35.51 F
Klamath Falls
February 14, 2025

Klamath Basin News, Wednesday 1/22/2025 – Mazama Student In Custody After Threat Reported & Gun Found; KWUA Signs Water Memorandum With U.S. Bureau Of Reclamation; Four Northwest Men Released From Prison From Jan. 6 Incident After President Trump Pardon

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.

 

Wednesday, January 22, 2024

Klamath Basin Weather

Air Stagnation Advisory until January 24, 12:00 PM

Today
Sunny, with a high near 46. Mostly clear with a low around 23 degrees.

 
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 48. 
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

On Tuesday, January 21st, Brixner Junior High and Mazama High School secured their classrooms and buildings after receiving a tip about a possible threat.

Administrators and law enforcement immediately responded and investigated. A firearm was located at Mazama High School, and a Mazama student was taken into custody and lodged at the Klamath County Juvenile Detention Center.

The schools are secure and the investigation is ongoing. Schools returned to their regular schedules again before noon.

 

A local faction of the national “We Fight Back” rally made its way to Sugarman’s Corner in Klamath Falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and inauguration day, Monday afternoon.

The local event, announced on social media, was aimed at supporting women’s rights, workers’ rights, immigrants’ rights and the “future of our planet.”

Rally-goers hoisted signs encouraging passers by to “celebrate our common-’all’-ities.’”

Persons representing a diverse group of ages, genders, ethnicities, religious alignments and socioeconomic backgrounds all attended the anti-extremism rally. In addition to the UU Church, congregation members from the Quaker Friends Church as well as participants in the Klamath Falls Democratic Socialism Association were on scene to show their support.

Drivers passing the street corner cheered and mostly jeered in response to the small crowd. No opposition had formed in response at the end of the day.

 

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.

 

Today is KCEDA Economic Summit at Ragland Theater

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.

All day at the Ross Ragland Theater, KCEDA’s 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.

 

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.

U. S. Federal Courthouse in Medford.

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.

 

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. 
  •  

Proposed amendments to the Forest Service’s Northwest Forest Plan will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at Klamath Community College, 7390 S. 6th St., Classroom 820, in Klamath Falls.

The Fremont-Winema National Forest will host the public meeting to discuss the proposed amendments. Parker Hill, the Forest’s east zone environmental coordinator, said the meeting will allow the public to learn about and ask questions on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) that was released in November 2024.

The Forest Service is hosting a series of public meetings across Oregon, Northern California, and Washington. The public meetings are intended to provide information on the proposed amendment that, according to Hill, “aims to address wildfire resilience, economic opportunities, improved forest stewardship, adapting to a changing climate, and tribal inclusion.”

Discussion topics will include an introduction to the Northwest Forest Plan, an overview of the proposed amendment to land management plans, key details about the proposed action and alternatives outlined in the DEIS, and information on how to engage during the 120-day public comment period.

 

The Klamath County School District Board of Directors announce board openings.

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, 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.

 

A Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs, aged 14 and older.

It’s a worldwide event, hosted locally by various churches, made possible by the Tim Tebow foundation. One of those participating is First Presbyterian Church in Klamath Falls. Last year the event served 98 guests and their families. It was staffed by a crew of nearly 250 volunteers.

Pastor Richard Pfeil says they have plenty of volunteers to cover most duties, but they are still in need of about 40 “buddies”. Volunteer buddies accompany the guests throughout the night to ensure everyone is having a wonderful time.  Last year the event served 98 guests and their families. It was staffed by a crew of nearly 250 volunteers. Pastor Pfeil says they have plenty of volunteers to cover most duties, but they are still in need of about 40 “buddies”.

Volunteer buddies accompany the guests throughout the night to ensure everyone is having a wonderful time. Night to Shine happens Friday, February 7 at First Presbyterian Church in Klamath Falls. For more information, to volunteer, or to register for this free event, visit the church’s website.

 

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

Several men from the Pacific Northwest serving prison sentences for their roles in the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, have been released from federal custody after President Donald Trump granted clemency to roughly 1,600 people charged in connection with the attack on the Capitol.

