Klamath Basin News, Tuesday, June 13 – KCC to Livestream Commencement & K-CET Graduation Ceremonies; Pacific Corp Found Guilty In 242 Fires That Ravaged The State in 2020 According to Multnomah County Court Verdict; Must Pay $71 Mil in Damages

Oregon’s second-largest electrical utility, PacifiCorp, played a significant role in the Labor Day wildfires that ravaged parts of the state in 2020, including one in Klamath County, according to a Multnomah County jury this week.

Jurors returned a nearly unanimous verdict Monday that found the utility caused a substantial amount of damage related to fires in the Santiam Canyon, as well as the South Obenchain and 242 fires in Southern Oregon including the largest fire to ever occur here in Klamath County, and the Echo Mountain Complex Fire on the Oregon Coast.

After less than two days of deliberations, jurors found the company owes more than $71 million to the 17 plaintiffs in the case for losses related to the fires and emotional suffering. The jury also found that a broader class of potentially thousands of people can bring claims against PacifiCorp for the fires in a future court proceeding.

Since late April, jurors have listened to a wide ranging case from attorneys representing 17 plaintiffs whose properties burned in the four fires. Throughout their case, plaintiffs’ lawyers said leaders at PacifiCorp, which is owned by the multinational holding company Berkshire Hathaway, should have known from weather reports and other warnings that a major windstorm and extremely dry conditions had the potential to start uncontrollable wildfires on Labor Day 2020. The plaintiffs’ case relied on 911 calls, PacifiCorp’s internal documents, wildfire experts and emotional testimony from wildfire victims to make the case that the utility’s decision to leave power lines energized directly led to fires.

During their defense, PacifiCorp’s lawyers said the company had to balance fire risks with the dangers of turning off the power in broad areas of the state. PacifiCorp attorneys relied on expert testimony and the utility’s employees to make the case the company is an Oregon leader in wildfire mitigation. In the case of the Santiam Canyon fires, the company also pointed to another nearby wildfire that had started weeks before Labor Day — the Beachie Creek Fire — as the primary cause of new fire starts that weekend.

KCC to livestream commencement, K-CET graduation

For friends and families unable to attend in-person, Klamath Community College (KCC) will livestream its Class of 2023 Commencement, as well as its Klamath Center for Education and Training (K-CET) graduation ceremony.

The KCC Commencement Ceremony is for all graduating students and their families, taking place at 6 p.m. Friday, June 16 on KCC’s graduation lawn at Founders Hall. The keynote speaker this year is Tayo Akins, CEO and president of Cascade Comprehensive Care and Cascade Health Alliance. Attendance to the ceremony is free, there will be a reception afterward inside Building 4 on the KCC campus.

Additionally, livestreaming services will also be provided for the K-CET program, honoring students who have completed their GEDs through KCC. This ceremony will take place inside Building 4 at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, and is also free to attend.

Beyond the commencement ceremony, a number of other KCC programs also host their own separate ceremonies to honor graduates. Over the first weekend of June, graduates in KCC’s Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN) programs held a pinning ceremony – a long-standing tradition for new nurses. Additional upcoming ceremonies include graduates of the TRiO Student Support Services program, Highschool Equivalency Program (HEP), and high school Accelerated Learning program.

The livestream will be at www.klamathcc.edu/watch-commencement, or on KCC’s YouTube channel. For more information visit klamathcc.edu.

Klamath Falls is in the spotlight this week after being named one of America’s top 15 small towns to visit in Smithsonian Magazine.

The article, written by travel correspondent Laura Kiniry describes Klamath Falls’ rich history and vibrant downtown.  Kiniry referred to Klamath Falls as a “nature lover’s small town,” noting the usual 300 days of sunshine each year.

South-centrally located in Oregon, Kiniry listed activities for the outdoor adventurists such as rafting the white-water rapids of the Klamath River and hiking the Tomahawk Trail up Mount McLoughlin.

And come this fall, Moore Park, Upper Klamath Lake and the nearby Crater Lake National Park will serve as prime viewpoints for the next annular solar eclipse Oct. 14.

Klamath County or utility companies will have work crews out on county roads this week.

Motorists are asked to use caution when in work areas and to watch for flaggers. Any motorists who are able to avoid the work zones, is asked to use an alternate route for their safety and the safety of Klamath County employees and contractors.

Utility work with intermittent lane closures is scheduled for the vicinity of Stearns Elementary School on Crest Street from Clinton to Denver and on Laverne Avenue from Crest to Altamont.

Bobs Excavating is slated to perform storm sewer work.

Finally, crack seal and patching work is scheduled for miscellaneous County Roads

Traffic control measures will be in place for guidance. Motorists should use alternative routes if possible.

In general, flagging stations will be set up at the end of the work zone and delays will be zero to 20 minutes for the motoring public. The county’s goal is to minimize the delay to the motoring public.

There might be adjustments of work schedules due to weather or other items outside of the county’s control such as the breakdown of equipment or lack of availability of materials or resources.

For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 541-883-4696.

Launched this year, a new Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree program, Exercise Science Emphasis, at Klamath Community College (KCC) now provides further higher education opportunities thanks to a new articulation agreement with Eastern Oregon University (EOU).

The program was developed at KCC for individuals interested in pursuing career paths such as personal training, strength and conditioning, coaching, fitness training, corporate wellness provider, public health employees, or health education specialist.

The recently approved articulation agreement adds to these potential career paths through transfer of credits to EOU for students seeking a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Human Performance under EOU’s Physical Education and Sport, Exercise Science and Community Health Program. The EOU Health and Human Performance program is one of 43 bachelor’s degree programs offered online by EOU, meaning students who complete their associate degree through KCC do not need to relocate to La Grande to complete their bachelor’s degree.

Under the combined articulation opportunity, graduates can find careers in nutrition, medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, education, or pursue a master’s degree in exercise science.

