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 them at 541-882-6476.
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Klamath Basin Weather
Air Stagnation Advisory thru December 6, 4:00PM
Today
Sunny with a high near 48. Light northwest winds to 5 mph. Overnight, partly cloudy with a low near 25 degrees.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
The annual Snowflake Festival Parade is coming to downtown Klamath Falls on Thursday evening, Dec. 5th, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bundle up!
Bonanza will host its Hometown Holiday Celebration on Dec. 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There will be a parade, a visit with Santa and free hot chocolate.
More Events!
‘Tis the season of giving in Klamath County with the Marine Corps League’s annual Toys for Tots toy drive already underway.
Last year alone, Crater Lake Detachment 373 Marine Corps League distributed more than 17,000 gifts to 4,126 children across Klamath County.In difficult economic times, the local Marine Corps League is asking residents who are able to give what they can to help support families in need.
This year, Klamath County campaign coordinator Eric Anderson said the drive still needs donations to cover certain age groups. Anderson said the toy drive is hoping to receive a wider variety of local donations in addition to items that have been donated by corporations such as Hasbro and Disney. Although Hasbro donated multiple truckloads to Toys for Tots drives in the Western states, the selection is still slim.
Donations of new, unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at Bi-Mart, Fred Meyer, My Mechanic or the Leatherneck Club in Klamath Falls up until Dec. 24, which will be the final day of collections.
Families in need of gifts for their children can sign up online until Sunday, Dec. 8, to receive presents. To apply, visit the Klamath County Toys for Tots website at klamath-falls-or.toysfortots.org and select “request a toy.” And for those interested in lending a hand with this year’s toy collections and distributions, Anderson said volunteers are always welcomed.
A group of high school seniors also relinquished a portion of their holiday break to volunteer at the distribution center last year as part of their senior projects. Individuals and organizations interested in volunteering can submit forms via the local website as well.
Long time Klamath Falls business owner Harry Mauch passed away over the weekend after a 15 month fight with stage four globastoma cancer. Mauch was well known as the owner/operator of Power Pac Rental and Sales in Klamath Falls and Medford.
Mr. Mauch leaves behind his wife Carol, and three sons. Harry graduated from Sacred Heart High in Klamath Falls in 1975 and went on to play professional baseball for the Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics organizations. The great community supporter, Mauch was well known for his community philanthropy.
Service for Harry Mauch will be Saturday, December 21st at 1pm in Klamath Falls at New Horizons Fellowship Church in Klamath Falls.
Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) was recently notified that it has received an improved Public Protection Classification (PPC) score of Class 2 from the Insurance Services Office (ISO) within the Klamath Falls City limits and suburban areas of Klamath Falls, located within 5 road miles of a fire station.
The comprehensive review from the ISO highlights the outstanding efforts from the staff at KCFD1, Klamath County 911 and our local water purveyors.
“Achieving an ISO Class 2 rating is a significant accomplishment for our Fire District, and the improved mark represents a major accomplishment” says KCFD1 Board President Gloria Storey.
Nationwide, less than 2% of all fire departments achieve an ISO rating of 2 or lower. Currently, in the State of Oregon, there are no communities with an ISO Class 1 rating.
The new Class 2 rating may result in a decrease in annual fire insurance premiums within portions of the KCFD1 fire response area.
Residential and commercial property owners are encouraged to contact their insurance providers to inquire if their premiums will be impacted by the improved classification rating. It’s important to understand that each insurance company independently determines the premiums it charges its policyholders. The new ISO Class 2 rating will go into effect on March 1, 2025. ISO is an independent company that provides underwriting, ratings, and statistical information to the property and casualty insurance industry in the United States.
When conducting an ISO review, ISO collects information about a community’s public fire protection capabilities and analyzes the data using its Fire Suppression Rating Schedule – which quantifies the community’s fire suppression resources, risk reduction programs, 911 capabilities and water supply systems.
The Ross Ragland Theater made Santa’s nice list this year as one of the many organization to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars from the state for its upcoming internship program.
In the final round of the Higher Education Coordinating Committee s (HECC) Future Ready Oregon grant awards, the Klamath Falls theater was given $500,000 to pursue its proposed youth internship program which will partner with both Klamath Union High School and Klamath Community College (KCC).
Ross Ragland’s Executive Director Curtis Peoples said the idea for the career-focused program is based on a program in New York. The Ross Ragland Theater internship will work with KU students over the summer to show them the ropes of running sound, lighting and other technical theater work. Peoples said that the theater had a pilot test-run over the summer with eight students working for two weeks at the Ragland.