Reed Christensen walked out of the federal detention facility in Forrest City, Arkansas early Tuesday morning, according to his lawyer. The Hillsboro man thanked President Trump as “a politician who keeps his word” in a statement provided through his lawyer. Christensen was serving a 46-month sentence after being convicted by a federal jury in September 2023 of one felony and seven misdemeanors, including civil disorder, and three misdemeanor counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers.

Prosecutors claimed the 66-year-old was pepper sprayed after he breached a barrier of bike racks set up to prevent rioters from moving closer to the Capitol building. After receiving aid from police, prosecutors claim Christensen charged through the perimeter and struggled with officers.

Christensen, a U.S. Army veteran and former Intel employee, ran for Oregon governor in the 2022 Republican primary.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons also confirmed that Benjamin Silva of Yacolt, Washington was released on Monday after being pardoned by President Trump.

The 37-year-old had been serving four months in federal prison in Lompoc, California. Silva pleaded guilty in September 2024 to a felony charge of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder. Federal prosecutors claimed Silva was part of a group of rioters who participated in a “heave-ho” push against a line of police inside a tunnel entrance to the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021.

A pair of brothers from Pendleton were also pardoned. Jonathan Peter Klein was supposed to serve nine months in federal prison after pleading guilty to assaulting law enforcement and other offenses. His brother Matthew Klein of Pendleton was sentenced to 90 days in prison for felony and misdemeanor charges.

 

Medford Police Arrest Suspect in Road Rage Incident Involving Gunfire

Last Thursday Medford Police Department officers responded to the 2100 block of Crater Lake Avenue following reports of a road rage incident involving a handgun. The victims reported that a man had threatened them with a firearm before leaving the area. Officers obtained detailed statements and began searching for the suspect.

Approximately 30 minutes later, the victim contacted police again to report that the same individual had returned. Following a verbal exchange, the suspect fired a gun from his vehicle as he left the scene. The victim was able to provide a vehicle description and a photo of the license plate. Officers confirmed that no one was injured in the incident.

Through their investigation, officers identified the suspect as Brandon Blackwell, 34, of Medford, who was determined to be a convicted felon. Around 10am Friday morning, January 17, officers located Blackwell at a property on Gilman Road in Medford. After surrounding the location and making announcements, Blackwell exited the building and was taken into custody without incident.

Blackwell was lodged at the Jackson County Jail on charges of Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The firearm believed to have been used in the incident was recovered and seized.

This case will be prosecuted by the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. For reference, the case number is MPD 25-905.

 

The flight attendants at Horizon Air — a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines, which has a base in Medford — have filed for federal mediation, saying they are not paid the same as Alaska Airlines flight attendants. 

According to a news release from the Association of Flight Attendants, Horizon Air’s flight attendants work at the company’s regional airlines and have a different contact.  “While Horizon Flight Attendants work for the regional airline, management at Alaska ultimately controls their pay and working conditions at Horizon — where Flight Attendants provide the same service as their mainline counterparts while being paid significantly less,” the release said.

“Management has so far failed to offer meaningful pay increases for all Flight Attendants in the workgroup. Instead of raising the standards for regional Flight Attendants, management is content to maintain a two-tiered exploitative ‘regional airline’ business model that leaves regional Flight Attendants behind.” 

Filing for federal mediation with the National Mediation Board is the next step to negotiating the attendants’ contract, the release said. “The NMB will oversee negotiations, assign a federal mediator, and schedule mediation sessions,” the release said. 

 

Democratic Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley voted for President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who won support 99-0 at the vote.

Merkley, who’s a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, says he and Republican Senator Marco Rubio have partnered on a range of legislation. The bills include a focus on China’s human rights abuses and support for Taiwan. Merkley says they also have their differences, but he says Rubio has the expertise to lead and provide a steady vision for U.S. foreign policy. Rubio was confirmed by the Senate on Monday and began his new role with staff, yesterday.

 

The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council was established by Governor Kotek’s Executive Order 23-26, Establishing a State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council.

The purpose of the council is to recommend an action plan to guide awareness, education and usage of artificial intelligence in state government that aligns with the state’s policies, goals and values and supports public servants to deliver customer service more efficiently and effectively.

The recommended action plan shall include concrete executive actions, policies, and investments needed to leverage artificial intelligence while honoring transparency, privacy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Council meetings are open to the public. Public comment may be made during the meeting. 