The EOU articulation agreement is the latest in an ever-growing list of transferable credit partnerships with Oregonbased universities to provide a seamless transition for KCC students to continue their pursuit of academic and career goals. Articulation agreements with institutions such as Oregon Tech, Southern Oregon University, Oregon State University, EOU, Chemeketa Community College, and Linfield College ensure KCC students who seek to transfer to partner schools will enter at a junior level with no loss of credits earned at KCC.  For more information visit www.klamathcc.edu.

The Klamath Falls City Council this week approved the annexation of a land partition intended for the relocation of the Burger King on South Sixth Street.

During the City Council meeting Monday, June 5, the councilors were told that the plot of land — located on 2200 block of South Sixth Street, next to Starbucks — does not lie within city limits. However, the relocated restaurant requires access to city water and streets.

Potential changes for downtown streets were also brought up during the meeting with a presentation from Public Works Director Mark Willrett.

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODT) awarded the city with an All Roads Transportation Safety (ARTS) grant last year, Willrett said, and suggested the city use some of the funding to install reflectorized backplates on traffic signals as well as pedestrian countdown timers.

“The city staff expressed interest in whether traffic signals were even necessary,” Willrett said, “and to look into curb extensions at these intersections.”

Willrett said there were 116 crashes at downtown intersections between 2015 and 2019, some of which, he said, were roll overs.

Councilor Terra Russo asked to clarify the traffic test in more simple terms.

The City Council also approved the Klamath Falls Police Department entering into a three-year software services agreement with Tyler Technologies.

Police Chief Rob Dentinger said the agreement will allow law enforcement and emergency services countywide to communicate across the same platform.

IT Manager Jeremy Prinsen said discussion for the changeover has been ongoing for the past three years but was originally considered back in 2013.

The City Council also approved transferring funds to pay an inter-fund loan from the previous biennium.

The Klamath Project Drought Response Agency (KPDRA) is currently accepting applications for its 2023 No Irrigation Programs to provide financial incentives to local farmers and ranchers who normally water through the Klamath Project to align water supply and demand. The application deadline is June 16, 2023 at 5 pm.

Eligibility criteria are set forth in detail in the Programs Policy. Please review the policy carefully as the criteria have changed from prior years.

For unirrigated lands, the KPDRA will make a determination regarding the amount of compensation per acre based, in part, upon the funding available to it from the Bureau of Reclamation and the number of eligible acres participating in the program(s).

The Programs Policy and additional information regarding the 2023 No Irrigation Program and the application process can be found at the KPDRA website, www.klamathwaterbank.com.

Questions and inquiries can be directed to info@klamathwaterbank.com or 541-630-0752.

KCC seeking Comic-Con volunteers

Send up the Bat Signal! A call for superheroes to save the day is going out across Klamath County to make the Klamath Community College Comic-Con an even bigger event in 2023 – with more than 2,000 attendees anticipated on the KCC campus throughout the day on Saturday, July 15.

Volunteers will receive food and drink tokens redeemable with onsite food vendors while helping with a variety of free, family-friendly activities during this community event from noon to 9 p.m. Volunteers are not expected to work during the entire event.

Activities and stations where volunteers are needed include set up and tear down, check in, board games, Dungeons & Dragons, video games, virtual reality, laser tag, outdoor games, arts and crafts, photo booth, film festival, prizes, and additional duties as needed.

KCC Comic-Con is entering its second year with plans to be even bigger and better than its inaugural event, which drew visitors to Klamath Falls in May 2022 from as far away as Sacramento and Portland. The event is free to attend with donation of a non-perishable food item or personal hygiene product to KCC’s Student Food Pantry.

While Comic-Cons began as conventions specifically celebrating comic books, the popularity and presentation of these events have morphed into grand community carnival-like celebrations welcoming all to revel in games and activities for a love of nerdy pop culture such as films, videogames, books, and animation. Visitors are encouraged to dress in costume, portraying their favorite superhero, villain, or TV/film character.

Visitors to the 2023 KCC Comic-Con can anticipate seeing more than 50 vendors, free giveaways, a variety of KCC education and training program showcases and hands-on activities, featured speakers and a live performance by Klamath Falls band Owls & Aliens (including live band karaoke), a cosplay costume contest with $1,000 worth of prizes, an interactive videogame museum, outdoor games, a film festival, and more.

If you are interested in volunteering for the KCC Comic-Con, contact Kurt Liedtke at 541-880-2361 or liedtke@klamathcc.edu. All visitors to KCC Comic-Con can register in advance on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/597894738257.­

The dispute over allowable programming at the Klamath County Library continued last week, as the county’s Board of Commissioners met for a work session with members of the library advisory board.

At the center of the dispute is a social justice book club, which at least one commissioner has attempted to ban from the library’s schedule. Commissioners claim they received multiple complaints from the public because of the book chosen for the month of April, “No More Police: A Case for Abolition” — even though library staff said only one person attended the discussion.

Library advisory board chair Chuck Wells said Wednesday the issue the county and the advisory board are facing now is the impediment of First Amendment rights.

Banning the book club — and the books used by the club — could prove costly. The county library might be denied $40,000 annually in state funds and could lose its status as a public library by not meeting standards defined by the American Library Association (ALA) bill of library rights and code of ethics.

County officials have faced backlash from the public on the issue, including more than 20 speakers at the commissioners meeting Tuesday, June 6.

Commissioner Kelley Minty said the backlash the board has been facing is “no surprise” and that her opinion is to allow the book club and all other programming to continue.

Commissioner Dave Henslee stated he was pleased with the number of people who came to the meeting to share their opinions, beliefs and desires. County Commissioner Dave Henslee, along with Commissioner Derrick DeGroot, has steadfastly opposed the book club on the grounds that library staff shouldn’t be moderating political discussions.  This story and issue seems to be something that will continue to be in the news.

