Klamath Basin News, Monday, July 10 – Oregon Tech Tuition Going Up Another 4% Starting This Fall

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 and News, and BasinLife.com, and powered by Mick Insurance, your local health and Medicare agents.

Monday, July 10, 2023

Klamath Basin Weather

Today’s Headlines

Tuition at Oregon Institute of Technology will go up another 4% for students beginning in the fall term just ahead.  The average tuition cost per year is now listed at $12,696.

Oregon students headed to a state university for the first time this fall will face yearly tuition and fees between $10,000 and $16,000.

Each of Oregon’s seven public universities increased tuition costs this year, according to data collected by the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission. Any university that wishes to raise its core tuition and fees by more than 5% must get approval from the commission, however, and none sought it. Eastern Oregon University barely skirted that threshold by raising its base tuition and fees 4.97%.

The University of Oregon in Eugene has the highest tuition average in the state at just under $16,000 per year.  Tuition went up 4.2 percent at UO. (Local source/Oregon News)

Conservative senators who launched a six-week walkout that imperiled this year’s legislative session, including Klamath County’s Dennis Linthicum, now have a decision to make: whether to seek reelection, despite a clear signal that most Oregon voters want them blocked from doing so.

Right now, most are lacing up their running shoes.

Out of 10 senators who refused to attend Senate floor sessions in order to block Democratic bills, six must run next year if they hope to continue their legislative careers. Four of those say they currently plan to run: Sens. Tim Knopp, Brian Boquist, Dennis Linthicum and Art Robinson. A fifth, Sen. Lynn Findley, says he’s still making up his mind. Only Sen. Bill Hansell, R-Athena, has made his retirement official.

“I will absolutely be filing for reelection on Sept. 14th,” said Linthicum, R-Beatty, nodding to the first possible day to file as a candidate for the 2024 election.

But there is a difference between planning to run for reelection and actually being allowed to do so.

When Robinson, Linthicum and their colleagues notched 10 unexcused absences because of this year’s walkout, they ran afoul of Ballot Measure 113. Under the measure, approved overwhelmingly by voters last year, any lawmaker with at least 10 absences is blocked from running for reelection to the Legislature for a term.

The lingering question is when that one-term ban takes effect.

Since Measure 113 faced no organized opposition on the 2020 ballot, its language never got the close judicial parsing that more hotly contested ballot measures receive.

The conservative senators who walked out now say the measure contained a major flaw. While the public sector unions that pushed Measure 113 intended it to block absent lawmakers from running for their next term, the language it inserted into the state constitution is muddled. It says lawmakers with at least 10 unexcused absences cannot hold office “for the term following the election after the member’s current term is completed.”

Since elections in Oregon are held before a lawmakers term is completed — not after — Republicans say the constitution plainly allows them to serve another term before penalties take effect.

Knopp and Boquist want to know whether state elections officials agree. In May, their attorney asked the Secretary of State’s Office for a formal ruling laying out how it would implement Measure 113.

If she determines the conservative lawmakers cannot seek reelection, effectively disqualifying six of the 10 lawmakers in next year’s election, they could appeal directly to the Oregon Court of Appeals. If Griffin-Valade declines to issue a ruling, the lawmakers will need to wait until September to see how the secretary responds when they file for office. (Herald and News)

Need a new driver’s license or ID photo from the DMV in Oregon, including Klamath Falls?  Good luck.

All Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services locations have been unable to take photos of people since Wednesday afternoon, due to a statewide camera system outage.

That means DMV offices cannot provide state IDs or driver’s licenses for the time being.

DMV spokesperson Michelle Godfrey said Thursday morning that the vendor in charge of the cameras is working to fix the issue.

Godfrey added that the camera system outage is not related to the DMV data breach that impacted millions of Oregonians last month.

There was no immediate ETA to restore the services announced. (Herald and News)

Roads at Crater Lake National Park are gradually opening for visitors.

Along with the North Entrance Road, which was cleared of snow and opened late last week, a portion of East Rim Drive between the North Junction and Skell Head is open for vehicle travel. The section of East Rim Drive from Skell Head south the park headquarters, including the Pinnacles Road, are still closed because of snow and the need to typical road repairs.

