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.
Friday, December 15, 2023
Klamath Basin Weather
Air stagnation Advisory through Saturday night.
Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 50. Calm wind northwest to 5mph. Overnight, cloudy with a low around 27, northwest winds to 9 mph.
Today’s Headlines
An air stagnation advisory is in effect through Saturday night from the National Weather Service.
As of Thursday afternoon, no arrests have been made in the stabbing death of a Klamath Falls man on Main Street Tuesday night.
According to a news release from Klamath Falls Police Department, Andre Nikito Gardner, 54, was stabbed multiple times in front of local businesses on the 200 block of Main Street.
Dispatch records show a call reporting an assault coming in at 8:49 p.m. from staff of a nearby restaurant, Rooster’s Steak and Chop house.
City officers and Oregon State Police arrived on scene to find Gardner suffering from multiple stab wounds.
“On-scene officers rendered aid to Gardner until medical personnel arrived on scene,” the release said. “Gardner was transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center where he later died from his injuries.”
Though the individual responsible for Gardner’s death was identified, the release said, no arrests are being made as of yet.
“The responsible party in this incident has been identified and all information obtained through investigation will be forwarded to the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office for review at Grand Jury,” the release said.
KFPD asks that anyone with additional information contact KFPD at 541-883-5336.
To submit anonymous tips, calls 541-883-5334. Investigation of the incident is ongoing. (KFPD)
Klamath Tribes Chairman Clayton Dumont recently attended the White House Tribal Nations Summit in Washington, D.C., where President Joe Biden directed executive departments and agencies to “reduce administrative burdens and improve efficiency in public-facing and internal federal processes…”
The oppressive bureaucracy attached to federal funding was one of the pressing concerns of tribal leaders, Dumont said. Biden reformed an executive order from 2021 to ease the burden, Dumont said.
In the Dec. 6 executive order during the summit, the president said, “Despite the progress of the last 50 years, federal funding and support programs that are the backbone of federal support for Tribal self-determination are too often administered in ways that leave Tribal nations unduly burdened and frustrated with bureaucratic processes.”
Dumont said he talked with Oregon Congressman Cliff Bentz just before Bentz headed into a Natural Resources Committee meeting
Representatives from tribes around the nation were on hand for the summit, including the Associated Tribes of Northwest Indians.
Dumont said he spent some time with the Nez Perce chairman. The Nez Perce headquarters is in Idaho, but part of their homeland is in the northeastern corner of Oregon. (Herald and News)
A Sprague River man is starting his 364-day jail sentence for child sex crimes.
Benjamin Arthur Fry, a 41-year-old man, is in Klamath County Jail today with a release date set in 2024 for criminal charges of invasion of personal privacy and encouraging child sexual abuse.
Court records show Fry signed a plea arrangement this month to plead “guilty” to five of 11 criminal counts against him. Yesterday, a final hearing arraigned Fry for one count of privacy
Fry’s plea arrangement has a sentence of 364 days in the Klamath County Jail followed by 24 months of post-prison supervision for invasion of privacy — with supervised probation for four counts of encouraging child sexual abuse in the first degree for 60 months of supervised probation that carries six years of Oregon Department of Corrections prison time if he violates his probation.
(local sources/KCSO)
Police investigated reports of a gun being brought to Lakeview High School, only to find out that it was an airsoft gun.
At about 8 a.m., school officials received reports from students saying they saw another student with a gun in their pocket, according to a Facebook post from Lake County School District #7. Officials called the police.
A post on the Lake County School district Facebook page says “After a thorough investigation, (police) concluded that a student did have an airsoft gun in their pocket when the student left their home. The student decided to return home when they discovered the airsoft gun in their jacket pocket,” the post said. “Law enforcement found the airsoft gun in the student’s bedroom where the student stated they had left it. The airsoft gun was not brought on campus and the incident is considered closed at this time.”