Jessamyn Birrier, an educator of writing and rhetoric at Oregon Tech, said she believes library staff have acted “admirably” in their service to the citizens of Klamath Falls and that their hosting of book club discussions is not the same as campaigning or endorsing a specific topic.

Another educator, Lois Taysom of Klamath Community College, said library staff are trained in moderating book discussions and ensure that everyone is welcome and respected in the book club.

After hearing from multiple individuals on the dismay of the board’s decision to cancel the book club, the commissioners spoke about the public comments with each saying they are not limiting the First Amendment.

While the largest dam removal project in history aims to restore the Klamath River, experts say it will also have a positive impact on the rest of the Klamath Basin. 

“Dam removal down low will certainly have the biggest beneficial impact on the receiving waters downstream… to the Pacific Ocean,” said Dave Coffman with Resource Environmental Solutions (RES). 

Aside from downstream benefits, Coffman said there will also be positive changes made upstream.

By removing the dams in the Klamath River, the water in the Upper Klamath Basin will finally cool down.

RES is working with the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) on the dam removal project. Coffman, who is the Southern Oregon and Northern California director of RES, said his team will monitor the environmental impacts.

Coffman said the dam removal process is a messy one. One of the main concerns that comes with the construction process is excess sediment making its way downstream. However, that’s another thing RES is looking out for. 

Copco 2 will be removed from the river by the end of the summer, according to the KRRC. The other three dams – Copco 1, Iron Gate Dam and J.C. Boyle Dam – will be removed by the end of next year.

Wolf Attack. A seven-month-old calf that was injured recently by a wolf in Klamath County’s Wood River Valley was later euthanized.

The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Service said an investigation May 30 confirmed the incident happened on private land near Fort Klamath by the Rogue Pack. The incident was the second in a week. On May 25, ODFW said another investigation indicated that a six-month-old lamb was killed on private land in Klamath County’s Sprague River Valley.

Other wolf attacks also occurred throughout the state in May. Investigations confirmed a 6-week-old calf was injured in Grant County’s Bear Valley by wolves from the Murderers Creek Wolves Pack; two 4- to 6-week-old calves were injured in Grant County’s Middle Fork John Day area by wolves from the Desolation Pack; and a 2-week-old calf was killed in the Lower Bridge area of Jefferson County by wolves from the Metolius Wolves Pack.

Earlier this year, ODFW released a report saying 2022 was the first year that wolves in the West Wolf Management Zone (WMZ), which is west of Highways 395/78/95 and includes Klamath and Jackson counties, reached the conservation objective of four breeding pairs. In the East WMZ, “the minimum management objective of seven breeding pairs was again exceeded.” According to the report, the minimum number of wolves in Oregon at last year’s end was 178, an increase of three from the 2021 minimum known count.

Wolves east of Highways 395/78/95 in Oregon were delisted under the federal Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2011. Wolves are protected statewide as a special status game mammal and managed by the Wolf Plan guidelines and associated rules of each Wolf Management Zone Phase. Wolves in the West WMZ are managed under the more protective Phase I rules until their population reaches a minimum of four breeding pairs for three consecutive years.

The report says investigators examined 121 dead or injured livestock suspected by livestock producers to be the result of wolf depredation resulted in 76 confirmed determinations, five probable determinations, 21 possible/unknown, and 19 other (not wolf-caused). Statewide, confirmed depredation events increased 55% from 2021 to 2022, from 49 to 76.

Confirmed livestock deaths in 2022 were four adult cows, 44 calves, 11 ewes, nine lambs, three goats and three livestock working dogs. Twenty-four calves and one goat were confirmed as injured by wolves. During 2022, 85% of confirmed depredation events occurred on private land, and 15% on public land. The depredations included four by the new Gearhart Mountain Pack and five by OR103, a lone wolf in Klamath County.

Around the state of Oregon

Gov. Tina Kotek has dropped her request for the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission to add another 50-cent surcharge to bottles of alcohol to fund mental health and addiction services.

She asked for the surcharge in her February budget. But on Wednesday, she sent a letter to the commission’s board, saying the tax was no longer needed.

An Eagle Point man is dead after he hit two cars on Saturday, resulting in a car crash on Highway 234 near milepost 16 that shut impacted traffic for four hours. 

According to a Monday morning news release from Oregon State Police, the Eagle Point man — 34-year-old Dustin C. Alioto — was driving in his black 20022 Chevrolet Silverado and crossed into an on-coming lane. 

“(Alioto) grazed a red 2008 Kia Sedona, operated by Charmin Koa Avila (47) of Trail, and then struck a white 2005 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Heriberto Valencia-Guzman (34) of Eureka (CA), head on,” the release said. 

Alioto was declared dead at the scene, the release said, while Valencia-Guzman was seriously injured and transported to a hospital. Avila was not injured. 

“The roadway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation,” the release said. “The cause of the crash is still being investigated.”

Grants Pass Detectives Arrest Two for Kidnapping and Torture

On Sunday at 5:12 PM, the Grants Pass Police Department received a 911 call from a 22-year-old male claiming to have fled from a residence in the 1500 block of Ben Aire Circle.

He had allegedly been forced into involuntary servitude for months by his cousin Eastwood Mohammed Hamman, a 35-year-old male, and Cassie Jo Gudino, a 27-year-old female. Officers located the fleeing victim and assisted with ensuring his safety.

Grants Pass Police detectives responded and initiated a full investigation. Detectives determined the male victim had been lured from New York, along with his 19-year-old sister, with promises of freedom and a job. The female victim was reportedly still being held at the residence. Over several months, the suspects allegedly forced the victims to work by using fear of serious physical injury and use of torture, such as burning them with a torch, ice baths, beatings, and starvation. The victims were required to give all money earned from online remote employment to the suspects.

Yesterday morning, Grants Pass Police detectives, with the assistance of the Grants Pass SWAT and detectives from the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement team, executed a search warrant at the residence located on Ben Aire Circle. The suspects were arrested at the scene, and the female victim was rescued. Both victims received medical attention at the hospital and will be reunited with family in New York.

