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Klamath Falls
February 14, 2025

Klamath Basin News, Tuesday 1/21/2025 – Kidnapper Negasi Zuberi Sentenced To Life In Prison For Brutal Kidnappings; KCEDA Economic Summit Is Wednesday; Oregon DMV Express Kiosks Coming to Fred Meyer Stores

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.

 

Monday, January 21, 2024

Klamath Basin Weather

Air Stagnation Advisory until January 24, 12:00 PM

Today
Sunny, with a high near 47. Light south wind. Overnight, mostly clear, with a low around 20. Calm wind.

Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 48. Mostly clear with a low around 23 degrees.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 44. Calm light wind.
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 35.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 39.
 

 

Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines

The Klamath Falls man convicted of kidnapping two women by brutal and violent means was sentenced to more than two consecutive life sentences in prison.

Negasi Zuberi, 31, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, has been sentenced to life in federal prison in Medford’s Federal Courthouse for kidnapping and sexually assaulting two women, and holding one in a cell he constructed in his garage.

“There is no place in civil society for this type of terrifying violence,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “I sincerely hope Zuberi’s life sentence will bring some measure of comfort to his victims. Their courage and perseverance are an inspiration to us all.”

According to court documents, on July 15, 2023, while in Seattle, Zuberi posed as a police officer and used a taser and handcuffs to detain his victim in the backseat of his vehicle. Zuberi then transported the victim approximately 450 miles to his home in Klamath Falls, stopping along the way to sexually assault her.

At his residence, the victim was moved from his vehicle into a cell he had constructed in his garage. The woman repeatedly banged on the cell door until it broke open and she escaped. The victim retrieved a handgun from Zuberi’s vehicle, fled his garage, and flagged down a passing motorist who called 911.

On July 16, 2023, Reno Police Department officers and Nevada State Patrol officers located Zuberi in a parking lot in Reno, Nevada. After a short standoff, Zuberi surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody.

While investigating Zuberi’s crimes, federal agents discovered that approximately six weeks prior to the kidnapping in Seattle, on May 6, 2023, Zuberi kidnapped and sexually assaulted another victim. While being held by Zuberi, his first victim observed stacked cinder blocks in his garage that he later used to construct the cell where he detained his second victim.

On August 2, 2023, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Zuberi with kidnapping and transporting a victim with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Later, on February 15, 2024, a second kidnapping charge and charges for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition.

On October 18, 2024, a federal jury found Zuberi guilty of all charges.

This case was investigated by the FBI Portland and Reno, Nevada Field Offices, Klamath Falls Police Department, and Oregon State Police with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada; Klamath County District Attorney’s Office; Reno, Nevada Police Department; Washoe County, Nevada District Attorney’s Office; Nevada State Police; and Klamath Falls Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Nathan J. Lichvarcik, and Marco A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, with assistance from Appellate Chief Suzanne Miles, also of the District of Oregon.

 

Oregon State Police is investigating an officer-involved shooting near Collier Park north of Chiloquin that happened on Dec. 23, 2024. 

According to a Facebook post from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, the deputies involved are on administrative leave until the investigation ends. The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office released this statement. 

On Monday December 23, 2024, deputies from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office were involved in an Officer Involved Shooting near Collier Park north of Chiloquin. The incident is being investigated by the Oregon State Police and will be reviewed by the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office upon completion. As is standard practice with law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, the deputies involved are currently on Administrative Leave pending conclusion of the investigation and review. In order to maintain the integrity of the investigation by the outside agency, the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office is unable to release any further information at this time.”

 

Klamath Water Users Association and the Klamath Project Drought Response Agency (DRA) have signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) for an allocation of funding under Public Law 117-169, also known as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA).

The DRA, which operates a voluntary program to assist with chronic water shortage for irrigation in the Klamath Project, would receive $33 million over the next few years to supplement that program with new, longer-term measures.

“We are resolute in our commitment to improve our water supply situation, and we are optimistic that can occur,” said KWUA President Tracey Liskey. “While we are getting there, we will continue to do all we can to provide security for producers and our communities.”