Sign-up for public comment is required as spots are limited. Sign-up closes Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 5 p.m. Written comment will also be accepted. Written comment can be submitted by mail to the Council Support Office, 550 Airport Rd SE Suite C, Salem, OR 97301.

 

ODOT is widening and replacing guardrail on two canal bridges to make traveling on OR 126 safer and easier for everyone. This upcoming work will cause delays. 

Traffic will be reduced to a single lane in two locations on OR 126. The first location will be in February and the second location will be in March. Travelers should expect delays of up to 20 minutes for both locations. 

Beginning February 3: North Unit canal bridge (milepost 3, near the Redmond Airport) traffic will be reduced to a single lane and controlled 24/7 with temporary portable traffic signals installed at either end of the bridge for approximately 4 weeks. Beginning March 3: COID canal bridge (milepost 10.5, in Powell Butte) traffic will be reduced to a single lane and controlled 24/7 by flaggers for approximately 4 weeks.

 

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a father and son who were stranded on rocks near Cannon Beach on Sunday after receiving information during a 911 call.

The father and son got caught in strong currents off Indian Beach. A Coast Guard helicopter crew found them clinging to a rock on the north end of the beach and they were hoisted into the helicopter. They didn’t need medical care.

Cannon Beach Fire says it was their third rescue in a week, and they’re urging beachgoers to stay away from the surf zone when there’s a hazardous beach statement issued.

 

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 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.

 

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.

 

Fifty-two organizations will receive $5,000 Arts Build Communities grants in fiscal year 2025, totaling $260,000 for projects that address community issues or needs through the arts.

The Oregon Arts Commission’s Arts Build Communities program is committed to promoting arts access for underserved audiences and targets broad geographic impact throughout the state.

One example of the funded projects is Gather:Make:Shelter’s Monograph Project, touring exhibitions that feature the work of Oregon-based artists with current or former experiences with houselessness.

In recent years, the Arts Build Communities program has generated more than $600,000 in additional community investment, much of it representing salaries paid, as well as products and services purchased in the funded communities.

These grants are made possible through a funding partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Recipients here in Southern Oregon include the Ashland High Arts Advocates, to support the SAM Project, which partners with local performing and fine artists, teachers and the Ashland School District to match students with arts mentors.

While the SAM Project is open to all K-12 students, it specifically reaches out to and prioritizes students who are low-income, have specific needs or are members of underserved populations. Funds will be used to cover expenses such as mentor stipends, equipment and materials, marketing and operational support.

The Ashland new play festival, to support the 2025 playwriting competition and festival, which fosters new work by diverse emerging and established playwrights, directly engaging the Ashland community. Each year, 70 volunteers help to blind-review 350 scripts to identify finalists. The Artistic Director and team (100% BIPOC) select four to five winners, with at least 50% by BIPOC authors. The plays are presented in staged readings by professional directors and actors, drawing more than 3,000 attendees over one week.

Finally, The Cave Junction farmer’s market, supportin a theater class (March-September 2025) and performance of The Great Melt at the farmers market site. Participating youth will explore how to mitigate climate issues, such as increasingly frequent high temperatures and poor AQI quality days.

Youth will create a visual story around the real-life impact of climate change. Requested funds will pay for Art Educators and purchase supplies.

 

The historic Port Theater building in North Bend is up for sale right now, to the tune of $1.2 million.

The 16,000-square-foot property dates back to 1953. The first floor has a lobby, bathrooms, theater hall, and retail space. While the second floor has a full apartment with a kitchen and bathrooms, plus an office space with meeting rooms. Then the basement has a lot of storage space. This building, located at 1954 Union Avenue in North Bend, is zoned for commercial use. To find out more, visit the listing on the Pacific Properties website.

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SPUR of the Moment Party is Saturday, March 20th 10AM-12PM at Kalina Hardware with Cake and Prizes!

Brian Casey

Klamath Basin News, Wednesday, 5/15 – Klamath and Lake Community Action Services Celebrating 20 Years;  Wildfire Risks Reduction Program Includes Klamath Falls; Oregon Now Ranked in Top Ten Most Dangerous States To Live; Oregon International Airshow This Weekend

Brian Casey