ran when he was ordered out of the car. When an officer took him into custody, a gun fell from his waistband. In a recorded jail phone call, Patterson said he would have killed the officer if he got a chance. Patterson was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson has recovered six-point-six million dollars in stolen unemployment money. It’s estimated that fraudsters stole 163-billion dollars nationwide during the pandemic.
Ferguson says Washington is the only state using asset forfeiture powers to recover stolen unemployment funds. The money was located in JPMorgan Chase Bank accounts and a King County Superior Court Judge ordered the bank to return the funds to Washington. So far, nearly 19-million dollars have been recovered.
An exhibit of ag-related artwork will tour the state this summer, as part of Oregon State University’s annual Art About Agriculture program. This year’s exhibition theme is Sustainable Feast.
OSU received 290 submissions from artists in Oregon, Washington and Hawaii. A jury then whittled it down to the best of the best.
The touring “Sustainable Feast” art exhibit is in Corvallis through June 15. Then, July 1-30, it’s in Baker City, and in Newport in August and September. You’ll find the full schedule online.
Monkeypox has not made its way to Oregon yet, but there have been cases in California and Washington.
The outbreak so far has mainly been in Europe and health officials are trying to figure out why its spreading. Monkeypox is nothing new in the world of viruses and diseases.
Pelz says if you get a vaccine after exposure, it dramatically decreases your risk of getting monkeypox and decreases the severity of the disease as well.
Pelz says there is some immunity for those who received a smallpox vaccine before 1972, and also those who have been in the military and were vaccinated against the disease.
On Wednesday, May 25, 2022, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 138E near milepost 78.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a westbound black Tesla Model S, operated by Howard Berry (67) of Milwaukie, was traveling at a high rate of speed when it left the roadway and struck a power pole. Speed and alcohol use are being investigated as contributing factors to the crash.
Berry and two of his passengers, Richard Edlund (67) of Milwaukie and John Ruppert (66) of Tigard, were all transported by air ambulance with injuries. A fourth passenger, Koelby Edlund (37) of Canby, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Hwy 138E was closed for approximately 30 minutes.
We want to keep you informed about COVID-19 in Oregon. Data are provisional and change frequently.
For more information, including COVID-19 data by county, visit the Oregon Health Authority dashboard: http://ow.ly/5vmp50Jj6pX
Along with most state offices, we’ll be closed Monday, May 30, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. This means there will be no COVID-19 data update until OHA resumes regular hours on Tuesday, May 31.
Oregon to Provide 12 Months of Continuous Postpartum Medical Coverage to Individuals
Federal decision ‘critical to ensuring health and well-being of mothers and their babies’
PORTLAND, Ore. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has approved Oregon’s request to expand Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, known as Oregon Health Plan (OHP), to one year postpartum.
The change, approved and announced Wednesday, will allow individuals to maintain continuous OHP coverage and access medically necessary physical, oral and behavioral health services for 12 months after childbirth.
Currently, most states continue pregnancy-related Medicaid coverage for only 60 days after childbirth. The expansion of coverage was made possible by a new state plan opportunity included in the American Rescue Plan.
Medicaid covers 42% of births in the nation. A report published by the HHS Office of Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) highlights the inequity that rates in pregnancy-related deaths are two to three times higher among black non-Latino and American Indian/Alaska Native populations compared to white populations. The report further explains that one in three pregnancy-related deaths occur between one week and one year after childbirth. The extension of coverage is aimed at advancing Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) goal of eliminating health inequities by 2030.
The postpartum period is an important time for physical recovery; addressing pregnancy spacing and family planning needs; managing chronic conditions that may have been exacerbated during pregnancy; providing breastfeeding support; and ensuring mental health.
“Providing postpartum support and care is critical to ensuring the health and well-being of mothers and their babies,” states Interim State Medicaid Director Dana Hittle.
Visit Medicaid.gov to learn more about the Medicaid and CHIP state plan amendment extensions of postpartum coverage in Oregon.
State announces timelines to release more than half a billion dollars in funding to support behavioral health treatment, workforce retention and support services; $132 million in funding to be distributed to treatment programs starting this week
State health officials at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) have announced a plan to distribute a package of $517 million in investments aimed at improving behavioral health services in Oregon. This includes $132 million which will flow to treatment providers starting this week.
The investments will be used to bolster the behavioral health workforce and expand treatment services. The state also will distribute funds to provide housing and other support services to people with mental health and substance use issues.
Key elements of the new grants are designed to eliminate health inequities.
