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.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Increasing clouds, with a high near 76. Calm wind becoming south southwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Overnight, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 43.
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
SPECIAL ELECTION RESULTSÂ
Comprehensive results of the special election can be found on the official website of the Klamath County Clerk at www.klamathcounty.org/684/Election-Results.
On Thursday, we will provide a summary of the final counts and responses during the KFLS 1450AM/102.5FM morning news, and here on BasinLife.com from Wynne Broadcasting.
Saturday afternoon, Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 140 near mile marker 1 in Klamath County.
Preliminary investigation indicated that a Dodge Durango driven by Forrest Clinton George Fairchild (age 40) of Klamath Falls struck a disabled Honda CRV that was partially blocking the eastbound lane.
The Honda was carrying Kylie Rae Volpe (age 18) of Klamath Falls, as well as a juvenile male (age 17) who was attempting to diagnose the vehicle’s malfunction. The juvenile male was thrown over a bridge barrier into the Klamath River.
The driver of the Dodge (Fairchild) suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital. The driver of the Honda (Volpe) was not injured.
The passenger in the Honda, a juvenile male, was pronounced deceased after being pulled from the Klamath River. The highway was closed for approximately four hours while the scene was investigated. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. Oregon State Police were assisted by the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath Fire District 1, Klamath Fire District 4, Klamath County Water Rescue and ODOT.
Oregon Tech is set to host graduates, their families, and friends at the Klamath Falls campus on June 14 to honor the Class of 2025.
Congressman Cliff Bentz, the U.S. Representative for District 2, will be the keynote speaker. Bentz, a third-generation resident of Oregon, grew up on his family’s cattle ranches in Harney County. He completed his high school education at Regis High School near Salem, followed by a degree from Eastern Oregon State College and a juris doctorate from Lewis and Clark Law School. He became a partner at the Yturri, O’Kief, Rose and Burnham law firm in Ontario after four years, specializing in ranch reorganizations and water law.
Bentz has held various positions, including member and chair of the Oregon Water Resources Commission, director and chair of the Ontario 8C school board, vice-chair of Project Dove, and served on boards for St. Peter Catholic School, Eastern Oregon University Foundation, and the Oregon Historical Society. He was also involved in the Blessed Sacrament Parish folk mass group for over twenty years.
In 2008, Bentz was appointed to the Oregon House of Representatives for District 60 and was re-elected for five consecutive two-year terms, serving on committees related to Revenue, Transportation, Energy and Environment, Legislative Counsel, and Joint Tax Credits, while also chairing several work groups.
Subsequently, he was appointed to the Oregon Senate for District 30 and in 2020, he was elected to represent Oregon’s Second Congressional District representing Oregon in Washington D.C. For further details regarding Oregon Tech’s commencement ceremonies, please visit www.oit.edu/registrar/graduate/commencement.
Klamath Hospice and Palliative Care cordially invites the community to participate in the celebration of Senior Awareness Month today (Wednesday) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The facility will host a Senior Awareness Fair at their location on Washburn Way. This complimentary event will feature community booths offering valuable information for seniors and the public, along with giveaways, entertainment, and food available on-site. Transportation for seniors will be provided at no cost, courtesy of Basin Transit Services.
To arrange for rides, please contact BTS at least 24 hours in advance by calling 541-883-2877.
In anticipation of Memorial Day activities, the Bureau of Land Management’s Lakeview District is set to open the Gerber and Topsy campgrounds for the season.
“We are delighted to have these campgrounds available for the Memorial Day weekend,” stated Steven Jensen, Klamath Falls Outdoor Recreation Planner, in a press release. “This marks the inaugural year of camping at Topsy Campground following the removal of J.C. Boyle Dam, and we are eager for visitors to enjoy the transformed landscape. The recent snowmelt has elevated the Gerber Reservoir to near capacity, promising excellent fishing and water sports opportunities.”
Situated along the rugged banks of the newly revitalized Klamath River, Topsy Campground offers a serene environment for camping, picnicking, fishing, and boating. The site is nestled within an open ponderosa pine forest, providing picturesque views of Mount McLoughlin, a prominent feature of the southern Oregon Cascade Mountains.
The campground will open its gates at 7 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, and includes 13 campsites equipped with drinking water, a vault restroom, a dump station, camp hosts, trash receptacles, and day-use parking.
The Gerber Recreation Area, located on an expansive plateau in the high desert approximately an hour’s drive east of Klamath Falls, features mountain ridges and scattered ponderosa pine forests that enhance the landscape. Gerber offers opportunities for camping, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking, as well as access to 100,000 acres of backcountry ideal for exploration, hunting, wildlife observation, and scenic off-highway vehicle driving. Although the Gerber Recreation Area is accessible year-round, fees will commence on Thursday, May 22.