Under the MOU, the DRA and Reclamation agree to complete more detailed contracts establishing new programs for producers that will be operated by the DRA.  Reclamation also intends to allocate an additional $17 million of IRA funds for programs that it would pursue. These potential permanent reductions of water demand for land not in commercial agricultural production, and work toward modifying infrastructure to improve fish passage.

 

Learn how, why and what it is that has Klamath County’s business sector excited and positioned for a lucrative 2025 during Klamath County Economic Development Association’s annual Economic Summit.

Starting at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at the Ross Ragland Theater, this special event is an opportunity to garner key insights and learn from industry experts and analysts as presentations are given focusing on strategies, innovations and partnerships aimed at fostering new opportunities for sustainable growth within Klamath County.

With the theme of “Building Resilience: Unlocking New Growth Pathways” the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA) and Klamath County Commissioner Kelley Minty developed a compelling, informative program that will explore several aspects of the county’s economy, including a forecast of economic and employment outlooks for 2025 presented by Oregon’s regional economist, Damon Runberg. 

Those presenters will be discussing topics related to local agriculture, energy, artificial intelligence, finance, workforce and more throughout the day. Learn from Katelyn Pay, the US Chamber of Commerce’s northwest regional manager, how the economy can grow by 3 percent. Take in how water management practices affect the economy from Klamath Irrigation District director Gene Souza. Unpack Oregon and Klamath County’s labor market with Nicole Ramos, a state economist.

 

Pacific Power is monitoring a weather system that is expected to bring extreme temperatures this weekend, likely resulting in higher than normal demand for electricity in the West as customers try to stay warm inside their homes.

Customers can conserve energy by shifting usage during periods of high demand, helping with the reliability of our electricity service while also saving money on their bills. Pacific Power relies on a diverse mix of available energy resources to meet high demand, and the company is well positioned to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Here are some ways customers can help during periods of high demand:

  • Set the thermostat to 68°F when you’re at home. Lower the temperature by several degrees when you are away from home and at bedtime. 
  • Clean or replace furnace filters often.  
  • Weatherstrip exterior doors and caulk around window frames to seal air leaks. 
  • Close drapes and blinds at night to keep heat in.
  • Avoid use of portable space heaters.
  • Limit use of appliances like ovens, dishwashers and clothes dryers in the morning from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. 
  • Set your water heater to 120°F and use efficient showerheads. 
  • Turn off lights, computers and electronics when not in use. 

 

A little bit of French culture has landed in the Klamath Basin with the arrival of six French students who are studying computer engineering and manufacturing engineering technology at Klamath Community College for the winter term.

The students are from the CESI School of Engineering outside of Paris as part of a student exchange program with KCC, according to Fred Griffiths, KCC’s director of International Studies. In turn, KCC hopes to send several students and a faculty member to France.

Members of the Klamath Falls French club met with the students at an informal reception last week at Griffiths’ home. French native Nathalie Naveau, the Klamath County Library director, hosts the French club. She said she was pleased to have the students as guests so club members can practice their use of language.

The college also signed a partnership with Rennes School of Business in Rennes, France. That program will allow KCC business students who want to earn a bachelor of science degree within three years to finish their business studies in France in the third year.

 

On January 16, 2025 the following Klamath County School District Board of Directors’ expirations were announced.

Klamath County School District Board of Directors      
Position 2

Klamath County School District Board of Directors
Position 3

Klamath County School District Board of Directors
Position 5

The Board of Directors positions listed above expire on June 30, 2025.  These positions are for a 4-year term and will expire on June 30, 2029.
Applicants must reside in their respective zone – Position 2 Henley Elementary/Keno Elementary; Position 3 Bonanza Elementary/Malin Elementary/Merrill Elementary, and Position 5 Peterson Elementary/Stearns Elementary. Applicants may call Stephanie Bland in the Klamath County School District superintendent’s office at 541-851-8767 to find out if they reside in the correct zone.

Applicants must file with the Klamath County Clerk’s office, 305 Main Street in Klamath Falls, to be put on the May 20, 2025 election ballot using the following timelines.

  • February 10, 2025 – first day for candidates to file
  • March 20, 2025 – last day for candidates to file

Applications are available through the KCSD Superintendent’s Office or the Klamath County Clerk’s Office. There is a $10 filing fee.

