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February 14, 2025

Klamath Basin News, Thursday 1/16/2025 – KCSD Announces Data Breach; State’s Respiratory Influenza Cases Ranked Top In Nation; Oregon Gives 43% Match to Klamath County Emergency Management Fund; Lost River Community Center Ready For Grand Opening

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, January 16, 2024

Klamath Basin Weather

Today
Sunny with a high near 49 degrees. Light breeze today. Overnight, mostly clear with a low near 25.

 
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 45. Light north wind.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 42.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 44.
Monday, M.L.King Day
Sunny, with a high near 38.

 

Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines

Klamath County School District informed families of a data breach of their student and parent information system.

A letter sent out by the school district said KCSD learned of a breach of the program PowerSchool on Jan. 8th.  PowerSchool informed our leadership team that they experienced a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to certain … customer data.

The school district confirmed that some of the data access in the breach belonged to Klamath County educators and families. The breach was said to be nationwide, not a specific attack on the local district.  (The breached data) mostly includes parent and student contact information with data elements such as name and address. 

The district said some “personally identifiable information” was impacted, but they are not yet aware if this data included Klamath County students yet. The district noted that any questions can be submitted to cybersecurity@kcsd.k12.or.us.

 

Klamath County Emergency Management will receive funding from the state with a 43% match from county funds.

Emergency Manager Ian Thigpen requested approval of a grant revision before the board of county commissioners for funds from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. Grant funding will provide up to $82,771 in addition to a required match of up to $62,086 from the county’s general fund. 

This agreement with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management provides funding for Klamath County Emergency Management program in the 2024-2025 budget year under the Emergency Management Performance Grant.

Thigpen thanked Commissioner Kelley Minty for her work on the emergency management committee. Minty said that she, among others who serve on the committee, are working to fix the less-than-ideal funding formula. Funds are spread thin, she said, explaining that both cities and counties are among the recipients. In other county business, Commissioners approved the purchase of two snow mobiles and a Polaris Ranger XP Northstar truck by the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office in the total sum of $64,009.93 combined.  And, the board appointed new members to serve on county advisory bodies.

 

Still no official information as of late Wednesday afternoon from law enforcement about a significant police presence and crime scene activity on Altamont Drive near the old Richardson’s market Tuesday. 

Scanner traffic indicates there was some sort of physical altercation in the area, OSP forensics crews were on scene, and several local law enforcement agencies were investigating on scene.  More information coming your way on this story as it becomes available to us.

 

The Lost River Community Center is finally ready for a grand opening. The new 13,500-square-foot center is located on the Lost River Junior-Senior High School campus.

The community gathering spot has a fitness center, a tech room, a full-size gym, meeting spaces, a kitchen, and more. During the school day, the building will be used by students as a campus extension. After school, the building will be open to the community for all to enjoy. The project cost $3.5 million.

Members of the community can come out to celebrate the facility’s grand opening on Sunday at 4 p.m. in Merrill.

 

Crater Lake is ranked as the best national park for stargazing.

The vacation rental website Lake dot com used the National Park Service’s Night Sky data collection to score 100 national parks according to the average percentage of visible stars along with each area’s average median light pollution. Crater Lake viewers could see nearly 99 percent of visible stars and light pollution of point-zero-three.

Second on the list was Great Basin, Nevada followed by Canyonlands, Utah.

 

The Klamath Falls Police Department (KFPD) is proud to announce the formation of its Community Livability Team, a new initiative dedicated to enhancing the quality of life across Klamath Falls.

Led by full-time Police Officer Terry Amos and Lead Community Service Officer Stephanie Myers, this focused team is tackling a variety of pressing issues impacting our community. From addressing public drinking, disorderly conduct, and illegal camping to preventing theft, drug violations, and outdoor burning offenses, the team’s mission is broad yet focused.

Through a combination of enforcement, resource connections for those experiencing homelessness, and fostering community partnerships, the team is working proactively to identify and implement sustainable solutions.

Jonathan Teichert, City Manager, says that “The Community Livability Team is a reflection of our City’s commitment to addressing challenges head-on and fostering a safe, welcoming environment for all residents and visitors. By combining enforcement with community partnerships and resource connections, we’re taking a proactive approach to building a stronger, more resilient Klamath Falls.”

By collaborating with local organizations, the KFPD’s Community Livability Team aims to create long-term positive changes that benefit everyone in Klamath Falls.

 

Betty Tyree, who served as the mayor for the town of Bonanza for more than 42 years, passed away at her Bonanza home on New Year’s Eve.

Tyree also spent nearly 46-1/2 years delivering the Herald and News as an independent contractor to subscribers between Klamath Falls and Bonanza.

