Klamath Basin News, Friday, Nov. 17 – Klamath Symphony Orchestra Presents “Holiday Clash” Concert, Saturday at Ross Ragland Theater, 7:30pm

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Friday, November 17, 2023

Klamath Basin Weather

Today’s Headlines

A 70 year old Bonanza man, Peter Alan Nevin, was lodged in the Klamath County Jail Wednesday afternoon on two felony counts-rape in the third degree and sex abuse in the third degree.

Nevin’s occupation according to jail records is listed as farmer.  He was booked in the facility at a little after 5pm Wednesday after being arrested by Klamath County Sheriff’s Department officers.

No bond amount was listed for Nevin, and no other information about the arrest was available from the sheriff’s office at this time. (KCSO log)

A community of residents in Klamath Falls faced with flooding under their homes are stilling fighting an uphill battle — but the Tribes, local irrigation districts and county officials are listening.

During the Klamath County Commissioners and Tribal Council work session Friday afternoon, Tribal member and resident of Merryman Drive Madeline Hutchinson came to represent her family and neighbors affected by the flooding.

The suspected culprit — the A-Canal, located just 50 yards above the neighborhood.

Klamath Irrigation District responded to the community’s complaints, conducting multiple studies to investigate the cause of the flooding.

The first investigation concluded that the canal was not the waters’ source. For good measure, KID installed a concrete barrier along the stretch of canal in question in the hopes it would stop the flows.

When the flooding returned the following spring, KID hired a company out of Colorado that was better equipped to determine the source.

Water samples of the mystery flows revealed the water’s makeup was not consistent with that which flows from Upper Klamath Lake down the A-Canal.

A geothermal well belonging to and maintained by the city of Klamath Falls is located near the neighborhood as well.

Klamath County Commissioners Derrick DeGroot and Kelley Minty agreed that, regardless of the source, something needs to be done.  (Herald and News)

The Klamath Symphony Orchestra presents their fall concert “Holiday Clash” at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday at the Ross Ragland Theater.

According to Christopher Benjamin, KSO artistic director, “This concert will feature pieces celebrating the three overlapping holidays: Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

Featured in the concert will be Disney’s Fantasia “A Night on Bald Mountain” by Moussorgsky. The string ensemble will also perform “This is Halloween” from “Nightmare before Christmas,” and the No Strings Attached Woodwind Quintet will play selections from all three seasons.

In addition, the symphony will hold its annual holiday bake sale in the theater lobby.

The Ross Ragland notes the performance as a great way for families and friends to get the holiday season started. The public is encouraged to join the Klamath Symphony and director Benjamin as they perform their “Clashy” concert.

Tickets are $15 Adults, $13 Seniors/Military, $11 Students, Kids 12 & Under FREE, and can be purchased at the Ragland ticket office noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, by calling (541) 884-0651, or by visiting their website at www.ragland.org. (Herald and News/RRT/KSO)

The Umpqua National Forest is receiving a donation for improvements at Diamond Lake campgrounds.

The donation came from the National Forest Foundation.  The money will go toward a few different projects such as felling hazard trees, buying new picnic tables, ADA accessible fire rings for campsites, as well as replacing an electrical panel at the Visitor Center.

Diamond Lake is northeast of Klamath Falls, about 90 miles via US 97 and Oregon 138 East near the Klamath/Douglas county border.  (unf press release)

More information coming from the Klamath Falls Police Department on that attempted robbery occurred at the Rogue Credit Union at 2420 Dahlia St., off Campus Drive, on Tuesday morning.

The suspect, identified as Shawn D. Boggs, 50, a resident of Klamath Falls, was taken into police custody without incident and was lodged at the Klamath County Jail on charges of Robbery I and Theft I.

At approximately 9:52 a.m. Tuesday, Klamath Falls Police patrol officers responded to the credit union regarding a panic-hold up alarm, according to a news release from the KFPD.

While officers were responding, 9-1-1 received an additional report from another bank employee located in Medford who was monitoring their surveillance cameras after the alarm was activated, and it was reported a man was inside the bank and saying he had guns and a bomb.

Officers arrived on scene, with the assistance of the Oregon State Police, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Land Management Law Enforcement, and they were able to secure the perimeter of the bank while the suspect was still inside.

