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Monday, February 10, 2024
Klamath Basin Weather
Cold Weather Advisory thru Wednesday, February 12, 09:00 AM
Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 32. Overnight, cloudy with a low near 5 degrees.
Driving remains trecherous in Southern Oregon. 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
The biggest winter storm in over 30 years closed schools for the entire week in Klamath Falls and Klamath County last week. Basin Residents are still digging out snow from their driveways and many neighborhood streets are still difficult to navigate with heavy slushy snow.
Forecasters are calling for a good possibility of snow again starting around Thursday of this week.
Estimates of total snowfall last week range anywhere from 2 to 3 and a half feet throughout the week, canceling events, closing roads, and is connected to the deaths of at least three Klamath Basin residents due to poor road conditions and auto accidents.
During the storm’s peak periods, upwards of 80,000 people lost power in Klamath, Jackson, and Josephine counties. Impacts to power caused outages on some TripCheck cameras in the Siskiyou Pass and Greensprings area.
Lake County saw its share of problems due to the storm, with Oregon 140 being completely closed from 18 miles from the Nevada border to near Lakeview due to blizzard conditions.
In Medford, an elderly man escaped death after his carport collapsed as he was under it. He suffered broken bones in an arm but was extricated from the rubble by firefighters.
Interstate 5 over the Siskiyous was shut down temporarily several times. Mt. Ashland Ski Area was closed Friday due to ongoing power outages on the mountain. Mt. Ashland’s power outages persisted throughout the week, starting after the ski area’s water main broke on Sunday, Feb. 2nd.
Dorothy Neufeld, is the new Director of Nursing for Klamath Community College.
Hired at KCC just last year as a full-time faculty, she was promoted to director of nursing after that position became vacant in December. Neufeld speaks from many years of nursing experience when she’s teaching in the classroom.
Neufeld holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and is a “diploma trained” as a Registered Nurse. She taught at the State College of Florida since 2014. She has had extensive experience either as a faculty member, lead faculty member in the classroom, clinical settings, skills labs and in simulation classrooms. Neufeld obtained a Masters in Advanced Practice Nursing for Pediatrics in 2012 from the University of South Florida, Tampa Bay.
At the time, there were not a lot of openings in pediatrics, so she began teaching at the college.
As Director of Nursing, Neufeld will work with health care providers in the community, such as Sky Lakes, assisted-living homes, clinics, the local schools to take on KCC students as interns. She’ll continue teaching first-year student, too. Neufeld and her husband Bruce, have three children, one of whom is attending KCC.
U.S. Senator for Oregon Jeff Merkley has announced his ‘Oregon Treasures Quest’ list for 2025, a collection of spots to visit in each county of the state.
Each of Oregon’s 36 counties has a location on the list. Here are the locations selected this year for counties in southern Oregon.
In our region, he lists the following locations:
Jackson County: Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Josephine County: Oregon Caves. Klamath County: Crater Lake National Park. Curry County: Cape Blanco State Park & Lighthouse. Lake County: Fort Rock.
As a part of the Oregon Treasures Quest challenge, anyone who visits 10 sites in 10 counties is an Oregon Ranger. Visiting 25 sites in 25 counties makes you an Oregon Trailblazer and visiting 36 sites in 36 counties makes you an Oregon Explorer.
Anyone participating in the challenge should send a selfie of each location along with your name, the date of the picture and the name of the location to oregontreasuresquest@merkley.senate.gov.
The Klamath County School District has three positions opening on its Board of Directors. The positions are:
- Position 2: Henley Elem/Keno school zones
- Position 3: Bonanza/ Malin/ Merrill school zones
- Position 5: Peterson/Stearns school zones.
The Board of Directors positions listed above expire on June 30, 2025. These positions are for a four-year term and will expire on June 30, 2029. For information about running and serving on a school board, go to the Oregon School Boards Association site: https://www.osba.org/get-on-board/
Applicants must reside in their respective school attendance zones. If you are not sure if you reside in the correct zone, you may call Stephanie Bland in the Klamath County School District Superintendent’s Office at 541-851-8767. 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.
Volunteers from the Oregon Department of Revenue will be at the Klamath County Library all day on Wednesday, Feb. 12th to assist taxpayers in using the free combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon to complete their returns.
Taxpayers can find more information on the department’s Free Direct File assistance at local libraries webpage.
The IRS estimates that 11,000 people in Klamath County are eligible to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.
The department believes that helping taxpayers file their own returns using direct file will help maximize the number of Oregonians who choose to use the new free option and make it possible for many who don’t have a filing requirement to file and claim significant federal and state tax credits for low-income families. The IRS estimates that nearly 25 percent eligible Oregon taxpayers are not claiming the EITC. One Oregon organization says that added up to almost $100 million in unclaimed credits in 2020.
Taxpayers should use theIRS eligibility checker to see if they’ll be able to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. Eligible taxpayers should set up an IRS online account and an account with Oregon’s Revenue Online before they come to an event.
