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. Call 541-882-6476.
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Poor Air Quality Advisory for Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, with a high near 80. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Overnight, hazy skies with a low near 49. Northwest wind 6 to 11 mph and gustier at times.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
An air quality advisory is in effect for all of Lake County and parts of northern Jackson and Klamath counties, according to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
According to the release, the advisory is in effect due to wildfire smoke from fires burning across Oregon.
“The agencies expect the air quality advisory to last until at least Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 14,” the release said.
“…Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people. Protect yourself and your family when smoke levels are high.”
Residents can be cautious by staying inside when possible, using an air filter inside, avoiding places with the highest levels of smoke and using N95 or P100 respirators outside.
On Friday, August 9, 2024 detectives from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office assigned to the Oregon Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force served a search warrant at a residence located in the 9000 block of Snowgoose Lane in Keno, Oregon.
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which led to subpoenas and the search warrant into the residence.
Following interviews with the suspect(s), investigators seized numerous digital devices which will be forensically analyzed for further evidence of child exploitation.
Investigators also seized illegal narcotics and a firearm. No suspect(s) will be criminally charged until forensic examination of the seized digital devices is completed
The National Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, consists of state and local law enforcement task forces dedicated to developing effective responses to online enticement of children by sexual predators, child exploitation, and child obscenity and pornography cases. The Oregon Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force focuses on investigating, prosecuting and preventing the sexual exploitation of children on the internet.
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the U.S. Department of Justice via the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Oregon Department of Justice (ODOJ).
Please Report Suspected Child Abuse to: 911 or the Tip-Line at (541) 850-5380
Another homicide investigation is underway in Klamath Falls following the shooting of an unknown victim last Thursday morning. A news release from Klamath Falls Police Department (KFPD) said there was a report of a shooting at 10:03 a.m. at 3201 Quarry St.
“KFPD responded to a welfare check on the the resident after receiving a third-party report that the resident had been shot,” the release read.
When law enforcement arrived on scene, the victim was deceased.
KFPD Captain Rob Reynolds said the victim has been identified as Timothy Allen Ayers, 72, who was the current resident of the home.
The Klamath County major crime team was activated for a homicide investigation. As of Friday afternoon, no suspects have been identified.
“We do have some people of interest,” Reynolds said. “But we are soliciting the community’s help. Any information to assist in this investigation is crucial.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Snyder at (541) 883-5336, or call the anonymous tip line at (541) 883-5334.
The shooting on Quarry Street is the third incident of suspected homicide since late June, following the murder of two teenage sisters earlier this summer.
It is also the fourth incident of a shooting that comes just one week after a man was shot near Klamath Union High School during a youth soccer camp on Aug. 1. Authorities are still searching for suspect Andrew Wyatt Gregory.
As costs of operations continue to skyrocket across multiple industries, including waste disposal, Waste Management sought from the Board of Klamath County Commissioners on Wednesday approval to increase consumer rates by 13.6%.
Providing to the Commission its cost report for 2023 in Klamath County, Waste Management pricing director Michael Jefferies explained the operating ratio (a financial metric that compares a company’s operating expenses to its net sale as a percentage to determine how well it can manage costs while generating revenue) as being at 97.8%.
The main factors affecting operating costs include depreciation costs (the purchase of eight new trucks), maintenance costs and wage increases for employees in Klamath County (an increase by 3.86% for drivers, maintainers, administrators, etc.). Jefferies also listed the new disposal rate set by the Klamath County Commission (whereas in 2023 it cost $1,944,420 in expenditures) as a reason.
Approved during a Klamath County meeting following a public hearing held on Aug. 1, 2023, to combat the growing disparity between the county’s Solid Waste Division’s own revenues and expenditures, the Klamath County Commission decided to increase rate fees at the local transfer station by 13% effective September of that year. Rates will again increase by another 13% this year, and once more by 13% in 2025 before dropping down to 4% annual increases, all effective on the first day of September. Prior to approving the resolution, Klamath County Solid Waste hadn’t seen an increase since 2009 for per ton fees.