The suspect attempted to flee the bank via the rear exit with one of the bank employees with him, and he was confronted by law enforcement. The suspect gave the stolen money back to the employee and was taken into custody without further incident. Once the scene was checked and determined to be safe, Klamath Falls Police Department detectives arrived on scene to assist in the investigation.

It was reported Boggs entered the bank and presented a note demanding $6,000. Boggs purported he had a firearm and a bomb, and he had made furtive movements with his hand in his sweater as though he had something in his pocket. No firearm or explosive device was found on Boggs’ person or his vehicle that was located nearby.

A media specialist with Rogue Credit Union, Krista Jantzer, said no staff or patrons were harmed during the event.   (Herald and News)

The Klamath County clerk’s office released another update Tuesday afternoon for Measure 18-131, which would increase contributions to a five-year levy to support the Klamath County Museums.

The results continue to get tighter, with just 56 votes separating the passage or failure of the measure with 13,992 ballots counted.

There were 7,024 yes votes in support of the levy (50.2%) and 6,968 no votes (49.8%).

The next update from the clerk’s office is scheduled for Nov. 29. The results must be certified no later than Monday, Dec. 4.

The ballot measure presents a five-year tax levy of 10 cents per $1,000 assessed property value to fund the three local museums: the Klamath County Museum, the Baldwin Hotel Museum and the Fort Klamath Museum.  (Herald and News)

A strategy for improving lower proficiency scores was up for discussion at Monday’s Klamath Falls City Schools regular board meeting.

Conger Elementary Principal Sara Johnson and key staff members gave a presentation on the outcomes of their 2022-2023 academic year report card, published by Oregon Department of Education. While students did better with small increases in science and math scores, scores in English decreased.

Conger’s report card indicated increases of two percent in science and one percent in math proficiencies for students over the previous year. However, fluency in English language arts decreased by seven percent, a big disappointment for teachers and staff at the school, Johnson said.

KFCS board member Andrew Biggs questioned principal Johnson on reasons for low test scores and pressed her for an answer to what goals Conger has to remedy the situation. Biggs also asked that Johnson submit that plan to the board when she completes it.

Board chair Trina Perez told the board that she had attended the Oregon School Board Association’s annual convention last week from Nov. 9-11 in Portland, and that the strategy principal Johnson described was exactly what the sessions in the conference recommended.

Also during Monday’s meeting, the board received updates o Klamath Union High School, and approved a new social studies curriculum for the 2023-2024 school year.   (Herald and News)

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Chiloquin Junior/Senior High School, with the support of many tribal partners, is hosting a day of educational activities as well as a traditional salmon bake and feed for its students on Friday, Nov. 17.

This is the second year of the salmon bake. The day will start with a quick assembly at 8:20 a.m. in the gym that includes drumming and dancing. Activities continue at lunch and through the afternoon. Klamath Tribal members will be cooking the salmon in the traditional way outside the school as students arrive around 8.

• The event is being planned by Chiloquin Junior/Senior High School administrators Ruben Paschal and Valli Lonner, and is being supported by the Klamath Tribes Culture and Heritage Department, On Track OHSU!, Klamath Tribes Language Department, Klamath Tribes Prevention Program, Klamath County School District Food Services/Chiloquin cafeteria staff, and the KCSD Title VI Program. 
• The salmon was donated by Klamath Tribal elder Romaine “Smokey” Miller and Warm Springs Tribal elder Ron Suppah.  Klamath Tribal member and OSHU On Track educator Will Hess and Brad Parrish, a tribal member from the Klamath Tribes Umbodat Department, will be cooking the salmon in the traditional way outside the school. They will be cooking salmon as students arrive for school around 8.
• The afternoon includes the following special guests:
  • This year, the celebration has expanded to include presentations on Klamath Tribal history and language to highlight the ancient cultures of our local Klamath, Modoc, and Paiute people that still exist today.  Presenters include Klamath Tribal member Kathleen Hill, J.D., LL.M. and her husband Dr. Joseph Dupris, Ph.D, J.D. 
    • Kathleen is a tribal elder who holds a special master of law degree with a focus on Federal Indian Law.  She will be hosting a presentation about the traditional homelands of the Klamath Tribes.  She will be assisted by her husband Dr. Joseph Dupris, who is Lakota.
    • Dr. Gerald Hill Jr., M.D. (Kathleen’s brother) is also a Klamath Tribal member and is a retired medical doctor.  He graduated from the University of Washington Medical School with an M.D. in internal medicine, and has served as the President of the National Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) multiple times.  Dr. Hill was also instrumental in the establishment of Tribal Health Services for the Klamath Tribes after Restoration in 1986.  He will be presenting about his lived experience and sharing an inspirational message with students. 
    • Presentations will also be delivered by Klamath Tribal members Georgene Wright-Nelson and Steve Weiser from the Klamath Tribes Language Department.  They will be delivering introductory lessons in the Klamath, Modoc and Northern Paiute Languages. 
    • Garin Kols Riddle, a Klamath Tribal member who serves as the Klamath Tribes Culture & Heritage Department NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection & Repatriation Act) Specialist, will also be doing a presentation about his job and also sharing his knowledge about traditional foods of the Klamath Tribes.

