The latest and most comprehensive coverage of local News, Sports, Business, and Community News stories in the Klamath Basin, Southern Oregon and around the state of Oregon from Wynne Broadcasting’s KFLS News/Talk 1450AM / 102.5FM, The Herald and News, and BasinLife.com, and powered by Mick Insurance. Call them at 541-882-6476.

 

Monday, April 14, 2025

Klamath Basin Weather

Today
Sunny, with a high near 73. Light wind becoming south southeast around 5 mph. Overnight, clear with a low near 40 degrees. Light  northwest wind to 5 mph.

 

The Klamath Basin Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Oregon, in collaboration with the Klamath County Museum and the Klamath County Master Gardeners, has organized a native plant sale set for Saturday, May 18th, at the Museum.

Approximately 70% of the 87 plant species featured in this year’s sale have been cultivated by the Master Gardeners and Chapter members, while the remaining plants will be supplied by WinterCreek Restoration and Nursery located in Bend. The Chapter anticipates having over 1,500 plants available for purchase by the public.

Proceeds from the sale will be directed towards the revision and reprinting of the 2009 edition of “Common Plants of the Upper Klamath Basin,” which has been out of circulation for several years. This regional field guide, designed for both the general public and professionals in natural resources and botany, continues to be in high demand.

For further details, please visit the ‘Events & Hikes’ section on the Chapter’s website at https://klamathbasinnps.com, where you will find a link to this year’s digital plant catalog. Additionally, for more information on gardening with native plants, please refer to the ‘Links and Resources’ section.

 

Klamath’s youngest vocalists are extending an invitation to the community to join them for a cinematic experience next week as they prepare for the annual Rag Tag Choir spring performance.

This year’s event, titled “Let’s All Go to the Movies,” will showcase the talents of Klamath County youth as they perform songs from cherished classic films. The program will include popular show tunes such as “Singin’ in the Rain” and “It’s a Hard-Knock Life,” highlighting the diverse vocal abilities of local students in the youth choir at the Ross Ragland Theater.

The Rag Tag Choir hosts two performances each year and has also participated in various local music productions at the Ragland, including last year’s Christmas with the Celts event.

 

This week’s pet is a kitty named ” Thor ” at Klamath Animal Shelter

 

Around the State of Oregon

 

Multiple alleged illegal marijuana grow sites are currently under investigation after deputies last week with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) seized more than 10-thousand marijuana plants from several unlicensed locations.

According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation began after OLCC discovered that a business, named Agricola, was “operating far outside of the legal requirements regarding plant tracking, [and] product location.”

LCSO deputies and detectives served search warrants at several locations.

 

State and Federal Taxes are due Tuesday, April 15, but if you still haven’t filed your 2024 returns, the state of Oregon is sharing some options to submit them for free The Oregon Department of Revenue is encouraging taxpayers to submit their returns as soon as possible.

Nearly 1.2 million Oregonians have already filed their state personal income tax returns this year, but more than 1 million Oregonians have yet to submit their tax year 2024 returns.  E-filing is the fastest way for taxpayers to get their tax refund.

The Department also says electronically filing (e-filing) your taxes and requesting a refund through direct deposit is a quicker way to get your return. Anyone looking to track their return in Oregon can use the Department’s Where’s My Refund? tool to check Taxpayers can file their federal return directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) using their Direct File software, and file their state return using Direct File Oregon.

Both programs are free. Other services offering free tax preparation assistance can be found on the Revenue website.

 

An adult in custody (AIC) left an offsite work crew Friday, April 11, 2025, from the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) Central Distribution Center (CDC) located in Salem.

Steven Timothy Gant fled on foot and was promptly apprehended by the Oregon State Police nearby on Mission Street at 12:25 p.m. Oregon State Police are investigating.

Gant was housed at the Santiam Correctional Institution in Salem. He entered DOC custody on December 24, 2024, on two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle out of Douglas County. His earliest release date was May 14, 2026.

SCI is a minimum-security prison in Salem that houses approximately 440 adults in custody who are within four years of release. The facility concentrates on work opportunities, most of which are in the form of work crews contracting with state agencies, local organizations, and private industries within a 60-mile radius of Salem. SCI provides a range of other correctional programs and services including education, transition programs, and religious services. The building that is now SCI was constructed in 1946 and was originally used as an annex to the Oregon State Hospital for mental health patients. Over the years it was used for a variety of correctional purposes until, in 1990, it opened as SCI.

