35.1 F
Klamath Falls
April 28, 2024

Klamath Basin News, Monday, Nov. 20 – Thanksgiving Week Arrives With Cold Weather; Early Literacy Success grants Awarded to KCSD; Where To Find a Holiday Meal

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. Call 541-882-6476.

Monday, November 20, 2023

Klamath Basin Weather

Today
Cold with patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 46. Overnight, partly cloudy with a low around 28.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 52. Light and variable wind.Low overnight of 28 degrees.
Wednesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 52. A 20% chance of rain. Snow level 6900 feet lowering to 5900 feet after midnight . Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.
Thursday, Thanksgiving Day
Mostly sunny, with a high near 50.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 47.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 47.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 47.

Today’s Headlines

The Klamath County School Board approved the application to accept the Early Literacy Success Grant initiative award, a formula-based funding allocation for KCSD, at its regular meeting on Thursday.

For the 2023-2024 year, the KCSD has been awarded about $580K, and approximately $600K for the 2024-2025 year. As required, the district must invest a 25 percent match in which the matching funds can be from other grants and/or general funds.

Funds received from Early Literacy Success grants allow for funding of the following research-aligned activities: adoption and implementation of curricula; employment of literacy specialists, coaches, or interventionists; professional development and coaching; and extended learning programs; high-dosage tutoring.

The board also approved $31,760 for a variety of grant fundings to specific schools for supplies, materials and other teacher-specified needs through the Donor’s Choose program and other private sources. One of the more significant awards was $3K to Chiloquin High School for its Suicide Prevention Program.

The board was then informed about major and minor capital construction projects throughout the district in Superintendent Szymoniak’s report.

Walk-throughs of all district schools were conducted this fall to develop a master list of suggested upgrades for each school. The KCSD Facility Committee met and prioritized projects for board approval.

All projects on the Proposed Projects for 2024-2025, except the Lost River turf and all of the stadium lighting projects, were approved by the board. Those excepted projects will be considered after the district receives the results of the upcoming budget audit.

The board also approved the application to accept the Early Literacy Success Grant initiative award, a formula-based funding allocation for KCSD.  (HeraldandNews.com)

 

The sewer connection for the new PetSmart business next to Sportsman’s Warehouse as been completed.

However, paving still needs to be finished. Pershing Way was opened to weekend traffic,  but will be closed to through-traffic again between Avalon and Austin Streets starting Monday, Nov. 20, and continuing through Wednesday, Nov. 22.

The affected businesses will still have full ingress/egress from South 6th Street.

Customers can also exit to Pershing Way but will only have an east or west turning option on Pershing Way depending on which side of the work zone they are on. Traffic control will be in place to help direct motorists.

(city of KF)

 

The City of Klamath Falls reports that city water infrastructure suffered a severe main break at Klamath and 4th Streets.

City crews were able to repair the mainline overnight and no customers went without water. The leak did cause damage to the pavement requiring closure of the on-street parking and sidewalk on the west side of Klamath Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets until repair can be performed.

Please drive with caution in the closure area. Questions can be directed to City Public Works at (541) 883-5363. (city of KF)

 

Reports of bias incidents and crimes are on the rise in Oregon with a 74% increase in 2022 alone.

The Oregon Department of Justice hosted a community education session in Klamath Falls Wednesday night on the topic of bias and the resources available for victims and witnesses who call the hotline.

According to an analysis of data collected through the ODOJ Bias Hotline, the majority of reports of bias stemmed from conduct targeting race, most of which — 1,913 of the total 3,596 — targeting Black Americans.

Klamath County, however, stands out as the only county in which most bias incidents and crimes reported are against Indigenous peoples.

Of the 93 race-motivated reports of bias in Klamath County, 84 were against Indigenous peoples. Data also shows that the majority of bias conduct is perpetrated by someone close to the target, such as landlords, employers or coworkers.

Since the hotline opened in January 2020 there’s been a general upward trajectory due to both awareness of the hotline as well as an uptake in biased conduct.  The average number of reports per month so far in 2023 is 285, a notable increase from 2022 which concluded with an average of 241 reports statewide. (HeraldandNews.com)

 

Toys For Tots Annual Drive Is On

With the holidays upon us, the season brings a time of giving for children in need in both Klamath and Lake counties.

The annual Toys for Tots toy drive is already underway this year, and the longstanding organization is asking community members to give what they can.

Online monetary donations for Klamath County children can be made by visiting klamath-falls-or.toysfortots.org.

To donate online to children in Lake County, visit lake-county.toysfortots.org.

For those who want to donate a new, unwrapped toy in Klamath County, you can drop off your donation at one of four locations:

  • Leatherneck Club, 1019 Main St.
  • My Mechanic, 3000 Pershing Way
  • Fred Meyer, 2655 Shasta Way
  • Bi-Mart, 1920 Washburn Way

In-person monetary donations can also be made at the Leatherneck Club. (HeraldandNews.com)

 

The Klamath County Quota Club is collecting new pajamas for foster children. All sizes from baby to age 18 are needed.

The pajama drive runs through Monday, Nov. 20.