Opening the North Entrance is always a key factor in increased tourism at the park because it lures large numbers of visitors traveling from Bend, Roseburg and other areas who then drive to Rim Village before leaving the park by the South Entrance. Likewise, visitors from Klamath Falls, Medford and northern California enter by the South Entrance and exit through the North Entrance. Park officials note the road openings help disperse visitors, which relieves congestion along West Rim Drive and at Rim Village.

Superintendent Craig Ackerman said that despite more than 600 inches of snow over the winter, warming temperatures are allowing road crews to open sections of Rim Drive at a faster pace than possible during years of lower snowfall.

No date has been set for offering ranger-guided lake boat tours. Three new, larger, quieter and more fuel-efficient boats were airlifted by helicopter to Wizard Island in late June to replace a trio of smaller, aging tour boats. Along with allowing boat captains to become familiar with the new boats, the new crafts must be inspected and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard. Crater Lake Hospitality, the park concessionaire that manages lake boat tours, had hoped to begin offering tours this week but current estimates indicate the rides could begin by mid-month.

The new 41-foot long, 19-feet wide boats will carry 55 passengers and two crew members, a significant over the recently replaced 20-year-old boats that carried 34 passengers. The old boats also experienced frequent breakdowns in recent years.

For other recreationists, park officials said trails accessed by the closed section of East Rim Drive are also closed, include the Mount Scott, Plaikni Falls, Crater Peak, Castle Crest and Sun Notch trails. Other trails, including Watchman Peak and Garfield Peak trails, are also closed because of snow and ice. The Cleetwood Cove Trail, the only trail that accesses the lake, including the dock with the tour boats, is open.

The Steel Information Center in Munson Valley remains closed for ongoing construction. The Rim Village Visitor Center is open as are the Crater Lake Lodge and Rim Village Cafeteria-Gift Shop and concession facilities near the South Entrance. (Herald and News)

A local faction of the People’s Rights network is holding meetings in Klamath Falls this summer as part of their “Know the Truth” series.

The national organization was founded three years ago by Ammon Bundy, the famed anti-government militant leader of the occupation of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in 2016.

After the formation of People’s Rights, the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights and the Montana Human Rights Network compiled a report in June 2021 on the results of research on the non-public organization.

The report says what started in late March (2020) with a few dozen supporters in a rural Idaho warehouse has swiftly expanded to a membership base of over 20.000 across the country.

To date, there are eight regional People’s Rights areas in Oregon, each of which is led by residential assistants.

Area 6, consisting of Klamath and Lake Counties, is led by Dawnn Brown, a former Klamath Project farmer who assisted in organizing the bucket brigade in 2001, when an estimated 15,000 people formed a lined up to pass 50 buckets of water from Lake Ewauna to the then-dry A Canal in protest of federal water restrictions for irrigators.

Brown was also actively involved in the People’s Rights protest of 2021 when local irrigators threatened to open floodwaters to the A Canal in opposition of federally mandated water-flow restrictions for irrigation that year.

People’s Rights Oregon 6 (PRO6) began its summer series in June with a meeting about ensuring honest elections. A flyer with the summer meeting schedule included the title and topic of the meeting:

The first meeting was held last night (Thursday). The remaining three meetings will present other concerns shared by members of People’s Rights.

All meetings are open to the public and will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Waffle Hut, 106 Main St., in Klamath Falls. (Herald and News)

The KCC Comic-Con, Southern Oregon’s premier current celebration of superheroes, comics, games, and pop culture, returns to the Klamath Community College campus this Saturday, July 15 for the second annual rendition of the fun.

More than 2,000 visitors from all over the Pacific Northwest, topping last year’s crowd, are expected between 12-9 p.m. for a free day of games and activities at KCC – one of the few free Comic-Con events held around the country. Similar in structure to a community carnival matched with Halloween-like costume flair and a pop culture aesthetic, comic-cons have grown in popularity worldwide as large convention-style celebrations of film, gaming, anime, comic books, and other nerdy ventures. \

This year’s KCC Comic-Con vastly expands on last year’s inaugural offerings, incorporating twice as many vendors and food trucks, more outdoor games, live music including live-band karaoke, and additional KCC program demonstrations. Admission is free with donation of a non-perishable food or hygiene item, to benefit the KCC Student Food Pantry for low-income and food-insecure KCC students.