Taxpayers should bring the following information with them to the library.
- Social security card or ITIN for everyone on your tax return
- Government picture ID for taxpayer and spouse if filing jointly (such as driver’s license or passport)
- Forms W2 (wages from a job)
- Forms 1099 (other kinds of income)
- Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefits)
Optional documents
- Canceled check or bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
- Last year’s tax return
Taxpayers can signup for the new “Oregon Tax Tips” direct email newsletter to keep up with information about tax return filing and how to claim helpful tax credits. The library is located at 126 South Third Street in Klamath Falls.
Klamath County School District Seeking Nominations for Crystal Apple Awards
Nominate a teacher, staff member for the Crystal Apple
Klamath County School District’s annual awards gala will be April 22 at the Ross Ragland
The Crystal Apple is given each year to eight KCSD staff who inspire and help students of all backgrounds and abilities. The winners receive their Crystal Apples during a gala at the Ross Ragland Theater. This year, the gala will be Tuesday, April 22.
A nominee can be a teacher, a counselor, a nurse or classified employee who has been with the district for at least three years. Community members are welcome and encouraged to submit nominations.
“This is an excellent opportunity for people to recognize and thank those special educators who make a positive impact on the lives of our students,” said KCSD Superintendent Glen Szymoniak.
To be nominated, a staff member must:
- Work for the Klamath County School District for at least three years
- Inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities
- Play an active and useful role in the community as well as the school
You can fill out and submit the nomination form online –– https://forms.gle/9cq2zNHfZ5KKgcWJ8 — or print and fill out the form and submit it directly to Stephanie Bland, Klamath County School District, 2845 Greensprings Drive, Klamath Falls, OR 9760; blands@kcsd.k12.or.us. Links to the online nomination form are available on the KCSD website at www.kcsd.k12.or.us. All nominations are due no later than Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025.
Pet of the Week from Klamath Animal Shelter
This week’s pet looking for a good home is a dog named ” Loralei “. Loralei is a female Great Pyrenees mix about 1 1/2 years old. She is white with tan patches, the angle of her pictures makes her look small but she weighs around 55 pounds. 
Loralei is a happy energetic girl, still very puppy like and loves attention. She gets excited to greet people and forgets that jumping isn’t polite. Around the State of Oregon
Oregon residents are bracing for continued cold winter storms later this week which may bring snow, ice, and increased risks of falling tree branches and downed power lines.
Emergency management officials urge the public to remain alert, be properly prepared for winter driving, and follow safety guidelines to protect homes, vehicles, and personal well-being. Many regions in Oregon are experiencing snowfall and ice buildup on trees. The added weight can cause branches–or even entire trees–to snap unexpectedly.
Falling branches pose a danger to: Vehicles: Branches can damage cars, so avoid parking under trees whenever possible. Pedestrians: Tree limbs can break without warning, so be extra cautious when walking outdoors. Power lines: Branches falling onto power lines may cause electrical hazards or widespread outage. Stock up on essentials: Have flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, and blankets ready in case the lights go out. Keep extra supplies: If safe to do so, store a few days’ worth of food and water, especially in rural areas where utility restoration may be delayed. Stay informed: Monitor local weather updates through official channels.
Follow any advisories from the National Weather Service or your local emergency management office.
The organization that makes policies for Oregon school sports teams is looking into the local implications of President Trump’s order banning transgender women from women’s sports.
The Oregon Schools Activities Association says it is working with the state Department of Education and legal counsel to determine what to do about the order.
The liberal Oregon School Activities Association previously said a ban on transgender athletes would violate the state’s anti-discrimination law.
President Trump signed the executive order this week directing the Department of Justice and other federal agencies to interpret Title IX rules as banning transgender women and girls from participating in female sports. Trump says he’s requiring immediate enforcement of the new rule across the nation.
The U.S. winter virus season is in full force, and by one measure is the most intense in 15 years. Oregon is one of 14 states with the most cases of flu in the nation.
One indicator of flu activity is the percentage of doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms. Last week, that number was clearly higher than the peak of any winter flu season since 2009-2010, according to data posted Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of course, other viral infections can be mistaken for flu.
But COVID-19 appears to be on the decline, according to hospital data and to CDC modeling projections. Available data also suggests another respiratory illness, RSV, has been fading nationally.
Some 14 other states, along with New York City, are now at the CDC’s highest tier of influenza activity: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Overall, 43 states reported high or very high flu activity last week. Flu was most intense in the South, Southwest and western states. U.S. health officials recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination.
About 44% of adults got flu shots as winter began, which is the same as last winter. But coverage of children is down, at about 45% this winter. It’s usually around 50%, according to CDC data.
A 20-year-old man is recovering from severe burn injuries after a car crashed into a Gotcha Burger drive-thru mobile food truck in Eugene.