 

Also, the following vacancies were announced for the Bonanza/Malin/Merrill area:

Position 3 Bonanza/Malin/Merrill Zone – Budget Committee
Appointment expires 6/30/2027
Position 5 Peterson/Stearns Zone – Budget Committee
Appointment expires 6/30/2027

Applicants must reside within Klamath County School District boundaries and preference is
given to applicants who reside within the zone for which they apply.

The Klamath County School District Board of Directors will conduct interviews for each of the
positions at the March 13, 2025 regular school board meeting at the Klamath County School
District office, 2845 Greensprings Dr., Klamath Falls, Oregon or via Zoom. Interested applicants
may call Stephanie Bland (541-851-8767) in the superintendent’s office for an application or go
to the district’s website at www.kcsd.k12.or.us.

Once on the website, go to the menu on the top,
Departments, then Business Services. Applications will be accepted until 3:00 PM on February
28, 2025.

 

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.

 

The Klamath Chorale will begin regular weekly rehearsals for its 2025 spring concert season on Monday, Jan. 27, from 7 to 9 p.m., in the choir rehearsal room of Ponderosa Middle School.

“Made In America” is the title of the group’s spring concert, which will take place on Sunday, May 4, at the Ross Ragland Theater.

The program includes popular songs by important American composers, such as Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Henry Mancini and Burt Bachrach, among many others. The Klamath Chorale is the oldest and largest choral group in the Klamath Basin with up to 100 members. It was formed in 1979 and has presented two concerts each year for over 40 years.

Membership is open to anyone who enjoys singing together. Robin Schwartz has directed the chorale since 2009 while Bill “Slippery” Eaton has been the group’s accompanist for an even longer period. Seasonal dues of $30 per person help to defray the cost of purchasing music for its semi-annual concerts. Scholarships are available to high school students who wish to join the chorale.

For more information about the Chorale, call Charles Cossey, pro-duction coordinator, at 541-884-8484.

 

Around the State of Oregon

Providence Health Hospitals began offering striking nurses an opportunity to return to work beginning Sunday.

More than 600 nurses have crossed the picket lines since the strike started last Friday. Providence says it won’t retaliate against nurses that stay on the picket lines. The strike continues today against Providence hospitals across 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.

 

An Azalea man is in jail after police found hidden cameras inside a private home in the 14000 block of Upper Cow Creek Road.

According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), the cameras were placed in areas of the home without the residents’ knowledge or consent. As a result of their investigation, DCSO detectives arrested 48-year-old Stephen Hughes on Wednesday.

Police executed multiple search warrants, during which detectives found more hidden cameras and a firearm suppressor that Hughes was not legally allowed to have. Hughes faces charges related to invasion of privacy and unlawful possession of a firearm suppressor.

 

Two Oregonians are in jail in California after allegedly using a fire truck bought at an auction to try to get into the evacuation zone for wildfires burning in the Los Angeles area, California officials said.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, on January 18 a Los Angeles Police Department unit spotted an illegitimate-looking fire truck while driving through the Palisades Fire area with other fire personnel. The LACSD said they were alerted to the suspicious truck, and contacted the occupants as they tried to enter an evacuation zone.  Deputies said the two occupants of the truck were wearing firefighting gear including helmets and radios, and claimed to be from “Roaring River Fire Department” in Oregon.

LACSD deputies said they quickly figured out there was no legitimate agency by that name, and the truck had been purchased at an auction. LACSD officials said the pair admitted to being in the evacuation zone on January 17 as well.

LACSD deputies arrested Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, both of Woodburn, Oregon, on charges of impersonating a firefighter and entering an evacuation zone. The truck was impounded.

Court records show Dustin was found guilty of arson, criminal mischief and other crimes in 2016. 

 

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2MrLwl_0yHoapM700Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services has launched self-service express kiosks in Fred Meyer stores in nine cities, giving customers one more way to renew vehicle registration beyond a DMV field office, mail or online at DMV2U.

Oregon DMV Express Kiosks are now available in Beaverton, Bend, Eugene, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Medford, Oak Grove (unincorporated Clackamas County), Salem and Tualatin. A 10th location, Portland, is coming soon. These kiosks offer customers a convenient option for renewing their vehicle registration. Oregon DMV plans to eventually add more kiosks in grocery stores across the state to meet customer demand.

