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.
Friday, January 24, 2024
Klamath Basin Weather
Air Stagnation Advisory until 12pm today
Cold Weather Advisory in effect thru Sunday, January 26, 10:00 AMÂ
Wind Advisory in effect thru Saturday, January 25, 10:00 PMÂ
Today
Sunny, with a high near 45. North northwest wind 6 to 8 mph. Overnight, clear, with a low around 16. North northeast wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
See Road Camera Views around the Klamath Basin:
Lake of the Woods
Doak Mtn.
Hiway 97 at Chemult
Hiway 140 at  Bly
Hiway 97 at GreenSprings Dr.
Hiway 97 at LaPine
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
Klamath County is facing more promise than challenge, experts told the audience during the 2025 Klamath County Economic Summit on Wednesday.
“The direction we are going now is the direction we were dreaming about 10 years ago, and the numbers don’t lie,” Klamath County Commissioner Kelley Minty said.
An opportunity to see where Klamath County stands economically, the 2025 KCEDA Economic Summit held at the Ross Ragland provided a snapshot of Klamath County’s economic history and present while highlighting potentials that will make Klamath County stronger in the future ahead.
According to figures presented by state economist Nicole Ramos, Klamath County is trending in a positive direction led by historically low unemployment numbers and a strong labor force whereas Klamath County’s unemployment rate was stable at around 4% with a labor force greater than 29,000 individuals.
On average, it takes Klamath County 53 months to come back from major economic blows (such as the COVID-19 Pandemic or the Great Recession of 2008), about a year longer than in urban areas.. Part of the slower recovery time is due to the nature of shocks that have hit Klamath County, such as the housing crisis that impacted manufacturing in Klamath County.Â
The use of Artificial Intelligence, or AI, by the American workforce today is increasing at a steady rate. Despite the usefulness of the advancing technology, more than half of American workers who use AI are reluctant to admit to the practice due, in part, to fears of being perceived as replaceable or belief of its use as having “cheated” in their work.
Water users in the Klamath Basin are also facing their share of ups and downs this coming year with exorbitant electric bills as well as half a dozen promising water conservation projects. Gene Souza, executive director of the Klamath Irrigation District, said that, following the removal of the four hydroelectric dams, the cost of running electric pumps to return excess flows to the Klamath River skyrocketed.Â
Klamath County maintains eleven sectors of industry ranging from manufacturing to retail, equating to an annual gross domestic product (GDP) of more than $3 billion. Not only that, Klamath County is ranked 10th (of 36) on the Oregon Hackman Index (an index that measures economic diversity using indicators such as GDP, and employment of a region relative to a reference region), beating out all other rural Oregon counties. Leading much of that diversification is KCEDA.
Pacific Power is monitoring the weekend weather system that is expected to bring extreme temperatures and winds to Southern Oregon, 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.Â
- Clean or replace furnace filters often. Â
- Weatherstrip exterior doors and caulk around window frames to seal air leaks.Â
- 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.Â
- Set your water heater to 120°F and use efficient showerheads.Â
- Turn off lights, computers and electronics when not in use.Â
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The Lost River community gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony, to celebrate the grand opening of the Community Center.
The building is a 13,500-square-foot facility featuring a gymnasium, full kitchen, technology and robotics rooms, an art classroom and a fitness center.
Before the ribbons were cut, speeches were given by Amie McAuliffe and Georgia O’Brien, who led the fundraising and construction efforts with the Lost River Booster Club. Principal Jana Dunleaof Lost River Junior/Senior High School also gave a speech.
After a successful fundraising campaign by the Lost River Boosters Club that raised over $2.8 million, the green light was given to begin construction of the community center, which began in the summer of 2023.Â
Funds also came from private donations, grants and $800,000 in federal ESSER funds from the Klamath County School District. The total project cost was approximately $3.7 million.
The multi-purpose building will be owned and maintained by the Klamath County School District. The building will function as an extension of the Klamath County School District’s high school to provide space for robotics and elective classes.
Organizers are still raising funds to purchase items needed for the kitchen, arts classroom and technology room.
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.
A Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs, aged 14 and older.
Friday, Feb. 7th is 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 Ross Ragland Theater’s February schedule is filled with music, food and even a movie.
Performances begin on Feb. 7 with Dusty Leigh and Special Guests. Flamingo Fred will MC the show as host Dusty Leigh welcomes Wassla, Sethro, Va$h and Dream, and Sympho.