In a post on the Bonanza Facebook page, town officials wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that our beloved Mayor Betty Tyree passed away in her home on New Year’s Eve. Mayor Betty faithfully served the town of Bonanza for over 42 years. While she was adamant that there be no formal funeral or obituary, the town plans may develop to honor her in some other way. There will be updates posted here as to what that may look like.”

City Manager Cheri Stewart said the council is considering ways of honoring Tyree, possibly by naming a building after her, starting a student scholarship fund or another way. As Stewart says of Tyree, “Her legacy are the relationships she built and the respect they had for her. She definitely was one of a kind.”

Tyree was appointed as the Bonanza mayor in 1979, but left for a few years to help her brother when he was dealing with lung cancer. She was Bonanza’s longest serving mayor and possibly Oregon’s longest serving mayor.  For many, especially in Bonanza, Tyree’s passing marks the end of an era.

 

Oregon Tech Honors Program leader elected Vice President for the National  Collegiate Honors Council | Oregon TechOregon Tech honors program executive director Christopher Syrnyk, Ph.D., has been elected vice president of the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC), an association that supports and enhances a community of educational institutions, professionals, and students who participate in collegiate honors education around the world.

Syrnyk, who has been on the NCHC Board of Directors since 2023, will begin a one-year term as vice president in 2025. After this, he will move through roles each year as president-elect, president, and immediate past president. Each role comes with specific responsibilities to help guide the future of honors education.

Oregon Tech’s honors program, a specialized academic program for high-achieving students in all academic majors, provides an interdisciplinary education designed to prepare future leaders and professionals for successful careers and meaningful lives.

The honors program provides Oregon Tech students with a complementary academic curriculum and a collection of extracurricular learning experiences that promote a more well-rounded future career professional, a socially responsible person, and a connected and well-educated student.

In addition to leading the Oregon Tech honors program, Syrnyk is executive director of Oregon Tech’s Office of National Scholarships and a professor of rhetoric and writing in the communication department.

Syrnyk has been at Oregon Tech since 2012. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from the University of Oregon, a master of arts from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and a doctor of philosophy in English, specialization in composition and rhetoric, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

 

Klamath Falls-area high school students learned the tools of the trade Thursday during the Klamath Basin Home Builders Association’s “Build My Future” event.

An annual event held at the Klamath County Fairgrounds, “Build My Future” is an opportunity for students from across the basin to unite with industry professionals to explore and garner hands-on experience in the construction trades by building serviceable and livable dwellings just as they would in the workforce.

Starting in the year 2021 with the building of a single tiny home, each year the “Build My Future” event has grown whereas last year the students, assisted by more than 30 local contractors and community partners that donate their time and materials, constructed two 170-square-foot tiny homes — that come complete with full electrical and plumbing systems — in 48 hours.

This year’s “Build My Future” event takes that concept and had students build one 170-square-foot tiny home and two eight-foot by eight-foot emergency shelter sheds in less than 24 hours.

With students ranging from freshmen to seniors with various levels of experience and skill, David Larson of Larson Home Builders LLC said the event is all about helping to familiarize students with tools.

Mazama students, who have had ample exposure constructing the eight-by-eight emergency sheds as they have already built four others this year in the Career Technical Education class, helped the contractors by instructing younger students. While not every student participant said they could see themselves going into the trades, most agreed that “Build My Future” gave them something to learn.

The tiny home built by the students will be raffled off during the Klamath County Home and Outdoor Expo taking place the weekend of March 7, with the proceeds going toward future educational KBHBA programs while the two emergency sheds will be used to house individuals impacted by Southern Oregon wildfires.

 

More pharmaceutical options for those insured by TRICARE comes to Klamath Falls as Sky Lakes Medical Center renews its contract with the provider.

Restoring TRICARE coverage was not just about prescriptions; it was about reducing barriers to pharmaceutical care for those who serve our nation. Sky Lakes says they are proud to once again provide the healthcare services our military families and veterans deserve.

TRICARE is a federal health insurance program that provides comprehensive medical coverage administered by the Department of Defense and is part of the Military Health System for active duty military service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees and their families. 

In October 2022, when Sky Lakes was unexpectedly dropped from the TRICARE network, the medical center was filling more than 5,000 prescriptions for TRICARE patients. A national issue, many pharmacies were excluded from TRICARE coverage after their Pharmacy Services Administrative Organizations (PSAO) declined to sign agreements due to unprofitable terms.

Walmart left the network in December 2021 and Fred Meyer followed in January 2023 leaving local military families only two physical options, Rite Aid and Albertsons.

They could also access Express Scripts, a mail order delivery service. Despite this setback, Sky Lakes remained steadfast in its commitment to military families and initiated negotiations directly with federal contracting representatives to restore access. For Sky Lakes, this meant collaborating with Kingsley Field leadership and congressional members to establish a direct agreement with TRICARE that met the needs of both parties while prioritizing patient care.

