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.
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
A 20% percent chance of rain after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Light northwest wind increasing to 11 to 16 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph. Overnight, cloudy with a low near 38.
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
Well, we’ve heard this one before, but Klamath Falls is still hoping to find commercials airline service that will come into the basin.
Proposed legislation by Representative E. Werner Reschke seeks to obtain funding for the Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport.
This bill, designated as HB 3965, allocates a $2 million grant to the city of Klamath Falls, which will be managed by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS). The grant is intended to facilitate an agreement with a commercial airline to establish air service at the Crater Lake—Klamath Regional Airport.
Should the legislature approve the bill, it will come into effect on July 1, 2025.
The legislation stipulates that Klamath Falls must secure a contract with a commercial airline by June 30, 2027, or else return the full grant amount to DAS.
Representative Emily McIntire, who represents parts of Klamath County in House District 56, is a co-sponsor of HB 3965.
The Crater Lake—Klamath Regional Airport, classified as a nonprimary commercial service airport in the latest National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has not had scheduled air carrier service since 2017, following the cessation of daily flights to Portland by PenAir. Prior to PenAir’s exit, SkyWest Airlines (United Express) discontinued its service in 2014, which had included flights to Portland and San Francisco.
United Airlines was the first to offer scheduled passenger service in 1947. The runway was extended to its current length of 10,302 feet in 1956, accompanied by the addition of new taxiway systems and ramps. The airline passenger terminal was completed in 1959, and the regional airport has since adapted to meet the needs of both commercial and general aviation. Stay tuned.
SCAM ALERT
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about several ongoing telephone scams where individuals are posing as representatives of our agency.
Scammers are using our official phone number as well as other unrecognized numbers, creating the illusion that the calls are originating from us. This deception complicates the tracing of the calls’ origins and hinders appropriate law enforcement responses.
These fraudulent callers are making false and distressing assertions, such as:
- You have an outstanding warrant for your arrest due to a failure to appear
- A family member or friend has been detained and requires bail money
- The Sheriff’s Office is soliciting funds from local businesses for training purposes These calls do not originate from our office. The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office will never ask for money or sensitive information over the phone.
If you receive such a call: • Hang up immediately • Do not disclose any personal or financial information • If you are uncertain about a call you receive, please contact our office directly from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM at 541-883-5130.
Things to know regarding the May 20, 2025 – Special District Election
1) The last day to register as a new voter is April 29. Postmarks DO count. You can
register on-line at: oregonvotes.gov or come to the County Clerk’s office, 305 Main St. You can update your registration anytime.
2) Ballots will be mailed April 30. Voted ballots must be received in the Elections Office or in any official drop site by 8pm on Election Day.
OR
Ballots can be US Postmarked and can count, if:
a. Signed,
b. Postmarked on or before Election Day,
c. Received by the County Clerk’s Office within seven days after Election Day
3) Official Drop Sites are on the Klamath County Website and on the back side of your
ballot. https://www.klamathcounty.org/685/Drop-Sites All drop sites will be open by this
Sunday.
4) If you have not received your ballot by Tuesday, May 6 (5th business day after mailed),
please contact our office to request a replacement ballot over the phone (541) 883-5134,
through email elections@klamathcounty.org, or come in and fill out a ballot replacement
form and we will hand it to you at the counter.
5) Not all races will be on all ballots. Each ballot is designed specifically for where you reside and the districts your residence address includes.
Please contact the Klamath County Clerk’s Office with any questions at (541) 883-5134.
If you are finding it challenging to identify a career that aligns with your personality, ambitions, and life objectives, consider pursuing a career as a lab technician by obtaining an Associate of Science certificate from Klamath Community College.
This path may introduce you to opportunities you had not previously considered. The Laboratory Technician Associate of Science degree offers various career options, including positions as a biological technician, wildlife biologist, chemical technician, and forensic scientist.
Employment opportunities are available at organizations such as Sky Lakes Medical Center, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, Jeld-Wen Research and Development, and police forensics.
