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

 

Friday, May 9, 2025

Klamath Basin Weather

Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm southwest wind 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon.  Overnight, cloudy with a low around 46 degrees.

 

 

Around the State of Oregon

 

OPERATION RESTORE JUSTICE ARRESTS 205 CHILD SEX ABUSE OFFENDERS IN FBI-LED NATIONWIDE CRACKDOWN, INCLUDING THREE IN OREGON 

PORTLAND, Ore.—The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.

The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims—especially child victims—and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is proud to be a part of Operation Restore Justice and seek justice for children who have been exploited or abused. A common thread in these cases and many others is that online predators will use any platform on the internet to contact unsuspecting children. These predators often pose as children themselves to trick their would-be victims,” said William M. Narus, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“The FBI has zero tolerance for criminal actors who target the most vulnerable in our community—our children,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Olson. “While we count Operation Restore Justice as a success, our work continues. We will use every resource available to us to pursue those who prey on children, as well as to help victims of abuse access tools to help them heal.”

Three individuals were arrested and charged with federal child exploitation crimes in the District of Oregon as part of Operation Restore Justice.

Robert Andrew Arias, 54, of Salem, Oregon, has been charged by indictment with distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography. He was arrested on April 28, 2025, at his residence in Salem and made his first appearance in federal court the same day. A jury trial is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2025.

Berret J. Brown, 40, of Vida, Oregon, has been charged by indictment with enticing minors, receiving child pornography, using a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and transferring obscene matter to a minor. Between July and August 2024, Brown is alleged to have used Snapchat to entice multiple children into producing and sending him sexually explicit videos. Brown is also alleged to have used Roblox, a children’s online video game platform, to connect with minors. On April 30, 2025, Brown made his first appearance in federal court and was ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on August 5, 2025.

Michael Joseph Cambalik, 35, of Beaverton, Oregon, has been charged by complaint with sexually exploiting a minor, receiving child pornography and coercing and enticing a minor. In December 2024, Cambalik, posing as a female minor, is alleged to have used Call of Duty, an internet-connected video game, to meet and coerce a then-nine-year-old child to produce and send him sexually explicit photos and videos. On April 30, 2025, Cambalik made his first appearance in federal court and was ordered detained pending his arraignment on May 29, 2025.

Those arrested nationwide are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents at an online safety presentation broadcast from Albany, N.Y.

The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

 

A man from Coos County has been sentenced to 162 years in prison for child sexual abuse. Dewayne Forrest, aged 53, was convicted on nine counts of sexual abuse involving five children and received his sentence late last week.

The investigation into Forrest began in 2021, initiated by the Oregon Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force, following two cyber tips regarding child sexual abuse materials linked to his online storage account. The task force examined abuse allegations that spanned two decades, with all offenses involving children aged 12 or younger.

Authorities are concerned that there may be additional victims. Individuals with further information about Forrest are urged to contact the ICAC task force at 503-934-2092.

 

Members of the Oregon House have sent a bill back to committee that seeks to prohibit the use of recycled plastic bags.

Senate Bill 551 proposes that only paper grocery bags be distributed in retail establishments. House legislators opted to return the bill to the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment for additional review.

Should the bill successfully pass through the legislative process, the Oregon Health Authority would be responsible for enforcing these regulations. Consumers would still incur a charge of 5 cents for recycled paper checkout bags, unless they present an EBT card, with this provision set to take effect on January 1, 2027. Additionally, the bill mandates that restaurants and other businesses provide plastic utensils and single-use condiment packets only upon request, effective July 1, 2026. Drive-through establishments and those with spatial limitations that hinder employee-only access to these items would be exempt from this requirement.

If enacted, hotels, motels, and other vacation rentals would also need to adhere to the new regulations.

 

Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon is urging for federal prosecution following Credit Suisse’s settlement of 511 million dollars in a tax evasion case.

In 2023, the Senate Finance Committee examined allegations from a whistleblower that Credit Suisse Banks and Advisors concealed over 700 million dollars offshore for American clients to evade taxes. Wyden asserts that the settlement validates the foundation of their investigation and is urging the Trump Administration to pursue criminal charges against those accountable for the scheme.

 

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek is calling on citizens to take action in restoring a cherished landmark that has long been neglected.

The Oregon Caves Chateau, a six-story structure completed in 1934 adjacent to the ancient marble cave system, has been closed since 2018 for essential repairs that have yet to occur, partly due to escalating costs and the identification of new, more severe problems with the building.