Successful in their negotiations, after two years of effort, Sky Lakes was accepted back into the TRICARE network and has been filling prescriptions for TRICARE beneficiaries since Jan. 1, 2025.

 

The Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA) Holding their annual Economic Summiton January 22nd.

The special event takes place at the Ross Ragland Theater, from 8:30-12:00PM. Admission to the event costs $10, giving attendees access to the full program, in addition to coffee and other refreshments.

The theme of this year’s event is “Building Resilience: Unlocking New Growth Pathways”, where presentations will focus on strategies, innovations, and partnerships aimed at fostering new opportunities for sustainable growth within Klamath County.

This year’s Economic Summit consists of several presentations from various experts from throughout the state and region, as well offers attendees a chance to participate in a Q&A session with a panel of community stakeholders representing different industries and interests within Klamath County.

Presenters will be discussing important topics related to local agriculture, energy, artificial intelligence, finance, workforce, and more throughout the day. Additionally, Business Oregon Regional Economist, Page 1 of 2 Damon Runberg will be participating in the program, providing attendees information on Klamath County’s economic and employment forecasts for the upcoming year.

The Economic Summit for 2025 is sponsored by: Pacific Crest Federal Credit Union, Amazon, Pacific Power, RES (Resource Environmental Solutions), Avista Utilities, MSPCO (Molatore, Scroggin, Peterson & Co.), Business Oregon, Great Basin Insurance, and The Ross Ragland Theater.

 

The Klamath County Clerk’s Office Requests Applicants for the Border Relocation Board

Any persons interested in being on the Border Relocation Board must apply by Wednesday, January 15,
2025.  All applicants must answer all questions on the application or provide an explanation as to why the
questions were not answered.

To appl, use the link below
https://www.klamathcounty.org/FormCenter/Board-of-Commissioners-7/Special-District-BoardPosition-Applicat-60

Select Other (type committee name in box below)
In the box type: Border Relocation Board

Please contact the Klamath County Clerk’s Office with any questions
(541)883-5134 or email at elections@klamathcounty.org.

 

Klamath Falls Gospel Mission invites you to a luncheon and tour of the house that Klamath Built. Join us today, Thursday, January 16 from 10AM – 2PM, with lunch from 11:30 – 12:30.

Tour the facility, talk with the staff, learn about our programs, talk with residents, ask questions and enjoy a nutritious, delicious, Mission cooked meal.  

Klamath Falls Gospel Mission is reliant on support from our community – come and see what Klamath Falls Gospel Mission is accomplishing!

 
 

Party with the girls as the Linkville Players present Karen Schaeffer’s lightning-quick farce “Girls’ Weekend”.

Having met in a book club, Dot invites her friends to her northwoods cabin to catch up, consume copious amounts of wine, laugh at their lives and chat about their book club’s latest selection.

A lover of comedies with ample experience, veteran director Laura Allen returns to the Linkville Playhouse to lead the players in what she describes as a hilarious tale of human relations. The Girls’ Weekend opens this Friday at 7:30 p.m. The play will run each Friday and Saturday through Jan. 25 with one Sunday matinee on Jan. 19 at 2 p.m.

The Linkville Playhouse is located in downtown Klamath Falls at 201 Main Street. Tickets are available in advance at Poppy on Main at 522 Main St. or at the theater box office the night of a performance. Tickets range in price based on seat selection from $14 to $20. Veterans and active duty service members as well as seniors and all students are discounted $1 on the admission price.

 

Pet for Adoption at Klamath Animal Shelter

This week’s pet is a dog named “Dax”.  Dax is a male Doberman mix about 4 months old. He is black and tan, and weighs around 35 pounds.

Dax’s owner didn’t have enough time to spend with him which was causing issues with his neighbors. They said that Dax has started on his house training, has been around children as young as 9 years old and other dogs. He has never been around cats.

Daz is a young active and playful dog that has lots of growing to do and needs a family with the time to continue his training and socialization.

If you are interested in adopting Dax, the shelter is located at 4240 Washburn Way. We’re open Monday through Friday from 12:00 – 4:00PM. Walk throughs are available, pet meet and greets are by appointment, you can reach the shelter at 541-884-PETS (541-884-7387)

View all adoptable pets anytime online at http://www.klamathanimalshelter.org

 

Around the State of Oregon

You can start filing income taxes on January 27th. Both the IRS and Oregon Department of Revenue will start accepting tax returns.

The IRS estimates 640-thousand Oregonians will be able to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon free tax software. Use the IRS Eligibility Checker on its website to see whether you qualify for the free software. Refunds aren’t issued until after February 15th for fraud protection. The IRS website has information free tax help.

 

Oregon is among four states with the highest levels of influenza in the U.S.