At KCC, 60% of the coursework can be completed online. The program is eligible for the Oregon Promise benefit, which covers 90 credit hours for qualifying high school graduates. Additionally, it is part of the Badger-to-Owl program, ensuring that you retain your college credits when transferring to the Oregon Institute of Technology for further education. T
here are also internship opportunities with local business partners, and the compensation is competitive.
The Oregon Institute of Technology is actively seeking financial assistance to establish a new public medical school in Klamath Falls, aiming to tackle the shortage of primary care providers in rural Oregon.
Leaders at Oregon Tech have expressed concerns that residents of Oregon are experiencing diminishing access to healthcare services, especially in the realm of primary care. This issue is particularly severe in the state’s rural areas. However, the implementation of this proposal will require several years and substantial financial investment.
The institute is requesting that state legislators allocate $1.5 million to initiate the planning phase. During an informational session on Thursday, Nagi Naganathan, president of Oregon Tech, informed members of the Oregon House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development that a viable solution to the state’s healthcare access challenges would be to significantly increase the number of primary care physicians trained within Oregon. Naganathan indicated that the university’s plan involves establishing the state’s second public medical school, following Oregon Health & Science University.
The proposed program will concentrate on osteopathic medicine, which prioritizes a holistic and patient-centered approach, resulting in the graduation of D.O.s rather than M.D.s. He noted that the program would collaborate closely with Sky Lakes Medical Center, a teaching hospital located next to the Oregon Tech campus.
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office is participating in a monthlong campaign called “Put the Phone Away or Pay”.
The nationwide enforcement initiative takes place throughout April in recognition of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Distracted driving encompasses any activity that diverts your focus from operating a vehicle. This includes actions such as talking or texting on your phone, as well as eating or drinking. Texting while driving is particularly concerning, as it diverts your gaze from the road for five seconds.
At a speed of 55 miles per hour, this is equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes shut. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2022, 3,308 individuals lost their lives, and approximately 289,310 were injured in traffic accidents involving distracted drivers. However, due to limitations in data collection, these figures are likely underreported.
In Oregon, violating distracted driving laws (O.R.S. 811.507) can result in significant penalties: – A first-offense citation for distracted driving is classified as a Class B violation, carrying a presumptive fine of $260, which may escalate to $2,000 if the offense leads to a crash. – A second-offense citation is categorized as a Class A violation, with a presumptive fine of $435, potentially increasing to $2,000. – A third-offense citation is treated as a Class B misdemeanor, resulting in fines ranging from $2,000 to $2,500 and the possibility of up to six months in jail.
Safe driving requires your complete attention to the task at hand. As part of this initiative, drivers can expect heightened law enforcement presence, with deputies actively stopping and ticketing those who are caught texting while driving.
Firewood permits now available for online purchase
Firewood permits for the Klamath National Forest are now available for purchase through a new online E-Permit system. Permits may be purchased by computer or mobile device any time and eliminate traveling to your local Forest Service office.
“This online E-Permit system will allow members of the public to gather information about special forest product permits and make it more convenient to purchase firewood permits online rather than visiting a local Forest Service office,” said Chris Christofferson, Forest Supervisor, Klamath National Forest.
This new service provides flexibility and convenience to our forest users. To purchase a firewood permit or to learn more about permits and gathering firewood online at E-Permit home page. Traditional firewood permits will still be available to purchase at local Forest Service offices.
The Forest Service will continue to refine and improve the quality of the online permit system and add additional special forest product permits in the future. For more information about the firewood program on the Klamath National Forest, please contact us at – sm.fs.klamathinfo@usda.gov
Save the dates!
Reminders from Klamath County Public Health and Healthy Klamath
Community Health Fair with free medical screenings (May 10)
Graduation Sensation (May 29)
Shasta Way, Avalon Street Traffic Control
The City of Klamath Falls road department reminds you that intermittently for the next three months, the Shasta Way / Avalon Street intersection and Avalon Street north of Shasta Way will be subject to lane closures.