The funding includes:
- Approximately $132 million in one-time grants to stabilize a behavioral health workforce that was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which are currently being distributed to treatment providers.
- Approximately $155 million in behavioral health provider rate increases to sustain and support behavioral health services, some of which would begin to take effect July 1, 2022 (pending legislative and federal approval).
- Approximately $230 million for supportive housing and residential treatment programs, which they will begin to receive later this summer.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Legislature and to Governor Brown for providing these critical investments,” Steve Allen, OHA’s behavioral health director said.
“These resources are intended to provide immediate support to behavioral health workers and give programs a sustainable base of funding they can count on to make behavioral health treatment more accessible and equitable in Oregon.”
Workforce – OHA is issuing grants to 159 organizations across the state to recruit and retain employees for behavioral health service providers. These funds are beginning to be distributed directly to treatment programs this week. The funds were allocated by the Legislature through House Bill 4004 to supplement staffing losses exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The median award is approximately $334,000.
Providers must use at least 75 percent of the funding for wages, benefits and bonuses and the remainder for non-compensatory forms of retention or recruitment. To ensure accountability and that these dollars are spent on bolstering the behavioral health workforce, OHA will get reports about how and where these dollars will be spent. Lean more about the workforce stability grants.
“Rarely does an email bring tears, but this one did,” said Janice Garceau, behavioral health director for Deschutes County Health Services in response to receiving notification of the workforce investments for programs in her county. “This will make a meaningful difference.”
Rate increases – OHA is also proposing increasing provider payment rates to better coordinate access to care, incentivize culturally and linguistically specific services, invest in workforce diversity and support staff recruitment. The legislature allocated $42.5 million last year, which is expected to bring approximately $112 million in matching federal Medicaid funds.
The $155 million in rate increases will not only increase funding for treatment programs, it will also increase access for people who need mental health and substance use treatment. In total, this increase would put an extra $109 per Medicaid member into the behavioral health system.
Under the proposed fee-for-service rate increases for providers:
- Programs providing children with intensive psychiatric treatment would receive rate increases of approximately 37 percent.
- Substance use disorder residential treatment services would receive rate increases of approximately 32 percent.
- Adult residential mental health treatment programs would receive rate increases of 30 percent.
- Some providers will receive an over 20 percent bump for providing culturally and linguistically specific services.
- Adult outpatient mental health treatment programs would receive rate increases of approximately 28 percent.
OHA is working on getting federal approval for these increases, and providers that bill OHA directly through Medicaid on a fee-for- service basis this summer.
These fee-for-service increased payments will be retroactive to July 1, 2022. In addition to the fee-for-service increases, OHA will be providing increases to coordinated care organizations that should be passed along to behavioral health providers beginning Jan. 1, 2023.
Supportive housing and residential treatment – The funding for supportive housing and other residential options includes $100 million in direct awards to Oregon’s counties which will be issued by the end of summer. In addition, a competitive grant program totaling $112 million will expand housing and residential services for mental health treatment and substance use disorders.
These grants follow two earlier rounds of funding.
In the fall of 2021, OHA awarded $5 million in planning grants to 100 community organizations and four Tribes. In addition. OHA awarded $10 million earlier in 2022 to projects that could expand residential treatment capacity in the short-term, resulting in the availability of 70 additional beds.
The $112 million grant program will support longer-term projects, including new construction and renovation to further expand licensed residential and supportive housing services.
The remaining $20 million has specifically been identified to support Oregon’s federally recognized Tribes for funding housing and residential treatment projects. Qualifying programs will receive awards in late summer and funding would continue through spring 2023.
The county funding will be used to develop housing options, expand residential treatment capacity and increase access to low and no-barrier shelter options.
The goal of the competitive grants is to create substantially more capacity in Oregon’s continuum of community-based residential and housing services for people with behavioral health needs, offering culturally responsive, person-centered programming.
This will ensure that people are supported in settings that best meet their needs and will create more equitable and effective housing alternatives for people with serious and persistent mental illness, requiring a higher standard of care.
New funds are separate from M110 grants — These investments are separate from, and in addition to, the Measure 110 grants that are currently being awarded to Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BHRNs) around the state to expand substance use treatment.
To date, the Measure 110 Oversight and Accountability Council has approved BHRN applications in 29 Oregon counties. Last week, OHA funded the first BHRN in Harney County.
An exhibit of ag-related artwork will tour the state this summer, as part of Oregon State University’s annual Art About Agriculture program.