Eastwood Mohammed Mannan and Cassie Jo Gudino were lodged at the Josephine County Jail for two counts of 1^st Degree Kidnapping and two counts of 1^st Degree Subjecting Another Person to Involuntary Servitude. Mannan was additionally charged with two counts of 2^nd Degree Assault.

Anyone having information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-450-6260 and reference case #23-24725.

Howard Prairie Lake Resort is opening its dock after a decade of construction.

Workers began planning on rebuilding the Howard Prairie dock in 2013. By 2021, partners began construction. Jackson County Parks Department teamed up with the Bureau of Reclamation, the Oregon State Marine Board and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).

Residents in the Rogue Valley filled the parking lot of the lake to witness each of the partners involved in the construction process cut the ribbon, leading toward a long ramp more accessible for mobility challenges.

The entire dock is made out of stainless steel to prevent rotting or molding.

Jackson County Parks Department plans on dismantling the old marina later this year and exploring further options on what to do with the area in the long term.

Howard Prarie Lake is 47 miles from Klamath Falls, accessible easiest by traveling Oregon 66 to Clover Creek Road near Keno, then onto Dead Indian Memorial Road towards Ashland.

Coos County Sheriff’s Office says a man was arrested for attempted murder after an assault early Sunday morning.

According to police, the assault happened around 2:30 a.m. on Catching Slough Road near Coos Bay.  The Sheriff’s Office says the victim’s vehicle had several bullet holes in the pickup.

The Sergeant who responded said Orion R. Petrie, 20 from Coos Bay, fired several rounds at the pickup when it left the area.

The Sheriff’s Office said a search warrant of Petrie’s home uncovered a handgun and ammo that matched shell casings found at the scene of the assault.

Petrie was arrested and booked into Coos County Jail for attempted murder, menacing, and unlawful use of a weapon.

Fatal Crash on Highway 234 in Jackson County

On Saturday, June 10, 2023, at approximately 10:39 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 234, near milepost 16, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated black 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Dustin C. Alioto (34) of Eagle Point, crossed into the on-coming lane and grazed a red 2008 Kia Sedona, operated by Charmin Koa Avila (47) of Trail, and then struck a white 2005 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Heriberto Valencia-Guzman (34) of Eureka (CA), head on.

The operator of the black Silverado (Alioto) was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the white Silverado (Valencia-Guzman) was seriously injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The operator of the Kia (Avila) was not injured.

The roadway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation.  The cause of the crash is still being investigated.

OSP was assisted by the Jackson County STAR Team, Fire District 3, Mercy Flights, and ODOT.

Fatal Crash with Bicyclist on Highway 221 in Polk County

On Saturday, June 10, 2023, at approximately 1:28 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus bicycle crash on Hwy 221, near milepost 11.5, in Polk County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a silver 2021 Ford F-350, operated by Robert Weeks (47) of McMinnville, was traveling southbound on Hwy 221 when it passed a bicyclist, Adam Joy (55) of Portland, traveling in the same direction. The bicyclist fell over, into the lane of travel, just as the F-350 passed. Even though the F-350 had slowed when passing, the rider of the bicycle was run over by the F-350 and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Oregon is part of a 17-billion-dollar settlement with two opioid drug manufacturers along with CVS and Walgreens pharmacies. Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum says the settlement also prohibits Tema from promoting opioids and bans Allergan from selling opioids for at least ten years. CVS and Walgreens are required to monitor, report and share information about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions. Oregon expects to receive 219 million dollars over the next 15 years to prevent and treat substance use disorders.

Josh Horn has a solid claim to the title of “King of the Forest” if he wants it.

The field staff law enforcement ranger was recently recognized with an national award: 2023 Ranger of the Year.

Horn was chosen out of the approximate 200 law enforcement rangers employed by the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management, not including an additional 70 special agents.

BLM’s Ranger of the Year award criteria include outstanding performance directly enhancing the protection of public lands and its visitors, demonstrating outstanding leadership and ethical qualities, fostering outstanding working relationships, and demonstrating an unusual degree of courage, stamina or willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty, and/or exceptional/heroic achievement, Public Affairs Specialist Lisa McNee of the Lakeview District for BLM explained.

Stationed at the BLM Klamath Falls Field Office of the Lakeview District, Horn enforces laws and regulations across 3.5 million acres of public land in Klamath, Lake and part of Harney counties in southeastern Oregon. Horn’s mission as a BLM Law Enforcement Ranger is to advance public safety and provide resource protection on BLM-managed public lands.

Before working as a BLM Law Enforcement Ranger, Horn was a former member of the U.S. Coast Guard and was a city police officer in Eureka, Calif., before he, his wife and two children made the move to Kamath Falls in 2019.  Horn says he has no desire to leave the area.

Coos Bay, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management’s Western Oregon Resource Advisory Council will meet virtually and in-person, with a tour of public lands in the Roseburg area on June 22, 2023. The meeting and the field tour are open to the public.

Agenda items for the June 22 meeting include a presentation on fee operations at the Smullin Visitor Center along the Rogue River, updates from the District Managers about current events in Western Oregon, and the opportunity to provide feedback to the BLM on re-development of recreation sites that were damaged in the 2020 western Oregon wildfires.   The meeting will be held both in-person and over the Zoom platform from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time. A public comment period is scheduled for noon. Participants must register for the Zoom meeting at blm.zoomgov.com/j/1607358086?pwd=NEJ3TWxxR2dLdnVTbExSYUxsRFRoZz09. For those wishing to participate in person, the meeting will be held at the North Umpqua Ranger Station in Glide, Ore. at 18782 N. Umpqua Highway.   