On Wednesday, the National Trust for Historic Preservation added the chateau to its list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2025, a decision that advocates hope will finally motivate action regarding the deteriorating landmark.

The Oregon Caves Chateau is the first site in Oregon to be featured on the annual “endangered places” list since the program began in 1988, as reported by the organization. In a statement on Wednesday, Governor Kotek expressed her support for the initiative, which has gained momentum in recent months, spearheaded by the Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau, Travel Southern Oregon, the National Parks Conservation Association, Restore Oregon, Visit Grants Pass, and the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce, which represents the communities of Cave Junction, Wilderville, and Kerby.

 

The Malheur Enterprise, one of Oregon’s most prominent and long-standing weekly newspapers, published its final edition on Wednesday and ceased operations at the end of the month.

This impending closure represents the latest instance in a series of small newspapers that have closed throughout the state in recent years. Established in 1909, the Enterprise has been under the stewardship of publisher Les Zaitz and his wife, former publisher Scotta Callister, who have decided to retire and were unable to find a successor to continue the publication.

Notably, Zaitz recently received Oregon’s highest journalism accolade, the Bruce Baer Award, for his investigative work regarding state Rep. Greg Smith’s intertwining of his governmental duties with his private contracting business. This marks the sixth occasion on which Zaitz has been honored with the Baer award.

 

The Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District have initiated an 86-acre prescribed burn that is continuing until Saturday, May 10, within the Ashland Watershed.

Residents of Ashland and nearby areas may observe smoke, and it is advisable for them to keep doors and windows closed to reduce smoke exposure. The likelihood of smoke impacts is heightened during the overnight and early morning hours. Furthermore, for the safety of both the public and firefighters, it is recommended to avoid using Lithia Loop Road (Forest Service Road 2060), Hitt Road (Forest Service Road 2060-300), as well as Wonder, Fell on Knee, and Wasabi Trails during the burning period.

Firefighters conduct understory prescribed burns to mitigate wildfire risks to communities. This practice reintroduces and sustains fire within our fire-dependent ecosystem by eliminating dense vegetation and enhancing forest health, thereby improving safety for both the public and firefighters.

Fire management officials collaborate with smoke specialists from the Oregon Department of Forestry to strategically plan prescribed burns, ensuring they occur when weather conditions are favorable for dispersing smoke away from communities. Although significant precautions are taken by prescribed fire managers, it is possible that some smoke may be experienced by communities during or shortly after a prescribed burn.

 

The deadline of May 7 has arrived for residents of Oregon to obtain Real ID cards for flying on domestic air flights here in the U.S. as well as international flights.

A passport or a Real ID Driver’s License will be necessary for boarding domestic flights within the United States.

Individuals applying for a Real ID must present original documents that verify their identity, date of birth, and lawful status in the U.S., along with two documents that confirm their residence.

The new cards can be identified by a star located in the upper right corner. According to Chris Crabb, a spokesperson for Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services, those who are just beginning the process of obtaining a Real ID are unlikely to meet the deadline, as appointments are scheduled weeks in advance and DMV offices have experienced significant wait times recently.

In the first week of January, there were 5,000 Real ID appointments available throughout Oregon, while last week saw an increase to 14,000, Crabb noted. Individuals seeking walk-in appointments may face lengthy waits. As of last month, approximately 37% of Oregonians with driver’s licenses—nearly 1.4 million individuals—had received a Real ID, according to the Oregon DMV.

Passengers with scheduled flights can still board using a passport. For those who are just beginning the application process, Crabb advises remaining calm; unless there are imminent travel plans, a Real ID is not immediately necessary.

 

Travelers who do not possess a REAL ID by the approaching deadline this week will still be permitted to fly, but they should anticipate additional scrutiny, as stated by the head of Homeland Security on Tuesday.

Kristi Noem informed a Congressional panel that 81% of travelers currently hold IDs that meet the REAL ID standards. She noted that security checkpoints will also accept passports and tribal identification once the deadline arrives on Wednesday.

Those who do not have an identification that adheres to the REAL ID regulations may be directed to a different line and face an additional step, according to Noem. In addition to requiring a REAL ID for domestic air travel, individuals will also need one to enter certain federal buildings and facilities.