In addition to local youth, Peoples said the Ragland is also looking for community members who may have an interest and possibly some experience working in a theater setting to participate in the internship and other available programming.The hope, Peoples said, is to bring all corners of the Basin together through theater.
Many projects and programs in Southern Oregon are benefitting from Oregon receiving a $545,000 boost from the 2024 Fall Cycle of Community Grants from Oregon Community Foundation.
The organization known as REACH of Klamath Falls, received a 25-thousand dollar grantto purchase a vehicle for the Recycling and Landscaping Programs. They provide paid job training to adults who experience intellectual and or developmental disabilities. Their goal is to empower people with transferable job skills to gain meaningful paid community integrated employment. Their landscaping crews provide commercial and residential lawn care services to Klamath County, many to veterans, elderly or others who experience a disability and cannot care for their own yards/property.
The statewide funder has distributed 26 new grants in Southern Oregon to support capacity building, small capital and new or expanding projects by nonprofits. The announcement comes on #GivingTuesday, an international day of generosity that follows Thanksgiving.
Statewide, the new round of funding includes 248 grants for nearly $5.8 million. That brings the total awarded in Community Grants by OCF to a record $11.1 million for the year, including funding previously announced in the spring. The grants are possible because of the generosity of Oregon Community Foundation donors.
Oregon Tech received two grants from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) to support innovative workforce and talent development projects for the community.
The grants amount to $1,209,546 for Applied Computing and User Experience (UX) Writing, Design, and Research.
The Future Ready Oregon Workforce Ready Grants are part of approximately $42 million awarded to community-based organizations, community colleges, public and private universities, local workforce development boards, school districts, and other education and workforce service providers throughout Oregon.
Oregon Tech received $709,546 for an Applied Computing for Upskilling and Reskilling Professionals project. The project aims to equip professionals from underserved communities with essential concepts and tools in applied computing, covering topics from system architecture to data science methodologies. The program application will open in early 2025 and will launch in spring 2025 with an initial cohort of 25-30 individuals.
By spring 2026, 100 participants will have completed the 10-week Applied Computing course at Oregon Tech. Tuition and fees for all participants will be fully covered, and those who successfully complete the course will also receive a laptop. Designed to upskill or reskill individuals, the program aims to prepare them for in-demand computing job opportunities.
Klamath County is seeking volunteers for advisory committees in the county.
The link to view positions and apply is available online, and applications are due by Dec. 15th.
In a news release, county commissioners said “this is an amazing and unique opportunity for community members to provide viewpoints and vision for moving Klamath County into the future.” There are 11 different boards, commissions and committees with at least one open position.
Klamath Union High School has been awarded just under a half-million dollar grant for programming geared toward future careers in medicine.
KUHS is to receive $440,843 via the third and final round of funding distribution from Future Ready Oregon — a $200 million Oregon Senate bill passed by legislature in 2022. The bill focuses on preparing Oregon youth to enter the workforce in the fields of healthcare, technology and manufacturing, and establishing educational and community support and engagement for underserved populations throughout Oregon. Funding was awarded for the city school’s health occupations program, a new course offered to all KUHS students that provides students with hands-on experience working in healthcare.
Adam Randall, assistant principal at KUHS, said although 2024 is the first year offering the course, the results have been “pretty insane.” Randall said next year, the school is planning to double the available instruction time by making the teacher’s role a full-time position, allowing for approximately 200 students to take the class each year.
The course, entitled “Introduction to Health Occupations,” gives high schoolers an opportunity to tour through 33 different health occupations at Sky Lakes Wellness Center. Partnering with Sky Lakes has been an overwhelming success story, Randall said. The health occupations program also comes with an opportunity for students to progress in their potential careers in healthcare by working — and earning wages — as clinical or surgical ambassadors at Sky Lakes facilities.
Sky Lakes even provides tuition assistance to students who continue through the programming. And, as of this fall, students who are surgical ambassadors can go on to complete the new surgical tech program at KCC.
The state grant funding awarded to KUHS is enough to cover the necessary equipment to have on the high school campus and provide wages for the ambassadors working at Sky Lakes who, until now, have been paid out of pocket by the hospital facility.
Other local organizations also got awarded money- Klamath County School District and Mazama High School: $302,793 for manufacturing, Oregon Institute of Technology: two grants for $1,209,546 for technology, and the Ross Ragland Theater: $500,000 for technology.