This section of Avalon Street will be closed to through traffic, allowing only businesses and residents who reside on Avalon Street to have access. Flaggers and the appropriate signs will be in place to control traffic and maximize safety. These closures will occur from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day. Motorists are encouraged to avoid this area, if possible, to minimize congestion. Any questions can be directed to Dan Hendrickson, at 858-568-0123 or dhendrickson@ewbinc.com.
KLAMATH MUSIC – Under Klamath Skies at the Museum
A music, art, & history collaboration with Klamath Music, Klamath County Museum, and Underground Art KF. Features live music, art exhibits, food, drinks, & community. Event held from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on the following dates:
- May 1 – Andy Mowdy, Tommy Graven
- July 31 – City Blooms, Jessica Malone
- Sept 18 – Comicausy, Racyne Parker
Klamath Music has announced additional dates for its Showcase Series, featuring a variety of local and regional artists. All events are free of charge, thanks to proceeds from the annual Klamath Music Festival, and are open to all ages.
- May 15 – Garage Tap House: Ayden Carroll / Roger Jaeger
Klamath Gallery celebrates Great Basin
Klamath Art Gallery will exhibit a “Celebration of the Great Basin” with exhibits by artists, photographers, sculptors, craftspeople and textile artists.
The gallery at 120 Riverside Drive is open from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
The Favell Museum is set to inaugurate its 12th annual Art Show and Sale on Friday, May 2, with a reception exclusively for members and sponsors.
This exhibition will showcase the original creations of 33 artists hailing from the Northwest. The event will be accessible to the general public starting Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring artist demonstrations.
Attendees can enjoy wine and light appetizers from 1 to 4 p.m. The opening weekend will extend to Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m., and the exhibition will continue throughout the summer.
The showcase will include sculptures and paintings across various mediums, presenting themes such as scenic landscapes, cityscapes, still life, figure art, wildlife, and more, all depicted in diverse artistic styles.
This art show not only highlights remarkable artworks but also serves as the museum’s primary fundraising event of the year, with a portion of each sale supporting the nonprofit organization.
Among the 33 selected artists are several local favorites, including Dale Landrum, Cindy Lewis, Judy Phearson, Pam Stoehsler, and Stefan Savides.
Additionally, notable artist David Mensing will be featured. Having grown up in Iowa amidst expansive prairies and cultivated cornfields, Mensing was inspired by the untamed beauty of the West after relocating. His goal is to convey that beauty through his art, and his architectural background significantly influences his designs.
This week’s Pet For Adoption at Klamath Animal Shelter is a dog named ” Shorty “
Meet Shorty! Shorty is a male of mix breed, around 4 month old. Shorty is black and tan and weighs around 12 pounds.
He is a very happy and high energy young dog ready to liven up your life.
Around the State of Oregon
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has reinstated the commercial rock crab fishery along the northern coastline, extending from the California/Oregon border to the entrance of Humboldt Bay.
This decision follows a closure that lasted nearly ten years due to a domoic acid outbreak. The fishery was initially shut down in 2015 as a precaution during the most significant domoic acid outbreak recorded on the west coast.
Recent testing has verified that the levels of domoic acid in rock crabs are now below federal action thresholds, permitting the fishery’s reopening. Over the years, commercial fishermen have submitted rock crab samples, which contributed to this decision. The last reopening in this region took place in May 2019.
The CDFW advises fishery participants to refrain from setting gear in the presence of whales to reduce the risk of entanglement and encourages best fishing practices, such as minimizing slack surface line.
The Oregon House has unanimously approved legislation aimed at enhancing confidentiality protections for mental health services.
Proponents argue that the inclusion of peer support services will benefit firefighters, law enforcement personnel, and 9-1-1 dispatchers in need of trauma assistance.
This bill has garnered support from various first responder organizations, such as the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association and the Association of Chiefs of Police, and is now set to be reviewed by the Senate.
Deliberately using a drone to obstruct first responders would constitute a Class C felony, according to legislation approved by the Oregon House.
Conversely, unintentional disruption of police, firefighting, or search and rescue efforts would be classified as a Class B Misdemeanor. The bill received unanimous approval from Oregon’s House and has been forwarded to the state Senate.