Headliner Leigh is far from your average performer. He started by combining the hardcore element of hip-hop with the wittiness of pop, and his style evolved into a genre he refers to as R&C — Rhythm and Country. The 31-year-old entertainer hails from Louisville, KY.
Dusty Leigh and Special Guests: Friday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. Tickets start at ten dollars.
Alli Walker, country singer-songwriter, brings her unique blend of country music and bagpipes to The Ross Ragland stage on Feb. 8.
Walker’s dynamic blend of traditional country sounds with pop/rock sensibilities positions her as a dedicated and innovative force in the evolving landscape of country music. Her willingness to push genre boundaries and think outside the box has led her to be recently nominated for a Canadian Country Music Award for Top Female Artist. Her dynamic and innovative fusion of traditional country elements with her Celtic background has become a signature part of her live performances, setting her apart in the Nashville scene.Â
Finally, The Ragland Masquerade Education Fundraiser makes its elegant return on Feb. 22. The Masquerade and Youth Scholarship Fundraiser is a premier fundraising gala and social event that raises awareness of the need and benefits of keeping access to the arts education for K-12 students across the Klamath Basin and Southeastern Oregon.
This must-attend event is full of elegance, delicious food and live entertainment, all dedicated to supporting the Ragland in funding our seven revered education programs that help create arts education opportunities for students across the Klamath Basin.
The Ragland Theater education programs offer over 20,000 individual opportunities for arts education to all students in the Basin, K-12, each year.
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
Army recruit Tyson Richardson was home for the holidays in Oregon and out with friends looking to have some fun.
Several days before he was set to resume boot camp in Georgia, he took some multi-colored pills laced with fentanyl. While others were partying in another room at a Lake Oswego apartment, Richardson lay unconscious. When they discovered him, they put Richardson in a shower, thinking he had too much to drink.
The 19-year-old was declared dead at the scene early on Dec. 30, 2022. An autopsy found he died of fentanyl toxicity.Â
The drug seller, Michael D. Parris, now 23, pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl. The prosecutor recommended a nearly six-year sentence for Parris and the defense lawyer recommended less than three years. The father urged a sentence of at least 10 years.
Employment in Oregon Struggles. In December, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 3,700 jobs, following a revised increase of 3,700 jobs in November.
December’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+1,900 jobs) and government (+700). Declines were largest in leisure and hospitality (-1,900 jobs); manufacturing (-1,800); financial activities (-1,000); and retail trade (-900).
Health care and social assistance continued its rapid, consistent pace of hiring, adding 18,100 jobs, or 6.2%, in the past 12 months. Within this industry, social assistance added the most jobs, gaining 9,200 jobs, or 12.2%, since December 2023. The three health care industries each added between 3,300 and 4,400 jobs during that time.
December’s growth in government also capped off a year of strong performance. Its 7,000-job gain (+2.3%) was the second fastest growth over the year. Leisure and hospitality cut 3,200 jobs in the past two months. It employed 204,000 in December, which was 3,000 below its average during January 2023 through October 2024.
Cutbacks of 1,500 jobs within semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing contributed most of the December employment reductions in manufacturing. Over the year, manufacturing dropped 2,500 jobs (-1.3%). Several durable goods manufacturing industries have shed jobs in the past 12 months: wood product manufacturing (-500 jobs, or -2.2%); machinery manufacturing (-300 jobs, or -2.2%); and transportation equipment manufacturing (-600 jobs, or -5.3%).
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.1% in December and 4.0%, as revised, in November. The rate has consistently remained between 4.0% and 4.2% since October 2023. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1% in December and 4.2% in November.
The state of Oregon is suing the federal government over President Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship.
It dates back centuries and under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution that states “all children born in the U.S. are citizens”. It’s also something no other country in the world does.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield says the President’s executive order is a violation of the Constitution. Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois are filing the lawsuit. It seeks an injunction to prevent the order from taking effect until it can be decided in court. Stay tuned as this issue will likely head to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Half of hospitals throughout Oregon are operating in the red, because of underfunding by Medicaid. Becky Hultberg, executive director of the Hospital Association of Oregon, says the Oregon Health Plan underpaid hospitals a billion dollars in 2023 and that continues.