Outlined by a fee schedule provided during the meeting, a 13.6% increase to garbage and recycling rates inside the urban growth boundary for weekly residential collection services would be as follows: 35-gallon garbage cart with a 64-gallon recycling cart increases by $2.74, equaling $22.91 monthly; 64-gallon garbage cart with a 64-gallon recycling cart increases by $3.35, equaling $27.95 monthly; 96-gallon garbage cart with 64-gallon cart increases by $3.94, equaling $32.93 monthly. Rates for senior garbage and recycling services are also subject to the 13.6% increase, but are appropriately lessened.
The North Entrance to Crater Lake National Park will be closed starting Tuesday, Aug. 13, to facilitate firefighting operations related to the Middle Fork Fire which has burned over 4,000 acres and has little containment yet.
The closure will affect the North Entrance Road from North Junction to the park boundary at Highway 138, according to a news release from the park.
The closure is expected to last approximately seven days. Firefighters will be working to prepare control lines and create a defensible zone to protect park infrastructure and prevent the fire from spreading further east.
Despite this closure, Crater Lake National Park will remain accessible via Highway 62 from the west and south. Visitors should anticipate longer wait times at the entrance station as traffic will be directed through a single point.
The Middle Fork Fire is now 4,011 acres and 0% contained, according to the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership.
“On the western flank crews continue road preparation using mastication and scouting for secondary containment lines. Significant heat and continuous fuels on the southwest flank pose operational challenges and personnel are looking for opportunities for indirect line construction to mitigate the spread potential.
On the northern portion of the fire up to HWY 230, crews are establishing several starting and stopping points for potential future firing operations. In conjunction with the potential firing operations, to the north-northeast between HWY 230 and HWY 138, crews have installed hose lays on dozer lines.
Yesterday, outside the north entrance road to Crater Lake National Park, crews and heavy equipment operators did not implement the trial run of clearing vegetation as planned. This trial run of a light-handed approach to vegetation clearing is set to happen in the coming days. If determined appropriate, this method will continue inside the park on the north entrance road,” the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership said in a news release.
“Perimeter fire growth was minimal yesterday overall, while the eastern flank has crept to the bottom of Devils Ridge, and hot spots have revealed to the southwest. Uphill runs at Devils Ridge are possible today with higher wind speeds. Air resources, including helicopters for water bucket drops and recon flights and unmanned aircraft systems (drones) for infrared imaging and firing operations remain available. The Pacific Crest Trail from the Dutton Ridge Intersection to Hwy 138, Lightning Springs, Bald Crater Loop, Bert Creek, and Boundary Springs Trails (within the park) are closed.”
Residents wanting information about current park conditions can call Crater Lake National Park at 541-594-3000.
The Warner Peak Fire near Lakeview in Lake County is now at 52,650 acres and is four percent contained, according to the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership.
“Air and ground resources are being used to reinforce fire lines on both sides of the Warner Peak Fire. Warm, dry weather and particularly susceptible fuels promote fast fire spread. Steep and mountainous terrain in some parts of the Refuge makes access and travel extremely difficult for firefighters. Active fire behavior is predicted while the fuels are dry, and temperatures are elevated.
Firefighters are working to minimize damage to wildlife habitats, natural resources, and cultural heritage sites within the affected area,” SCOFMP said in a news release. “Crews have continued to make significant progress securing the eastern area of the fire, constructing line utilizing natural and manmade features such as roads and rocky outcrops. Initial containment along the eastern side of the fire will enable firefighters to continue safely and effectively engaging along the southern and western fire edge. These operations will continue through the night shift when fire intensity is lower, removing fuels ahead of the wildfire to create more secure and defensible fire control lines. Fire behavior will remain very active along the southwestern portion of the fire as it moves into receptive fuels, pushed by winds out of the west. Air resources have been engaged to support crews on the ground and will be used where appropriate as the weather permits. Crews will work to secure lines and cool hot spots near the line and be ready to extinguish any spot fires. A UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) with IR sensors is being used to map the fire perimeter. Mop up and patrol operations continue across the complex.”