LCSD7 reiterated that safety is the district’s first priority, and urged anyone with questions to call superintendent R. Michael Carter at 541-947-3347. (Lake Co. SD-Facebook)
The Citizens Santa program, presented by Citizens for Safe Schools, is accepting sponsors for gift giving to at-risk youth who are mentored by the organization. The invitation to sponsor youth is open to the community.
According to a news release, “Citizens Santa is not just a gift-giving campaign. It is an opportunity to bring the community together and make a positive impact in the lives of local children.”
Wrapped gifts must be dropped off at Everybody’s Vintage store, 733 Main St., before Dec. 18.
Those wanting to be a Citizens Santa, or for more information, can call Sarah Miller at Citizens for Safe Schools (541) 238-4839 or see their Facebook page.
Citizens for Safe Schools is a 501(c)3 youth-serving nonprofit, operating in the Klamath Basin for more than 23 years. Primary programs focus on mentoring youth in a variety of ways, including adult-to-youth, peer-to-peer, and youth-adult-partnership. (Herald and News)
Where can you find the most beautiful national park in America. Well, Crater Lake topped the list of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S. compiled by travel blog Travel Lens, which scoured Google Reviews looking for the words “beautiful,” “stunning,” “breathtaking” and “gorgeous.”
Among reviews of Crater Lake, 45.26% contained one or more of those words, Travel Lens said, placing it narrowly above second place Acadia National Park in Maine, and third place Glacier National Park in Montana.
Oregon’s only full-fledged national park, Crater Lake draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, though those crowds have been dwindling recently. (Oregon news/Google)
The annual holiday model train exhibit will open on Saturday at the Klamath County Museum. The show runs through Dec. 30 during museum hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
A variety of train layouts, including N, O, HO and G-scale model sets, will be displayed by the Klamath Rails Model Railroad Club.
A time set aside for families with special needs will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17.
Entry to the train show is free with regular paid admission to the museum. Admission fees are $5 for adults, and $4 for seniors, military and teens. Youth 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.
The museum will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
For more information, contact the museum at (541) 882-1000. (Herald and News)
Chiloquin, Ore. – Guided First Day Hikes led by rangers and volunteers are set for 31 Oregon State Parks on New Year’s Day—Monday, Jan. 1st, 2024.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is partnering with America’s State Parks for free guided First Day Hikes in state parks as we start the new year.
Here’s information about the hike hosted at Collier Memorial State Park:
- Join us for a brisk morning 3-mile hike along the Spring Creek and Williamson Rivers. At the halfway point, we will have snacks, hot and cold drinks, and a warming fire. We may see bald eagles and river otters.
- The path is hard packed dirt and gravel with uneven terrain and roots. Little to no elevation gain. Plan for possible snow and ice on the ground. Traction devices for shoes recommended.
- Please register for the hike online so we can plan for the snacks and beverages
- The hike starts at 11 a.m. Meet at the Cookhouse located on the west side of the highway north of the parking lot at the Collier Memorial Logging Museum, 46000 Highway 97 N.
- Friendly dogs are welcome on six-foot leashes.
- Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy hiking boots, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- For more information, call 541-783-2471 prior to Dec. 29.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please email Park Ranger Dave Padgett. Requests must be submitted by Dec. 29.
The $5 day-use parking fee is waived that day for all state parks that require a parking permit and are open.
Share photos of First Day Hikes via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes.
First Day Hikes is a national initiative to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012.
The Chiloquin Community is hosting the Chi-Town Winter Wonderland, Friday, Dec. 22nd.
The fun event will benefit the Chiloquin community to help ensure that every child has an opportunity to enjoy and the experience the spirit of giving during this holiday season. Attendees will enjoy hot cocoa and Christmas-themed treats to create a cosy and festive atmosphere.
Organizers are Tahnie Clark and Alethia Brown-David.