During the field tour, advisory council members will visit public lands east of Roseburg, Oregon, along the Umpqua River to review completed Title II projects, post-Archie Creek Fire forest management, and recreation site rehabilitation. The participants will see the Bureau of Land Management’s efforts to restore the forest after the fire. They will also tour campgrounds damaged in the fire and discuss the proposed redevelopment of the areas to meet visitor needs. Members of the public are welcome on the field tour but must provide their own transportation and meals. Those planning to attend must RSVP at least one week before the field trip.

Anyone attending who needs a reasonable accommodation, such as sign language interpretation, should let Megan Harper, Advisory Council Coordinator, know when RSVPing at m1harper@blm.gov .

Recording artist and entertainer Neil Young is coming to Bend.

Young is a renegade artist whose legacy includes projects Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Crazy Horse and collaborations with Pearl Jam, as well as classic songs “Heart of Gold,” “Cinnamon Girl” and “Rocking in the Free World,” among others.

 Hayden Homes ampitheater says they  elated that he announced a small west coast tour on which he is stopping in Bend Monday, July 17!

ONLINE PRESALE TICKETS:
 Tuesday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
CODE: LOCAL

GENERAL ONSALE TICKETS:
 Wednesday, June 14 at 10 a.m. online or
 in-person at the Ticket Mill in the Old Mill District.

To give fans the best chance to buy tickets at face value, Young has requested tickets to this event be MOBILE ONLY and restricted from transfer. If you purchase a ticket and can’t attend, you can list your ticket for sale at the price you paid on our Face Value Ticket Exchange. Exchange sellers must have a US or CAN bank account to accept payment.

Steens Mountain Loop Road Debuts on Tripcheck

Hines, Ore. – Do you want to know if the Steens Mountain Loop Road is open or closed? Finding out just got easier thanks to Oregon Department of Transportation’s TripCheck website.  

On TripCheck.com, magnify the area just southeast of Frenchglen to find the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Closed sections of the Steens Mountain Loop Road appear as purple and white dashed lines. Open sections appear without any color or shading. 

“Thousands of travelers use the Steens Mountain Loop Road each summer. We are excited to partner with ODOT and have another, more convenient way to share information with our visitors,” said Kyle Wanner, Bureau of Land Management Burns District Outdoor Recreation Planner.  

TripCheck is ODOT’s one-stop shop for information on traveling in Oregon. The website shows the latest conditions via road cameras, continuous winter travel updates, year-round highway construction details. Information on traffic congestion, incidents, and other valuable tips allow visitors to travel to and from their favorite places in Oregon. 

The Steens Mountain Loop Road is Oregon’s highest elevation road and is generally open from early July to November. It affords visitor access to four developed campgrounds and overlooks at Kiger Gorge, East Rim, Big Indian Gorge, Wildhorse and Little Blitzen Gorge. The Loop Road also accesses the Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District. Portions of the road are closed gradually in the winter due to weather, and then re-opened in the spring depending on snow levels and moisture conditions in the area. 

The Loop Road had its beginnings in 1930 when the Civilian Conservation Corps built a road from Frenchglen up to Fish Lake. The onset of World War II delayed plans for the construction of the remaining portion of the road until the early 1960s. The road was completed in 1962 and has received regular maintenance and the occasional upgrade ever since.  

Information about Steens Mountain can be found on BLM.GOV: https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-activities/oregon-washington/steens-mountain. For additional information, call the BLM Burns District Office at (541) 573-4400. 

Grants Pass Women Wins For Life Jackpot with Oregon Lottery

Salem, Ore. – A Grants Pass woman decided to play Oregon’s Win for Life draw game for the first time – only to end up a jackpot winner.  Ruth Salvatore, 73, purchased five tickets for the June 4 drawing and learned of her $52,000 annual prize when she scanned the last ticket on the Oregon Lottery app. 

At first, Salvatore saw she had won $2 on a ticket and was thrilled she won something. When her last ticket scanned as the jackpot winner, she ran into the living room to share the news with her sister and husband Ed. 

“Look at that,” she said. “Look at that,” pointing with excitement to her phone.

Salvatore and her husband are planning to use the money to remodel their home and take a trip to Cancun. Coincidentally, the couple will be celebrating their 52^nd wedding anniversary this month – making “52” a special number for them. 

The winning ticket was purchased at the Grants Pass Fred Meyer store.  

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any 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 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. 

School’s Out, Summer Jobs Are Starting

Money tips from Umpqua Bank…Teach your teens about money in five easy steps from Southern Oregon bank manager. 

We all have money goals. Today’s movie and snacks with friends or first car could be tomorrow’s college tuition or down payment on a house. And the path toward those goals is really the same: save money from the start, spend less than you make. 

“Getting kids used to saving money now will set them up for a stronger financial future as an adult,” says Neal Brown, EVP/Market Region Manager at Oregon-based Umpqua Bank. “And if they need a little extra incentive, you could offer to match what they save each month.” 

Whether your kids earn an allowance at home, work odd jobs for neighbors (think lawn care or babysitting), or have a job that earns an actual paycheck, here are five tips to help them spend their money smarter and learn life’s financial lessons early.

1. Help them set goals. When you have the “why,” saving money is easier. Work with them to identify a short-term, mid-term, and long-term goal. Maybe it’s Saturday shopping with friends, new clothes in the fall and a new-to-them car. Work out a plan identifying a percentage to save from each paycheck or job, and how much can be used for “fun” money. Then make them earn it. The less you dole out cash, the more they’ll learn its value. 

Now’s also a good time to teach generosity by encouraging them to set aside a small amount for charity — whether tithing at church, buying a bag of food to donate to a food bank, or contributing to a younger sibling’s school fundraiser. 

2. Find a bank. Go with them to open an account. Umpqua Bank, for example, offers accounts ideal for customers under 18. 

“Ask your bank what they offer for those just beginning to learn to manage their money,” suggests Justin Burns, Product Manager at Umpqua Bank. Look for features like whether the account includes an ATM card only or an ATM debit card and check writing, and even whether there is the ability to earn interest. More robust accounts, Burns adds, are ideal for older teens who are “ready to begin banking and saving for their next stage of life.” 