Facilities include drinking water, vault restrooms, a dump station, camp hosts, two boat ramps, a fish cleaning station at North Gerber, trash receptacles, and day-use parking. Furthermore, there are nine miles of hiking trails linking the campgrounds.
Charles ‘C.J.’ Riley, a professor of Civil Engineering at Oregon Tech, has recently been honored as the 2025 recipient of the George K. Wadlin Distinguished Service Award by the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE).
This award is regarded as the highest accolade presented by ASEE’s Civil Engineering Division. The Wadlin award recognizes exceptional service in advancing civil engineering education and acknowledges sustained and distinguished contributions to the Civil Engineering Division of ASEE, as well as significant support for its initiatives and civil engineering education as a whole.
Riley expressed that ASEE has been a central part of his professional journey, serving as his primary venue for conferences and publications throughout his career. He stated, ‘It has been a privilege to contribute to the Civil Engineering Division’s mission of promoting exemplary practices in both classroom and laboratory settings, while also supporting and celebrating progress in civil engineering education nationwide.’
He further remarked, ‘This award serves as a wonderful validation of my passion for teaching all students with enthusiasm and assisting fellow faculty in achieving the same goal.’
Authorities have apprehended a suspect in the unresolved murder case of a woman from Bend, whose car was located in Klamath Falls.
Cole Nikolaus Sinclair, a 25-year-old Canadian national, is currently in custody in Canada as he awaits extradition proceedings. According to a statement from the Bend Police Department, Sinclair was arrested in connection with the murder of 28-year-old Evelyn Jeanette Weaver from Bend, which occurred in 2023.
Following Weaver’s death, her vehicle was found in Klamath Falls, and security camera footage captured a man leaving the vehicle on foot. Sinclair was taken into custody in Canada on December 17, 2024. The police report indicates that there is no evidence suggesting any prior acquaintance between Sinclair and Weaver prior to her demise.
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Faced with the possibility of litigation, the Klamath Falls City Council convened a private executive session during a public meeting on Monday evening.
While engaging with Linda Tepper, the business manager of Crater Lake — Klamath Regional Airport, regarding the potential lease agreement with RMC Aviation, Tepper requested that the council provisionally approve the motion, subject to a review by the city’s legal counsel.
Earlier that day, an objection was submitted by the Chenoweth Law Group on behalf of EAL Leasing Inc., which operates as Ocean Air Aviation at the airport. The specifics of the objection remain unclear; however, the matter was serious enough that the city attorney, Mike Swanson, declined to address any inquiries from the council in a public forum.
After nearly ten minutes of deliberation, the council decided to approve the agreement with RMC Aviation, contingent upon the legal assessment of the objection raised by EAL Leasing. This lease agreement, similar to existing contracts with the Klamath Falls airport, would extend RMC Aviation’s current 60,788-square-foot land lease, which is set to expire in June.
Additionally, the council approved RMC Aviation to serve as the new fixed base operator for Crater Lake — Klamath Regional Airport. A fixed base operator (FBO) is a business that provides various commercial support services at an airport, including fueling, aircraft parking, maintenance, and passenger amenities such as lounges and concierge services.
City of Klamath Falls Geothermal System Shutdown For Summer
The City’s Water / Geothermal Division crews will be shutting down the geothermal system for the summer season.
On May 16th, crews will turn off the downtown geothermal infrastructure to allow for inspections and preventative maintenance. The division’s goal is to have all maintenance completed and the system fully operational by Tuesday September 30th, 2025.
During the time the system is off, customers will need to utilize their secondary heat source until the system is recharged in the fall.
Water/Geothermal Division Staff would like to thank our citizens in advance for their patience during this maintenance down time. If you would like more information about our geothermal system seasonal shutdowns, please call Water / Geothermal Division at (541) 883-5388 or City Public Works Department at (541) 883-5363.
Chiloquin Teen Adventure Camp Hiring Program Coordinator
Chiloquin Visions in Progress (CVIP) is excited to announce an opportunity for a dynamic and passionate leader to join the 2025 Chiloquin Teen Adventure Camp as its Program Coordinator. This seasonal position is key to delivering a six-week summer enrichment experience for Chiloquin middle and high school students.
The Chiloquin Teen Adventure Camp (CTAC) allows teens to explore diverse interests and build valuable life skills through a rotating series of weekly themes, including bike skills, art exploration, water sports, health and community engagement, outdoor adventure, and railroad and aviation exploration. The Program Coordinator will oversee day-to-day operations, manage program assistants, coordinate with local facilitators, and ensure a safe, engaging, and memorable experience for all participants.