This year’s exhibition theme is Sustainable Feast. OSU received 290 submissions from artists in Oregon, Washington and Hawaii. A jury then whittled it down to the best of the best.
The touring “Sustainable Feast” art exhibit is in Corvallis through June 15. Then, July 1-30, it’s in Baker City, and in Newport in August and September. You’ll find the full schedule online: https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/art/art-about-agriculture
Boating on Oregon’s Waterways — Plan, Pay Attention, Share
There’s something magical and alluring about boats – and such a wide variety on the market. Regardless of what’s calling you to the water and the type of boat you’re in, be sure to plan ahead, pay attention and share the water so everyone can have a fun time.
The Oregon State Marine Board invites boaters to explore the Boat Oregon Online Map, where you can find a boat ramp near you. Take a few minutes to plan ahead and check out the Marine Board’s interactive boating access map with all of the public boat ramps and data layers including local rules for boat operations.
Check the weather forecast, water levels or tides, see if there are any reported obstructions, and have the right gear for the activities you’re doing.
Boaters can also check the Marine Board’s website to find out what equipment is required based on the size and type of boat.
“Be sure to keep a sharp lookout by paying attention to your surroundings, continually scanning port to starboard and keeping a close eye on what’s ahead,” says Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Oregon State Marine Board. “Brush up on the rules of the road, start out slow because of debris in the water from this past winter, and whatever you do – don’t text and drive. Taking video and pictures, along with social media texting can be fun, but the operator needs to maintain focus and awareness to what’s going on around them,” says Paulsen.
“The captain is responsible for the safety of everyone on board, but everyone needs to pitch in and be an active, alert crew, working together.”
High water levels in some areas this spring cover many wing dams (also known as pile dikes) on rivers and bays and are just below the surface. Paulsen adds, “Motorized boaters need to keep their distance from the shoreline up to several hundred feet out, so they don’t inadvertently hit one of the piles.” Boaters are encouraged to learn where the wing dams are located based on the waterbody where they’re boating from NOAA Charts. The navigation charts can be downloaded for free.
The Marine Board also recommends boaters play it safe by:
- Boat Sober. Abstain from consuming marijuana, drugs or alcohol, which impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination and cause dehydration. Instead, take along a variety of non-alcoholic beverages and plenty of water. Impairment can lead to a BUII arrest. Every boat operator needs all their senses on high alert because conditions change quickly. Swift currents, changing weather and debris require boat operators to be focused and skilled to avoid an accident. Waterway congestion with other river recreators also demands sharp situational awareness.
- If you are feeling tired, take a break on land and return to the water when you are re-energized and alert. Wind, glare, dehydration and wave motion contribute to fatigue. Continually monitor the weather because it changes quickly.
- Operators and passengers should wear properly fitting life jackets. Learn more about life jacket types, styles and legal requirements. Anyone boating on Class III whitewater rivers is required to wear a life jacket, and all children 12 and under when a boat is underway. The water temperature for most waterways is below 50 degrees this time of year and wearing a life jacket is the most important piece of equipment for surviving the first few seconds of cold water immersion. What’s the downside to wearing one?
- Never boat alone – especially when paddling. Always let others know where you are going and when you’ll return. Print out a downloadable float plan✎ EditSign to leave with friends and family.
- Be courteous to other boaters and share the waterway. Congestion is a given in many popular locations, especially with nice weather. By staying in calmer water near the shore, paddlers can help ease conflict with motorized boats and sailboats that need deeper water to operate. Non-motorized boats are encouraged to use the shoreline adjacent to the ramp to help ease congestion and operate closer to shore where there are larger motorboats nearby. Regardless of your boat type, stage your gear in the parking lot or staging area prior to launching your boat. This makes launching faster and everyone around you, happier.
- In Oregon, all boaters must take a boating safety course and carry a boating safety education card when operating a powerboat greater than 10 horsepower. Paddlers of non-motorized boats 10’ and longer are required to purchase and display a waterway access permit. The Marine Board also offers a free, online Paddling Course for boaters new to the activity. Boaters engaged in towed watersports in the Newberg Pool on the Willamette River between river miles 55 (confluence of the Yamhill River) and 26.6 (Willamette Falls) need to also take a Towed Watersports Education Course and boat owners need to apply for a Towed Watersports Endorsement verifying the maximum load weight for the boat is under 5,500 pounds.
For more information about safe boating in Oregon, visit Boat.Oregon.gov.
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