Donations are accepted at the Oregon Department of Human Services, Coldwell Banker Holman Premier Realty office, the Elks Lodge and the following churches: First Presbyterian; Shasta Way Christian; Hope Lutheran; New Horizon; Foothills Christian Fellowship and the 55 and alive group at the Klamath Christian Center.  (HeraldandNews.com)

 

Where To Find a Thanksgiving Meal

Looking for a Thanksgiving meal? Always there when needed, the Klamath Falls Gospel Mission has two holiday meals planned for Thanksgiving Day.

Serving turkey, stuffing, butter rolls, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, stuffing and a dessert, the meal times are noon to 1 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m.

VFW

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is again providing meals to the community and no prior or current military service is required to join the table. Offered the day of Thanksgiving, the VFW is loading plates with all the traditional offerings from 1 to 4 p.m.

Leatherneck Club

Available for members, the Marine Corps League is serving a Thanksgiving dinner at the Leatherneck Club on Main St. from 3 to 5 p.m.

A few restaurants in town are also offering Thanksgiving meals, for a cost:

Waffle Hut

Aside from their typical offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Waffle Hut has a special on Thanksgiving Day consisting of turkey or ham or a combination of both for $21.95. The meal is served with a side of mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing and cranberry sauce, a dinner roll and pumpkin pie. Plates are available for dine-in or take-out between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Running Y Resort

The Running Y Resort is currently taking reservations for an annual Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet. Starting with salads, deviled eggs, yeast rolls and cornbread, the buffet is offering a carving station of turkey, pork sirloin and ham with sides of green beans in almond butter, baby carrots, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes and whipped sweet potatoes. Three different pies are for dessert.

Held in the Woodlands Ballroom on Nov. 23, seating is available for 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. by reservation on the Running Y website. (HeraldandNews.com)

 

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)

 

Last week, a strategy for improving lower proficiency scores was up for discussion at the 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)

 

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 22nd 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 22nd.  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)

 

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)

This week’s Klamath Animal Shelter Pet of the Week ready for adoption is a dog named ” Kurious “.
Kurious is an 11 month old male Bully mix. He is very nice, tan with white with slick short hair, and he weighs around 50 pounds. 
Kurious’s previous person said that he is partially house trained, has been around children as young as 6 years old, and has been around other dogs. He is very playful and full of energy but also loves to snuggle and get pets.  
If you are interested in adopting Kurious stop by the Klamath Animal Shelter, located at 4240 Washburn Way, Monday through Friday from 12:00 – 4:00, walk throughs are available, pet meet and greets are by appointment, you can reach the shelter at 541-884-PETS (541-884-7387)    View all adoptable pets anytime online at www.klamathanimalshelter.org

 

Around the state of Oregon

State of Oregon health authorities have found evidence that recalled applesauce found to have lead contamination has affected multiple children in Oregon.

Officials with the Oregon Health Authority said pouches of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée applesauce have been linked to cases of elevated blood lead levels in six children in Oregon. The OHA said the affected children live in Lake, Lincoln, Multnomah and Washington Counties.

The applesauce was recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in late October. Although the product was taken off shelves shortly after the recall was announced, the OHA said it’s possible some product may have been bought before the recall was announced. OHA said the applesauce was distributed nationwide through retailers including Dollar Tree, Amazon and other online stores.

The OHA said they, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are carrying out an investigation.

(OHA)

 

 Changes are underway to how the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) distributes rare liquors through its “Chance to Purchase Program.”

The OLCC was cast into the spotlight in February after an investigation revealed that for years top agency officials were buying some of the rare bourbons — like Pappy Van Winkle — before raffling the rest off to the public.

The agency will soon contract with an outside vendor to run the raffle.

Rich Evans, OLCC’s senior director of licensing and compliance, said the process would be “similar to what Fish and Wildlife does with licenses so it would be auditable to show the public that there is no funny business.”

While OLCC is working to contact with a vendor, the raffle process will be overseen by an impartial state agency representative, according to the new policy adopted by the OLCC commission on Nov 16.

The policy also makes changes to how often the raffles are happening.

(Oregon news)

 

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.

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)

 

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.  

Are you ready to quit smoking and improve your health?

Today is the annual Great American Smokeout, a national challenge to those who smoke to commit to smoke-free lives. You don’t have to quit today, but we are here to help as you begin your journey to healthier living.

Nearly 8,000 people in Oregon die of tobacco-related diseases every year. Nationwide, more people die from tobacco than from illicit drug use, car crashes and guns combined. Additionally, a person who smokes a pack a day will save about $2,000 per year if they quit.

Quitting tobacco is difficult, but you don’t have to go through it alone! What works for one person may not work for another. Find help to quit your way through OHA’s Smokefree Oregon program.