Speculation flies in community circles that the Shilo Inn may soon close their doors for good.

It is known that the Shilo Inn in Seaside sold last week and the real estate firm of Marcus and Millschap has put the Klamath Falls property up for sale.  The bids close on November 22^nd for the Klamath property.

Shilo owner operator Mark Hemstreet has sold many of his properties in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho to help pay off massive debt.  Hemstreet reportedly owes several thousand dollars in taxes to the city of Klamath Falls.

The chain once had 47 locations, with the first being opened in Portland in 1974.

The Klamath Falls Shilo Inn was built in 1996, and once featured two lounges, a full service restaurant and a complete banquet and conference center.  The Shilo restaurant closed years ago and several other independent owners have come and gone in the space the restaurant was in.

It is not immediately known what the plans are after the bids close on November 22^nd.  The Shilo is convenient to those visiting Oregon Tech and Sky Lakes Medical Center from outside the area.  (local news)

Friends of the Children – Klamath Basin will host its Ugly Sweater Fun Run Saturday, December 2, starting at 9 a.m. from Harbor Links Golf Course.

The 10th annual fundraising event will feature a 5K fun run, a free Santa Dash with prizes for kids, festive beanies for all registrants and extra swag for the first 125, free drinks and snacks, and prizes for first finishers and best-dressed people and pets.

Register through the QR code, at http:tiny.cc/uglysweater23, or by calling 541-273-2022.

Friends of the Children is a national nonprofit that creates generational change by empowering youth through relationships with professional mentors (“Friends”) for 12+ years. The Klamath Basin chapter was established in 2000 and will support 70 youth this year. Learn more at friendsklamath.org.  (submitted press release)

Permits are now available for Christmas tree cutting in U.S. national forests where allowed, from Klamath National Forest.

The Klamath National Forest (KNF) and Six Rivers National Forest (SRNF) in Northern California issue permits that allow Christmas tree cutting.

SRNF knows cutting a holiday tree is a special tradition for family and friends “while helping to maintain a healthy forest. For every tree that is found, cut and carried home as a holiday fixture, you’re also contributing to the overall forest health. Christmas tree permits are a unique opportunity for citizens to help thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees – the perfect size for a Christmas tree.”

It reminds people they must purchase a Christmas tree permit before their visit to Six Rivers National Forest, and permits can be purchased in-person at a local ranger district office or online through December 23, 2023, using this online site to purchase a permit online, following tips and guidelines for the cutting area to ensure a safe and fun forest adventure.

SNRF also notes that fourth graders who participate in the Every Kid Outdoors program are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit.

Permits cost $10 each with a limit of two permits per household, and maps of cutting areas are provided by SRNF, which says people must be at least 18 years old to buy permits. The Forest Service accepts cash, check, or credit/debit cards as payment. All sales are final with no refunds.

(kdrv12/Klamath national forest)

In a related story, Thanksgiving is still more than a week away, but this is the busiest time of the year for Oregon Christmas tree growers. Most local tree lots won’t open until after Thanksgiving, but shipments of trees are already heading out. 

Oregon is the top Christmas tree producer in the nation, growing around five million Christmas trees every year. But the last few years’ crops were mired by summer heat and fall drought. 

A strong harvest has kept the prices stable. Oregon Christmas trees are a $200 million a year business.  (Oregon news)

The Oregon Department of Human Services is holding a community diaper drive in Klamath County.

A news release from ODHS said, “Donate new diapers to help those in need … Let’s make a difference in the community.”