According to a report by the CDC, most of the country is experiencing elevated levels of respiratory illness, but Oregon is at the top. It, along with Tennessee, New Mexico and Louisiana, have “very high” activity levels. The CDC attributes part of the rise to a lack of updated vaccinations.

 

The Klamath National Forest is looking for hard-working individuals to join their highly skilled wildland fire organization.

Vacancies include both seasonal positions and permanent positions, some of which are entry-level. There are openings on engine crews, hotshot and hand crews, and helicopter crews.

Crews are based throughout the Klamath National Forest, with duty stations in Yreka, Callahan, Fort Jones, Klamath River, Seiad, Happy Camp, and Macdoel – all in far northern California. Barracks may be available depending on duty location.

Applications are being accepted through January 27.  To help candidates navigate through the application process, and to answer any questions they may have about firefighting careers with the USDA Forest Service, an in-person recruitment event will be held this Friday (from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) in the cafeteria at Shasta College, located at 11555 Old Oregon Trail in Redding, California.   

Virtual events will also be offered on January 17, 18, 24, and 25.

These recruitment events will offer applicants the chance to connect with Forest Service wildland fire staff from throughout California, get application help, and learn about the benefits of working with the Forest Service. Interested candidates do not need to attend a recruitment event to apply. 

The Klamath National Forest boasts a very busy wildland fire program and averages over 100 fires per year, most of them lightning caused. Wildland firefighting on the Klamath is very rewarding – working with a highly skilled workforce in a beautiful place. It is a tough job at times, but an excellent way to challenge oneself while working in the great outdoors.

 

Rumors across social media which claimed Oregon fire trucks were turned away when arriving to assist fighting the deadly fires in Southern California have been declared false.

Oregon State Fire Marshall (OSFM) said in a press release that no fire crew nor engine was turned away from the Los Angeles wildfires. “There is misinformation spreading on social media from some news outlets claiming our equipment had to pass emissions tests and our equipment and firefighters were turned away or delayed,” the release reads.

“To be clear: This is false.” The release states that Oregon fire crews arrived at 6 a.m. on Jan. 9 and conducted routine safety checks with CAL Fire to make sure the engines were mechanically sound. 

“No engine was turned away,” the OSFM statement said. “All 15 strike teams arrived in Southern California on Thursday and began their 24-hour shift early Friday morning.” Oregon teams have provided 370 firefighters along with 30 water trucks from around the state.

The fires burning through the Los Angeles area have killed at least 24 people as of yesterday, with at least 30 missing. Extreme fire weather is forecasted in the coming days this week.

 

A 21-year-old Ashland man has been arrested and is now being investigated for child sex crimes

According to a news release from the Ashland Police Department, several local law enforcement agencies  conducted [an] operation as part of an ongoing investigation into child exploitation and internet crimes against children.  

The man — Donovan Jesus Aquino — was arrested on two outstanding warrants and is currently in Jackson County Jail. 

According to court documents, he is facing charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants, two counts of recklessly endangering another person, two counts of second-degree criminal mischief and one count of reckless driving.  

 

A new study finds healthcare providers for people with disabilities and older adults in Oregon should be making more money.

The legislature ordered the study, which was conducted by an outside firm. It recommends paying workers an average of $23.20 an hour, or 48-thousand-dollars a year along with comprehensive benefits.

Self-employed workers should have their wages increased by 4-dollars and 50-cents an hour. The increase would cost one-point-three-billion-dollars a year, with Oregon paying 400-million-dollars. It would be a 30 percent increase from current reimbursement rates.

The legislature would have to approve any changes.

 

You can nominate your kids’ favorite teacher for the Oregon Education Department’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.

Nominations are being accepted through February 6th for teachers Pre-K through 12th grade. The winner is the face and voice of educators across the state.

Candidates first run for regional teacher of the year and then the statewide honor.

 

Two tribes are in disagreement if a casino is legal or not, or if a building is even considered a casino.

The opening of a new casino in Medford has sparked a legal dispute between two local tribes. The Coquille Tribe claims that their operation at the Cedars at Bear Creek is fully compliant with federal law, while the Cow Creek Tribe argues that the casino is operating illegally.

The dispute centers around the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), which governs gaming activities on Native American lands. A key provision of the law requires tribes to give a 120-day notice before opening any gaming facility on Indian lands to ensure the operation meets necessary standards.

 The IGRA also states that if a gaming operation’s ordinance or resolution does not meet the required standards, it must be brought into compliance within 120 days. The Coquille Tribe maintains that they are following all legal procedures.

 “The Coquille Tribe is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and has been fully transparent with the National Indian Gaming Commission regarding its plans to conduct gaming on the property once the Record of Decision was issued,” the tribe said in a statement.  