Also ask about linking your accounts so you can transfer money into or out of their account and have visibility into their spending habits. Don’t worry, you can set it up so you can see into their account, but they can’t see into yours.

3. Sign up for direct deposit. If their employer offers it, have them sign up, with some of their money going directly into a savings account where they’re less likely to spend it. Many experts recommend starting with 10% of their income going into savings. After all, when else will they have their basic food, clothing and shelter needs covered by someone else? 
4. Use a budget app. Their world is on their phone, so why not make budgeting a part of your teen’s daily screen routine? There are a ton of free apps out there. Just make sure they enter every expense every day so they can quickly see where their money is going. Some banks also feature budget tools that are often free and will automatically track and categorize spending.
5. Teach the grown-up stuff. If they earn enough, Uncle Sam will come calling. Make sure they’re aware that their actual paycheck will have taxes withheld. You can estimate how much they’ll bring home and adjust the savings percentages as needed. You might also consider opening a Roth IRA (custodial for minors) if they will have earned income from a job. Even if they only contribute a little each month, they’ll learn about compound interest and can add more as their income increases throughout the years. Look for institutions with low-cost, low-minimum-to-open options.

 

June is National Pet Preparedness Month. While you should be prepared for pet emergencies year-round, this month offers an important reminder to review your family’s emergency plans and ensure you’ve incorporated a plan for your pets as well.

“Emergencies can be unpredictable but having the right knowledge and tools can make handling these situations much easier,“ says Dawn Johnson, Communications Manager, Red Cross Cascades Region.

Here are three tips to help keep your pets safe. 

1. If it’s not safe for you to stay in your home during an emergency, it’s not safe for them either!
2. Include supplies for your pet in your emergency kit or assemble an emergency kit for your pet.
3. Make an evacuation plan for you and your pets. Many hotels and shelters do not accept animal guests, other than service animals.

Add these pawsome items to your emergency kit:

• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely.
• Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and a manual can opener if you pet eats canned food.
• Medications/copies of medical records stored in a waterproof container. Vet’s number.
• Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost. Since many pets look alike, this will help to eliminate mistaken identity and confusion.
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.

Download the app: 

With the free Pet First Aid app it’s easy to learn what to do if an emergency affects your pet. It provides access to expert guidance on how to maintain your pet’s health, what to do in emergencies, and how to include pets in your emergency preparedness plans.

The app will also help owners keep their pets safe by learning what emergency supplies to have, when they should contact their veterinarian, and where to find a pet care facility or pet-friendly hotel.

Owners also have access to step-by-step instructions, videos and images for more than 25 common first aid and emergency situations including how to treat wounds, control bleeding, and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies.

Other features in the app allow pet owners to:

• Create a pet profile including tag identification number, photos, list of medications and instructions.
• Use the list of early warning signs to know when to see a veterinarian.
• Find emergency pet care facilities or alternate veterinarians with the ‘animal hospital locator.’
• Test their knowledge with interactive quizzes and earn badges that they can share on their social networks along with their favorite picture of their pet.

The Pet First Aid app can be downloaded by texting ‘GETPET’ to 90999, by going to redcross.org/apps, or by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in app stores.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

 

Oregon GOP Walkout Threatens Billions In School Funds and Stalled Hundreds of Bills

Make no mistake about it, Democrats control the Oregon Legislature and whether Oregon’s students are learning anything or not.  But now, funding for schools hits the spotlight,  along with literacy programs.

It seems obvious that Oregon’s politicians and Governor Tina Kotek better start paying attention to students instead of the teacher’s union.  Statistics don’t lie. Oregon is now a state where 60% of third graders can’t read at grade level. 

And now funding could be jeopardized by the walkouts of some politicians that has stalled hundreds of bills and derailed the Legislature for nearly six weeks.

The standoff is over a bill that would expand access to abortion and gender-affirming health care. GOP lawmakers are willing to scuttle needed education funding to halt these measures which are far from reading, writing and math education. 

Tax revenues have exceeded state economists’ projections, allowing lawmakers to approve a record K-12 budget of $10.2 billion. But the education spending legislation needs a vote from the Senate, which hasn’t been able to conduct business since May 3 because of the GOP boycott, and time is running out, with just two weeks left until the legislative session ends.

“Supporting strong schools and improving student outcomes should be enough to make anyone show up for work,” Democratic state Rep. Courtney Neron, the House Committee on Education chair, said at a recent rally against the walkout. “From early childhood through higher education, our schools and students need us to respond to serious challenges.”

Oregon’s Senate Republican office said in an email that “it is critically important that we make sure education is fully funded.” Republican minority leader Sen. Tim Knopp also said in an email his caucus will return by June 25 to pass “substantially bipartisan” bills and budgets.

The stall is nearing the last day to pass budgets and school districts need a sense of potential funding by early July to begin planning for the next school year.

If lawmakers don’t return soon, Gov. Kotek will need to convene a special session at some point to do the budgets.

As in other states nationwide, reading and math scores plummeted in Oregon following the COVID-19 pandemic according to Democrats, but in actuality it seems Democrat controlled states are failing students with their education for a completing other narrative and agenda.

More stats. About 60% of third graders in Oregon are not proficient in reading or math, according to the latest state assessment results.

In addition to the $10.2 billion K-12 budget, which passed the state House with bipartisan support, the Senate Republican walkout also could derail education bills seeking to shore up pandemic learning losses and tackle the education workforce crisis.

One such bill aims to address shortages of teachers and other school staff, particularly in rural areas, and boost pay for special education teachers. Another would invest $140 million in a new early literacy initiative for children from birth through third grade. The initiative is a centerpiece of Kotek’s agenda.

Education spending in coming years will be especially critical as one-time federal pandemic funds expire, said Jon Valant, director of the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.

“We have probably more need for thoughtful, smart, careful policymaking in education than we have in generations. This was a bigger hit for U.S. schools than anything in recent memory,” he said of the pandemic.