 

MEASLES OUTBREAK CONTINUES TO GROW

Make sure Oregon youth are up to date on vaccinations

The Oregon Health Authority wants you to know the 2025 United States’ measles outbreak is on pace to be the largest since measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.

To date, 22 states have reported more than 600 measles cases this year (including the newest cases reported in Indiana just this week), largely from a single outbreak straddling Texas and New Mexico. Over the past 30 years, only 2019 had a higher national measles case count by this time of year—with 704 cases reported by the end of April and 1,274 by year’s end.

The age group most affected by measles this year is children ages 5-19—accounting for 40% of all cases.

While we haven’t seen any measles cases in Oregon yet this year, public health officials are urging families to make sure all children are up to date on measles vaccination (MMR). Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97% protection against measles. The first dose is generally given to babies at 12-15 months old, and the second between ages 4 and 6 (but can be given as soon as one month after the first.)

Learn more about the MMR vaccine, including the spread and health risks of measles, here.

This week is Adolescent Immunization Action Week, a yearly observance aimed at raising awareness around the importance of adolescent immunizations that help protect teens against diseases and infections. In addition to MMR vaccination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:

• Human Papillomavirus(HPV) vaccination, preferably at ages 9-12 to help protect from HPV-related cancers in adulthood.
• Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis(Tdap) booster, preferably at ages 11-12. (In Oregon, a Tdap booster is required before starting 7th grade.)
• Meningococcalvaccination at age 11, and again at age 16.

Immunization resources for teens and young adults can be found here.

 

By next week, 12,000 Oregonians who received unemployment benefits last year are expected to receive corrected 1099-G forms.

The issue arose due to the transition from the previous computer system to the new Francis Online. Over 100 employees from the Employment Department are diligently reviewing each corrected form to ensure their accuracy.

Those who have already filed their federal taxes will need to amend them accordingly. The Oregon Department of Revenue is offering straightforward options for updating state tax returns.

 

The Oregon House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill late last week to change the eviction process of squatters by homeowners.

House Bill 3522 allows the removal of squatters using the standard eviction process, known in Oregon as Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED), without any proof of forced entry or an existing landlord-tenant relationship. If the bill passes, a lease doesn’t need to be in place for homeowners to follow the standard eviction process. 

Without HB 3522, state law requires property owners to take civil legal action against the squatter in a process known as ejectment, which chief co-sponsor Rep. Hai Pham said “costs individual homeowners thousands of dollars in costs and often takes months to process.” The bill is now moving to the Senate for consideration.

 

SALEM, OR – After recent storms and flooding across Oregon, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) are sharing important safety tips for cleaning up disaster debris. Following these guidelines can help protect your health, your neighbors, and the environment. Cleaning up after a disaster can be overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with fallen trees, damaged furniture, or household hazardous materials, knowing how to safely handle debris is critical for your safety and your community’s recovery.  

Stay Safe During Cleanup 

• Wear protective gear like waterproof gloves, eye protection, boots, and a N95 or respirator mask (especially if you’re handling mold, dusty materials or potentially hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead). 
• Floodwaters in Harney County were contaminated with  coli and Coliform.Avoid direct contact with debris that was in floodwater and always wear gloves and wash your hands often with hot water and soap to prevent the spread of illness.  

Start With Rotten Waste 

• Remove spoiled food, household garbage, and dead animals first. 
• Keep different types of debris separated if possible—this helps with proper disposal and recycling. 
• Remember, SNAP benefitslost or destroyed as a result of March flooding can be replaced. You have until April 15, 2025, to request replacement.   
• Information in Englishand Spanish

Be Cautious Around Hazardous Materials 

• If you find chemicals, fuel containers, paint cans, or anything that could be toxic, set them aside safely and contact DEQ or your county’s hazardous waste team for help. 
• If a container is leaking or the contents are unknown, call the Oregon Emergency Response Systemat 800-452-0311 right away. 

Watch Out for Asbestos 

• Some older homes or buildings may contain asbestos in insulation, flooring, or siding. If you’re not sure, contact a licensed asbestos contractor or a DEQ expert before removing materials. 
• Homes or buildings built before 2004 may contain asbestos in insulation, flooring, or siding, and require an asbestos survey prior to the removal of asbestos waste. If you’re unsure, contact a licensed asbestos contractor or a DEQ expert before removing materials.
• Residents who choose to remove asbestos from their own homes should keep it damp or wet before removing and wear respirators, tie-back suits, and gloves to protect against inhaling or skin contact.Once removed, it should be properly sealed, labeled and taken to a facility that accepts asbestos waste. 
• For questions about asbestos in Eastern Oregon (Harney County) contact:DEQ’s Erik Shafer at 503-688-0493. 