The Oregon Department of Transportation is in the process of revising curve warning signs.
According to ODOT, advancements in vehicle technology, along with updated national standards, necessitate a reassessment of Oregon’s curve signs and advisory speed limits. Consequently, some signs may be deemed unnecessary, while others may be enlarged.
The Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) team confiscated nearly 150,000 potentially fatal doses of fentanyl that were en route to Grants Pass last week.
The total amount seized exceeded 10 ounces. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) states that ‘two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal depending on an individual’s body size, tolerance, and previous usage.’
The RADE team is composed of officers from the Grants Pass Police Department, Oregon State Police, Josephine County Community Corrections, the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office, and federal partners. The investigation into the fentanyl remains active.
The U.S. Forest Service is currently recruiting permanent wildland firefighters for the upcoming season in Oregon and Washington.
A diverse range of positions is available, including handcrew members, hotshot crews, pilots, dispatchers, and equipment operators.
Applications will be accepted until Thursday via the Forest Service Careers website and USAJobs.gov.
EUGENE, Ore. – Members of the Oregon National Guard supported the University of Oregon Ducks annual spring football game on April 26, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.
The Oregon National Guard held recruiting displays outside the stadium, giving the public a chance to interact with military equipment and speak with service members.
“We get to showcase what we do, some of the vehicles we have, and what we’re capable of,” said Master Sgt. Brandon Chase, Oregon Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Noncommissioned Officer In Charge of Eugene, Springfield, and Corvallis. “We’re letting them know that we live here and we serve here and we’re huge Duck fans.”
Prior to kickoff, service members, veterans, and their families held a large U.S. flag in the center of the field as Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Duane Reno with the 234th Army Band sang the national anthem. As the flag was walked off the field, two F-15 Eagles assigned to the 173rd Fighter Wing at Klamath Falls flew overhead.
During halftime, new recruits and some currently serving members of the military took the Oath of Enlistment in the end field.
At the conclusion of the game, more than 125 service members lined up with the football team to participate in an “End of Game Exchange.”
Salem, Oregon – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and Oregon Trails Coalition will host eight virtual focus groups in May to better understand the needs of different types of trail users who use land and water trails throughout Oregon and not just at Oregon State Parks.
OPRD launched an online survey this month to collect feedback through April 30. The focus groups expand that effort and take a deeper dive into the needs of different trail users including mountain bikers, paddlers, hikers and adaptive equipment users.
The information from the survey and focus groups will help inform the Oregon Statewide Trails Plan, which provides guidance to OPRD as well as other federal, state, and local agencies and private sector partners. It outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding and recommends actions to improve trails over the next 10 years.
Participants can join the 90-minute Zoom sessions to provide feedback. Anyone interested in joining, can register in advance using the links below:
- May 5: OHV / ATV Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
- May 7: BIPOC Nature Network Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
- May 8: Mountain Biking and Bikepacking Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
- May 14: Adaptive Equipment Users and Disability Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
- May 15: Winter/Snow Trail Focus Group (Non-motorized and motorized) Noon to 1:30 p.m.
- May 27: Hiking, Trail Running, Backpacking, Equestrian User Focus Group 4:30- 6 p.m.
- May 29: Paddling (Flat water and Whitewater) Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
- Agency Partners Trails Plan Focus Group Meeting TBD.
Check the website for more information including updates such as the time and link for the agency partners trails plan focus group: https://www.
ODHS ANNOUNCES NEW ONLINE TRAINING ON RECOGNIZING AND REPORTING CHILD ABUSE
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has launched its first-ever interactive online training for the public about reporting suspected child abuse. The training rollout coincides with Child Abuse Awareness Month and the announcement of a new safety initiative underway in Child Welfare.
Safety priorities in the initiative include improving safety for children in foster care and children who come to the attention of Child Welfare, in addition to providing training to the public and professionals known as mandatory reporters. Mandatory reporters are required by law to report suspected child abuse, and include professionals in healthcare, law enforcement, social work and education fields, among others.