“This camp is more than just summer fun—it’s a pathway for youth in Chiloquin to grow, connect, and explore their potential,” said Robert Cowie, Executive Director of CVIP. “We’re looking for someone who believes in the power of community and experiential learning to help guide this exciting program.”
The ideal candidate has experience working with youth, excellent organizational and leadership skills, and a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and rural community development. The position runs from early summer through the program’s close in August and offers a competitive wage depending on experience. Applications are open now through May 27.
How to Apply  Please submit a cover letter and resume to https://www.chiloquinvisions.com/cvip-job-board/. In your letter, share why you’re passionate about working with teens in a rural community setting and any experience relevant to leading summer or enrichment programs. For more information about the Chiloquin Teen Adventure Camp and CVIP’s work, visit https://www.chiloquinvisions.com/ctac/.

June 13th, 2025
Klamath County Fairgrounds, Linman Hall
Klamath Falls, OR 97603
Join Us For These Services
 * Meals * Clothing * Haircuts
* Camaraderie * Community Resources
* V.A. Benefits Counseling * Social Security Information
* Spiritual Counseling * Food Stamp Referrals * Housing * Reunion
* Employment Referrals and Information * Eye Exams & Glasses
* Hearing needs * Substance Abuse Intervention, Counseling, and Referrals
 ** DOD Surplus
This event is for ALL Veterans, active duty, and their dependents
Breakfast and lunch will be provided. This is a free event
For information on how to provide support for this project via; volunteering, donating services, reserving a table for your business or to make a financial donation: Contact by mail – Klamath & Lake Counties Stand Down, Attn: Tammi Deforrest, P.O. Box 931 Klamath Falls, OR 97601Â or email: tilynnde@gmail.com or call 541.331.9975
Bowling Fun! Strike Up A Connection, Wednesday, May 21st, at The Epicenter! Sponsored by CODSN and Klamath Falls City Schools.
Come Strike Up A Conversation and enjoy an evening of bowling and fun at The Epicenter Family Fun Entertainment Center on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 5:30PM-7:30PM. Location is 3901 Brooke Drive, off of Washburn Way.
Dinner and Bowling provided! Free Raffle baskets given away!
Enjoy fun and conversation and discover more about the family network of CODSN, Developmental Disability Services. vocational rehabilitation, connections case managementborkerage and other local resourses here in the Klamath Basin.
For information and questions, call 541-548-8559. Visit codsn.org/events-and-calendar
…Sponsored by CODSN, Klamath Falls City Schools, Oregon Dept of Human Resources, Conscious Conections Youth and Family Counseling, Squibb Counseling Services and Souther Noregon Education Service District.
Grab your clubs and rally your crew-it’s time to hit the green!
The Klamath Basin Home Builders Association is now accepting team registrations for the KBHBA golf tournament, and we want you to be part of the fun.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just out for a good time, this is your chance to enjoy a great day of friendly competition, prizes, and community spirit!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Say hello and come meet this week’s pet for adoption… a female pit bull named “Red Mama”.

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Around the State of Oregon

Gas prices are rising ahead of Memorial Day weekend. The national average rose four cents to $3.18 a gallon, according to Triple-A.
The average price for regular in Oregon also rose four cents to $3.96. Rising demand and higher crude oil prices are driving up gas prices.
A man from Salem was apprehended for reportedly transporting illegal narcotics from Salem to Douglas County.
Law enforcement officers stopped the individual known as Enrique Gonzalez-Hernandez on Interstate 5 close to Sutherlin.
A police dog assisted in discovering nine pounds of methamphetamine in his vehicle. Deputies confirmed Gonzalez-Hernandez’s identity via his driver’s license; however, after fingerprinting him at the detention facility, investigators found that the suspect’s true identity was Javier Peres-Alvarado. Both names are associated with prior criminal records.
Gov. Tina Kotek said Monday she supports withholding money from tax credit refunds that will be returned to Oregonians next year to invest in wildfire prevention and mitigation.
That would require a significant, nearly unprecedented waiver of the state’s unique tax credit, which returns money to taxpayers after two years of budget periods in which income tax revenue exceeds projections by more than 2%. If lawmakers do not reject some or all of the money, the state would return about $1.64 billion to Oregonians in tax credits by early 2026, state economists said.
Kotek proposed withholding $1 billion for wildfire relief, which she said would be a huge benefit to the state. She also expressed support for a plan being promoted by Democratic Sen. Jeff Golden of Ashland to hold onto tax credit funds and invest them in a long-term fund to fund wildfire mitigation and suppression efforts
Authorities are actively seeking information about a person of interest in connection with the Spring Hill fire.
Officials say the person is a white male who was last seen near Mount Shasta City Park. He has a slim build, short dark brown or black curly hair and a scruffy beard. He was wearing only gray sweatpants, no T-shirt or shoes at the time of the sighting.