“When the resources are potentially there, I think it is extremely important that we use them and use them well,” Valant added. “Because the resources are not there forever.” (SOURCE)

 

Oregon Secretary of State’s Office employees repeatedly told their former boss, Shemia Fagan, that she was bending – if not breaking – state travel rules by bringing her family along on state-paid business trips.

But Fagan disregarded her staff’s warnings and did it anyway.

That’s according to Cheryl Myers, who became acting secretary of state after Fagan resigned May 8 amid another controversy – that she was allegedly using her public office for personal gain by taking a side job to earn extra cash.  Myers’ statement was in response to an investigation by The Oregonian/OregonLive that found Fagan sought – and in many cases received – thousands of taxpayer dollars in questionable reimbursements from the state for travel expenses both large and small. They ranged from $15 pet fees to hundreds of dollars in state-paid rental cars.

The investigation also found Fagan apparently spent tens of thousands of dollars in campaign funds on airplane tickets for her children, a family weekend in Sunriver and stays at four-star hotels thousands of miles from Oregon, among many other unexplained expenses. It also appears possible that Fagan double-dipped, getting compensated both by the state and her campaign for airfare, lodging and meals.

 

A federal magistrate has ordered that former Oregon Gov. Kate Brown can be deposed in a class-action lawsuit, specifically regarding her role in how the state responded to the coronavirus pandemic inside its prisons.

It’s the first time a current or former Oregon governor has been ordered to sit for a deposition in a civil case related to policy decisions during their time in office.

The litigation, first filed in April 2020, represents a massive financial liability for the state. The lawsuit covers about 5,000 people who were in custody at one of the state’s prisons and contracted COVID-19. A separate wrongful death class covers the estates of 45 others who were in prison at the time they died from the disease.

In her order released Wednesday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie Beckerman states this is about more than the experience of one person in custody.

“Instead, a certified class of thousands of individuals infected with COVID-19 while in the state’s custody—including the estates of dozens who died—seek to ask Governor Brown questions about her knowledge of and actions regarding the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon’s prisons while she served as Oregon’s governor,” Beckerman writes.

For years, attorneys representing the state successfully argued against deposing Brown. They argued there were less intrusive means to get the same information and Brown was a high-ranking government official, which should protect her from being deposed.

A spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Justice didn’t immediately respond to request for comment following Wednesday’s ruling by the court. They could appeal Beckerman’s decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Though Beckerman’s order clearly lays out how her ruling fits within the Ninth Circuit’s own rulings on similar cases.

 

Oregon, and particularly in Jackson and Josephine Counties, has long been known as a mecca for high-quality marijuana, but that reputation has come with a downside: illegal growers who offer huge amounts of cash to lease or buy land and then leave behind pollution, garbage and a drained water table.

Now, a bill passed by the Oregon Legislature seeks to tackle that by making the landowners themselves responsible for the aftermath. The bill also prohibits the use of rivers or groundwater at the illegal site, as well as criminalizes seizing the identity papers of migrant workers who tend the plants or threatening to report them for deportation.

Under the bill, local governments are authorized to file a claim of lien against property used for illicit marijuana, if the owner doesn’t pay for the cleanup.

A leader of the state’s cannabis and alcohol regulatory agency has said southern Oregon is to marijuana what Bordeaux is to wine. But the state faces challenges on two fronts: The regulated industry has a glut of product that has slashed prices and profit margins, and there has been huge growth in illegal pot farms operating under the guise of growing hemp, which became legal nationally in 2018.

After passing the Senate and House, the House Speaker Dan Rayfield signed the measure Wednesday, over the objections of some Republicans. Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek is expected to sign it next week.

But Sen. Jeff Golden, of Ashland, said property owners should know something is amiss when they are “approached at the beginning of the growing season with requests to lease their property for tens, sometimes hundreds of thousand dollars for a single year.”

Witnesses have described backpacks with thousands of dollars in cash being handed over to landowners and getting numerous offers to buy.

 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service invites the public to community open houses on potential sea otter recovery efforts in Northern California and Oregon

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will host 16 public open houses with communities in Northern California and Oregon this June to gather input on the potential reintroduction of sea otters to their historical range. The open houses will provide communities and stakeholders an opportunity to ask questions, share perspectives and speak with Service staff about sea otters and next steps in recovery efforts including the potential reintroduction process – should a proposal move forward.

The southern sea otter, one of three subspecies of sea otter, is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. As directed by Congress, the Service assessed reintroduction feasibility in 2022. The assessment concluded that reintroduction was biologically feasible and may have significant benefits for a variety of species in the marine ecosystem and expedite the recovery of the threatened southern sea otter.

The assessment also concluded that additional information about how reintroduction would affect stakeholders and local communities was needed before considering the next steps. There is no active proposal to reintroduce sea otters at this time.

The open houses will help the Service gather further information to inform next steps. As the Service considers the possibility of reintroduction, we recognize that community values and issues are critical in this process. Input from the public and key stakeholders, including ocean users, will be a foundational component in establishing next steps including whether or not a potential reintroduction is proposed, as well as ensuring that proposals are crafted in a way that benefits stakeholders and local communities.

The Service aims to be inclusive, thoughtful, and scientifically sound as we consider actions to support sea otters, local communities and ecosystem recovery, now and in the future.