The new online training helps reporters recognize types of child abuse, how to report, and understand when a family needs material or economic assistance. Across the country and in Oregon, efforts to better distinguish between child abuse and neglect and family needs related to poverty are driving family support programs, sometimes called family preservation or prevention.
“We all contribute to child safety not only by being mandatory reporters, but by being mandatory supporters,” said Aprille Flint-Gerner, ODHS Child Welfare Division director. “This training provides the public with the tools needed to recognize signs of abuse that must be reported, as well as understanding when a family needs a community resource or support, rather than a report to the hotline.”
The interactive training takes about an hour to complete and is considered the official Oregon Health Authority and ODHS state course with the most up-to-date guidance on child abuse and effective reporting. Prior to the new training, ODHS used a shorter explanatory video about reporting child abuse.
The course, Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse in Oregon, teaches:
- How to recognize signs of child abuse and understand the definitions.
- The role and impact of personal biases when determining whether a report is required.
- How to make a report and what information to provide to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline.
- What happens after a report is made.
- How to connect a family with resources.
The training also aims to prevent unnecessary abuse reports. The Oregon Child Abuse Hotline (ORCAH) receives a high number of calls that are neither reports of child abuse nor require Child Welfare intervention. In 2024, ORCAH, received 176,393 contacts, resulting in 96,246 documented screening reports. Of the documented reports, 46,483, or 27% resulted in Child Protective Services completing an assessment. ORCAH data shows that 80% of reports are from mandatory reporters, largely from representatives of law enforcement, education and the medical field.
Data in Oregon and nationally show that Black and/or African American and American Indian/Alaska Native families are disproportionately reported to child welfare. The training addresses how reporters can recognize their personal biases, including how they view a child or family in need.
“We hope the training will help reduce disproportionality in reporting and get families connected to the services they need to thrive,” Flint-Gerner said. “Child safety is about early intervention in communities whenever possible, so that children who are unsafe get help quickly, and families who need resources get connected to supports. Prevention and early intervention are where the public and mandatory reporters can really make a difference.”The new training is available on the Reporting Child Abuse web page in partnership with Oregon State University’s Professional and Continuing Education (PACE).
Resources
- Additional materials about reporting child abuse
- Find local resources, financial assistance, food pantry information and other free or reduced-cost help at 211info.org, via phone at 211, or via text 898211
- Information about how youth in foster care can file a complaint: email fco.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov or call 855-840-6036
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.
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.
The tenth anniversary season of ‘In a Landscape, Classical Music in the Wild’ commences in May and continues until September.
This season will feature 50 concerts showcasing classical music at two locations in Lake County: Summer Lake and Fort Rock, as well as the Alvord Desert. The Summer Lake concert is titled ‘Dark Sky Concert,’ as Summer Lake is recognized as an Oregon Dark Sky Park.
The performance at Fort Rock State Park is scheduled for September 13, followed by the Summer Lake Hot Springs concert on September 14.
Additionally, a performance near Jacksonville at Applegate Lake will take place on May 30, and another at the Alvord Desert on June 21.
The Fort Rock concert will start at 4 p.m. and conclude around 5:30 p.m., while the Summer Lake Hot Springs concert will begin at 9 p.m. and last approximately 1.5 hours due to the Dark Sky designation.
Tickets for individual concerts are priced at $50, or $135 for both performances, which includes two nights of camping at Summer Lake Hot Springs, with the camping fee charged per person. ‘Good neighbor’ tickets are also available for residents of Lake County.
Pianist Hunter Noack is curating a new program for this tour, which will encompass 50 concerts across six Western states: Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana.
The performances will take place at 10 new venues, including the recently reopened Kah-Nee-Ta in central Oregon. Noack will perform on a 9-foot Steinway concert grand piano.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to sit near the stage, and wireless headphones will allow them to explore the surroundings while enjoying the music, creating a unique experience in the wild, particularly at Fort Rock, the Alvord Desert, and Summer Lake Hot Springs.
The series will kick off on May 10 in Goldendale, Washington, at the Maryhill Museum of Art. Tickets for the public can be purchased through the In A Landscape website at https://inalandscape.org.
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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