There are 405 personnel on scene, the release said.
Oregon Tech graduates begin their careers as some of the highest-paid graduates in the state according to Payscale’s most recent rankings, which are based on graduates’ return on tuition and borrowing investments.
Payscale’s 2024 rankings note an OIT degree has the highest return on investment (ROI) of any college or university in Oregon and is ranked No. 76 in the nation.
According to an employment outcome report published by the United States Census Bureau, OIT graduates earn a median starting salary of $61,000 within 12 months of graduation.
The latest edition of Payscale’s College ROI report is based on the alumni salary data of 1.9 million college-educated workers and data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System produced by the National Center for Education Statistics.
The data used in Payscale’s 2024 College Return on Investment report is collected through online compensation surveys completed between January 2007 and May 2024. Users provide data about their jobs, compensation, employer, demographics, and educational background, and in return, Payscale provides them with a detailed compensation report that compares their compensation to that of others like them.
To view the complete 2024 College Education ROI Report and the list of all institutions ranked, go to www.payscale.com/college-roi.
Oregon DMV Alert: Due to staffing, the Lakeview DMV office will be closed today, Tuesday, August 13th.
Chiloquin Visions in Progress (CVIP) is excited to announce the return of the Chiloquin Learns After School (CLAS) program this September after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program, designed to support kindergarten through sixth-grade students, will be held at Chiloquin Elementary School from Monday to Thursday, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The CLAS program offers a safe and engaging environment for students to receive homework assistance, participate in enriching activities, and develop social skills. The program aims to provide a supportive space for children to grow academically and socially, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
To ensure the program’s success, CVIP is currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Program Coordinator to lead and manage the program’s operations. The Program Coordinator will oversee daily activities, coordinate with staff, and ensure the program runs smoothly.
Interested applicants can find the job posting on our website or contact the CVIP office for more information. Funding for the program has been provided through a Good Neighbor grant from The Ford Family Foundation and the Klamath County School District. For more information about the program, job openings, or how to get involved, please visit our website or contact Chiloquin Visions in Progress.
The 173rd Fighter Wing will welcome back the U.S. Air Force’s premier aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, for the Wings and Eagles Airshow and Kingsley Field Open House, July 19-20, 2025.
“The Wings and Eagles Airshow will showcase the Thunderbirds, with one aircraft being flown by a previous Kingsley F-15 instructor pilot,” said Col. Lee Bouma, 173rd Fighter Wing commander.
This will be the first time since 2008 that the Thunderbirds have been featured in Southern Oregon.
The public is invited to enjoy a wide variety of civilian and military performers, which will be announced at a later date, and admission is free.
“Please mark your calendar and come share the weekend with us, enjoying military aviation,” Bouma said. “This is one way we can give back to our amazing community that supports us so well.”
The Wings and Eagles Airshow will be held in conjunction with the Sentry Eagle air-to-air combat exercise, one of the Air National Guard’s largest air-to-air exercises. This exercise provides military pilots of the National Guard, Active Duty and Reserve components a forum in which to test their flying skills.
Additional information will be shared on the 173rd Fighter Wing website at https://www.173fw.ang.af.mil/and on the wing’s social media pages.
For more information about the Wings and Eagles Airshow or the Sentry Eagle air-to-air combat exercise contact the 173rd FW Public Affairs Office at (541) 885-6677.
Journey under the sea at Klamath County libraries Klamath County Library Service District A fan-favorite Summer Reading special guest returns with another awesome museum exhibit!
The University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History will take us on a Journey Under the Sea, investigating the wide variety of life forms that call the ocean off Oregon’s coast home. This collection of specimens and hands-on activities will appear at the following library branches:
* Bonanza – 31703 Hwy 70 – Tuesday, August 13th at 10 am
* Chiloquin – 140 South First St. – Wednesday, August 14th at 2 pm
*
Downtown Klamath Falls – 126 S. 3rd St – Wednesday, August 14th at 10 am
* After the event – Wednesdays from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm – stop by
the grass between the library and the Klamath County courthouse for free
lunch, provided by Integral Youth Services.