The drive runs  through Nov. 30.  Families in need of diapers for infant children will receive all donations through ODHS.  New packages of diapers can be dropped off at the Klamath County branch of ODHS, located at 355 Timbermill Drive.   Monetary donations are also accepted via Venmo payments to @Wendy-Brown-171.

For more information, contact Wendy Strohkirch at (541) 850-3603. (Herald and News)

Around the state of Oregon

A state judge preparing his ruling for release in the next week about Oregon’s gun control law has 64 pages of additional case filings to consider this week.

Harney County Circuit Court Judge Robert Raschio has said he planned to issue his ruling about Oregon Measure 114 by Thanksgiving day.  Then the Court received three filings from the defendants in the case of Joseph Arnold, Cliff Asmussen, Gun Owners of America, Inc., Gun Owners Foundation vs Ellen Rosenblum, Tina Kotek, Casey Codding.

Court records show Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and State Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum both filed 21-page documents Friday afternoon in the case, and Oregon State Police Administrator Casey Codding’s filing was 22 pages in length.

All three filings are responses to plantiffs’ “First Request for Admissions” to certain case factors involving Oregon gun control policy and its implementation.  The plaintiffs filed a document listing two points to support its case, insisting the defendants concede to the plaintiffs’ arguments as the defendants’ “admissions” to those arguments.

The case went to trial in his court in September with plaintiffs arguing Oregon Measure 114 violates the State Constitution regarding gun ownership rights, listing three state leaders involved with the measure’s enforcement as plaintiffs.

Measure 114 supporters argue the measure supports public safety with limits on gun clips, requirements that prospective gun buyers apply for a purchase to buy any gun and that they complete gun training before applying for a gun purchase permit — both at the prospective buyers’ expense, and the requirement that police decide who gets permits to buy guns and maintain a related database.

(Oregon news)

One person is dead and another presumed drowned after an incident in the South Umpqua River.

According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, 911 dispatchers received a call around 1 p.m. Monday about two men trying to cross the South Umpqua River on foot when they fell into the water.  Witnesses said both men went underwater and had not resurfaced.

First responders began searching the part of the river where the men were last seen shortly after.

One man was located dead on the riverbank.  His identity is pending next of kin notification and will not be released at this time.

Sheriff’s Office divers tried to locate the second man, but were not successful after two days of searching.  The Sheriff’s office says efforts are still ongoing to try and find the second victim.  (Douglas Co SO)

Oregonians can get into state parks for free next week Friday in honor of Thanksgiving. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department says it will waive day-use parking fees at state parks the day after Thanksgiving. The annual event has come to be known as “Green Friday.”

(Oregon news)

18-MONTH INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARRESTS, SEIZURES, AND DISMANTLING OF DRUG TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATION IN GRANTS PASS AREA

Grants Pass, Ore. – Grants Pass Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Oregon State Police, and multiple local narcotics investigative teams served nine search warrants in Southern Oregon to shut down a major drug trafficking organization.

During the service of the search warrants, there were 24 individuals arrested, 37 firearms were seized, and large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine were recovered. 

This was the culmination of an 18-month investigation that tracked the movement of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Mexico to Grants Pass. During the 18 months before Tuesday’s warrant services, the investigation had already seized 40 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 9 pounds of fentanyl, 3 pounds of cocaine, and one-half pound of heroin.

Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be deadly. The fentanyl seized in this case had the potential to yield more than 144,000 deadly doses. 

All but one of the nine search warrants were served in the Grants Pass/ Josephine County area. Individuals arrested during the operation were lodged at the Josephine County Jail and will be prosecuted by the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office.

The Grants Pass Police Department would like to thank all our law enforcement partners who assisted with the takedown of a dangerous drug trafficking organization, including the DEA, Oregon State Police, Central Point Police Department, Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE), Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE), Douglas County Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT), Basin Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (BINET), the Interagency Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET), the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, and the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office.

Though these arrests and seizures are a significant accomplishment, the investigative work of these detectives continues as they seek to identify the entire supply chain that is delivering deadly narcotics to Southern Oregon. Further inquiries on this case should be forwarded to the Josephine County District Attorney. 

On Monday, November 13^th, 2023, the Medford Police Officer assigned to South Medford High school was contacted by school officials and made aware that they had received a report that a student was in possession of a handgun in their backpack on the school campus.