Police reports say the man was one of four employees inside the food truck trailer when a car crashed into it Wednesday. The force of collision toppled cooking equipment inside of the trailer and caused fry oil to splash on the victim, causing second- and third-degree burns to his arms. Police responded and have determined the crash was an accident.
A Banks High School teacher who was previously charged with sexually abusing a student now faces new charges.
During the investigation of Wymon Smith, detectives talked with nearly 20 people who had concerns and reported abuse dating back 25 years. A Washington County grand jury indicted him on new crimes and he was arrested on Thursday.
Smith also worked as a teacher in Nevada in the 1990s and in Astoria in the early 2000s. Investigators believe more victims will come forward.
The Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs is reassuring transgender military veterans that they will continue to serve them.
The statement comes after President Trump issued an executive order barring transgender people from enlisting and serving openly in the military.
The ODVA has released a statement saying they want to assure every Oregon veteran they will be supported regardless of sexual orientation, race or gender identity.
ODVA says it’s proud to have been the first in the nation to establish a dedicated LGBTQ+ Veterans Coordinator nine years ago, ensuring access to the full range of vets’ earned federal, state and local benefits.
The Oregon Lottery sent Shari’s restaurant chain to collections for more than $900,000 in unpaid debt, a lottery spokesperson confirmed Wednesday.
The Oregon Department of Revenue, responsible for collecting delinquent state accounts, will add 9% interest on the debt. Shari’s abruptly closed all Oregon locations in October.
The Beaverton-based chain, known for award-winning pies and late-night meals, faced growing money troubles. Before it closed, Shari’s was one of the largest video lottery retailers in the state with 42 locations.
A lottery spokesperson said that the company has gone silent. Shari’s management has also failed to respond to more than two dozen lawsuits in Oregon. Former landlords and contractors are owed millions of dollars.
In January, Shari’s filed its annual report with the Oregon Secretary of State’s office. The company’s president, Samuel Borgese, didn’t respond to media requests for comment. The Beaverton address listed on state records as primary place of business has long been abandoned. Federal records indicate neither Shari’s nor its parent company has filed for bankruptcy protection.
A bill that would require thousands of farmers to report their fertilizer use to the Oregon Department of Agriculture drew a big crowd largely in opposition to the proposal in its first public hearing.
Senate Bill 747 would require farms larger than 200 acres to report their annual fertilizer use — including the quantity applied, the type of fertilizer and the crop grown on the fertilized land — to the department.
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Khanh Pham, D-Portland, said she wants the state agriculture department to track fertilizer applications to help identify where and how large concentrations of nutrients found in fertilizers, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are getting into and contaminating ground and surface water. Excesses of those nutrients cause frequent summer algal blooms in parts of the state and are making well water unsafe to drink in critical groundwater areas.
Irrigated agriculture is responsible for the bulk of groundwater nitrate contamination in Morrow and Umatilla counties, according to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
The Jackson County Expo is announcing its 2025 summer concert lineup to take the stage during the Jackson County Fair this July.
According to the Expo, musical acts including Outlaw Mariachi, Jo Dee Messina, and a Taylor Swift tribute will take the stage in Central Point this summer. The Jackson County Fair runs from July 15 through July 20.
Fair tickets start at $12 and include lawn seats at the Bi-Mart Amphitheater. Meanwhile, concert ticket prices start at $25 and go on sale to the public on Tuesday. Fair admission is included with the purchase of a reserved seat.
For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit the Jackson County Expo’s website.
The Britt Festival Orchestra (BFO) announces its 2025 season, with three weeks of exciting outdoor programming in historic Jacksonville, Oregon, June 12 – 28, 2025.
Under the leadership of four guest conductors, Damon Gupton (June 12-13); Chia-Hsuan Lin (June 15-18); Roberto Kalb (June 21-23); and Normal Huynh (June 26-28) the Orchestra’s 63rd season highlights a feature film alongside beloved classical favorites.
The season features seven extraordinary guest artists: pianist Clayton Stephenson performing Ravel’s Concerto in G Major; violinist William Hagen performing Korngold’s Concerto in D Major; violinist Tessa Lark and cellist Wei Yu performing Brahms Double concerto for Violin & Violoncello in A minor; vocalist Sun-Ly Pierce performing Ravel’s Shéhérazade; pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko performing Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 3 in D minor; and violinist Simone Porter performing Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto in D and Ravel’s Tzigane. The season will begin with two evenings of Jurassic Park in Concert where John Williams’ score will be performed live-to-picture by the full orchestra in one of the most beloved films of the 20th Century.
Britt Music & Arts Festival shares extraordinary live performances and arts education experiences that inspire discovery and build community, anchored at the Britt hill amphitheater. Since its grassroots beginnings in 1963, the non-profit organization has grown from a two-week chamber music festival to a summer-long series of concerts in a variety of genres, including a three-week orchestra season, and year-round education and engagement programs. For more information, visit www.brittfest.org
You’ll need a Real ID to fly domestically, starting in May of this year, 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.
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