In recent weeks, Noem has been alerting the American public about the impending deadline. In a television advertisement released by Homeland Security, she emphasized the necessity of these IDs for air travel and access to public buildings, stating: ‘These IDs keep our country safe.’ A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license features a symbol (typically a star) in the upper corner of the card in most states.

 

House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby) issued a statement following the announcement by federal authorities regarding one of the largest fentanyl seizures in U.S. history, which involved the confiscation of over 400 kilograms of the substance, including three million pills.

Sixteen individuals were apprehended, among them Heriberto Salazar Amaya, the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, who is an undocumented immigrant residing in Salem, Oregon, and has previously been deported from the U.S. on two occasions.

‘Oregon must not serve as a sanctuary for criminals who inundate our communities with lethal drugs and violent offenses,’ stated House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby). ‘This should serve as a crucial reminder that unless we reform our sanctuary state laws, Oregon will persist in being a refuge for dangerous offenders rather than removing them from our neighborhoods.’

 

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office reported that the missing 5-year-old boy has been found dead.

The boy was located approximately 4.6 miles downstream from where he allegedly entered the water at the Sluice Box River Access.

Investigators estimated the water velocity at approximately 20 mph. Search efforts by local authorities include the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team, the Karuk Tribe, local firefighters, and community volunteers. The boy’s family has been notified.

The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding the incident, please contact the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 841-2900.

 

The Oregon Dept. of Forestry reminds Oregonians that with the summer months approaching and wildfire risk already on the rise, be sure to take action now as 2025 fire season begins to take shape.

This is the month when our homeowners and property owners need to be thinking about preparing and protecting their property as best they can for the upcoming wildfire season.

Wildfire seasons in the West are becoming longer and more destructive. Last year, Oregon experienced one of its worst wildfire seasons on record.

A total of 1,956 fires burned more than 1.9 million acres, often as counties waited for Gov. Tina Kotek to declare conflagrations and get firefighters working and planes with retardant in the air.  Six megafires tore through large swaths of land. Nearly 500 critical fire personnel were brought in from out of state and Canada to assist with firefighting efforts last summer.

And this year is expected to be worse. Although Oregon received ample moisture over the winter and maintains a strong snowpack in higher elevations, forecasters anticipate hotter and drier-than-normal conditions heading into July and August, with peak fire danger expected in September and October.

State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said early coordination and communication across jurisdictions is essential to battling the upcoming fires.

“It takes every level of government, and every person, to help us keep fires small and away from communities,” she said. “It starts with preparedness.”

Federal assistance, both from firefighters on the ground and financial help, is an essential part of the state’s strategy. Kyle Williams, deputy director of fire operations with the Oregon Department of Forestry, said there they are not expecting fewer federal resources this summer.

 

Republicans in the Oregon House are proposing $730 million in cuts to the Oregon Department of Transportation to avoid a tax increase.

These cuts include the State Transportation Improvement Fund, the elimination of $68 million in vacant positions, and bicycle and pedestrian safety programs. Funding for passenger rail, social equity, and civil rights would also be reduced, as would a 3 percent reduction in administrative staff.

Democrats, on the other hand, are proposing a nearly $2 billion increase in taxes and fees to support ODOT.

 

Fallen officers honored during annual Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony

SALEM, Ore. — A ceremony held Tuesday, May 6 commemorated law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty in Oregon. The annual Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony honors the state’s fallen officers and those they left behind.

The event was held at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, site of the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial. Tuesday’s ceremony remembered three fallen officers whose names were recently added to the memorial: 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.

The ceremony was attended by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, elected officials and public safety professionals from throughout the state. In addressing the audience, Governor Kotek paid tribute to the state’s fallen officers, honoring their courage, selflessness, and enduring legacy, while offering her condolences and gratitude to the loved ones they left behind.

“Who we are as people in the face of adversity is an opportunity to be our very best selves. The officers memorialized today met the moment with dignity and heroism and made the ultimate sacrifice,” Governor Kotek Said. “There is no sacrifice more noble, no pledge to the public more honorable, and that extends to their families as well.”

Patrolman Andrew J. Laugeson succumbed died on May 12, 1917 after succumbing to injuries from a fall. Patrolman Laugeson was boarding a streetcar on Mississippi Avenue when he slipped and fell, striking his head on the pavement. He was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he passed away two days later. Patrolman Laugeson had served with the Portland Police Bureau for five years, and was survived by his wife and eight children.