This information was brought to school officials’ attention by other students. The School Resource Officer quickly acted to locate the student and learned that they had left campus. The SRO and School Officials responded to the student’s home and in cooperation with the parents, recovered the handgun at the residence. Investigation into the source of the firearm and the circumstances surrounding its possession are under investigation.

The Medford School District notified parents of SMHS students about the incident via email, outlining the cooperation with Medford Police and the importance of students speaking up when they see something suspicious. Medford School District officials said, “We commend the students who came forward with their concerns. Please, always encourage your students to say something if they see something suspicious.”

Cases such as these highlight how important and vital a School Resource Program is. The Medford Police Department and the Medford School District have an amazing relationship and currently MPD provides 5 full-time officers as SRO’s. One to each high school and each middle school. We also have a blossoming School Marshal program in which MPD hires retired officers, in cooperation with the Medford School District, to work in the elementary schools.

Pacific Power Warning Customers About Billing Scams

PORTLAND, OR (Nov. 15, 2023) – Heading into the holiday season, Pacific Power is reminding customers to be vigilant about fraudulent communications from scammers posing as utility representatives. This activity tends to increase during this time of year.

Customers can protect themselves from these types of schemes by being aware of the following facts:

• Scammers will often tell you that your service is scheduled to be interrupted in the next 30-60 minutes.

Fact: Pacific Power will not contact any customer demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection of service the same day.

• Fraudsters may ask you to purchase a prepaid card and tell them the card information over the phone.

Fact: Pacific Power does not ask customers to make payments by purchasing a prepaid card. You and other customers can always choose how you would like to make your payments.

• Be suspicious of anyone who approaches you by phone, email, text or in person and demanding on-the-spot payment.

Fact: Pacific Power will not demand immediate payment for damaged or broken electrical equipment or any other service.

• If you receive one of these calls, ask the caller to state your account number and compare it with the number listed on your bill.

Fact: Pacific Power customer service employees will always have your correct account number.

• Scammers increasingly have used text messages as a means of targeting victims. 

Fact: Pacific Power will not demand payment via text message. Pacific Power encourages customers to set up their online billing profile at Pay My Bill (pacificpower.net) where they can pay bills and review statements.

Scammers may also use a sophisticated deceptive tactic that makes it appear to caller ID systems that the call is coming from Pacific Power when it is not. If you receive a call that uses one of the scamming methods mentioned above, or that seems suspicious in any way, hang up and call Pacific Power’s customer service team directly.

Remember, if you still have concerns about the legitimacy of a call, you can always call our published customer service number, 1-888-221-7070. Pacific Power is asking customers to report information about any scam calls received, including the phone number the person is calling from and any information that may help to track down the fraudsters.  

The Oregon Water Resources Department must update its 68-year-old rules for permitting new wells or double down on regulating existing ones, department officials said.

If it doesn’t, the growing problem of the state’s depleted groundwater reserves “is going to get very expensive,” said department director Doug Woodcock.

Many of Oregon’s 20 groundwater basins are being sucked dry faster than water can naturally be replaced, according to the agency. This is an issue across the West, where drought, river diversions and groundwater depletion have left parts of seven states scrambling to ration what water is available to them from the Colorado River Basin.

Woodcock presented updates to Oregon’s groundwater permitting laws at a hearing last week by the Oregon House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources and Water. The agency — with input from farmers, environmental groups and well owners — has worked for more than a year on proposed rule changes that would bring Oregon water permitting laws up to date. Most importantly, the agency is attempting to define a “stable level” of groundwater and has committed to withholding new water rights in areas where the level is not deemed stable.

Not everyone is happy. Some farmers and the water districts that serve them fear it’s a moratorium on all new groundwater allocations around the state.

(Herald and News)

Passing the Oregon bar exam is no longer the only way to become a lawyer in Oregon.

Students at the state’s three law schools can now bypass the grueling two-day test by logging hundreds of hours at a law firm and then submitting samples of their work for review under a new system approved last week by the Oregon Supreme Court.

The Supervised Practice Portfolio Examination makes Oregon the first state in the nation to allow students to become lawyers through a post-graduation apprenticeship, though backers believe it won’t be the last.

California, Utah and a few other states are already studying creating apprenticeship programs.

Many students are expected to still take the traditional exam, which consists of multiple choice and essay questions, because the uniform score allows admittance to more than 30 state bars.