The Cow Creek Tribe, on the other hand, insists that the casino is operating illegally.  The Cow Creek Tribe has also filed a request for a temporary restraining order, claiming that the casino is in violation of the law. In addition to the Cow Creek Tribe, the Karuk and Tolowa Dee-Ni’ tribes have joined in the legal action.

 

Providence Health has filed an unfair labor practices complaint against the Oregon Nurses Association. It accused the union of refusing to meet at reasonable times and intervals. The union denies the accusations.

Nearly five-thousand nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers walked off the job Friday at eight hospitals and six clinics. 

The largest nurses strike and the first doctor’s strike in Oregon history continues against Providence Health across the state.  The union wants better pay and more staffing to reduce the work load and provide better patient care.

Nearly five-thousand healthcare workers are on the picket line. Providence Health says more than 600 union members crossed the picket lines to work. Providence says it’s ready to resume negotiations and they want to start with Providence Medford and Providence Newberg.

The Oregon Nurses Association says that shows the pressure the strike is having on Providence Health.

 


Starting in May, Alaska Airlines Begins Flights from Rogue Valley to San Diego, from the Rogue Valley International Medford Airport.
 

In a Facebook post, the airport said they are expecting the flights to be available mid-May and that there will be late morning departures and mid-afternoon departures.

Alaska Airlines will also be increasing Portland to Medford flights from twice a day to four times a day, the post said.  “We’re excited for the opportunities this new route brings to our community and beyond,” the release said. 

 

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek delivered her the State address on Monday. She says the new year carries a clear charge “to embrace opportunities for change together.” 

Kotek issued several issues during her address, which includes homelessness and housing supply, addiction care, education and climate resilience.  She said in the speech that ”By this July, the actions related to my homelessness state of emergency are projected to rehouse 3,300 households and prevent another 24,000 households from experiencing homelessness in the first place. Our state shelter program now supports over 4,800 shelter beds to help people stay off the streets and have access to transitional stability. This is incredible progress. But I will not be satisfied until the job is done.”

Kotek addressed other important topics of interest statewide during the speech.  In addressing mental health and addiction care, the governor said “I believe we can do a better job of coordinating shelter services with access to mental health care, and by doing so help people stabilize before they decompensate, and a crime is committed.”

 

The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded up to $11.9 million to Oregon State University to invent new drug delivery technologies for protecting members of the military from a range of health threats in combat areas.

Once designed, developed and tested, the technologies could also be applied as needed within the general public, said OSU College of Pharmacy nanomedicine researcher Gaurav Sahay, the project leader.

The award comes from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency through its Hermes program, whose goal is finding new ways to deliver therapeutic agents throughout the body with exceptional efficiency and minimal toxicity.

Lipid nanoparticles carrying messenger RNA is the technology underpinning coronavirus vaccines. Sahay’s team will work on developing novel platforms and formulations capable of encapsulating large, complex biologics; understanding, monitoring and minimizing unwanted immune system responses; and ensuring the therapeutic cargo within the nanoparticles reaches the part of the cell where it can perform its intended function.

The hope is to be able to deliver the nanoparticles via inhalation or subcutaneous injection and provide protection against infectious diseases as well as ionizing radiation and chemical and biological threats.

 

The Rural County Representatives of California has a new chair this week, filling the position with Modoc County Supervisor Geri Byrne.

RCRC is a service organization which “champions policies on behalf of its 40 member counties,” a news release reads. Congressman Doug LaMalfa administered the oath of office for Byrne earlier this week.

“RCRC plays a vital role in advocating for California’s rural counties, fostering greater understanding of the unique challenges rural communities face,” Byrne said in the release. “Through the collective efforts of our forty member counties, we can help ensure that rural priorities, such as property insurance, forest resilience, broadband access and more, remain a focal point.”

 

Oregon’s second largest port is getting another exception to a water pollution permit it’s violated for much of the last two decades, according to Gov. Tina Kotek.

She issued an executive order Monday afternoon, allowing officials at the Port of Morrow in Boardman six weeks of relief — between Jan. 15 and Feb. 28 — from state penalties for violating their wastewater permit and over-applying nitrogen contaminated water on farmland that sits atop an already contaminated underground aquifer.

That aquifer supplies drinking water to thousands of residents in Morrow and Umatilla counties in northeast Oregon, many of whom cannot drink water safely from their taps because of the pollution. Nitrates, which come from nitrogen, is unhealthy to drink for long periods when it’s above 10 milligrams per liter, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

Studies have shown high levels of nitrate consumption can lead to higher risk of certain cancers and birth defects.

The U.S. Department of the Interior today issued a Record of Decision (ROD) approving the Coquille Indian Tribe’s request to transfer land into trust in Medford, OR, as part of its broader reservation restoration effort.