- If anyone would like to donate, it would be greatly appreciated for our Chi Community. We are also looking for anyone interested in setting up some type of little Xmas game inside the gym. This event will be on Friday, December 22, 2023, from 4 to 7 p.m.
- For information, please call Valerie at 541-882-8846, ext 3508
The Ross Ragland Theater will be the site for the upcoming holiday performance by the reunited ‘80s-’90s band, Wilson Phillips. The group will present “A Wilson Family Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15.
According to the Ragland, “This is one of the biggest shows happening this year at the theater and a fan favorite for those who grew up with the ‘80’s sensation.”
This special intimate Christmas show consists of five Wilson family members on stage. A two-piece band includes musical director Rob Bonfiglio.
They will play old Beach Boys songs, classic covers, Wilson Phillips material, and of course Christmas songs from their record, including the classic “Hey Santa”.
Best known for their ‘90s hits like “Hold On” and “Release Me,” the group Wilson Phillips is made up of sisters Carnie and Wendy Wilson (daughters of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys), and Chynna Phillips (daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas and the Papas).
The group originally formed in 1986 and had great success with four albums, selling 13 million worldwide, produced three No. 1 hit singles and six top-20 hits. In 1993, Carnie and Wendy released the song “Hey Santa,” which has been on radio stations every season since.
GET TICKETS HERE: https://ragland.org/
This show is sponsored by Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Klamath Falls. (Herald and News/rrt)
Around the state of Oregon
Oregon State Police Traffic Stop Near Albany Results in Major Drug Seizure
A traffic stop in Linn County led to a major drug seizure including methamphetamine, heroin, a loaded firearm, and cocaine.
On Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, an Oregon State Police trooper initiated a traffic stop on Interstate 5 just south of Highway 34 near Albany after observing a traffic violation. The trooper contacted the single occupant of the vehicle and obtained legal authority to search the vehicle. As a result of the search, the following items were seized:
- 42 pounds of methamphetamine
- Seven pounds of heroin
- A loaded pistol
- A small amount of cocaine
Allan Alexis Medina of Puyallup, WA, was arrested for several crimes related to the seizure. The investigation is ongoing and no additional information is available for release at this time.
The Victim of An Assault in November in Medford has Died – 22 Year Old Man Charged with Murder
A 22-year-old Oregon man faces murder charges after a 51-year-old woman he allegedly attacked and viciously beat with a can of soup succumbed to her injuries and died in the hospital.
Anthony Siple was charged with two counts of second-degree murder , one count of first-degree manslaughter, and one count of first-degree robbery in connection with the slaying of Jessa D. Delyon, authorities said.
According to a news release from the Medford Police Department, officers responded at about 6:16 a.m. on Nov. 18 to an emergency call regarding a disturbance on North Keene Way Drive, about 275 miles south of Portland, Oregon.
Police said callers reported a man attacking a woman who could be heard”screaming.”
Moments later, 911 dispatchers received a phone call from the suspect, identified as Siple, who said he “had just assaulted a female and made somewhat incoherent statements,” authorities said.
Officers arrived within three minutes and contacted Siple as he walked away from the scene with evidence that he had been involved in an assault, authorities said.
He was immediately taken into custody, police said.
The victim was found nearby, in serious condition. She was taken to a hospital, where she was listed in critical condition before dying on Dec. 5, authorities said.
Siple was booked at the Jackson County Jail and initially charged with one count of attempted murder and one count of first-degree assault.
Police also said there is no indication Siple and Delyon knew each other before the attack. Police described the suspect using a blunt object that they recovered, police said. Officers said the victim frequently made morning walks and lived in the area.
According to a report from Medford, Oregon, NBC affiliate KOBI, the blunt instrument used to assault Delyon was an unopened can of soup.
“While stranger-on-stranger assaults are extremely rare, the police department cautions people to remain vigilant during outside activities,” Medford Police Lt. Geoff Kirkpatrick said in a statement. “Being in groups, walking during daylight hours, carrying protective measures, and remaining aware of your surroundings are all important steps for your continued safety. Our heart goes out to the victim and her family.”