Visit ODOTkiosk.oregon.gov to see an interactive map and learn more.  You can renew your vehicle registration at the kiosks in English or in Spanish and walk away with your printed vehicle registration and license plate stickers. The stickers feature your license plate number, a detail only available at kiosks.

Customers are charged a vendor fee of $4.95 per transaction. Oregon DMV does not collect or benefit from the transaction fee, which goes directly to the vendor Intellectual Technology Inc. No state tax dollars were spent to provide the new technology system. Oregon DMV hopes to add more transactions in the future.

 

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced Wednesday that the state is joining 13 others in a legal effort to defend health insurance access for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients after a court challenge threatened their eligibility.

The states are intervening to protect a Biden administration rule that went into effect Nov. 1, 2024, allowing DACA recipients, also known as “Dreamers,” to enroll in health care plans through the Affordable Care Act for the first time. A coalition of states led by Kansas challenged the rule in August 2024. While a district court blocked implementation in some states, the rule remains active in Oregon and most other jurisdictions. 

The legal action comes one month after former Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum launched a new Sanctuary Promise Community Toolkit to help residents understand the state’s current sanctuary laws and available resources. Liberal Oregon became the nation’s first sanctuary state in 1987, restricting state and local governments from assisting federal immigration enforcement without a judge’s order. The 2021 Sanctuary Promise Act strengthened these protections and established a statewide hotline for reporting violations. Stay tuned.

 

Oregon’s effort to recoup some of the millions of dollars wasted on what state officials say turned out to be defective modular housing for survivors of the 2020 Labor Day wildfires has so far yielded a small fraction of what the state spent.

The state paid an average of $170,700 per unit to purchase the two-bed, one-bath homes in 2021. In recent months, some of those homes sold at auction for an average of $37,200, or about 22 cents on the dollar, state records show. Oregon is now suing the housing broker for the deal, Pacific Housing Partners, as well as the manufacturer, Nashua Homes of Idaho Inc., alleging construction defects and seeking nearly $11.8 million.

Rep. Pam Marsh, an Ashland Democrat whose district had been slated to receive many of the modular homes, also declined to comment on the auction. But she said state officials made the right decision to offload the units rather than attempt to repair problems, saying wildfire survivors had lost confidence in the housing.

 

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.

 

A southern Oregon woman is on her way to California with a pickup truck full of supplies to aid horses displaced by devastating wildfires.

Angi Carelli, a traveling physician assistant and horse enthusiast, said she was inspired to act after seeing footage of horse owners fleeing burning barns with little more than halters and leads. Carelli, who had planned a personal trip to southern California, decided to delay her departure by two days to gather donations from her local horse community.

Carelli departed Tuesday and plans to stop in San Luis Obispo to collect additional donations before delivering the supplies to facilities in the Los Angeles area by the weekend. The aid will benefit several centers housing horses displaced by the wildfires, with donations destined for the LA Equestrian Center and other equine care locations.

Within 24 hours, donations came in from individuals and members of The Rogue Riders. They donated saddles, bridles, halters, and grooming supplies. Local businesses, including Coastal Farm and Ranch, also contributed, donating $200 worth of horse feed.

 

Days after the Biden Administration approved the Coquille Tribe’s proposal to restore Roxy Ann lanes in Medford into a gaming facility, people are already gambling on site.

This prompted the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, who operates Seven Feathers Casino in Canyonville, Ore. to file a motion for a temporary restraining order against the Coquille Tribe’s operations.

In a statement, Cow Creek says, “National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) regulations require tribes to provide 120 days’ notice before opening any new place, facility, or location on Indian lands.” 

In response, the Coquille Tribe says ““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 statement said.

The restoration of Roxy Ann Lanes into a gaming facility is more than a decade in the making. While the Coquille Tribe has already improved parts of its South Medford properties (Bear Creek Golf Center and the Compass Hotel), even more change appears to be on the way for the City of Medford.  Paying for frontage improvements and parking developments with tax dollars aren’t the only things Medford residents don’t have to worry about.