Visitors are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superhero, movie character or other pop culture icon for a cosplay costume contest to be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m., featuring over $1,000 in prizes donated by The Retro Wormhole in Medford. This will be followed by live-band karaoke on the main stage with Klamath Falls-based rock band Owls & Aliens, and a special “Best Singer” award and prizes for those who sing-a-long with the band onstage to a collection of selected iconic classic rock songs.

Costume categories are split into age groups of 6-and-under, 7-12, 13-17, 18+, and best group cosplay.

For more information, visit klamathcc.edu. (KCC news release/Kurt Liedke)

The 4th Annual Car Show and Shine sponsored by onetime pack and ship will be on July 15th, 2023 At Steens Sports Park.

All proceeds from the event will go towards the skylakes cancer treatment center in honor of Chris’s Cause. Doug and Chris Brown started the Klamath Freedom Celebration in 2010 with the vision to celebrate veterans, active-duty military, and first responders. Doug began raising money with Chris’s Causes for cancer treatment and care after the passing of Chris Brown in March 2016.

Registration is open, and all vehicles are welcome! Bring your classic car, lifted pickup, big rig, hot rod or custom ride and show it off! There will be food, Music, local vendors and plenty of other car enthusiasts to talk shop with. Don’t miss out on the chance to win prizes for best in show! Gates open at 8am for Registrants and 11am for spectators, so arrive early to secure your spot! 

This year’s highly anticipated event holds a special significance as we gather to pay homage to the remarkable legacy of a true Klamath County champion, Doug Brown. With an unwavering devotion to this community, Doug’s immeasurable love for our region resonated in every endeavor he undertook. His tireless efforts in organizing events, fundraisers, and community initiatives touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on the very fabric of Klamath.

Tragically, we bid farewell to Doug last December, a loss that reverberated through our community, creating an undeniable void. Yet, in the face of this profound absence, we are compelled to come together, united in our commitment to fill that void with the spirit of unity, resilience, and unwavering determination. 

If you wish to register a ride, be a vendor in the show or be a show sponsor please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-car-show-and-shine-tickets-662631688217 

Around the state of Oregon

Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office – Marijuana Search Warrant 07/06/23 Illegal Grow Bust

Rent Hikes In Oregon Can’t Top 10% As Governor Kotek Signs Bill 611

As of July 6th , landlords cannot increase rent by more than 10% each year. Senate Bill 611 was signed into law by governor Tina Kotek on Thursday.

The bill covers most rental properties in the state, including spaces for manufactured homes, RVs, and floating homes in marinas. The bill brings the rent cap down 4.6% from before it was passed.

Senate Bill 611 limits annual rent increases to either 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower. It passed the Senate on a 17-8 vote Tuesday, then received 32-18 approval in the House Saturday following a heated discussion. Many of the lawmakers who spoke about the bill Saturday said they themselves are landlords.

More protections for renters were also part of the bill. Landlords must give tenants a valid 90-day written notice before raising rent rates. Rent cannot be raised in the first year of occupation and can only be raised once per year afterwards.

OHA launches data dashboards for injuries, overdoses

Interactive graphs detail state, county, demographic trends

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has unveiled two interactive data dashboards to help people track state, county and demographic trends in deaths and hospital visits for a range of injuries and overdoses.

The Oregon Injury Prevention Dashboard and the Oregon Overdose Prevention Dashboard, developed by the Injury and Violence Prevention Program at the OHA Public Health Division, improve access to the data among the public, state and local agencies, and community organizations that work to reduce incidence of injuries and deaths from these causes.

“These dashboards make it easy for people to view injury and overdose data,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy health officer and epidemiologist at OHA’s Public Health Division. “The injury dashboard will help people understand when and why violence, unintended injuries and deaths occur, and the overdose dashboard will help people understand overdose events, deaths and the substances involved in these events.”

On the Injury Prevention Dashboard, mortality, emergency department discharge and hospital discharge data are included on 11 unintentional injury categories, such as assault, drug overdose, falls, firearms and suicide. The Overdose Prevention Dashboard has mortality, emergency department discharge and hospital discharge data on 11 drug categories, such fentanyl, heroin, opioids and stimulants.

Data on both dashboards are aggregated for annual, statewide trends and a four-year average for county-level and demographic trends.