*
Keno – 15555 Hwy 66 #1 – Thursday, August 15th at 2 pm
* Malin – 2307 Front St. – Tuesday, August 13th at 2 pm
*
South Suburban Klamath Falls – 3625 Summers Lane – Thursday, August 15th at
10 am
This exhibit is for all ages, but those under 10 years old need to be
accompanied by a parent or guardian, please.
For more information, call us at 541-882-8894 or visit
klamathlibrary.org/SRP<https:/
You’re invited to come by Sky Lakes Washburn Pharmacy on Thursday, August 15th. Fill a prescription or purchase an over-the-counter item and get a free backpack stuffed with school supplies.
Sky Lakes Washburn Pharmacy is open Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 7:00pm and Saturday 9am – 5pm.
One backpack per child while supplies last. Child must be present. While supplies last.
Lake County is hosting its 3rd annual “Music in the Wild” concert in Fort Rock next month and tickets are going fast.
The concert will take place in Fort Rock on September 22. It features Hunter Novak, a concert pianist. Novak tours both the U.S. and Canada as a non-profit bringing classical music into wild and beautiful places.
Your ticket also gets you into the Fort Rock Historical Museum. After the concert, Fort Rock Grange is also hosting a pie social fundraiser.
“Part of your ticket is when you check in is you get headphones so you can walk around whatever and connect the music to the landscape itself,” said Lake County Chamber of commerce, Shelley Batty.
Novak will play a full-size grand piano in Fort Rock. Tickets for the Classical Music in the Wild can be found on eventbrite.com.
Win-R-Insulation, Inc. wants you to know of a special partnership with EnergyTrust of Oregon where you may be able to qualify for a FREE CEILING INSULATION PROGRAM.
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Around the State of Oregon
More than 20 measles cases are confirmed in Oregon and health officials are worried there might be more.
This is the worst measles outbreak since 2019. The increasing rate of children who aren’t being vaccinated is allowing the disease to spread. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. There can be serious side effects and in rare cases it can be fatal. Health officials are advising parents to get kids vaccinated. If they have concerns about the safety of the vaccines, they should talk with their health care providers.
Tiller, Oregon Fire Burning Over 5,000 Acres, No Containment
On Saturday night, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Tiller Trail Fire in Douglas County. The fire sparked Saturday around 3 p.m. and is estimated to be 5,000 acres in size at this time. The Oregon State Fire Marshal has activated its Green Incident Management Team and three structural task forces.
On Saturday afternoon, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized a structural task force from the Rogue Valley through Immediate Response.
“Over the last few days, we saw several fires spark on the west side of the Cascades. The fire danger across Oregon is extremely concerning. We are bringing in the full force of the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to help protect homes and critical infrastructure near the Tiller Trail Fire,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple Said. “Historically, August has been a challenging month in terms of wildfire, and this one is shaping up to be no different. I am calling on all Oregonians and visitors to do everything they can to prevent sparking another wildfire.”
According to the Douglas County Sheriff, there are levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices in place. Please follow the Douglas County Sheriff for the latest evacuation information.
The OSFM Green Team will be briefed at 10:30 a.m. Sunday and will be in unified command with an Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team. The Emergency Conflagration Act is invoked by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, allowing the state fire marshal to mobilize state resources to wildfires to protect life and property. The conflagration act is invoked following ORS 476.510-476.610 when Governor Kotek determines threats to life, safety, and property exist because of the fire, and the threats exceed the capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.
The U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region said wildfires in the region will likely burn until good fall rain arrives.
The USFS public information officer with the Northern Rockies Complex, who is in charge of the Diamond Complex and the Middle Fork Fire, was about the agencies plan of action when it comes to the fire fight.
“No, the Diamond Complex which consists of 27 individual fires is being managed under a full compression strategy and so that means the goal is to put it out as quickly as safely possible,” said Northern Rockies Complex PIO, Stefani Spencer.