They want the Legislature to approve more funding. Lawmakers will have a difficult time coming up with the extra money, because it faces its own budget trouble. The Trump Administration is also considering cuts to Medicaid.
In Portland, a group of hooded and masked rioters broke dozens of windows and spray painted anti-government graffiti on the Multnomah County Elections building in what Portland police called an “orchestrated attack.”
The attack happened just before 2 a.m. Monday and suspects fled as police arrived at the office, which was not occupied at the time, police said. The graffiti was anti-establishment and anti-government, he said.
Portland Police of course had made no arrests as of Tuesday morning, but were circulating surveillance video and urging anyone with information to contact officials.
In one video, about eight people wearing gray hoodies, face masks, and carrying backpacks walk up, pull spray paint containers out of bags and write on the building. Others carrying plastic bags that appear to contain heavy objects slam them against the windows, causing them to shatter. In another video, four people wearing the same clothing approach the outside of the building. Three were carrying plastic bags and a fourth had some sort of hammer. They walk along the sidewalk and smash window after window before running back down the street.Â
Meanwhile, police are still investigating an attack on a ballot box in October. An incendiary device was set off, destroying ballots about a week before Election Day. The early morning fire was extinguished quickly thanks to a suppression system inside the box.
Two more fires in ballot boxes in Vancouver, Washington, damaged hundreds of ballots during the 2024 election. The devices were made of a “ very volatile mix” of thermite and scrap metal, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
Following a two-week mobilization to Southern California to assist with the wildfire response, 17 of Oregon’s 21 strike teams will soon be heading home.
The teams began the demobilization process Thursday morning. Two of the strike teams will start their drive back to Oregon on Thursday, while the remaining 15 will begin their journey to their home agencies on Friday. These strike teams were assigned to the Palisades and Eaton fires near Los Angeles and have spent the last two weeks working the fire lines and supporting the communities impacted by these disasters. In total, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized 21 strike teams, 370 firefighters, and 105 fire engines and water tenders, marking the largest out-of-state deployment in the agency’s history.Â
The Oregon State Fire Marshal has four remaining strike teams in California, two assigned to the Eaton Fire and two assigned to support initial attack efforts if any new fires start. There is no timeline yet for when the remaining strike teams will return to Oregon. The strike teams’ expenses will be reimbursed directly by California.
Oregon State Police are crediting a team effort for the successful rescue of a woman in rural Linn County, Wednesday morning.
An OSP Fish and Wildlife Trooper found a car on the shoulder of Highway 20 and realized the driver may have gotten lost. They later learned the 30-year-old woman walked up a nearby Forest Service Road and wasn’t able to find her way back.
Linn County Search and Rescue and an OSP K-9 team tracked her route, and found her about a mile from the car. They built a fire and gave her food and blankets, staying with her until a Snowcat arrived to take her back to the highway. Sweet Home Medics transported her to the hospital for an evaluation.
A Fort Bidwell man was arraigned Tuesday in connection to the 2024 overdose death of a Surprise Valley woman.
According to a press release from the Modoc County District Attorney, 33-year-old Dirk Aalpoel was arraigned for murder after supplying 34-year-old Fawn Goodwin with a lethal dose of fentanyl back in October.
The DA says Aalpoel also faces other charges that include felony child abuse, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a narcotic addict, and sale/transportation of a controlled substance, as well as several others. Aalpoel has pled not guilty to all charges. He is currently in the Modoc County Jail without bail.
His next scheduled court appearance is set for February 25. The DA says fentanyl is now the number one cause of death in 25- to 52-year-olds across the state of California. As a result, over the last several years, many counties started pursuing prosecution against known dealers, following the leading campaign “One Pill Can Kill” established by Placer County. A campaign that Modoc County adopted in 2024.
Additionally, under Proposition 36, a mandatory notice to all drug-related complaints has been added. This warns those charged with drug sales of the potential for murder convictions as well.
The federal government is awarding Oregon one-and-a-half million dollars for veteran’s housing.
HUD’s Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program is distributing the money to eight agencies that include Housing Authorities of Clackamas County, Salem and Central Oregon. Veterans will receive rental assistance and case management services to help them find permanent housing.
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The Bootleg Fire 3 years ago is still being studied by many forest officials, lobbyists and other groups.
A large Oregon forest meant to offset planet warming emissions was badly burned three years ago in that summer’s wildfire, and the project had to be pulled from a carbon credit market that aims to fight against climate change.