The new dashboards reflect trends that have made headlines in recent months:

• Fatalities for several injury categories are increasing yearly, including assault, drug overdose and firearms.
• Fatalities for most drug categories increased between 2020 and 2021 – only deaths from methadone decreased. Increases are most stark for opioids, stimulants, synthetic opioids and unintentional overdoses.

“What we have seen in firearms injuries and deaths, and in overdoses from fentanyl, methamphetamine and other drugs is alarming,” Jeanne said. “Data dashboards like these help us monitor trends and better anticipate where to direct resources so we can reduce the burden of these injuries on individuals, families, communities and agencies.”

Oregon gas company criticized for using ratepayer money to fight state climate program

Three nonprofit environmental groups are calling out Avista for raising natural gas prices while using ratepayer money on lawyers fighting climate regulations

The natural gas provider spent ratepayer funds fighting state climate change regulations while simultaneously attempting to raise rates for customers.

During the last five years, Avista paid lawyers more than $51,000 to fight Oregon’s Climate Protection Program, according to records obtained by three environmental groups critical of the decision. The nonprofits Earthjustice, Sierra Club and Climate Solutions on Friday submitted the records, which showed the money came from an account funded by Avista’s 105,000 ratepayers, to the Oregon Public Utilities Commission. The commission is considering whether to allow the utility to raise residential rates 8% by year’s end.

Avista, along with the state’s two other gas utilities — NW Natural and Cascade Natural — has hired lawyers from San Francisco-based Baker Botts and Reno-based Snell & Wilmer to sue the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

The companies are challenging the agency’s authority to regulate greenhouse gasses under the climate program, which mandates a 50% cut in Oregon’s overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 and a 90% cut by 2050. At least 26% of that reduction will have to come from the natural gas utilities.

Natural gas is almost entirely methane gas, among the most potent climate-warming greenhouse gasses, which trap heat in the atmosphere contributing to global warming. One-third of global warming today is due to human-caused emissions of methane, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Avista’s senior legal counsel, Greg Hesler, said in an email to the Capital Chronicle that paying lawyers with ratepayer money will benefit those customers.

“We believe it is a prudent expenditure on behalf of our customers, and it is therefore included as a cost to customers in their rates,” he wrote. “Avista does not believe that the Oregon Climate Protection Program (CPP) provides a constructive pathway for reducing emissions, and that it negatively impacts our customers through reduced energy choice, higher costs and decreased reliability.”

The environmental groups disagree. Avista has already raised residential rates 18% since November 2022, an increase the company attributed to global supply and demand issues exacerbated by extreme weather events and Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Greer Ryan, a policy manager at Climate Solutions, said the utilities commission should reject Avista’s request to raise rates again while spending ratepayer money to challenge the state’s keystone climate change mitigation program.

“We hope the commission will agree with us and say it’s inappropriate for gas utilities to charge their customers for political activities, especially for activities that are against the public interest like dismantling landmark climate policies,” she said.

The payments to lawyers are one of many that environmental groups are beginning to challenge from gas companies that are imposing rate hikes on customers. Ryan said Climate Solutions and other groups will continue urging the Oregon Public Utilities Commission to join several other state commissions and agencies that have created rules banning or limiting the use of ratepayer money on political lobbyists and on dues and fees paid to industry trade groups.

“We want the commission to say, ‘In rate-setting situations moving forward, you cannot charge your customers for these expenses,’” Ryan said. (SOURCE)

Fatal Weekend Crash on Highway 11, Umatilla Co.

On Sunday, July 9, 2023, at approximately 1:47 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-11, at the intersection with Hwy-331, in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Douglas Jack McEwen (76) of Pendleton, was southbound on Hwy 11 and attempted to make a left turn onto Hwy 331. The Chevrolet failed to yield the right of way to a northbound Ford Excursion, operated by Erin Terese Wyttenbach (54) of Athena, and the vehicles collided head on. 

The operator of the Chevrolet (McEwen) was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced deceased on scene. 

The operator of the Ford (Wyttenbach) was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The northbound lane of Hwy 11 was closed for approximately 3 1/2 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, Pendleton Fire, Umatilla Tribal Fire, and ODOT.