(Oregon news)

Salem – The 2023 holiday shopping season is here and the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is reminding people to watch out for financial scams that can target their pocketbook, particularly gift card scams. 

Gift card scams often start with a call, text, email, or social media message. Scammers will say anything to get you to buy gift cards – such as Google Play, Apple, or Amazon cards – and hand over the card number and personal identification number (PIN) codes. 

According to the Federal Trade Commission, here are some common tactics scammers use:

1. Scammers will say it is urgent. They will say to pay them right away or something terrible will happen. They don’t want you to have time to think about what they are saying or talk to someone you trust. Slow down. Don’t pay. It is a scam.
2. Scammers will tell you which gift card to buy (and where). They might say to put money on an eBay, Google Play, Target, or Apple gift card. They might send you to a specific store – often Walmart, Target, CVS, or Walgreens. Sometimes, they will tell you to buy cards at several stores, so cashiers will not get suspicious. The scammer also might stay on the phone with you while you go to the store and load money onto the card. If this happens to you, hang up. It is a scam.
3. Scammers will ask you for the gift card number and PIN. The card number and PIN on the back of the card lets scammers get the money you loaded onto the card — even if you still have the card itself. Slow down. Don’t give them those numbers or send them a photo of the card. It is a scam.

Scammers tell different stories to get you to buy gift cards so they can steal your money.

• Scammers say they are from the government. They say they are from the IRS, the Social Security Administration, or even the Federal Trade Commission. They say you have to pay taxes or a fine. However, government agencies will not contact you to demand immediate payment, and they never demand payment by gift card. It is a scam.
• Scammers say they are from tech support. They say they are from Microsoft or Apple and there is something wrong with your computer. They ask for remote access and say to pay them to get it fixed. Don’t give them access to your computer. It is a scam.
• Scammers say they are a friend or family member with an emergency. If the scammer uses voice cloning, they may even sound just like your loved one. They ask you to send money right away – but not to tell anyone. It is a scam. If you are worried, contact the friend or relative to check that everything is all right.
• Scammers say you have won a prize. But first, they tell you to pay fees or other charges with a gift card. It is a scam. No honest business or agency will ever make you buy a gift card to pay them for a prize. And did you even enter to win that prize?
• Scammers say they are from your utility company. They threaten to cut off your service if you don’t pay immediately. Utility companies don’t work that way. It is a scam.
• Scammers ask for money after they chat you up on a dating website. Romance scammers will make up any story to trick you into buying a gift card to send them money. Slow down. Never send money or gifts to anyone you have not met in person – even if they send you money first.
• Scammers send a check for way more than you expected. They tell you to deposit the check and give them the difference on a gift card. Don’t do it. It is a scam. That check will be fake and you will be out that money.

To help prevent yourself from getting scammed, DFR offers these reminders:

• Don’t answer unknown numbers – block unwanted calls and text messages.
• Don’t give personal identifying information to unsolicited calls, texts, or emails. Hang up, look up their number, and call them to verify.
• Be skeptical. Ask questions and be wary of offers “too good to be true.”
• Resist the pressure to act immediately. Scammers use urgency as a tool.
• Stop and talk to someone you trust. Talking about it can help you spot the scam.
• Never pay someone who insists you pay with a gift card, money transfer, or cryptocurrency.

Remember, if it is too good to be true, it probably is.

If you feel you may have been scammed, the division’s consumer advocates may be able to help. They can be reached at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

Upper Table Rock trailhead and trail re-opens November 10 

Medford, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management Butte Falls Field Office will re-open the Upper Table Rock trailhead and trail on November 10, 2023. The re-routes have been completed and the new route will provide a more enjoyable experience for hikers.   

Upper Table Rock is now 1.5 miles one-way to the top, an increase of approximately 0.25 miles to avoid the steepest sections. The rerouted sections also lead to new vistas from the trail and pass by other unique trail features.  Approximately 250 yards of gravel were placed along the trail to help reduce erosion and mud.    

“Upper Table Rock is an important area for many people around the valley,” said Jared Nichol, Butte Falls Field Manager. “We are excited to be able to provide a safer, more enjoyable experience–with some new views!” 

This project was funded with Secure Rural Schools Title II funding. Under the Act, Title II funds are designed to make investments in public lands through projects that improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure, implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems, and restore and improve land health and water quality. Projects are authorized by the Western Oregon Resource Advisory Committee.  