The approval marks the end of over a decade of delays, enabling the tribe to move forward with economic development and plans for a new gaming facility in Medford. Brenda Meade, Chair of the Coquille Indian Tribe, celebrated the decision, reflecting on the long and difficult process.

She criticized the years-long delay, noting that the Tribe had faced a prolonged environmental review for a two-acre parcel, driven in part by competition from nearby casino operators. 

Meade highlighted the personal toll the delay had taken, with two tribal chiefs, several council members, and many elders passing away without seeing the realization of their vision for the Tribe’s future.

The Coquille Tribe’s land transfer request was submitted more than a decade ago, as part of the tribe’s efforts to restore its reservation in the region designated by the Coquille Restoration Act of 1989. This act created a five-county reservation restoration area, including Jackson County, home to Medford, where many Coquille citizens live.

The transfer of land into trust will help promote economic development, generate revenue for the Tribe, and provide much-needed services for the local community through the Coquille Tribal Potlatch Fund.

The project has received support from local leaders, including Medford City Councilor Kevin Stine, who praised the project’s potential to create jobs and economic growth in the region. As the project moves ahead, the Coquille Tribe is hopeful that this approval will set a precedent for other tribes, such as the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians and KOI Nation, who are still awaiting similar decisions from the Department of the Interior.

 

It’s been a back-and-forth time, but the Sattitla National Monument, also known as the Medicine Lake Highlands, has received designation as a national monument.

Sattitla, an area that includes the Medicine Lake Highlands, is near Tulelake and the Lava Beds National Monument. The designation was originally planned to be announced Tuesday by President Joe Biden during a visit to Southern California’s Coachella Valley. That trip was cancelled because a series of raging forest fires that has caused the evacuation of thousands of people, destroyed countless homes and buildings, and resulted in several deaths.

Biden used the Antiques Act, which allows presidents to proclaim national monuments of federal lands, to create the Sarttitla and Chuckwalla National Monuments. He will now formally make the announcement during ceremonies from the White House in the next few days.

Chuckwalla National Monument is in Southern California’s Colorado Desert near Joshua Tree National Park. The expected designation includes about 224,000 acres for Sáttítla and 644,000 acres for Chuckwalla. “Sáttítla” translates to “obsidian place” in the Ajumawi language, referring to the wealth of obsidian deposits in the area, which were formed by ancient lava flows.

The dormant Medicine Lake Volcano sits in the middle of the monument and stretches over an area 10 times larger than Mount St. Helens in Washington. Its remote location promises visitors some of the nation’s darkest skies and, according to the Forest Service, is “where distant galaxies and stars are visible.”

The establishment of the two national monument sites will restrict mining, solar energy and industrial-scale geothermal development on the affected areas.

 

Almost 90 non-profits in the region and several organizations that serve multiple counties are getting more than $750,000 from the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation (CCUIF).

CCUIF has awarded over $25 million across Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Coos, Lane, and Deschutes counties since it was established in 1997.

Carma Monorich of  the Tribe says “The work of non-profit organizations is tireless and highly important to our communities. The Asante Foundation, Hearts with a Mission, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley, Rogue Valley Farm to School, and Rogue Retreat, to name a few, are each getting $10,000.

CASA of Jackson County is getting $12,000 to train new mentors for kids in foster care. Additionally, Medford’s Compass House is getting $7,500 to help support staff who work directly with mentally ill individuals.

 

A 52-year-old woman who hid nearly 140 strips of the drug Suboxone in her bra on visits to the federal prison in Sheridan was sentenced Friday to two and a half years in prison.

Robynn Regina Cunningham was arrested last January following an investigation that began when prison staff received anonymous handwritten notes that alleged a prisoner was distributing drugs in custody.

Investigators found that Divine S. Irvis had listed a phone number on his contact list under the label “lover” and it came back to Cunningham, according to an FBI agent’s affidavit. She was Irvis’ primary visitor at Sheridan, investigators found. 

The anonymous notes about Irvis described him as bringing in drugs through visits and hiding bags of methamphetamine in a rubber glove, in socks or tied under his testicles, according to the affidavit.

 

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has extended Oregon’s state of emergency for homelessness, which was first put into effect on Jan. 10, 2023. 

She says, quote,”We must stay the course on what we see working. If we keep at this pace, 1 in every 3 people who were experiencing homelessness in 2023 will be rehoused.  Since declaring the homelessness emergency response two years ago, we exceeded the targets we set through a statewide homelessness infrastructure we never had before. But the urgency remains as homelessness continues to increase and we need to see this strategy through.”  

The state of emergency is now going to continue until the end of June 2025, the release said. 

 

The Oregon Department of Transportation is proudly supporting January’s Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a presidentially designated observance designed to educate the public about human trafficking and the role they can play in preventing and responding to the crime.

Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery that involves the use of force, fraud, or pressure to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Victims can be any age, race, gender or nationality.

More than 27 million people annually fall victim to human trafficking worldwide, and according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 132 cases involving 248 victims were identified in Oregon in 2023. 

As part of the monthly observance, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance holds a Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative Jan. 13-17. During that week, our trained motor carrier enforcement officers and safety inspectors from our Commerce and Compliance Division will be working with law enforcement to hand out human trafficking awareness materials in English and Spanish to truck drivers and motor carriers at weigh stations across the state.

We are sharing awareness information on TripCheck, variable message signs around the state, radio spots, billboard ads and social media posts throughout the month. We have also lit up the Woodburn Bridge in shades of blue to shine a light on human trafficking.

If you suspect human trafficking, do not confront a suspected trafficker or alert a victim to any suspicions.

If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. The hotline is operated 24 hours a day by a nongovernmental organization. You may also text HELP or INFO to 233733 (BEFREE).

We are pleased to partner with Department of Homeland SecurityOregon Trucking AssociationTAT (formerly Truckers Against Trafficking), Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, Bowman Trucking and law enforcement to raise awareness about human trafficking and provide people with resources to educate and work toward stopping this dreadful crime.

 

OREGON JOINS OTHER STATES IN LEVYING $20 MILLION PENALTY AGAINST NATION’S LARGEST NONBANK MORTGAGE SERVICING COMPANY

Salem – Oregon was one of the financial regulatory agencies from 53 states and territories to take coordinated action against mortgage company Bayview Asset Management LLC, and three of its affiliates – Lakeview Loan Servicing, Community Loan Servicing, and Pingora Holdings (collectively the Bayview Companies).

The agencies took action against the companies for cybersecurity deficiencies and failure to cooperate fully with state regulators following a data breach that impacted 5.8 million customers nationwide, including more than 95,000 Oregonians.

The $20 million penalty and required corrective actions highlight the critical need to comply with state regulations protecting consumer data and addressing state supervisory requirements.

“State collaboration is crucial when addressing data breaches of this scale,” said TK Keen, Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) administrator. “Thank you to the states that led this action. Oregon will continue to help in any way possible to protect consumers’ important information.”

State regulators in California, Maryland, North Carolina, and Washington state led the multistate effort, which found that Bayview Companies’ information technology and cybersecurity practices did not meet federal or state requirements. Furthermore, the Bayview Companies delayed the supervisory process by failing to comply with state requests in a timely and complete manner in the early stages of the examination.

In addition to the monetary penalty, the Bayview Companies have agreed to take specified corrective actions, improve cybersecurity programs, undergo independent assessments, and provide additional reporting to the states over the next three years.

State financial regulators license and supervise more than 33,000 nonbank financial services companies through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS), including mortgage companies, money services businesses, consumer finance providers, and debt collectors.

People can also visit NMLS Consumer Access to verify that a company is licensed to do business in Oregon or to review any past enforcement actions.

 

LAKEVIEW, Ore. -The Bureau of Land Management today announced the release of the record of decision and approved resource management plan for the Lakeview planning area, which covers 3.2 million acres of public lands in Lake and Harney counties.

The amendment updates the 2003 plan, providing management direction for livestock grazing and off-highway vehicle use to protect important landscapes while providing continued public access. It also preserves natural landscapes and protects 415,000 acres of lands with wilderness characteristics.

These expansive, natural landscapes are special places that provide outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive, unconfined recreation,†said Lakeview District Manager Todd Forbes. This update will help shape BLM’s management of these lands and resources for the next two decades.

Tribal governments, local and state agencies, the Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory Council, and members of the public provided valuable input and feedback during the planning process. The BLM considered approximately 1,300 comments while developing the plan amendment. The BLM’s updated analysis responds to requirements of a 2010 settlement agreement on the Bureau’s management of lands with wilderness characteristics, off-highway vehicle use, and grazing management.

To preserve unique and special landscapes, cross-country off-highway vehicle use will be limited to about 70,000 acres within the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes and other areas scattered across the planning area where cross country use is already occurring. Vehicular use will be allowed on existing or designated routes across 3.1 million acres in the planning area.

 

Klamath National Forest to host Northwest Forest Plan public meeting at Yreka Forest Service office

Yreka, Ca — The Klamath and Six Rivers National Forests are hosting a community meeting to share information about proposed changes to the Northwest Forest Plan. The public is invited to join and learn more about the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

Meeting Details:

  • What: Community meeting on proposed changes to the Northwest Forest Plan
  • When: January 21, 2025
  • Where: Klamath National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 1711 South Main Street, Yreka, Calif.
  • Time: 5-7 p.m.