New Details Released About Death of Missing Blue River Man

New details about the death of Shane Sprenger, the Blue River man who went missing in November of 2021 have been released by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office announced June 27 that partial remains of Sprenger were found.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Friday that his partial remains were found off Quartz Creek Road, which is about five miles southwest of the Blue River Reservoir, where his truck was found in 2021.

Sgt. Tom Speldrich with LCSO said, “We did not locate his entire body, we are still looking for that.”

Losing his home to the Holiday Farm Fire, Sprenger was living in a fifth wheel in Vida working to rebuild his and other homes in the area. The day he went missing, November 2, 2021, he was working as a carpenter on a home in the McKenzie Bridge area. According to his family, he left the job around 10 a.m. and went to his home in Vida, the last place he was seen.

He was officially reported missing three days later, after a friend located his truck near the Blue River Reservoir.

The partial remains were found by a bystander in late 2022 and sent in for testing while a search for the additional remains ensued. LCSO received confirmation the remains were Sprenger’s in June of 2023.

When our newsroom first interviewed Sgt. Speldrich during the initial search in 2021, he said there was no reason to believe Sprenger’s disappearance was suspicious.

On Friday, Speldrich said, “We don’t have any reason to believe that there is foul play involved, but we also don’t have reason to rule it out at this point.”

He says they are still investigating the potential of foul play but there are a lot of aspects to the investigation they need to consider.

“An animal could move remains and for some distance, depending on what kind of animal it could be,” said Sgt. Speldrich. “Also, conditions with rising and lowering water levels could move remains.”

Sgt. Speldrich also said there is a chance Sprenger’s remains washed ashore from the McKenzie River.

Meanwhile, Sprenger’s family released this statement:

It’s been an excruciating year and a half for our family since Shane went missing on November 2, 2021. He was 47 at the time of his disappearance.

We are devastated and our hearts shattered to receive confirmation of his passing. Shane was a gentle soul, a selfless provider, a skilled and trusted carpenter, and the hardest worker we know. He was excepting of everyone and loyal to all that loved him.

His was a senseless death, and there is more to uncover on what transpired the day he went missing. We are eager to see truth and justice prevail. Please contact Lane County Sheriff at 541-682-4150 and reference case #21–6268. Or if you’d rather, you can submit an anonymous tip on crimestoppersoforegon.com Tips submitted to Crime Stoppers of Oregon or 100% secure and untraceable.

More information about Shane’s disappearance can be found on Facebook, “Missing in Blue River Oregon area: Find Shane Sprenger”.

Thank you to everyone who has and continues to work on this case. The support we have received has been incredible and for that we are grateful.

OREGON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WRAPS UP PROJECT TURNKEY WITH $125M STATE INVESTMENT FOR 32 PROPERTIES IN 27 CITIES ACROSS 18 COUNTIES, INCREASING OREGON’S HOUSING SUPPLY BY 36 PERCENT INCREASE

Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) and Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) announced today that Project Turnkey (1.0 and 2.0) successfully wrapped up with 32 total shelter properties in 27 cities throughout 18 Oregon counties, adding 1384 beds/units of emergency housing. Project Turnkey represents a 36 percent total increase in the state’s supply of emergency year-round shelter beds for people experiencing homelessness.

The latest Project Turnkey 2.0 grants came through funding of $50 million approved by the Oregon Legislature in March 2022, bringing the total Project Turnkey funding (1.0 and 2.0) to $125 million. 

“This achievement demonstrates what’s possible when the state and private partners work together to solve urgent needs in our communities,” said Oregon Governor Tina Kotek. “Thousands in need of shelter in 18 counties across the state will be able to find a safe place to stay and the support they need to stabilize their lives thanks to Project Turnkey.”

Each Project Turnkey operation is locally created, owned and operated by local government, nonprofit community partners or Tribes. Each Project Turnkey operation is designed to meet the needs of its community’s priority populations, ranging from college students, domestic violence survivors, fire survivors, Tribal community members and Veterans to people experiencing chronic homelessness, including people who are medically fragile.

“Project Turnkey demonstrates how we can take on complex housing challenges and create sustainable solutions through collaboration and innovation,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO, Oregon Community Foundation. “By nurturing trusted relationships with community partners throughout Oregon and investing strategically, we helped deliver critical support for our neighbors in need.”