On a GoFundMe page , Deylon’s daughter mourned the loss of her mother.
“My mother died December 5th. We donated her heart, lungs, liver and both kidneys and saved the lives of 5 people. We also donated her pancreas and skin cells to research. She wanted to do both and I’m so glad I got to make sure she contributed to both organ donation and medical research. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and who has donated… I’m not sure what else to say.. Roman, Dillon and I are grateful for the donations.. it has helped ease the stress of me missing work.. Hug your loved ones this holiday season. We’re missing a huge part of our family this year.. it’s never going to be same.”
Further information about the prosecution of this case and any case specifics can be referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s office. (SOURCE)
Is the Government Spying on Us?
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., opposed reauthorizing warrantless government surveillance of Americans as part of the National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA), in a procedural vote last week.
A four-month extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act was added to the NDAA without a vote or debate.
Wyden and bipartisan members of Congress have pushed for years to reform that surveillance authority, which has been abused to allow warrantless searches for any U.S. Senator, a member of Congress, and a state court judge, among others.
“Americans know they don’t have to sacrifice their liberty to have security. They want policies that give them both, debated in the light of day,” Wyden said. “I cannot support reauthorizing warrantless surveillance of Americans’ communications without significant reforms and improvements to protect the Constitutional rights of people in Oregon and across the nation. I have introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to reauthorize this surveillance authority with significant new protections for Americans’ rights.”
Although Wyden voted against the NDAA and says he supports a number of provisions within the massive military policy bill.
He praised the inclusion of $105 million for an Oregon National Guard special tactics complex in Portland and readiness center in Washington County ($7.5 million more than was included in an earlier version of the bill), as well as a 5.2% pay increase for servicemembers – the largest military pay raise in 20 years.
A new law in Oregon will let drivers pass a slow-moving cyclist in a no-passing zone.
Starting Jan. 1, vehicles traveling at less than half the speed limit will be considered road obstructions. Therefore, drivers in no passing zones will be allowed to cross into the left lane of the roadway to get around them.
Eugene resident Richard Hughes, a self-described bicycle advocate, requested the law. It was formally introduced by Sen. Floyd Prozanski of Eugene and Rep. Tom Andersen of Salem. It was approved during the 2023 legislative session with no votes in opposition in either chamber.
Hughes said it’s unnerving for cyclists when drivers trail them for miles on rural roads.
When travelling at over 35 mph, Oregon drivers must also maintain enough distance while passing to avoid a falling cyclist. (Oregon news)
Some Oregonians who applied for benefits through the state’s new paid family- and medical-leave program are reporting frustrating delays receiving their checks, technical issues during the application process and long wait times to speak to customer service representatives.
The program has been inundated with fraud attempts, contributing to the problems.
A state dashboard shows that program officials have processed more than 28,000 applications, about 80% of what they’ve received, and paid out nearly $104 million so far. There are about 7,000 applications still waiting to be processed, although a portion of those claims are new or could be fraudulent.
A significant number of Oregonians facing benefit delays say they have run into issues with the state’s identity verification process, a step officials put in place to combat the large number of fraudulent application attempts. (Oregon news)
People seeking Measure 110 services and supports can now access a newly invigorated helpline to connect individuals more efficiently with treatment, housing, and overdose prevention providers within the statewide behavioral health resource networks (BHRNs).
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced that Health Resources in Action (HRiA), a non-profit organization based in Boston, was selected as the new contractor for the helpline, replacing Lines for Life.
The firm has extensive experience working with federal and state government agencies such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the federal Department of Health and Human Services. HRiA operates helplines in three other states: Massachusetts, Illinois, and Vermont.
The 18-month contract totals more than $2.8 million. The firm is planning to undertake extensive statewide outreach and add new functionalities to the hotline such as texting.