Opening day for Mt. Shasta Ski Park is set for Wednesday, December 11th.
The ski park made the announcement on Facebook Monday morning, also stating that while there is a lot of work to be done, crews are already hard at it.
Mt. Shasta’s annual season pass party will happen the Friday before opening day, on December 6. Hours on opening day will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In Oregon, Mt. Ashland Ski Area announced it’s opening day earlier this month, that’s set for December 14.
Meanwhile, Warner Canyon Ski Area, located in Lake County, Oregon is targeting Dec. 21 for its opening, contingent on sufficient snowfall. Warner Canyon remained closed last winter due to a lack of snow.
‘Tis the season! Looking for an outdoor experience to celebrate the holidays? How about cutting down your own Christmas tree? Christmas tree permits for the Bureau of Land Management Klamath Falls Field Office can be purchased ONLINE starting now.
Buy your permit here! Permits cost $5 per tree with a limit of 2 trees per household. Go to forestproducts.blm.gov, select Oregon and “Klamath Falls Field Office” from the drop-down menu, and follow the prompts. A permit, stipulations, and a map will be emailed to you following purchase.
Though some restrictions may apply, Christmas tree cutting is permitted on most BLM-administered lands within the Klamath Falls Field Office. Maps of cutting areas are available with permits. Before you head out to find your perfect tree, review the details below to have the best experience.
- You must have a valid permit to cut and/or remove trees from BLM-managed public lands. Check with your local BLM field office as cutting areas, guidelines and restrictions vary. Tag prices and restrictions are different for trees cut on U.S. Forest Service land.
- No topping of trees.
- Cut below lowest live limb – Leave stumps no higher than six inches.
- Avoid damage to other trees.
- Drive only on existing roads. Don’t block traffic when you park. Comply with road closures.
- Do not trespass on or through private land.
- Stay on designated roads and respect private land. Some tree cutting areas may be inaccessible after a snowfall – early-season cutting is advisable.
- Be safe and prepared. Check road and weather conditions before heading out. Ensure you have everything you need for an outdoor venture, including warm clothes, food, water, and safety equipment. Let someone know where you’ll be going and when you plan to return. If you get stranded, call for help, and stay with your group and vehicle until help arrives.
- Please dispose of trees properly. Consider composting or using it as firewood if those are options available to you.
Keep in mind that hunting seasons can be open during these times, so wearing brighter colors may be advisable. For more information about Christmas tree cutting on BLM lands in the Klamath Falls Field Office, call 541-883-6916.
Umpqua Bank is having their 10th Annual Warm Hearts Winter Drive, an associate-driven campaign to support individuals, families and youths throughout the bank’s footprint who struggle with access to housing and other basic resources.
Umpqua Bank’s 4,800 associates and nearly 300 local branches will help mobilize their respective communities to raise money and collect winter items for shelters and aide organizations serving people experiencing homelessness.
Last year, the Warm Hearts Winter Drive raised a total of $365,000 for more than 100 shelter partners and nonprofits across Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. Since the campaign launched in 2015, the Warm Hearts Winter Drive has raised nearly $2.5 Million in funds and other resources for local nonprofits and shelters helping neighbors in need.
“It’s an honor to celebrate the Warm Heart Winter Drive’s 10-year anniversary and take a moment to reflect on the impact this campaign has made in the communities across our footprint,” said Umpqua Bank Chief Marketing Officer David Moore Devine. “Thank you to all our associates, customers and community members who contribute to Warm Hearts each and every year. We look forward to continuing to work alongside all the amazing nonprofit partners and local shelters that do so much to support those in need and make our communities stronger.”
How to Support the Warm Hearts Winter Drive
The Warm Hearts Winter Drive accepts cash donations in addition to new winter clothes. Contributions can be made at www.WarmHeartsWinterDrive.com. Financial contributions and new winter clothing items can also be donated at Umpqua Bank branches.
The Klamath Animal Shelter Pet of The Week, Ready for Adoption is a dog named ” Copper”.
Get your fresh Christmas Tree at the Klamath County Fairgrounds now, at Lamb’s Tree Lot! Click here for tree lot info and hours!