Open houses will be held in the following communities in Oregon and Northern California:

Oregon 

Astoria – June 20, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Astoria Elks Lodge #180 453 11th St., Astoria, OR 97103

Garibaldi – June 21, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM Old Mill RV Resort 210 South 3rd St. Garibaldi, OR 97118

Newport – June 21, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM Newport Recreation Center, Multipurpose Room 225 SE Avery St., Newport, OR 97365

Florence – June 22, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Lane Community College, Florence Center, Room 103 3149 Oak St., Florence, OR 97439

Coos Bay – June 22 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM, Southern Oregon Community College, Empire Hall, Lakeview Rooms E, F, & G 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay, OR 97420

Port Orford – June 23, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, Port Orford Library, Large Conference Room 1421 Oregon St., Port Orford, OR 97465

Gold Beach – June 23, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Curry County Library, Meeting Hall 94341 3rd St., Gold Beach, OR 97444

Brookings – June 24, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Coastal Community Center (located inside Coastal Home, Health, and Hospice) 585 5th St., Brookings, OR 97415

California

Crescent City – June 24, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM, Del Norte Recreation Department, Gymnasium 1005 H St., Crescent City, CA 95531

Arcata – June 25, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Cal Poly Humboldt, College Creek Complex, Great Hall Community Center Building, Room 260, 1 Rossow St., Arcata, CA 95521

The Service encourages interested stakeholders and publics to drop in any time during the open houses. Full details and open house information are also available online at www.fws.gov/project/exploring-potential-sea-otter-reintroduction.

 

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

 

Staff from the Oregon Coast Aquarium found 25 critically endangered sunflower sea stars in Yaquina Bay

The aquarium says its staff recently went to the bay to look for fish and other creatures when they found one sunflower sea star, then they discovered 24 more.

The aquarium says the largest of the stars was six inches long. They believe it may be the adult that spawned the others, but there’s no way to be certain. Because most of the stars are so young, it may be a good sign of the species recovery.

Fully grown, sunflower sea stars can reach four feet across and have as many as 26 arms. The group included one adult and 24 juveniles. After taking pictures and measuring each one, aquarium staff returned the stars to the seafloor.

Between 2013 and 2017, Sea Star Wasting Syndrome killed 90-percent of the sunflower sea star population and they were surprised to find so many of the sea stars in one location.

Sunflower sea stars start out their lives as free-floating plankton. They’re actually invisible to the human eye. Once they’re fully grown, they can have as many as 26 arms and weigh up to 13 pounds. And they’re fast – they can move up to 10-feet per minute.

The discovery is a big deal because the sunflower sea star’s numbers have gone down significantly in recent years. It’s due in part to an outbreak of what’s known as “sea star wasting syndrome” between 2013 and 2017.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates 90% of the population has died because of the disease. If you want to see a sunflower sea star, you can go to the Oregon Coast Aquarium. It’s home to three of them, and the largest is four feet wide.

 

Shore Acres State Park Holiday Lights timed entry and parking reservations available now

The Friends of Shore Acres sponsors the Nov. 23-Dec. 31 event

Coos Bay, Ore—Timed entry and parking reservations for the Holiday Lights event at Shore Acres State Park are now available online. The event runs Nov. 23-Dec. 31, and parking time slots are available for 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. daily.  A reservation is needed for a vehicle to park at the event and includes entry for everyone inside the car.

“The new entry system launched last year with the support of the Friends of Shore Acres,” says Lee Ricci, park manager for the Sunset Bay Management Unit. “Visitor feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and we’ve worked with the Friends to continue the system this year. Visitors said they appreciated the quick entry into the parking area without waiting in long lines on the road. Plus, the system improved safety for everyone traveling on the Cape Arago Highway, and smoothed out the process overall.”

The Friends of Shore Acres sponsors the annual Holiday Lights, which has delighted visitors since 1987. The event was paused 2020-2021 for visitor safety during the pandemic and resumed in 2022.

The $5 fee for parking and timed entry is the same amount as the normal parking permit price for the park. The fee may be waived if the person making the reservation has one of the following and selects the option during the reservation process:

• 12- or 24-month parking permit;
• special access pass for either the veterans with service-connected disabilities or foster, guardian and adoptive foster parents of Oregon foster children;
• current Oregon State Park camping confirmation that coincides with the date of the event visit;
• or an Oregon Pacific Coast Passport.

Reservations also can be made by calling 800-452-5687. Visitors do not have the option to purchase a parking permit onsite to park.

At entry into the light show, visitors must present a screen shot of the ticket via their smartphone or the printed ticket, as well as the selected pass, permit, or campground confirmation. Park staff asks that visitors have everything ready to show to keep traffic moving.

Although visitors can reserve their timed entry parking spot now, additional time slots will be available later this fall during a seven-day rolling window. Visitors can make reservations on Nov. 16 for visits on Nov. 23, and so on.  The rolling window continues through the end of the event Dec. 31.

“We realize that it’s early for many families to make November and December plans and we want people to have an opportunity for spur-of-the-moment visits,” Ricci adds, “We’re holding half the parking sites for that rolling seven-day window to ensure visitors can reserve closer to the event.”

Visit the Oregon State Parks website for 12 and 24-month parking permit and special access pass information. Oregon Pacific Coast Passport information is available at the US Forest Service website.

 

Lake Oswego Man Hits $8.2 Million Oregon Megabucks Jackpot

Salem, Ore. –  Ray Jones of Lake Oswego has been playing Oregon’s Game Megabucks for the past 10 years hoping to hit it big. It happened for the 59-year-old in Wednesday’s drawing, when he matched all six numbers to win the $8.2 million jackpot.

Jones didn’t find out he won until Thursday evening, when he scanned his ticket at a local store and had a clerk confirm it was a winner. They told him he needed to go to the Oregon Lottery office to claim it.

“I was darn well hoping it was the jackpot,” Jones said. “I’m kind of stunned. I don’t know if I’m going to retire. I want to travel. I love to see new cultures.”

Jones works in finance for a banking company and said he would still be going to work on Monday. But he will be using the winnings soon to travel to South Africa and likely other destinations, with his recent past adventures including trips to Uruguay and New Zealand. He also wants to support some local charities with the prize.

The winning ticket was purchased at the 7-Eleven store at 11111 Capitol Highway in Portland.

Oregon’s Game Megabucks has some of the most favorable big prize jackpot game odds in the world. The jackpot resets to $1 million after someone wins.

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any 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 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.