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Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Klamath Basin Weather

Today
Sunny, with a high near 73. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.Overnight, mostly clear, with a low around 42. 

 

 

Around the State of Oregon

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon National Guard held a mobilization ceremony for Soldiers with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) at the Salem Armory Auditorium, May 4, 2025, in Salem.

Approximately 220 Soldiers with the 41st IBCT are preparing to mobilize to the Horn of Africa to join Task Force BATAAN in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. 

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek addressed attendees, thanking Soldiers and their families for their commitment and sacrifice. 

“I know you will rise to any challenge ahead of you and continue to set the bar high,” Kotek said. 

Task Force BATAAN is comprised of Soldiers from Oregon, New Mexico, Washington, and Louisiana. They will be serving in Djibouti, Kenya and Somalia in support of CJTF-HOA and JSOTF-SOM. The primary mission will be to conduct security and base defense operations. 

 

According to a recent energy forecast from regional experts, electricity demand in the Northwest may potentially double by the year 2046.

Over the next twenty years, it is anticipated that demand could rise annually by a rate ranging from 1.8% to 3.1%, as reported to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council on Tuesday. This anticipated increase is largely attributed to the establishment of additional data centers in the region, the growing number of electric vehicles on the roads, the electrification of buildings, advancements in computer chip manufacturing, and the production of ‘green hydrogen’ through the process of applying an electrical current to water to separate it into hydrogen and oxygen.

On Tuesday, council staff presented this 20-year electricity demand forecast for Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and western Montana to the council’s eight members, who are appointed by the governors of each state, with each governor selecting two representatives.

The demand for residential and commercial energy, which encompasses the projected energy needs for electric vehicle charging at homes and buildings but excludes data centers, is expected to experience a more gradual increase.

Notably, the demand for residential and commercial energy in Washington alone is projected to match the total demand from these sectors in Oregon, Idaho, and Montana over the next two decades.

 

Physicians in Oregon are advocating for the state Senate to approve Senate Bill 539, which seeks to shield patients from concealed medical charges.

They argue that these ‘facility fees’ may discourage individuals from pursuing essential medical care due to unforeseen expenses. The discussion surrounding Senate Bill 539 is becoming more heated as the Hospital Association of Oregon expresses apprehensions regarding its possible repercussions.

The association contends that the legislation could jeopardize the stability of Oregon’s healthcare system by abolishing facility fees, which are vital for the operation of numerous hospitals. They assert that hospital-based facilities, which frequently cater to patients with intricate needs, differ significantly from independent physician practices. These facilities adhere to stringent licensing requirements and are responsible for managing emergency transfers within their healthcare network.

The association claims that SB 539 unfairly penalizes these institutions, potentially resulting in closures and a reduction in services, particularly in rural regions. Having already passed through the Senate Committee on Health Care earlier this month, the bill is now poised for a vote in the full Senate. Furthermore, the Hospital Association of Oregon has emphasized that SB 539 ‘will further destabilize the state’s fragile healthcare system, diminishing patient access to care. Many are seeking partners to maintain financial viability.’

 

Scholars from the University of Oregon caution that in the event of a significant Cascadia earthquake affecting the state, residents should be concerned not only about the seismic activity but also about its broader implications.

A research article featured in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” forecasts that such an earthquake could lead to flooding extending over 100 miles inland. It also indicates that coastal areas may experience subsidence of up to six and a half feet. Furthermore, the study anticipates that increasing sea levels due to climate change will exacerbate the risks associated with a potential earthquake.

 

A newly curated firearms exhibition has been inaugurated at the Lake County Museum in Lakeview, coinciding with its summer opening on Thursday.

Museum director Marie Lee announced that the firearms have been relocated to the Schminck house to enhance the presentation of the collection. The firearms will now be displayed on the main floor within Dalph Schminck’s library, a move intended to improve accessibility, lighting, and visibility.

Lee remarked that the museum’s ‘small but significant display of firearms tends to attract more male visitors, with a few female admirers. During my initial season as curator, two portable machine guns were kept hidden away in a nearby closet. However, I often showcased them to those who showed particular interest. On one occasion, a visitor offered to relocate the guns to a more visible area, and since they were too heavy for me to manage, I gladly accepted his assistance’.

Among the collection is a World War I machine gun, a donation from Pearl Hall to Dalph Schminck, which Lee describes as ‘an intriguing German model featuring a large water cylinder for barrel cooling.’ Additionally, there is an air-cooled American model from World War II, salvaged from an aircraft wreck. These historical moments will be commemorated later this year, from June 13 to June 21, during the Pacific Primitive Rendezvous along the Chewaucan River near Paisley.

This event aims to recreate the fur trading rendezvous that occurred between 1825 and 1840. Lee emphasized that contemporary gatherings are ‘meticulously regulated by black powder clubs’ as they aim to replicate the original activities involving muzzle-loading firearms, shotguns, knife and tomahawk throwing, primitive archery, cooking, dancing, and storytelling.