This helpline will continue to be a statewide public resource for substance use screening and service referrals as well as a resource for those seeking to waive Class E citations.
Under its proposal, HRiA will operate the phone and text helpline, develop a comprehensive website to support the helpline, offer follow-up calls to support service access, and promote the hotline.
The new helpline number is 1-833-975-0505 (OHA)
In the Rogue Valley, Rogue X – a new event center complete with water slides, a swimming pool, basketball courts and more — will open its doors to the public on Jan. 6th, 2024.
Medford city officials toured the facility on Tuesday as crews made their finishing touches.
On one side of the facility, guests will find the event center. Here, there are courts for multiple sports, bleachers and plenty of room for other large events.
On the other side of the facility, guests will find the aquatic center. The pool happens to be the largest competition pool in the region. Complete with two slides, the aquatic center was designed for people of all ages.
The 140,000 square-foot facility cost the city $76 million and has been in the works since 2018. The city told NewsWatch 12 there are already 41 events scheduled to take place at Rogue X in 2024.
Not only is Rogue X expected to be a popular recreation destination for local families, but the city is hoping to see the facility boost the local economy.
Medford already has the west coast’s largest outdoor sports complex just off of Highway 99 between Medford and Phoenix. Over a dozen baseball, softball, and soccer fields and a full fledge football stadium, all with artificial turf, The US Cellular Sports Park has tournaments 50 out of 52 weeks a year in various sports. Several new motels have been built near the area since that opening.
Rogue X will open on January 6. Rosenthal said it’s a public facility but recommended guests purchase passes online. (kdrv 12)
Get $5 off annual Oregon State Park parking permit in December
Give the gift of the outdoors and save this season with the Oregon State Parks 12-month parking permit sale during the month of December.
The permit hangtag once again features whimsical designs from Portland artist El Tran. Holiday shoppers can buy the annual parking permits for only $25, which is a $5 savings starting Dec. 1 and running through Dec. 31. The permit is good for 12 months starting in the month of purchase.
Purchasing permits is easy. Buy them online at the Oregon State Parks store (use the drop down menu to pick your favorite design). Parking permits are also sold at some state park friends’ group stores and select local businesses throughout the state. For a complete list of vendors, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.
Parking costs $5 a day at 25 Oregon state parks unless you have a 12- or 24-month parking permit or a same-day camping receipt. The 24-month pass is $50 and is also available at store.oregonstateparks.org. The permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle.
People in Oregon can now manage state benefits with the Oregon ONE Mobile app
People can now securely manage their medical, food, cash and child care benefits through the State of Oregon from the convenience of their mobile devices using the new Oregon ONE Mobile app. People first will need to apply for benefits online, in person at a local office or over the phone.
The app is available for free in the Apple and Android app stores. It is an official State of Oregon app created by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). The app’s development was partially funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“At ODHS we are committed to meeting people in Oregon where they are with as many ways as possible to manage their benefits, check application status and share needed documentation, like when they get a request for information during a renewal,” said Nathan Singer (he/him), director of the ODHS Oregon Eligibility Partnership. “People can now manage their benefits in-person, by mail, by fax, by telephone, online and on their mobile phone using the Oregon ONE Mobile app, which is available in English and Spanish.”
Interview with OEP Director Singer available on YouTube
Oregon ONE Mobile app video on YouTube
New Oregon ONE Mobile app video link
- Create a ONE Online account.
- Access their existing ONE Online account.
- Report changes to household information including address, contact information and income.
- Upload requested documents using a smartphone camera.
- Get updates on application status and check if it is approved, denied, or pending, and what actions might need to be taken.
- See and download notices that were mailed.
- Find the next renewal date for their benefits.
- Get important, time-sensitive alerts and notifications about benefits on mobile devices.
- View benefit issuance history for food and cash payments.
People who serve as Authorized Representatives for people with benefits are also able to use the app.