Policeman George M. Lowe on foot patrol in the early morning hours of March 3, 1919, and was struck by a train after it switched tracks. Policeman Lowe succumbed to his wounds instantly. He had served with the Ashland Police Department for seven months and was survived by his wife and five children.

Assistant Chief Merle W. Bethscheider suffered a massive heart attack while in pursuit of a suspect on May 29, 1965. He was survived by his son, his mother, and his brother.

Speaking on behalf of Patrolman Laugeson, Deputy Chief Chris Gjovik of the Portland Police Bureau emphasized that the sacrifices of the officers whose names adorn the wall never fade with time.

“By placing Andrew’s name here, we not only honor his life of sacrifice, but we also reaffirm that no matter how many years pass, we will not forget those who gave everything in the name of public safety,” he said. “Their stories, their service, and their humanity live on in the hearts of those who continue to wear the badge, and in the stone that bears their names.”

The memorial bears the names of the 199 officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies.

The ceremony is a significant event that the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is honored 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.

Oregon’s memorial ceremony is held ahead of National Police Week events in Washington, D.C. so that family members and coworkers can attend both memorial ceremonies. More than 23,000 officers who have died in the line of duty are honored on the national memorial.

Captain Shane Strangfield of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, president of the Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation Board of Directors, spoke of the duty to preserve the legacy of the fallen and ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.

“When they took their oath to serve, they made a solemn commitment to the citizens of Oregon,” Captain Strangfield said. “In turn, we made a commitment to them, and to their families, that their sacrifice would never be forgotten.”

 

SharkNinja, a home appliance manufacturer, has issued a recall for 1.8 million pressure cookers following incidents of lid malfunctions that resulted in second- and third-degree burn injuries.

The recall encompasses all Ninja Foodi OP300 Series Multi-Function Pressure Cookers, as indicated by a notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission released on Thursday. The notice classified these pressure cookers as a ‘burn hazard’ due to the defective lids.

The 6.5-quart black appliances were available for purchase across the nation in various retail outlets, including Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Amazon, Target, and the Ninja Kitchen Website, as well as in Kroger stores, such as Fred Meyer. Consumers are advised to discontinue the use of the pressure cooker function, although the air frying feature remains safe.

For a complimentary replacement lid, customers can contact SharkNinja at 888-370-1733, via email at sharkninja@rqa-inc.com, or through their website.

 

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation reports it recovered more than $2 million for Oregonians in the first quarter of this year.

The division received more than 1,400 complaints related to insurance, mortgages, securities, loans, and other financial services. In one case, an insurance company was notified that a customer had sold their vehicle but had not removed it from their policy. The additional charges were not detected until months later.

The DFR says its advocates helped the customer obtain a $3,300 refund.

 

Portland Sex Offender Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison For Enticing A Minor Online and Receiving Child Porn 

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man was sentenced to federal prison Monday for using multiple social media applications to entice a young child to send him sexually explicit images of herself.

Shawn Alan Smith, 44, was sentenced to 288 months in federal prison and a life term of supervised release. Smith was also ordered to pay restitution to his victim.

According to court documents, between July 11 and September 15, 2020, Smith used multiple fake online social media personas, including several on KIK messenger and TikTok, to communicate with a nine-year-old child. While posing as a minor himself, Smith instructed the child victim to take sexually explicit photos of herself and send them to him, which she did. Smith also engaged in a video chat with the child while pretending to be the father of one of his fake online personas. At the time of the offense, Smith was a registered sex offender following prior state criminal convictions for child pornography offenses in Oregon and Maryland.

On March 9, 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at Smith’s Portland apartment. While the agents were attempting to gain entry to the apartment through a door he had barricaded, Smith threw his phone and computer out his bathroom window. Smith was arrested and charged by federal criminal complaint with production and attempted production of child pornography.

On January 21, 2025, Smith pleaded guilty to a two-count superseding information charging him with online enticement of a minor and receipt of child pornography.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It was prosecuted by Mira Chernick, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

 

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. 

 

Salem, OR — This is National Nurses Week. This year’s theme is the power of nurses.

The Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) recognizes the powerful and essential role nurses play in the lives of those they serve in Oregon’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) system. The nation is experiencing a shortage of nurses. To help address this shortage in Oregon’s I/DD sector, ODDS launched a campaign to raise awareness about nursing careers in Oregon’s I/DD system in December 2024.