Win-R-Insulation, Inc. has a special partnership with EnergyTrust of Oregon where you may be able to qualify for a FREE CEILING INSULATION PROGRAM. See if you qualify by clicking here, or calling Win-R-Insulation at (541) 884-8008
CLICK HERE FOR LOCAL OFFERS AND MESSAGES
Around the State of Oregon
Authorities believe the five-year-old boy found dead in Coos County last month was murdered, according to a search warrant affidavit filed in Coos County Circuit Court.
Court documents detail the efforts made to find Joshua McCoy and the subsequent investigation into his cause of death. While the cause of his death has not yet been made public, authorities seized dozens of prescription pill bottles from the North Bend home where Joshua lived with his mother, Angela German.
German’s whereabouts are currently unknown, according to court records. McCoy, who was autistic and nonverbal, was reported missing around 5:30 p.m. on November 9 by a friend of German’s who lives in Utah, according to the affidavit.
Court documents said that German told her friend that her son was missing instead of police because of a past bad experience with law enforcement. Authorities contacted German at her Stage Road home in North Bend, where she told police she’d fallen asleep in the afternoon and woke up to her son being gone, court records said.
The affidavit said that German’s timeline changed several times for how long she’d been sleeping, and she eventually told authorities she took barbiturates and ketamine to help her sleep.
Court records show that McCoy’s body was found on November 12 about two miles from the Stage Road home by a citizen assisting in a search. The boy was naked and partially under some brush, but had no scratches or mud on his body, including the bottoms of his feet, court documents said. The affidavit said that McCoy’s phone was also located near his body, which was found near the roadway with a fresh tire mark visible in the mud.
The search warrant sought to search German’s home and seize her Porsche for forensic testing on a mud-caked tire as well as search McCoy’s cell phone, court records said.
Governor Tina Kotek unveiling her 2025 through 2027 budget plan titled Building on Progress.
In this new budget Kotek’s top priorities remain the same: homelessness and housing, behavioral health, and education. She says the focus of the budget is continuing to build on the progress from her last budget plan.. It calls for more than $835 million towards children and youth and more than $330 million for the behavioral health workforce. The governor’s top objectives continue to be to provide homelessness resources and building more affordable housing.
Kotek also touched on climate change, community safety, transportation, and natural disaster readiness.
A 59-year-old serial bank robber was sentenced Monday to more than 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to three bank robberies and one attempted robbery in Oregon while he was on supervised federal release from an earlier bank robbery.
Michael Travis Moore of Portland committed his latest crimes during an 18-day span late last year, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Bolstad.
Moore made off with $16,900 in total. He spent all of it- in his words- on video poker machines –“ as fast as I could put it in,” he said in court. The four new convictions add to Moore’s prior convictions for two separate bank robberies one week apart in 2001 and an armed bank robbery in 2010. He was previously sentenced in December 2010 to 11 years and nine months in federal prison after pleading guilty to bank robbery and brandishing a firearm in a crime of violence for the 2010 robbery in Milwaukie and was on supervised release when he robbed the banks last year. The FBI and local police sought the public’s help in identifying the masked suspect caught on video surveillance images.
In the last attempted robbery, Moore’s face mask slipped down below his nose and several people called in and identified him from the photos police made public.
Oregonians have the option to request tickets for the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.
According to a news release from Oregon’s U.S. senators, Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, each Oregonian can request up to four tickets.
“Requestors must include their full name, a home address, and phone number, along with city and state of residence for all individuals requesting tickets,” the release said. “Tickets are not guaranteed and are subject to availability.
The offices will notify Oregonians in early January if they are able to provide tickets to the Inauguration.” Residents are responsible for covering travel and lodging to Washington, D.C., the release said. Larger groups can reach out to Merkley’s office at 202-224-3753 or Wyden’s office at 503-326-7525.
A 23-year-old man is behind bars after reportedly attempting to transfer more than seven pounds of fentanyl from California to Washington last week.
According to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, Ivan Chavez was pulled over for vehicle code violations while driving on I-5 from Los Angeles to his home in Washington state. Chavez was found to be transporting what the sheriff’s office says is one of the largest fentanyl seizures of this year. The sheriff’s office estimates there were enough lethal doses to kill roughly 1.5 million people.
Chavez was also transporting 2.9 grams of methamphetamine. He was arrested and is currently in the Siskiyou County Jail.
Events in Southern Oregon’s Jacksonville, will host its Victorian Christmas event every night in December except for Dec. 24 and 25 at 185 N Oregon St.
Admission is free except for some activities, such as Trolley tours. Events include trolley tours, a tree lighting ceremony, a holiday parade, bingo, hot cider and holiday music.