 

Natural disasters affect not only physical safety but also have a profound impact on mental health.

As communities throughout Oregon recognize Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the Oregon Office of Emergency Management is urging individuals, responders, and communities to prioritize emotional well-being before, during, and after emergencies. Events such as hurricanes, wildfires, pandemics, and other crises can disrupt lives in unforeseen ways.

Survivors may suffer from anxiety, depression, grief, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, often face the greatest challenges. Additionally, first responders endure cumulative stress, which heightens the risk of burnout and secondary trauma.

Seeking assistance during crises can be difficult due to various barriers. For those affected by disasters, issues such as housing instability and financial strain can exacerbate emotional distress. Acknowledging and addressing these difficulties is essential for enhancing mental health outcomes. Although disasters cannot always be averted, individuals can take proactive measures to lessen their mental health effects.

Developing a disaster plan and maintaining emergency supplies can help reduce anxiety. For further information on preparedness, visit the Be2Weeks Ready webpage.

 

 

On Monday, Medford Police Department (MPD) responded to a disturbance reported at Jackson County Community Justice on W. Main Street.

Officers discovered that a male suspect, identified as Alfred W. Mabrier, 47, had allegedly stolen a black Honda Civic from a female acquaintance following a domestic incident and fled the scene recklessly, resulting in several hit-and-run accidents.

They located the stolen vehicle traveling south on So. Pacific Highway and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Mabrier evaded the deputy at high speeds, driving dangerously through South Medford, Phoenix, Talent, and into Ashland, where he rear-ended another vehicle and continued to flee. JCSO deputies subsequently terminated their pursuit as the vehicle entered Ashland. Mabrier’s reckless driving culminated in a crash at the intersection of Main and Maple Streets in Ashland. He fled on foot but was swiftly apprehended.

Mabrier faces multiple charges from MPD and JCSO, including: MPD Charges (Case 25-7014, Lodged): Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Recklessly Endangering, Assault IV (Domestic Violence), Harassment (Domestic Violence), Theft 1, Reckless Driving, Robbery 3, Hit and Run (x2), Disorderly Conduct, Detainer. JCSO Charges (Case 25-2262, Cited and Released): Eluding, Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering, Hit and Run (x2, Felonies), Resisting Arrest.

The Medford Police Department and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office commend the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies for the safe apprehension of the suspect. The investigation remains ongoing.

 

Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony to honor fallen officers

The annual Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem. The ceremony honors the state’s law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

The names of three fallen officers were added to the memorial last month as an honor guard stood watch: Patrolman Andrew J. Laugeson of the Portland Police Bureau, end of watch May 12, 1917; Policeman George M. Lowe of the Ashland Police Department, end of watch March 3, 1919; and Assistant Chief Merle W. Bethscheider of the Silverton Police Department, end of watch May 29, 1965.

Patrolman Laugeson, Policeman Lowe, Asssistant Chief Bethscheider, and 196 previously fallen officers will be honored during the ceremony at the academy, located at 4190 Aumsville Highway SE in Salem.

The ceremony is a significant event that the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is proud to host each year in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and Oregon’s various statewide law enforcement associations.

 

Recreational use advisory issued for Emigrant Lake

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a preemptive recreational use health advisory today for Emigrant Lake, in Jackson County,  due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the reservoir where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA encourages people to visit Emigrant Lake and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, and kayaking.

Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

 

A new Hospital Association of Oregon report shows that hospitals are financially unstable, threatening the future of patient care in Oregon communities. Almost half of the state’s hospitals operated at a loss in 2024, and others barely broke even.

“Oregon’s hospitals are on the brink,” said Becky Hultberg, Hospital Association of Oregon president and CEO. “They face a perfect storm of soaring expenses, complex and costly regulations, and payments that don’t cover the cost of care. And federal Medicaid changes contemplated by Congress could tip some hospitals over the edge.”

The report highlights that while hospitals across the country were challenged during the pandemic and are now stabilizing, Oregon hospitals remain on unstable footing.

“It’s becoming clear that Oregon hospitals operate in one of the most challenging environments in the country, shaped by a tough regulatory landscape and payments that don’t come close to covering the double-digit increases we’ve seen in expenses from salaries and benefits,” she said. “Patients are struggling to find doctors, wait times to see a doctor are long, and emergency departments are overcrowded. This is a result of the policy choices the state has made and insufficient payment from insurers.”

In this challenging environment, Oregon hospitals have been pushed to make difficult decisions including cutting more than 800 jobs, seeking partnerships to shore up operations, reducing or divesting from services, and fundraising to replace broken or outdated equipment. This is a trend that is likely to continue without shifts in health policy and increasing payments to hospitals to cover the cost of providing care.

Medicaid—the state’s largest insurer—is contributing to hospitals’ financial distress. The state only pays hospitals 56 cents on the dollar for caring for Medicaid patients. Additionally, hospitals are subject to onerous state rules and regulations that demand resources for compliance, reduce revenue, and increase operating expenses for hospitals.