ODDS used American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to contract with Applichat Limited, a recruitment marketing agency, to lead the campaign. Applichat’s research revealed that while disability nursing has many benefits — more flexible schedules, the ability to form strong patient relationships and opportunities for meaningful impact — most nurses don’t know that serving the I/DD community is an option. They are unaware of career opportunities in the disability sector due to gaps in curriculum and public awareness.

“From speaking to nurses, families and healthcare professionals as part of our research, we’ve seen the impact of the disability nursing shortage,” said Adam Chambers, President of Applichat.

Nurses transform the lives of people like Casey Potter. Born with cerebral palsy due to a spinal infarction at birth caused by bacterial meningitis, Casey and his family struggled to find nurses who could provide care at home. But once they found the right support, the impact was profound — not just for Casey, but for his entire family. His mother, Monique Potter, said, “He’s grown so much into his own independence. Now I can just be his mom, not his caregiver.”

ODDS Children’s Services Manager Lisa Tyler said of the campaign’s significance: “For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, nurses are a lifeline to greater independence and personal safety. This campaign is crucial in helping individuals like Casey and his family experience a better quality of life. Many nurses would find this work deeply rewarding.”

To help nurses learn more about careers in the I/DD community, please refer them to the ODDS Nursing Services web page: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/providers-partners/idd/pages/nursing-services.aspx. The page includes information about the three types of nursing positions in the I/DD sector: private duty nursing, direct nursing and long-term care community nursing. It also includes resources for interested nurses, such as a career paths guide for I/DD nursing in Oregon.

 

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.’

 

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.

 

It’s the time of year when we should be on the lookout for bears, as they are awakening from hibernation and are hungry.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reminds us not to offer them a free lunch. This warning is especially relevant in Ashland, where bears frequently visit human-populated areas. Last year, 137 bear conflicts were reported in Jackson County, 38 of which occurred within the city of Ashland.

ODFW urges us to keep food sources, including garbage, in secure locations where bears cannot access them.

 

OREGON DEPARTMENT OF EARLY LEARNING AND CARE CELEBRATES FULL STATEWIDE ACCESS TO DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY

SALEM, ORE. – The Imagination Library of Oregon welcomed the Lower Umpqua Library in Reedsport as the 57^th Local Program Partner, making it possible for families in Reedsport and Gardiner to register children under 5 to receive free books by mail each month. To make this coverage possible, the Lower Umpqua Library partnered with the Reedsport Rotary Foundation and was funded by a generous grant from the Oregon Community Foundation. 

“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library isn’t just about books – it’s about fostering relationships between caring adults and children that spark the joy of reading at an early age,” Governor Tina Kotek emphasized. “This program is essential to improve our literacy outcomes and helps make sure every Oregon student, regardless of where they live, has the opportunity to develop a love of reading before they ever step into a classroom.”

The Imagination Library is a book gifting program developed by The Dollywood Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Dolly Parton. Since launching in 1995, the Imagination Library has become the preeminent, international early childhood literacy program. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by mailing books each month to children (0-5 yrs. old), free of charge to families, through funding shared by Dolly, the State of Oregon, and local community partnerships.

“This is an incredible milestone.  The goal of the statewide expansion was to ensure that children ages 0-5 in every zip code in Oregon have access to books. With the addition of Reedsport, that goal has been achieved,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “By expanding the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, we’re helping more young children across the state build early literacy skills and develop a lifelong love of reading – no matter where they live or what their background may be.”

During the 2023 legislative session, under Senate Bill 5506, $1.7 million was appropriated to DELC to help administer and expand the program statewide. Today, the program is already having a significant reach and impact. Currently, 65,000 Oregonian children are enrolled in the Imagination Library, which translates to approximately 30% of all children under the age of five.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to fall in love with reading, no matter their zip code or family income,” said Majority Leader Ben Bowman, who successfully championed the library going statewide. “The Imagination Library is one of the most effective tools we have to close early literacy gaps and invest in Oregon’s future.”

Primary caregivers of children ages 0-5 can sign up to receive a new book each month by mail at no cost to families. Children can be registered as early as birth and will receive books monthly until their 5^th birthday month.  “It’s a wonderful way for families to build routines and cherished memories together,” said Imagination Library of Oregon, Community Engagement Coordinator, Kaylee Chrystal. 

To learn more about the Imagination Library, or to enroll your child, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com/oregon. To view Dolly Parton’s video remarks from the Oregon launch, please visit the DELC website.  

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

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