For more information about the Upper Table Rock, please visit:  

https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-activities/oregon-washington/tablerocks/plan-your-visit 

Salem, OR — At a virtual event co-hosted by the National Governors Association, Results for America recognized Oregon as a national leader in using data and evidence to guide decision-making and invest taxpayer dollars in programs that work.

Results for America named Oregon among five leading states using evidence and data to improve lives.
Salem, OR — At a virtual event co-hosted by the National Governors Association, Results for America recognized Oregon as a national leader in using data and evidence to guide decision-making and invest taxpayer dollars in programs that work.

Results for America is a national nonprofit that promotes evidence-based policymaking. Its newly released 2023 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence highlights advances in evidence-based grantmaking, budgeting and direct services, and identifies 194 efforts across 46 states to build and use evidence and data to achieve better, more equitable results for residents. Since 2018, the State Standard of Excellence has offered states a “North Star” to benchmark their existing data and evidence capacity, as well as a roadmap for how they can accelerate their progress.

Oregon was one of this year’s five leading states. Highlights of its data-driven work include:

• Investment of funds in evidence-based direct services for young people.
• The use of evidence-based budget targets.
• A focus on budgeting towards creating equitable outcomes, including the addition of racial impact assessments in agency budget requests.
• Strong data leadership, including having a state data strategy, a data strategy website, and undertaking efforts to support open data and transparency among state agencies.

“Oregon being one of the five leading states speaks volumes about how dedicated our state agencies are to using data meaningfully to improve Oregonians’ lives,” said Oregon’s Chief Data Officer Kathryn Darnall Helms. “I look forward to seeing Oregon continue to mature while working in partnership with our Governor and state agencies.”

“In red states and blue states, state governments are harnessing the power of evidence and data to deliver better results,” said Michele Jolin, CEO and Co-Founder of Results for America. “Governors, state legislators and state agency leaders are using the key levers of power — grantmaking, budgeting and direct services — to expand evidence-based solutions and accelerate economic mobility. By building more efficient and effective governments, they are helping restore the public’s faith in government’s ability to tackle our most urgent challenges.”

The other leading states are Colorado, Minnesota, North Carolina and Tennessee. Honorable
mention states are California, Connecticut, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Utah. Oregon wa

s also an honorable mention in the 2022 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence.

The Oregon State Marine Board will be mailing motorboat registration renewal notices to boaters whose motorboat registration expires on December 31, 2023, and electronically to boat owners with emails on file.

Each renewal notice is unique to the owner and their boat. Boat owners are encouraged to take advantage of the online renewal option.

Renewing online using the Marine Board’s Boat Oregon Store is the fastest method, offering a printable temporary permit to go boating right away. Owners can renew multiple boats or purchase Waterway Access Permits in one transaction with a $1.50 portal provider fee. The registration decals are mailed within 2-5 days from online sales and within 7-10 business days from the date of receipt by US mail with payment and the remittance coupon. Owners can then expect an additional 2-4 weeks for their decals to arrive by US Mail. The timelines may vary since printing and mailing are handled outside the agency.

Any watercraft with a motor or sailboats 12 feet or longer are required to title and register with the Marine Board. Motorboat registration fees are $5 plus $5.95 per foot and are issued on a 2-year calendar basis.

Renewing in the fall and winter is recommended to avoid long delays during the peak summer season. The renewal cycle begins on November 1st of the expiration year. (Ore. Marine board)

Springtime beachgoers in 2024 will have two fewer options on the Oregon coast, as a pair of popular state parks are set to close for major repairs.

Beverly Beach and Bullards Beach state parks will both see significant closures in 2024 as park officials work to repair sewer, water and power lines in the parks, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced Thursday.

Beverly Beach State Park near Newport, which closed Sept. 5, will now remain closed through July 1, 2024, after the construction schedule was extended, the parks department said. The closure includes the campground, day-use area and group meeting yurt, as crews work to install underground power lines and replace waterlines – part of a $50 million upgrade across the state park system, utilizing funds from a 2021 bond approved by the state legislature.

The Bullards Beach State Park campground in Bandon will be closed from Jan. 2 to May 22, 2024, as crews upgrade the park’s main sewer line. The day-use area, including beach access points and the Coquille River Lighthouse , will remain open through the campground closure, though park officials warned there may be some limited disruptions.

(Oregon news)

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