How to manage your medical, food, cash and child care benefits:
- By phone at: 1-800-699-9075. All relay calls accepted.
- Online at: benefits.oregon.gov
- Through the free Oregon ONE Mobile app available on Apple and Android app stores
- In person at an office near you: Find an office.
- In your language: Help in Your Language
- By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
- By fax at: 503-378-5628
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find food resources in your community: needfood.oregon.gov.
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
- Oregon Department of Human Services help center
A national auto travel organization says U.S. travelers are gearing up for the second busiest year for holiday travel.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) says today it expects 115,000,000 Americans, including 1.6-million Oregonians, to travel from home for the holidays.
AAA of Oregon’s projection of 115.2-million traveling Americans amounts to 33.8% of the population, whom it says will travel 50 miles or more for Christmas and New Year holidays.
AAA says this figure is a 2.2% increase from last year and the second-highest holiday travel volume since 2000 when AAA began tracking holiday travel, only behind 2019, the nation’s last pre-pandemic holiday season.
AAA says while aout 90% of travelers, or 104,000,000 will drive to holiday destinations, “Air travel sets a new record this holiday season, with 7.5 million Americans including 156,000 Oregonians taking to the skies.”
AAA expects peak traffic days to be December 23rd and 28th and, “Some metro areas could see travel times that are up to twice as long as normal.” It forecasts that traffic also will be heavier than usual Saturday, December 30th, when many people will be heading back home from their holiday destinations or traveling for New Year’s Eve. Another day with higher than normal volumes will be Tuesday, January 2nd, as people drive home from their New Year’s destinations.
AAA also expects 930,000 calls for service, including 15,000 Oregonians, at the roadside during the holidays for dead batteries, lockouts, flat tires and extrications. (AAA Oregon)
Bend, Ore. – The Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program (OYCP) graduated graduated over 150 cadets from their 22-week program at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. The school is located in Bend, Oregon.
Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, attended the graduation and was the guest speaker, as this OYCP graduation ceremony for Class 66 was his first as the Adjutant General for the Oregon National Guard since assuming command last month.
The Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program gives at-risk students a second chance to catch up on credits to complete High School. In addition, the program allows attendees to re-enter high school, graduate on time with their peers, or graduate from OYCP with a state-accredited high school diploma.
The stated mission of the Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program is: To provide opportunities for personal growth, self-improvement, and academic achievement among Oregon high school dropouts, teens no longer attending, and those failing in school through a highly structured non-traditional environment, integrating training, mentoring, and diverse educational activities.
In 1999, the Oregon National Guard established the OYCP in Bend, Oregon, as an intervention program to reclaim the lives of Oregon teens who had dropped out of high school or were not on track to graduate. “At-risk” refers to the risk of not graduating high school. To help at-risk students, the Department of Defense invested in the OYCP style challenge model for youth development and community outreach.
Attendees for the Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program must be 16 to 18 years old, a legal U.S. and Oregon resident, and academically deficient (behind in high school credits) or in danger of not graduating high school. OYCP can be contacted through their website, https://www.oycp.com, or by calling 541-317-9623.
Last-minute camping is about to get a little easier in Oregon.
Starting Jan. 1, 2024, same-day online reservations will available at dozens of state park campgrounds, allowing spontaneous campers the option to book sites less than 24 hours in advance.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced the change Tuesday, nearly five months after rolling out same-day reservations at state parks on the coast. That pilot program went smoothly, park managers said in a news release, giving the parks department the confidence to expand it to campgrounds across the state, including at popular places such as Silver Falls, L.L. Stub Stewart and The Cove Palisades.
(Oregon news)
Starting next month, Oregonians will have more options to take the train to Seattle.
Amtrak Cascades, jointly operated between the Washington and Oregon state transportation departments, said it will add two new round-trip trains between the states’ two largest cities.