Hospitals’ financial instability not only jeopardizes access to care but also threatens the economic stability of communities statewide. Oregon’s 61 hospitals serve as a crucial economic engine, generating $32.4 billion in economic impact and supporting 160,000 jobs—including 70,000 direct hospital employees.

“In this pivotal moment for hospitals, policymakers and community leaders cannot afford to ignore what’s happening in Oregon,” Hultberg said. “The choices the state makes are forcing the trade-off of services that our families, friends, and neighbors depend on.”

Read more about the state of Oregon’s hospitals in the Hospital Association of Oregon’s new report: Oregon Hospitals on the Brink.

 

Mushroom permits available for Klamath National Forest

YREKA, Calif., May 5, 2025— The Klamath National Forest invites the public to enjoy mushroom collecting on the forest, where a variety of edible mushrooms—including morels, chanterelles, shaggy mane, puffballs, boletes, and oyster mushrooms—can be found throughout Siskiyou County.

Permits Required for Mushroom Collecting
To protect forest resources and ensure sustainable harvesting, a permit is required to collect mushrooms on the Klamath National Forest. Permits are available at Forest Service offices in Happy Camp, Macdoel, and Fort Jones. Permits are not available at the Supervisor’s Office in Yreka.

• $20 Permit: Collect up to 8 gallons over four consecutive days
• $50 Permit: Collect up to 20 gallons over 30 consecutive days (additional days may be purchased for $5 per day)
• $100 Seasonal Permit: Collect up to 40 gallons during the season

Each permit includes specific conditions and restrictions designed to promote responsible and sustainable harvesting. Permit holders are responsible for reviewing and complying with these guidelines. For questions about mushroom harvesting, camping, or fire restrictions, contact your local ranger district.

If a collector reaches their gallon limit, they may purchase an additional permit. Each permit is valid only for designated areas within the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll, Goosenest, and Salmon/Scott Ranger Districts. Please note that separate permits are required for the fall mushroom season.

For more information, please contact your local ranger district or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/klamath/offices.

 

Governor Tina Kotek has announced a $10 million investment aimed at developing the artificial intelligence (AI) workforce, in conjunction with a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the State of Oregon and chipmaker, NVIDIA.

This initiative seeks to enhance AI education and skill development. The announcement was made during her speech at the Northwest Breakfast Forum, organized by SEMI, an association representing the semiconductor, electronics design, and manufacturing supply chain sectors.

The MOU creates a partnership framework for Oregon and NVIDIA to promote entrepreneurship and expand AI-centric education and skill development, preparing Oregonians for future opportunities while assisting state agencies in identifying responsible AI applications to enhance government services. As part of this collaboration, NVIDIA will partner with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) and Oregon’s higher education institutions to establish an AI Ambassador Program, which will deploy trained ambassadors across campuses to offer practical training and mentorship to students. This initiative will be guided by a steering committee comprising representatives from both the state and industry.

In addition to the MOU, the Governor is allocating $10 million from the Oregon CHIPS Act funding to the Semiconductor Talent Sustaining Fund, aimed at cultivating a strong technology workforce in Oregon. This investment will support workforce development initiatives related to the semiconductor and AI industries, with an emphasis on training Oregonians, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, for lucrative career opportunities.

 

Next year, the average inflation-adjusted student tuition cost for Oregon residents attending the state’s seven public universities is projected to be nearly 30% higher than it was ten years ago, due to proposed or approved increases by each university board for the upcoming academic year.

The seven public universities in Oregon—Eastern Oregon University, Oregon State University, Oregon Institute of Technology, Portland State University, Southern Oregon University, University of Oregon, and Western Oregon University—are all expected to implement tuition hikes ranging from 3% to 5% for the 2025-26 academic year.

This follows a trend of annual tuition increases at each institution over the past decade. Any tuition hikes exceeding 5%, including mandatory fees such as student health fees, necessitate approval from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission.

Ben Cannon, the commission’s executive director, indicated via email that the commission does not anticipate any tuition increase proposals surpassing 5%, based on the information received from the universities.

The tuition increases are attributed to rising labor costs and inflation affecting various expenses, including teaching materials, utility costs, and insurance, as stated by university representatives. Cannon further noted that inadequate levels of state funding are also contributing to the rising costs of enrollment.

 

A man from Granite Bay, California has been charged with cyberstalking and harassing his former girlfriend from Oregon over a span of 12 years.

Jason Campos, aged 42, is alleged to have shared sexually explicit images of the victim on social media and public forums.

He reportedly established a fraudulent email account to obtain her personal details from her attorney. Following this, he posted additional explicit images on a message board, where he also disclosed her contact information and urged individuals to print and distribute the photos within her community. Campos faces charges of stalking, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

 

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 Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) team confiscated nearly 150,000 potentially fatal doses of fentanyl last week 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.

 

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.oregontrailscoalition.org/post/oregon-state-trails-plan-share-your-trail-user-experience-in-focus-groups-this-may

 

 

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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