Resources include:

  • Oregon Tobacco Quit Line offers free tips, information, one-on-one counseling and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to any person in Oregon over age 13, regardless of income or insurance status. Coaches will help you build a plan and get free nicotine gum or the patch. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) 24/7, text “READY” to 34191 or get started online. They offer coaching in many languages and special services for youth, pregnant people, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Native Quit Line is a free 24/7 service that draws on Indigenous values and provides resources, coaching and support to help American Indians and Alaska Natives quit commercial tobacco. Call 800-QUIT-NOW and press 7.
  • This is Quitting is a texting program for youth and their parents that helps youth quit vaping e-cigarettes.
  • Some pharmacies can prescribe medications to help quit smoking. Most health insurance plans, including Oregon Health Plan, cover medications like patches and gum for free with a prescription. Search for a participating pharmacy in Oregon here or ask your local pharmacist for help.

If you have questions, use this form to send your message to the Smokefree Oregon team.

 

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.

 

Adoption Excellence Awardees Brian and Josie Parker with children(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) congratulates adoptive parents and foster care advocates Brian and Josie Parker who received the national Adoption Excellence Award for family contributions.

The Children’s Bureau at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) awards recognize individuals, families and organizations who have demonstrated excellence in making contributions to providing permanent homes for children formerly in foster care.

The Parkers have been resource and adoptive parents with ODHS Child Welfare since 2007. Resource parents provide foster care as well as other supports to children and biological families.

They have also written, illustrated and self-published more than 20 books reflecting their experiences. Their books, many of which focus on stories about children in foster care, include children who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ and youth who have experienced trauma. Their books are included in the Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center library and provide support for children in Child Welfare offices across the state.

“It is gratifying to see the Parkers who have helped so many children and families receive this national recognition,” said Child Welfare Director Aprille-Flint Gerner. “The Parkers bring awareness to the critical role of people of color in adoption from foster care, contributing to the local community with positive messages about adoptive families. Their books help families process their challenging circumstances and represent kids of color experiencing foster care and adoption.”

ODHS recognized the Parkers in 2018 with a Certificate of Recognition Award for their commitment to children.

After receiving the award, the Parkers provided a statement:
“We hope that our lives have served to make fostering and adoption more visible and to de-stigmatize the lives of foster/adoptive kiddos and families. People deserve to see that the fostering process can be a supportive, healing, and redemptive journey. We have made this a focus in not only our lives, but also in the books we create.”

The Children’s Bureau acknowledged the Parkers’ contribution to the community through their family-owned book design and publishing company, Believe in Wonder.

The Adoption Excellence awards are presented each year in Washington, D.C. during National Adoption Month. The Parkers were among eight awardees honored at an event led by ACF Acting Assistant Secretary Jeff Hild, and Children’s Bureau Associate Commissioner Aysha E. Schomburg.

 

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 

 

AICs standing on the completed Wilson River Trail bridge. Construction of the bridge took a total of 14 days to complete. Tillamook, Ore.— This fall 30 adults in custody (AICs) from South Fork Forest Camp helped build a bridge on the newest section of the Wilson River Trail in the Tillamook State Forest. The bridge connects the eastern end of Wilson River trail to Drift Creek trailhead. 

Once opened, this will create a hiking experience for trail users that connects over 30 miles of non-motorized trails in the Tillamook State Forest. There are still about four miles for trails to build before this section can open. “The goal is to have the trail and bridge open to the public in the fall of 2024,” said Joe Offer, ODF’s Recreation Program Manager.

Since 1951, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has partnered with Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) in jointly operating South Fork Forest Camp, which houses AICs who assist in performing a variety of key forest management functions which include:

  • fire suppression
  • reforestation
  • pre-commercial thinning
  • maintenance of recreation buildings
  • forest road improvement
  • invasive weed removal and riparian rehabilitation
  • making wooden signs for all state forests and campgrounds.

This interagency partnership allows AICs to gain valuable work skills while supporting ODF’s management of state forests and statewide fire suppression efforts.

South Fork Forest Camp can house up to 200 AICs and is located on state forest land about 28 miles east of Tillamook, OR.

Learn more about the South Fork Forest Camp here.

Learn more about Oregon’s state forests here.

Thanks for reading BasinLife.com from Wynne Broadcasting.  Enjoy articles, news and weather updates, music, entertainment news, recipes, business offers, contests and much more right here every day.

Ready to Advertise? Call BasinLife.com at 541-363-7503. We offer more local advertising opportunities than any one in the Klamath Basin. We’re ready to help you with the best digital advertising in Southern Oregon.

You can receive Daily Radio Mentions across our 6 stations, Articles, direct link Banner Ads, floating Banner Ads on hundreds of article pages daily, Social Media Posts, geo-fencing and geo-targeting services, and also available are monthly Email Blasts to thousands of local residents. We keep you updated with the latest smart digital marketing strategies for 2023 for your business. At BasinLife.com we’re still the best value in the Klamath Basin for advertising, as we celebrate our 7th year promoting businesses!

For information or prices on plans, simply call us today at 541-363-7503 or email us at Info@BasinLife.com. Let us keep your business top-of -mind!

 

Must Read

Klamath Basin News, Monday, May 3 – Gov. Brown Refuses To Respond to County Officials’ Letters Asking for Reconsideration of Extreme Risk Lockdown Restrictions

Brian Casey

December Events at The Ross Ragland Theater!

Brian Casey

City of Klamath Wants Your Input on Safer Streets. Take the Survey, Give Your Opinions!!

Brian Casey