Flood Debris Is Not Hazardous Waste 

• Debris that has touched floodwater can go to approved landfills like the Burns-Hines Disposal site. It is not considered hazardous unless it contains chemicals or asbestos. Visit the ODEQ site for a more complete list of hazards. 
• Dumpster diving and salvaging from debris piles is discouragedas you don’t know what chemicals or bacteria may be present in the dumpster or pile. 
• The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is providing up to $40,000 in landfill fee coverage at C&B Sanitary. This fee waiver is only for residents disposing of flood debris, and anyone choosing to take advantage of it will be asked to provide information about where the debris came from. This fee waiver is only available while funding lasts.   

Skip the Burn Pile 

• Open burning of debris is dangerous and not recommended. Smoke can carry harmful particles that affect your lungs and health. 
• Instead, chip or grind yard debris and clean wood for reuse or composting. Burning is only allowed with DEQ approval and an emergency permit. 

Free Cleanup Supplies and Disposal Sites in Harney County 

• Residents can pick up cleaning supplies at DES Emergency Cleanup Supplies, located at 320 Snow Mountain Pine Lane, Hines. 
• Homes that have been affected by the flood and are beginning to clean up can take flood debris to C&B Sanitary, open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

OHA empowering communities to reduce tobacco harms statewide 

New report chronicles more than 25 years of progress — though work remains  

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority is making steady progress in reducing harmful effects of tobacco use through education and community partnerships, according to a new report.  

The 2023-25 Tobacco Prevention and Education Program (TPEP) annual report shows gains have been made in lowering tobacco use over more than a quarter century, through ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting public health.  

However, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in Oregon, claiming more than 8,000 lives each year and contributing to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

“Our commitment to reducing tobacco use is unwavering,” said Naomi Adeline-Biggs, director of the OHA Public Health Division. “Through the Tobacco Prevention and Education Program, we have made significant strides in protecting the health of Oregonians, and we will continue to build on this legacy.”

The report shows that the tobacco industry “focuses its ads, offers and store displays toward specific groups.”

For example, about one in five people targeted in this strategy have household incomes of less than $20,000 per year. An identical percentage of targeted tobacco users report being in poor mental health.

Widespread evidence shows that tobacco marketing causes youth tobacco use and makes it harder for people who are addicted to nicotine to quit.

Another marketing strategy involves the addition of menthol – a flavor additive in cigarettes — that creates a cooling sensation in the throat when the user inhales, making cigarettes feel less harsh, more appealing and easier to smoke, especially for youth and young adults. Tobacco companies manufacture menthol cigarettes to attract potential smokers, especially among communities of color and youth.

Menthol cigarettes contribute to greater nicotine dependence in youth and young adults than non-menthol cigarettes. About 61% of African Americans in Oregon who smoke report using menthol cigarettes, compared to 17% of White residents.

The tobacco industry has been marketing menthol products to African Americans through targeted campaigns since the 1970s. They advertise and promote menthol-flavored tobacco in African American neighborhoods and use campaigns that exploit cultural hallmarks and stereotypes.

For example, Newport, a menthol-flavored cigarette brand, is commonly cheaper to buy in areas with more African American residents.

Youth and teenagers are especially attracted to the flavored products. Roughly 75% of eighth graders and 11th graders who use these tobacco products report using flavored tobacco or vaping products.

Other report findings include:

• Sustained reduction in tobacco use—Oregon has experienced a 46% decrease in adult smoking rates and a 70% reduction in per-capita cigarette sales since TPEP’s inception in 1996.
• Community-centered solutions—TPEP has focused on addressing health inequities by investing more than 65% of its funding directly into local communities, supporting culturally relevant prevention and cessation programs.
• Youth-focused initiatives—The program has implemented strategies to reduce youth tobacco use, including anti-vaping education, mentorship programs and alternatives to suspension for nicotine use.

In 2021, the Oregon Legislature created the Tobacco Retail License Program to ensure compliance with sales laws. Since its inception, youth tobacco use has dropped from 26% in 2022 to 14% in 2024.

This video shows how Youth Adult Inspectors with OHA’s Tobacco Retail Licensing Program are getting involved in reducing retail sales to minors.

OHA’s Tobacco Prevention and Education Program has further implemented initiatives that have significantly decreased tobacco use among Oregonians.

This latest report underscores the program’s achievements and outlines ongoing initiatives aimed at improving health.