The two new trains will begin running on today, Monday, Dec. 11, with the earliest one departing Seattle at 5:52 a.m. and Portland at 6:45 a.m. The latest trains of the day will leave at 7:25 p.m. from Portland and 7:50 p.m. from Seattle. With the two additions, there will now be a dozen trains between the two cities every day.
The two cities are the busiest stops on the Cascades route, which runs from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Eugene.
One train, the Coast Starlight, runs out of Klamath Falls northbound for Portland and points north, leaving Klamath Falls around 8:15am. (Oregon news)
When you hear people talking about a boat, what may come to mind is a yacht, powerboat, or sailboat gliding through a waterway. But did you also know that a kayak, canoe, raft, drift boat, hydrofoil, and stand up paddleboards (SUPs) and any combination thereof are also defined as boats?
Purchasing paddlecraft is easy since many retail stores are selling them. Not only are they a great way to connect with the outdoors, stay fit, and give the mood a lift, but these types of boats also allow for a variety of different activities to try (Stand Up Paddle Yoga, anyone?). If you take the plunge and purchase a boat (including Stand Up Paddleboards) for a friend or loved one, remember there’s more to boating than just the boat.
Boats come in all shapes and sizes and have associated required equipment for your safety out on the water. Paddlers need to have on board a properly fitting US Coast Guard-approved life jacket and a whistle, but it’s more practical to just wear them. If paddling at night or during periods of reduced visibility, then paddlers also need to display a white light source, like a flashlight. The other requirement that applies to craft 10’ or longer, is a Waterway Access Permit. Also, paddlers need to present their permits (print or digital) if stopped by marine law enforcement.
So, what does it cost for the additional required equipment? That depends. A comfortable, inherently buoyant vest-style life jacket can range in price with inflatable belt packs being on the higher end. A whistle costs a few dollars. The light source also varies depending on the model and brand. Waterway Access Permit options cost $5 for a 7-day permit, $17 for an annual permit, and $30 for a 2-year permit.
Then there’s the gear needed for the activity! Kayak and SUP fishing are booming, as is kayak sailing. Just remember, you’re a boater first. But take the time to plan ahead, learn the skills you’ll need for the type of waterway where you plan to boat, and always communicate or write down a float plan with family and loved ones. Education, planning, and preparation go a long way to you having a fun and enjoyable experience.
The Marine Board also offers FREE online paddling courses to help newcomers learn the basic skills and techniques to stay safe. Want to learn how to get started? Visit Boat.Oregon.gov and let your water recreation adventures begin!
Red Cross of Oregon Asking for Blood Donations During The Holidays
Help on Giving Tuesday and during the holidays by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation or an appointment to give blood or platelets. Individuals can also register for volunteer opportunities in their area.
INCREASING SUPPORT AMID EXTREME DISASTERS With the growing frequency and intensity of climate-driven disasters, the Red Cross is racing to adapt its services and grow its disaster response capacity across the country. As part of this national work in 2023, the Red Cross distributed $108 million in financial assistance directly to people after disasters of all sizes, including for wildfire recovery in the Cascades Region.
Across the country, the Red Cross is delivering this vital financial assistance on top of its immediate relief efforts — including safe shelter, nutritious meals and emotional support — which have been provided on a near-constant basis for this year’s relentless extreme disasters. In fact, this year’s onslaught of large disasters drove an increase in emergency lodging provided by the Red Cross with partners — with overnight stays up more than 50% compared to the annual average for the previous five years.
In the Cascades Region we opened four times as many evacuation shelters in June than previous years because of a wildfire season that burned more than 250,000 acres across Oregon and SW Washington. Altogether, nearly 200 of our local volunteers responded to disasters in 2023, including more than 770 in the Cascades Region.
- The holidays can be a challenging time to collect enough blood for those in need. To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS. As a thank-you, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Dec. 1-17 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Terms apply. See rcblood.org/Amazon.
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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 radio and 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!