The Crater Performing Arts Center will perform The Nutcracker Ballet on Dec. 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22, with prices ranging from $14 to $30.
Gold Hill is bringing back its Winterfest on Dec. 21 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be games, art activities, food and prizes.
Talent, Oregon is hosting its tree lighting ceremony from 5 p.m.to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6 at Old Town Hall. There will also be a local goods market.
In northern California, Alpaca On the Rocks in Weed CA is hosting a Pictures with Santa event on Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A $20 admission will cover up to two children, with a $10 admission added for each additional child. There will be vendors, apple cider and hot chocolate.
Mt. Ashland Ski Area has announced it will open early for the 2024-25 season on Friday, Dec. 6, for Season Passholder Appreciation Day, and on Saturday, Dec. 7, for all guests.
Sonnet, Comer and Windsor lifts will be running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Single-day lift tickets will not be available for purchase until Saturday, Dec. 7. The ski area will feature upgrades such as the widening of Aisle 2 (the entryway to the main mountain), updated LED night lighting for Twilight Skiing beginning Jan. 9, and the opening of the first new chairlift in over 30 years.
The announcement for the grand opening of Lithia Chair will be coming soon with the completion of the chairlift made possible by the largest gift in Mt. Ashland Ski Area history — $2 million from the Sid & Karen Deboer Foundation, with an additional $500,000 from Sid & Karen Deboer.
All services will be available on opening day including lessons, rentals, retail shop, T-bar Lounge and the Gemütlichkeit Grill. Be one of the first 100 guests on Windsor on Dec. 6 and receive a 2024/25 Winter Season neck gaiter.
Mt. Ashland’s opening day festivities are brought to you by People’s Bank. In keeping with Mt. Ashland Ski Area’s effort to be transparent with the community, on Nov. 22, Ariel Chair’s Tower 8, was struck by a fallen tree, which forced the closure of that chairlift for the start of the winter season.
The tree removal itself took a total of 11 hours between trained tree removal professionals and mountain operations teams. The crew is determining next steps based on the assessed damage. Ariel Chair will operate this winter, but with an opening date to be determined based on the extent of repairs required to operate safely.
The Ski Area will notify the public as soon as they have a date set for Ariel Chair opening for the season, With the highest snow levels in November since 1994 and many skiers and riders wanting to take pre-season turns to get ready for opening day, Mt. Ashland is opening up uphill travel access through Sunday, Dec. 1.
The Ski Area strongly encourages uphill travelers to continue to check the Mountain report throughout the weekend and prior to Opening Day at https://www.mtashland.com/mountain-report for updates on uphill travel access and road conditions.
The ski season’s events begin with its Winter Kick-off Party on Dec. 7 from noon to 4 p.m. with live music, food and vendors. Stay up to date with all of Mt. Ashland Ski Area’s events on the events page: https://www.mtashland.com/event-directory/
Mt. Ashland Ski Area is owned and operated by the 501©3 nonprofit Mt. Ashland Association under a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service. Its mission is to provide and promote healthy alpine recreation.
Oregon environmental regulators have approved rules that will temporarily delay the state’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions from medium- and heavy-duty trucks, which are typically used for commercial purposes and for long-haul transportation.
But trucking advocates are calling for a longer delay of the rules, saying the technology for these types of zero-emissions vehicles as well as the infrastructure needed to charge them are not widely available yet for the state.
Last week, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s commission adopted temporary Clean Truck Rules that will go into effect in January. The rules are set to be updated to align with California’s vehicle and truck emission standards.
Oregon is one of 10 states that have opted to adopt California’s standards for these vehicles and must be aligned with California’s standards. The updated versions of the rules will delay when stricter standards for medium and heavy-duty trucks go into effect and will introduce more flexibility and time for manufacturers to sell these vehicles.
Oregon efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the state’s largest contributor are temporarily on hold, as the state works to align the rules with California as well as providing flexibility as a limited number of zero-emission trucks are currently available for purchase.
According to DEQ, the transportation sector accounts for 35% of the state’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The rules, once in place, would compliment other state policies in helping reduce those emissions.
But trucking advocates say the rules are premature to mandate, especially as the technology has not advanced far enough within the industry.
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:
Pacific Power will not contact any customer demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection of service.
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. service the same day.
Pacific Power will not demand immediate payment for damaged or broken electrical equipment or any other service.