Project Turnkey by the Numbers

Project Turnkey 2.0 (2022-2023)

$50 Million Investment

517 Units to shelter unhoused community members 

13 Project Turnkey 2.0 sites

11 Oregon Counties

Project Turnkey 1.0 (2020-2021)

$74.7 Million Investment

867 Units to shelter unhoused community members

19 Project Turnkey 1.0 sites

13 Oregon Counties

Find a detailed list of all Project Turnkey projects in the OCF Press Room.

“Oregon’s great need for shelter and housing of all types remains, but today we celebrate the many successes of Project Turnkey with our partners across the state,” said OHCS Director Andrea Bell. “Positive outcomes can prevail when we tackle the urgency of this challenge with community led and data driven solutions that center our collective humanity. Our economies and communities are stronger when all people have access to their basic needs to which housing is fundamental.” 

What’s Next

The Project Turnkey Community Advisory Committee will officially conclude soon by reviewing insights and sharing key learnings with OCF and the state.

“Local communities need resources to address the housing crisis they’re facing along with rapid rehousing solutions such as those provided by Project Turnkey,” said Ernesto Fonseca, Chief Executive Officer of Hacienda CDC and Project Turnkey Advisory Committee member. “Project Turnkey is an example of the Oregon Legislature entrusting OCF and the Advisory Committee to steward these funds to local communities to stand up shelter and housing rapidly.”

OCF will deliver a report to the Oregon Legislature in early 2024.

 

“We are so grateful for the dedication and engagement of these key advisors to Project Turnkey,” said Megan Loeb, Senior Program Officer, Economic Vitality and Housing, Oregon Community Foundation. “They have remained laser focused on community and equity in this work,” Ms. Loeb continued, speaking of the Advisory Committee of diverse stakeholders that provided review and recommendation for all Project Turnkey grants.

 

OCF offers support for Oregon’s housing needs along a continuum — from shelter to supportive housing to affordable housing to equitable home ownership — through a variety of tools, including research, grants, advocacy, and low-interest loans. OCF’s administration of Project Turnkey is one example of the innovative, collaborative approaches that are helping more Oregonians find affordable, stable housing. 

About Project Turnkey 2.0 (2022-2023) 

Based on the success of the Project Turnkey 1.0, and in the face on ongoing need for emergency shelter, on March 4, 2022, the Oregon Legislature allocated $50 million in new funding for more emergency shelters around the state for Project Turnkey 2.0.  

To learn more: Oregon Community Foundation and Oregon Housing and Community Services Poised to Launch Project Turnkey 2.0 with $50M in State Funding.  

Short Term Caretaker Need for Riddle Brothers Ranch

Hines, Ore. – Are you interested in a three-week, paid vacation to Steens Mountain in southeast Oregon? Do you enjoy history, nature, and quaint, remote settings? We have the perfect opportunity for you! The Bureau of Land Management Burns District is looking for a short-term host to fill a caretaker position at Riddle Brothers Ranch from August 7 to 31. Rustic riverside lodging for two included.

“Caretakers are an important part of our ability to serve the public,” said Kyle Wanner, BLM Burns District Assistant Field Manager. At the ranch, caretakers live on site and interact with travelers. They may provide directions, share history of the site and structures, or offer details on nearby recreation activities. Caretakers also keep an eye on the historic buildings and artifacts. 

“Whoever lands this unexpected opening is truly lucky. It is a unique and hard to come by experience,” added Wanner.

The Caretaker Cabin rests on the edge of Little Blitzen River. It has a bed, electricity, running water, a refrigerator-freezer, cooking stove with oven, and a cozy front porch. Steps away, you’ll find a vault restroom. The cabin is located one-half mile down the road from another agency building where more food storage and a hot shower can be found. Cellular service is intermittent, but reachable within two miles, and a BLM radio is provided for reliable emergency communication.

The Riddle Brothers Ranch is located about 80 miles from Burns, Oregon, in the heart of Steens Mountain. Caretakers must have the means to receive a stipend electronically and be confident in a remote setting. Light walking on uneven terrain, including stairs and various surface materials, is also required. 

For more information or to apply, call Tara Thissell at (541) 573-4400. Learn more about Riddle Brothers Ranch at https://on.doi.gov/3NSh8ac. Browse through photos of the area by visiting https://bit.ly/44p2r3J. 

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. 

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