Now, its owners want to re-enter some of those burned acres into California’s carbon market, which generates credits based on the amount of emissions stored by trees.
When trees are burned, they release some of those stored emissions, but the owners, Green Diamond Resource Company, maintain that the scorched land still offers some climate benefits.
The move would mark a first, and it worries critics. They say that the land is already in an area ripe for wildfires, and they’re concerned that re-enrolling high-risk land would set a precedent that could undermine carbon crediting markets, which mark one approach to curtailing harmful emissions.
In 2021, the Bootleg Fire burned a quarter of the 435,000-acre Klamath East carbon project. In response, the California Air Resources Board removed the project from its carbon offset market last year because it could no longer meet its promise of capturing and storing the hundreds of thousands of metric tons of carbon dioxide that was promised.
But recently Green Diamond asked the board to enroll four new forest carbon offset projects in the same area of southern Oregon — including 48,000 acres of the former Klamath East project that burned in the Bootleg Fire. Though a first, the re-enrollment would not be against the rules of California’s government-regulated carbon market, said officials at the California Air Resources Board, provided the trees are not double counted. This means the carbon capture power of previously registered trees cannot be included in the new plan.
The new projects have not been approved but the request is raising concerns among watchdogs who fear it would compromise the integrity of California’s carbon market and encourage the development of projects in areas with a high fire risk and low climate benefit.
Twenty-three adult California bighorn sheep were recently captured and outfitted with active collars that will help to monitor and assess bighorn populations at the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge.
The captures were assisted with the support of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and additional funding for sheep collars was provided by Wild Sheep Foundation. Knowing where the sheep travel and use the landscape helps to determine where they are using sustainable resources of food, water, and shelter to support their population growth.
When a sheep is captured, health biometrics are quickly taken and a GPS collar is promptly placed around its neck. Within 10-15 minutes the sheep is provided a body condition score by its weight and rump fat measurements, and bio-samples of blood and fecal matter are collected to test for diseases before it is released with the collar.Â
The collared sheep study is done in compliance with the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge Bighorn Sheep Management Plan, which calls for collaring bighorn sheep to help study their population and health. In addition to bighorn sheep captures, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has continued to improve bighorn sheep habitat on F&WS lands through the removal of juniper trees, treating invasive weeds, and monitoring of springs. According to biologists, both pronghorn and bighorn sheep benefit from the removal of junipers as the juniper trees reduce the availability and quality of forage, reduce the availability of water, and leave the bighorn sheep and other wildlife vulnerable to predation.
Scientific studies will continue with a special interest from the impact of the 2024 Warner Peak Fire. The next three to five years are expected to “be a good time to continue the study of the sheep herds and how the fire affects their habitat and movement.”
Two Oregon strike teams were assigned overnight to a new fire in Southern California. Strike Team 17 (Linn County) and Strike Team 18 (Clackamas County), both made up of water tenders, are working alongside California resources on the Lilac Fire near Bonsall.
The fire has prompted evacuations for those living nearby. The two teams are part of six water tender strike teams mobilized to California on January 11. They are assigned to a two-week deployment.Â
Over the weekend, Ruiz-Temple was in Southern California, where she met with CAL FIRE officials, toured the fire-affected areas, and spoke with Oregon firefighters to learn about their experiences and work. In total, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has sent 21 strike teams, 370 firefighters, and 105 apparatus to support California’s response to historic wildfires in the southern part of the state. This is the largest out-of-state deployment for the agency.
The sharing of resources is made possible through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. The requesting state pays the local fire agencies directly for all costs.
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.Â
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.”Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
Oregon 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.Â
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.  Â
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.Â
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.
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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.
It’s been 25 years since the music group Phish played a show in the Rose City — a number most local fans won’t let you forget. But the time to reset the clock is finally near, with the rock band scheduled to play its first Portland concert of the 21st century in April.
Phish, the American jam band formed in 1983, will play the Moda Center Sunday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m. The stop is part of the band’s 2025 West Coast tour, which includes two shows each in Seattle and San Francisco and ends with three nights at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl.Â
General public ticket sales start at noon on Friday, Feb. 7 at Ticketmaster, though fans can request pre-sale tickets on the Phish website through 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3. Phish played its most recent Portland on Sept. 12, 1999, at horse racing (and occasional outdoor concert) venue Portland Meadows, which shut down in 2019.
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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