Pacific Power customer service employees will always have your correct account number. Scammers increasingly have used text messages as a means of targeting victims 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 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. Hang up and call Customer Service directly.
Remember, if you still have concerns about the legitimacy of a call, you can always call our published customer service number, 1-888-221-7070. Pacific Power is asking customers to report information about any scam calls received, including the phone number the person is calling from and any information that may help to track down the fraudsters.
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Wednesday that it responded to a threat against U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, an Oregon Republican selected by president-elect Donald Trump to lead the federal Department of Labor.
Chavez-DeRemer tweeted that she received a pipe bomb threat on Tuesday at her Happy Valley home, and that she and her family were safe. “This kind of violence harms not just the intended targets but entire communities,” she tweeted. “It is an unacceptable way to express opposition, and it will not deter President Trump and the team he has assembled from doing the work on behalf of the American people.”
A spokesman for the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the office responded to a threat and that the FBI is handling an investigation, but declined to answer other questions. A spokesman for Chavez-DeRemer did not immediately respond to questions. The FBI said in a statement that it was aware of “numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees.”
Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that several officials received “violent, un-American” threats ranging from bomb threats to “swatting,” a term that describes prank calls intended to cause a large number of heavily armed police officers to show up at an address to respond to a non-existent threat.
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, a New York Republican and Trump’s pick for ambassador to the United Nations, also reported receiving a bomb threat at her home. Former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, another New York Republican tapped to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, said on X that he was a victim of a “pipe bomb threat” with a “pro-Palestinian themed message.”
Oregon’s new chief state economist estimates the state will have about $37.8 billion available to spend in the next two-year budget cycle after reworking how the state calculates its economic forecast.
The state’s also on track to pay out a $1.8 billion kicker to taxpayers in 2026. But new chief economist Carl Riccadonna, a former Wall Street analyst hired in September, is changing the way Oregon models its expected revenue with an eye toward more accurate forecasts that reduce the amount returned to taxpayers through Oregon’s unique kicker law.
Riccadonna and senior economist Michael Kennedy presented their first quarterly forecast to lawmakers Wednesday and previewed some of their findings on a call with reporters Tuesday evening. Under the new forecast, lawmakers could have nearly $6 billion more to spend in the upcoming 2025-27 budget cycle compared to the last one.
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services has let people take the non-commercial driver’s license knowledge test online in English and Spanish since October 2023. The test is now available in six additional languages: Arabic, Chinese (simplified Mandarin), Japanese, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese.
The online test is offered in the same eight languages available at on-site testing screens in DMV offices. In its first year, 22,642 customers passed the knowledge test online. During that same period, 66,195 customers passed the test at DMV offices.
Choosing the online test lets you take the test at your convenience. The online testing experience closely mirrors testing at a DMV office, and there is no difference in fees. Online knowledge testing requires a desktop or laptop computer with a mouse, keyboard and functioning webcam. You cannot complete the test using a touchscreen device like a phone or tablet. Teens under 18 need an adult 21 years or older to supervise their test as they take it.
Testing online lets you know if you have passed the exam before coming into the DMV office. This can save multiple trips into the office if you don’t pass the first time. After you pass your test online, you will need to come into an office with your identity documents and pass a vision screening. You will then be issued a permit or be eligible to schedule a drive test, depending on your age.
Learn more on the DMV online test webpage. Online knowledge testing is one of more than 20 transactions that can be done online at DMV2U.
Public comments on a proposed amendment to the land management plans guiding national forests within the Northwest Forest Plan area, which includes the Fremont-Winema National Forest, is being sought by the U.S. Forest Service.
The draft Environmental Impact Statement for the amendment will be published Saturday (today) in the Federal Register. The 120-day comment period is intended to “provide an opportunity for the public to share input on how these forests will be managed for decades to come,” according to a press release.
The Northwest Forest Plan area spans Oregon, Northern California and Washington and, along with the Fremont-Winema, includes the Modoc, Rogue River-Siskiyou, and Deschutes national forests. Buchanan said key themes of the draft EIS focus on balancing economic needs, ecological health and community safety across the Northwest Forest Plan area.
Oregon State Parks has added Brookings to the cities where overnight beach camping is banned.
Residents near Mill Beach voiced concerns about public health, risks to public safety, and impacts on the marine ecosystem. Over 90 percent of comments expressed support for the ban. Brookings joins Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Lincoln City, Newport, Bandon and Gold Beach where camping is also banned.
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