The Middle Fork Fire is also under a full compression strategy. Spencer said crews are prioritizing fires and have received all the resources requested and they will continue to make progress on lining the fires.
Multiple wildfires across the Northwest will likely burn until fall weather arrives. In the meantime, more lightning and new fires are expected.
Fire managers are developing strategies to maximize success, while minimizing the risk of injury or death to emergency responders. Among other tactics, crews on long-duration wildfires will develop a network of primary and contingency containment lines to stop flames approaching communities, power lines, water systems and other resources. You can support firefighters by following fire restrictions and emergency closures.
39-year-old woman is in jail after intentionally setting a vehicle on fire with a child inside in Florence on Tuesday night.
According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, police responded to a dispute at a home in the 5000 block of South Jetty Road. Upon arrival, officers learned that
Lindsey Abigail Williston had intentionally set a vehicle on fire with a child inside.
Police say Williston then entered the home with another child and barricaded themselves inside.
Luckily officers were able to get the child out of the vehicle and also the second child out of the home through a window.
Williston refused to comply with negotiators and when officers attempted to put her under arrest, she began to fight back and sprayed a fire extinguisher at deputies.
Eventually officers were able to take Williston into custody with the use of less lethal tools.
She faces several charges including arson, reckless endangerment, reckless burning, and six counts of harassment.
Public colleges and universities in Oregon could face cuts under the proposed budget for the next two years.
Governor Tina Kotek asked the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to cut its budget by one percent. That would leave colleges and universities 100-million dollars short. They say it would result in tuition increases and program cuts. They’re asking the Governor to increase higher education funding when she submits her budget in December.
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – A pedestrian is dead after being struck by a car last night in rural Central Point. Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team is investigating the incident.
ECSO 911 Dispatch received a call on August 10, at 11:30 PM for a pedestrian struck in the roadway by a motor vehicle in the 400 block of Wilson Road outside of Central Point. Jackson County Sheriff’s office (JCSO) deputies responded along with Fire District 3 and Mercy Flights medics. The patient was pronounced deceased on scene around 11:44 PM. The STAR Team, a Central Point Police Department Medical Examiner, and JCSO detectives responded to take over the investigation.
Next of kin was notified on scene. Deceased is Omar Salas Ibarra, 35, of Central Point. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
Initial reports indicate a woman driving a black 1998 Honda Civic traveling eastbound on Wilson Road struck Ibarra while he was attempting to cross the street. No criminal charges for the driver have been filed at this time. This case is under further investigation. There is no more information available for release at this time.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Search and Rescue (SAR) located a crashed vehicle and skeletal remains Tuesday, August 6, in steep, forested terrain on the side of Highway 140 outside of Eagle Point.
On Thursday the remains were scientifically identified as Graham Case, of Medford, missing since June 22, 2023.
Last week the SAR personnel responded to an unrelated call and were conducting a drone search in the area. This tip led SAR to search a broader area and ultimately find what appeared to be a crashed white Mercedes SUV in steep and densely forested terrain alongside Hwy 140. JCSO detectives responded to the scene, located human remains, and confirmed the vehicle as belonging to Case.
A Central Point Police Department Medical Examiner arrived on scene and collected the remains with assistance from JCSO and SAR Tactical Rope Rescue Team personnel.
A Grants Pass man has been sentenced to more than sixteen years in prison for sex crimes involving children.
31 year old Timothy Yoshida of Grants Pass plead guilty to 8 counts, including encouraging child sexual assault in the first and second degree and using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct.
Though a plea deal, 23 of the original 31 charges brought against him were dismissed.
He will serve more than 16 and a half years in prison and be on parole for three years.
Before sentencing, the victims’ father gave an emotional statement to the judge, asking for Yoshida to be locked up long enough for his two six year old daughters to grow up without ever being traumatized by him again.
Yoshida had no previous criminal record, but was the boyfriend of the two children’s mother.
He was arrested August 29, 2023 at his home in Merlin by the Oregon State Police after a tip from the child exploitation tax force.
The Oregon Health Authority has announced a plan to eliminate health inequities.