The Northwest Forest Plan was created in 1994 to conserve habitat for wildlife and forests while supporting local communities. After nearly 30 years, the Forest Service is amending the plan to address today’s challenges, including wildfire risks and economic needs.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) explains these proposed changes and is open for public comment until March 17, 2025. Some of the key focuses of the updated plan include:

  • Reducing wildfire risks to communities and forests.
  • Supporting local economies with sustainable timber and restoration work.
  • Adapting to a changing climate to increase resiliency to extreme weather events, like droughts and wildfire.
  • Honoring trust responsibilities to tribal governments and communities by involving them in land management planning and implementing forest management practices. 

At the meeting, you can:

  • Talk directly with Forest Service staff and experts who worked on the plan.
  • Look at detailed maps of the area and proposed updates.
  • Pick up easy-to-understand fact sheets to take home.
  • Learn how to share your thoughts during the public comment period.

Why Your Voice Matters

Public input helps shape the final version of the plan. This is your chance to share concerns, ask questions, and help ensure the plan reflects community priorities. You can read the full Draft Environmental Impact Statement and find other resources at https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PinyonPublic/folder/293927886292. For a list of all public meetings across the Northwest Forest Plan area, visit the https://shorturl.at/uRzQd 

If you have questions, you can email the team directly at SM.FS.NWFPquestion@usda.gov.
Information about the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan and the proposed amendment to the Northwest Forest Plan is available at https://shorturl.at/VaBUr.

The Klamath National Forest & Butte Valley National Grassland cover 1,700,000 acres located in Siskiyou County, California and Jackson County, Oregon. Butte Valley National Grassland is the newest National Grassland and the only one in California.  The forest is headquartered in Yreka, CA, and maintains ranger stations in the California communities of Macdoel, Happy Camp, and Fort Jones. More information is available at www.fs.usda.gov/klamath.

 
 

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is inviting the public to get involved in the update of Oregon’s State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), a crucial blueprint for conservation efforts across the state.

The first community engagement session took place yesterday via Microsoft Teams, launching a six-month process to revise and enhance the Oregon Conservation Strategy. The SWAP is a key component of Oregon’s efforts to protect biodiversity and natural ecosystems.

Developed as part of a national initiative coordinated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, each state has its own Wildlife Action Plan designed to address the conservation of fish, wildlife, and their habitats. The Oregon SWAP focuses on proactively protecting species and habitats that are in decline to prevent future federal or state listings. Oregon is facing a biodiversity crisis that affects the health of its ecosystems, economy and communities. 

It is vital for all of us to take action by supporting conservation efforts, restoring natural habitats, and protecting our fish and wildlife. By working together to update the SWAP, we can protect Oregon’s rich biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. 

The SWAP provides an overview of key conservation challenges in Oregon, highlighting species of greatest conservation need (SGCN), priority habitats, and strategies to address ongoing issues. As part of the national effort, each state must update its Wildlife Action Plan every 10 years, and ODFW aims to finalize Oregon’s updated SWAP by Oct. 1, 2025.

 

You’ll need a Real ID to fly domestically, starting in May of 2025, that’s unless you have a passport or enhanced driver’s license issued by several states.

The deadline is May 7, 2025, but you probably don’t want to wait until the last minute to get your Real ID. You can apply for your Real ID driver’s license or ID card through your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Real IDs are marked with a star on the top of the card. Real IDs will also be needed to access certain federal facilities. Congress mandated the real IDs in 2005 on the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.

The Oregon Lottery is replacing the Lucky Lines game.

A new game, called Cash Pop gives players a chance to win every hour from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

To play, you pick a number between 1 and 15, if it matches the number that’s drawn, you win. The prize for the number is assigned randomly. The amount of the wager determines the range of prize. You can bet 1, 2, 5 or 10-dollars per draw.

Oregon is the 16th lottery to join the Cash Pop game.

 

vast Oregon ranch bigger than Bend, Oregon and owned for a century by the prominent Steiwer family of cattlemen, bankers and politicians in remote Wheeler County is for sale.

The asking price for the Steiwer Ranch, now called the Stanley Ranch, that spans more than 37 square miles is $34,950,000.

This is only the second time in more than 120 years that one of the most diverse ranches in the Western United States has been available, said listing agent Ryland Moore of Live Water Properties.

The property, which can support up to 600 mother cows a year, also includes potential income using a 3,800-acre cattle grazing lease on federally owned Bureau of Land Management land along the John Day River and about 250 acres of irrigation with water rights dating back to the 1880s . 

The ranch, a two-hour drive from downtown Bend, has a main house with 2,800 square feet of living space plus an 800-square-foot bunkhouse and a scattering of spike camp cabins. Entertaining highlights are a 3,600-square-foot saloon, theater and an oxygenated pond next to a gazebo that allows for fishing, swimming or relaxing by the fire pit.

 

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