Key to the momentum behind the state’s tobacco reduction efforts has been the development of collaborative efforts with community partners to further reduce tobacco-related harm and promote health equity across the state.

One such partner, AntFarm, a community-based organization in rural Clackamas County, has a robust mentorship program to help youth quit tobacco. It does this by creating spaces and projects that give youth a sense of belonging.

Youth-created videos highlight the organization’s work.  

Kim Wheeler, director of Youth and Family Services at AntFarm, emphasized the importance of these efforts: “We empower youth and families to breathe freely, live strong and healthy lives while building a future without tobacco or vaping through bringing awareness and education to our communities,” she said. 

Quitting tobacco makes a difference – and quitting is different for everyone. That’s why there are a variety of free options across Oregon. 

• You can get free counseling with a coach by visiting the Oregon Tobacco Quitline, or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or texting “READY” to 34191.
• You can visit a pharmacist near you who will work with you to build a personalized treatment plan and provide follow up to see how the treatment plan is working.
• You can also learn how to quit in your own way, with or without the help of a coach or pharmacist, by visiting this

Increasing awareness and education about primary prevention, public health risks and preventive health services are among actions OHA is taking as part of its 2024–2027 Strategic Plan.  

For more information about tobacco prevention visit the OHA website. 

 

More than six months after being listed for sale, Oregon’s renowned Mt. Bachelor will remain unsold.

Various reports indicate that POWDR, the resort’s parent company, has opted not to proceed with the sale. Mt. Bachelor, recognized as one of the most favored ski destinations in the United States, was put on the market last August.

The Utah-based company has owned the resort since 2001 and also listed Eldora Ski Resort in Colorado and SilverStar Mountain Resort in British Columbia for sale through JP Morgan Chase last year.

 

Jackson County is gearing up to welcome visitors to Emigrant Lake this summer, with the lake nearly replenished after several years of low water levels.

Steve Lambert, the Roads and Parks Director for Jackson County, shared exciting updates about the upcoming season, which promises a mix of outdoor recreation, new concessions, and renovated park facilities. The resurgence of the lake will also help the popular non-motorized watercraft rentals, including paddleboards and kayaks, which had struggled during the low-water years. 

The county is actively seeking new business partners to provide food, beverage, and non-motorized watercraft rentals, a service that was previously offered when the lake had better water levels. The last concessionaire at Emigrant Lake was successful in offering rentals and lessons for paddleboards, and Lambert is optimistic about finding a new partner to continue this tradition.

In preparation for the influx of visitors, Jackson County has also been working on improving park facilities. New infrastructure, including replacement sidewalks, staircases and a renovated Oak Slope Tent Campground.

 

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s office has heard from thousands of Oregonians concerned with utility rate increases that have gone up for most by about 50% in the last five years.

Kotek detailed this and her own concerns in a March 20 letter to the three governor-appointed chairs and executive director of the Oregon Public Utility Commission, which is charged with regulating the rates of investor-owned, monopoly electric and gas utilities operating in the state.  She also laid out her expectations for the commission in the letter, including honoring the state’s climate commitments while considering requests for rate increases from utilities.

She asked that members provide information by Aug. 1 about their ability going forward to keep electricity and gas services affordable for Oregonians, handle the impacts of new heavy users such as data centers and ensure sound investments are being made in modernizing grid and distribution systems so Oregonians get reliable energy deliveries. 

Kotek acknowledged both electric and natural gas utilities have and continue to face increasing insurance costs from the threat of catastrophic wildfires, inflationary pressures and volatile fuel prices. Everyday customers face those challenges, too.  NW Natural, the state’s largest private gas utility, turned off gas to 376 Oregonians in 2024 – a 30% increase since 2023.

In the last five years, residential rates for customers of all three utilities have risen by about 50%, and the Oregon’s Public Utility Commission has approved rate hikes requested by the utilities nearly every year.

 

Oregonians who intend to fly in the near future and have not yet obtained a REAL ID driver’s license are facing a time crunch, as wait times at DMV offices are surging due to increased demand.

Following the May 7 deadline, the Transportation Security Administration will mandate a REAL ID or an alternative form of identification, such as a passport, to pass through security at U.S. airports. This impending deadline has been anticipated for quite some time.

The REAL ID Act, enacted by Congress in 2005, prohibits the use of state-issued IDs that do not meet new federal minimum standards for personal identification. However, the implementation of this law is only now occurring, two decades later. Consequently, the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services reports that walk-in wait times at DMV offices can now extend for several hours.

 

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