There are groups of people who face social, economic and other factors that limit their access to health care. It’s caused by systemic racism, bias and discrimination. OHA’s plan will work to improve behavioral health care, and increase access to affordable care for all. It’ll also work to advance Tribal health care and access for rural residents. The goal is to eliminate health inequities by 2030.
Gov. Tina Kotek is seeking federal relief for farmers and ranchers in two-thirds of Oregon counties impacted by wildfires and smoke this summer, with the potential to add more counties to the list.
Kotek first wrote to Tom Vilsack, head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, on July 31, asking for support for crop and livestock farmers who are grappling with the effects of dozens of fires that have burned more than 1.3 million acres this summer. In the days following, Oregon’s congressional delegation and Oregon House Republicans also wrote to Vilsack backing up the Democratic governor’s requests.
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture did not respond to questions and requests for comment Tuesday.
In her letter, Kotek asked Vilsack for three things. First, to declare a disaster for 23 of Oregon’s 36 counties, allowing farmers and ranchers to apply for special USDA loans and financial assistance programs. Next, she asked for Vilsack to coordinate with the head of the U.S. Forest Service, Randy Moore, to authorize emergency leniency on federal grazing areas, allowing ranchers flexibility about where and when they can graze to accommodate disruptions from wildfires.
Matt McElligott, president of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, asked Kotek to further extend her request for aid to the U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees the Bureau of Land Management. He asked that she request the agency open up any vacant or retired grazing permits so ranchers can move some of their cattle onto the public land. Kotek wrote to the agency’s leader, Deb Haaland, requesting assistance Tuesday.
McElligott said he spoke with a rancher who sold off most of his cattle due to the wildfires.
As school approaches, measles outbreak highlights importance of kids being up to date on vaccinations
Kids across Oregon are still behind on their routine vaccinations, and it’s critical to get them back on track before school starts to protect them, as well as our schools and communities, from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Take this quiz to learn which vaccines your child needs. You can also check out this printable 2024-2025 School Year Immunization requirement sheet for Oregon.
For the 2022-2023 school year, only 87.1% of Oregon’s kindergarteners were up to date on their required vaccinations. Twenty years ago, that number was 94.4%. The overall decline has state health officials concerned, especially with a recent measles outbreak among mostly unvaccinated people under age 20, centered in Marion County.
Measles is highly contagious (watch video), and it may take 7-21 days after exposure before symptoms appear (fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, rash). Stay up to date on Oregon’s current measles outbreak, including what to do if you think you were exposed, here.
Every child who attends public and private schools, preschools, child care facilities, and Head Start programs in Oregon must be up to date on required vaccinations (including measles), unless they have a medical or non-medical exemption. COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are not required in these settings but are highly recommended for people of all ages. Parents and caregivers can learn more about children’s vaccine safety here.
Visit OHA’s interactive School Immunization data page for Oregon’s latest school immunization statistics, and track infectious diseases in Oregon on our Monthly Communicable Disease Surveillance Report.
Thousands of Marijuana Plants Seized
Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant Friday morning, August 2nd, at a black-market cannabis grow in the 5900 block of Highway 234 in rural Central Point.
IMET detectives seized approximately 39,000 illegal marijuana plants, $3000 in cash, and two firearms. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. IMET detained seven people on the property and charges are being referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies, and Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers. Jackson County Fire District 3 responded to this same property on April 16, 2024, after receiving reports of three large piles of prohibited material had been set on fire.
Be Prepared with Fire Weather Tools
As August rolls on, the National Weather Service (NWS) reminds wildland fire managers that we have tools to help you monitor and fight wildfires. Whether it is a prescribed burn, ground fire or crown fire, fire managers can use this information to make decisions on how best to combat fires and keep the public safe.
Fire weather forecasters – The NWS issues Fire Weather Outlooks for the next eight days. These outlooks show areas where pre-existing fuel conditions, combined with forecast weather conditions, may result in a significant threat of wildfires.