Amid a bevy of complex legal issues, it doesn’t appear gamblers using the facility at Roxy Ann Lanes will face any backlash if they choose to gamble in South Medford now. Meanwhile, the city is following the legal matters closely. 

 

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is urging home radon testing during January, when winter heating season is at its peak and tightly closed windows and doors increase people’s exposure to the odorless, tasteless, invisible gas.

January is National Radon Action Month. Each year, OHA promotes the annual observance by encouraging people in Oregon to take steps to reduce their exposure to radon by testing their homes for the gas and, if necessary, hiring a professional to reduce radon to a safe level.

Many parts of Oregon remain at risk of high radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes up from the ground and is drawn into buildings, where it can build up to dangerous levels. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates radon is responsible for around 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking, and it’s the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. National Radon Awareness Month is a great time to remind folks that the only way for them to know if they have high radon levels in their homes is to test.

The Radon Awareness Program monitors which areas of the state have the potential for high radon levels and identifies regions where educational outreach efforts need to be focused. The program is offering a free radon test kit to residents whose homes are in ZIP codes with fewer than 20 radon test results. Residents can learn more about the free radon test kit program and how to apply at www.healthoregon.org/radon.

Free test kits are available while supplies last.

 

King Tides brought huge waves to the Oregon Coast over the weekend, and they nearly cost a teenager his life.

A 19-year-old went into the water at Cannon Beach just before sunset on Monday, but didn’t return. A rescue swimmer paddled a surfboard into the breakers and heard a cry for help. They spotted the man and pulled him to shore. Firefighters say hypothermia could have quickly become a problem, because of the cold water temperature.

 

A former Westview High School football coach who was accused of slapping players awake during a football camp last summer has been acquitted.

Jamal Jones was charged with 12 counts of harassment. Jones resigned from the coaching position and turned himself in to police. He’s also a police officer with Hillsboro Police where he’s on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

 

Meanwhile, A Banks High School math teacher was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of having had “sexual contact with a student,” the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

Wymon Smith, 66, faces charges of sexual abuse in the second degree and luring a minor. Smith was placed on leave January 7 when the school district became aware of allegations against him and notified authorities, the sheriff’s office said. As of Wednesday morning, Smith’s name and photograph remain on the Banks School District website under “Teaching Staff.”

 

A 32-year-old Albany man was convicted of sexually abusing two women at his tattoo shop and ordered to serve jail time and probation.

Daniel Nunez-Rodriguez, owner of Majin Ink LLC, was arrested by Albany police in May 2023 following an investigation that officials said began in 2022. The victims, ages 19 and 24 when the crimes occurred, told investigators that Nunez-Rodriguez touched them inappropriately during tattoo sessions.

He was charged with two counts of misdemeanor third-degree sexual abuse and three counts of misdemeanor physical harassment. One of the victims told an officer that she came to Nunez-Rodriguez for an outer leg and upper thigh tattoo in April 2023, noting that she has known his family since middle school, according to an affidavit.

The Oregon Transportation Commission approved 31-million-dollars last week for the Safe Routes To School program.

It includes projects to build sidewalks, crosswalks, and other street safety measures to help kids walk and ride to school. 28 projects are planned across the state.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Lightning has struck twice for Oregon lottery players as a recent $328.5 million Powerball ticket was sold in Beaverton, marking the state’s first jackpot win of 2025.

The winning ticket from Saturday’s drawing was purchased January 17 in Beaverton’s 97006 zip code. The winner, who cannot remain anonymous under state law, has one year to claim their prize.

This win follows Oregon’s largest-ever Powerball prize — a $1.3 billion jackpot split between a Portland man, his wife and a friend last year.

The exact location of the retailer who sold the winning ticket will remain undisclosed until the winner comes forward, citing security protocols. Oregon retailers receive commissions from ticket sales and bonus payments for wins, including a $10,000 bonus for selling million-dollar tickets.

The multistate game, operated across 44 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, was last won in December with a $256 million ticket sold in New York. Approximately one-third of Oregon Lottery sales support state programs including education, veteran services, state parks and economic development.

Since its 1985 inception, the Oregon Lottery has generated nearly $16.5 billion for these initiatives.

 

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