Our Fire Weather Program supports land managers and firefighters who mitigate and respond to fires. Our weather forecasts are designed to highlight times and locations where a fire may be exceptionally hard to control. For example, we offer Red Flag Warnings, which mean warm temperatures, very low humidities and stronger winds are ongoing or expected to produce an increased risk of fire danger in 12 to 24 hours for specific locations.
Need a fire weather Spot Forecast? Land managers can request a site-specific, localized forecast for prescribed burns and wildfires to assess a potential threat. NWS recently updated this tool and will deliver additional enhancements to the application later this year. Learn more about the new Spot Forecast tool.
For federal and select state large wildfires, onsite weather forecasting support to firefighters is critical. An NWS Incident- Meteorologist (IMET) can be deployed to your incident command post. IMETs arrive on scene within 12 to 24 hours after activation and can serve up to 14 consecutive days before being relieved by another IMET. https://www.weather.gov/news/241507-fire-weather-tools
PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires
- Immediately call 911 to report fires.
- Drones and other unmanned aircrafts are illegal to fly near fires.
- Fireworks, incendiary/tracer ammunition and exploding targets, are prohibited during fire season (May-October).
- Use caution when target shooting. Clear a 20-foot radius around the target by removing all vegetation and rocks.
- Ensure vehicles and trailers are properly maintained
- Make sure chains and other metal parts are not dragging.
- Keep exhaust systems clean and use spark arrestors.
- Do not park on dry grass.
- Carry extra water, shovel, and/or a fire extinguisher with you.
- Ensure your campfire is completely extinguished before leaving your campsite by making sure it is cool to the touch.
- Please don’t smoke and if you do, don’t throw out cigarette butts.
- Please be mindful and think about your actions
To ensure all Oregonians remain safe during the 2024 wildfire season, we urge everyone to stay tuned into these communications channels and follow all official safety guidelines related to air quality and recreation:
Watch Duty app: Download this app on your smartphone to understand where wildfires are in real time as well as monitor air quality and other metrics. https://app.watchduty.org
Northwest Interagency Coordination Center: During fire season, this web-based interactive map is updated daily with current fire perimeters and locations. This website acts as the wildfire resource coordination center for the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, Oregon Dept of Forestry, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington Dept. of Natural Resources and the National Park Service. https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/index.aspx
InciWeb the Incident Information System: The federal interagency all-risk incident information management system provides an interactive map with real-time location information on wildfires. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire News: The official wildfire news blog for the Oregon Department of Forestry. Look here for all wildfire news related to state forest lands. https://odffire.com/
Keep Oregon Green: A partnership comprised of statewide and interagency groups working together to promote awareness of the risk and causes of wildfires and how to be prepared in case of a wildfire emergency. https://keeporegongreen.org/
OregonLive Wildfire Map: A project managed by OregonLive that incorporates data from InciWeb, National Interagency Fire Center, Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, NOAA into an easy-to-use map tool. https://projects.oregonlive.com/wildfires/map
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Air Quality Monitoring Data: A real-time map and cell phone application you can use to track air quality, including wildfire smoke impacts, across the state. Check your app store for OregonAir. https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map
Purple Air – Air Quality Map System: Real-time air quality information using crowdsourced data and data from EPA air sensors. https://map.purpleair.com/1/mAQI/a10/p604800/cC0…
NOAA High Resolution Rapid Refresh Data Visualization: The High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency(NOAA) is an experimental data visualization tool for wildfire smoke. Be sure to turn on the “Vertically Integrated Smoke” layer to see smoke paths. https://hwp-viz.gsd.esrl.noaa.gov/smoke/index.html
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Ready to Advertise in 2024? Let’s get the word out for Summer! Call BasinLife.com at 541-363-7503. Or email us today at INFO@BasinLife.com with your name, business, and what you’re looking for. We’ll customize a plan fit for your budget.
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 Email Blasts to thousands of local residents. We can also keep you updated with the latest smart digital marketing strategies for 2024 for your business. BasinLife.com is still the best value in the Klamath Basin for advertising, as we celebrate our 8th 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!