Authorities are advising people not to approach anyone who fits this description. Instead, they should contact Mount Shasta Police at (530) 926-7540.
Oregon overdose deaths fell 22 percent in 2024, the Oregon Health Authority reported Friday.
The decline in overdose deaths reflects a national trend toward fewer overdoses. There were about 80,400 drug overdose deaths in 2024, down 26.9 percent from 110,000 in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While strengthening addiction treatment infrastructure, naloxone distribution and education programs, and changes in the supply of fentanyl are helping to reduce overdose deaths, Oregon’s death rate remains too high, epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger said in a news release. Drug use and overdose deaths remain a public health crisis in Oregon.
The number of overdose deaths in Oregon in 2024 was 1,480, still exceeding pre-pandemic mortality rates.
The Oregon Sheriffs Association voted unanimously late last week to permanently remove Deschutes County Sheriff Kent Van der Kamp from the association’s board of directors, weeks after the Oregon Law Enforcement Certification Agency found he violated moral fitness standards.
Van der Kamp also faces losing his badge over allegations of lying under oath and filing false forms to conceal that he was fired from a California police department in 1997. The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training staff will meet Thursday to decide whether to revoke his police certification.
After more than fifty years, Oregon’s pioneering ‘bottle bill’—which has been adopted by nine additional states—may undergo significant revisions, as legislators contemplate new time limitations for bottle redemption locations that some argue have turned into hotspots for drug use and homelessness.
This groundbreaking legislation, aimed at reducing litter through recycling incentives, has solidified the state’s status as a frontrunner in the burgeoning environmental movement. Additionally, it has served as a financial safety net for numerous individuals, including those facing homelessness.
The proposed changes reflect a growing consensus on the need to modernize the bottle bill to mitigate unintended consequences. Initially, consumers paid a 5-cent deposit on each qualifying bottle or can, reclaiming this deposit upon returning the empty container to retailers such as supermarkets or convenience stores. Over time, the program has broadened the types of accepted containers and raised the deposit amount to 10 cents.
Currently, twenty-seven dedicated return centers have been established throughout the state. In Oregon, individuals can create accounts for direct deposit of their refunds or opt for cash redemptions.
Some retailers manually count containers, while others utilize counting machines or designated drop-off areas for account holders to deposit bags of containers. However, the deposit amount has not adjusted with inflation—5 cents in 1971 would equate to 40 cents today, based on the Consumer Price Index’s inflation calculator—yet many low-income residents continue to depend on it.
A federal investigation into a wildlife park in Bandon has revealed that several animals were not provided with sufficient food and were living in unsanitary conditions.
Reports from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspections conducted in 2024, which were acquired by NewsWatch 12 in Medford, indicate significant neglect at the West Coast Game Park Safari.
The Oregon State Police announced on Thursday that they are conducting an investigation into the park, concentrating on animal care and welfare, as well as permitting, licensing, and business practices.
A report dated December 6 highlighted that the enclosure of a lioness named Nasha was contaminated with urine, feces, soil, and food waste. Additionally, Nasha’s fur was reported to be matted with what appeared to be feces. The report further noted that two lions exhibited visible ribs and low muscle mass, while three out of eight freezers in the cat food preparation area were completely empty, and one contained only a deceased rodent.
The December 6 report also raised concerns about staffing levels at the park, indicating that one staff member was responsible for feeding, watering, cleaning enclosures, and providing basic care for over 300 animals. Another inspection report dated December 10 indicated that the park had not updated its acquisition and disposition records. The existing records failed to document the births, deaths, sales, or donations of at least five species, as required by the USDA.
Facilities housing animals are mandated to maintain accurate records of their acquisition, disposition, and transportation in accordance with the federal Animal Welfare Act.
UPDATE: 5/21/2025 – Investigators concluded their search of the West Coast Game Park Safari and cleared the area. As a result of the search, 310 animals were seized and relocated to accredited and/or permitted animal sanctuary or rescue facilities. No animals were released into the wild or unattended as a result of the search warrants.
Unfortunately, due to their physical condition, a chicken and a kinkajou were euthanized. This is in addition to the camel that was euthanized on the first day of the search and is not the young camel featured in the previously distributed photograph.
Investigators are now processing all of the evidence obtained during their four-day search of the property. Due to the ongoing investigation and future adjudication of the case, no further information is available for release.
Oregon State Police thanks our partners and the multiple animal sanctuary and rescue organizations who assisted during the multiday incident. These efforts would not have been possible or successful without their continued assistance.
In April, Oregon’s unemployment rate increased to 4.7%, up from 4.6% in March, having gradually risen from 4.1% in April 2024.
This rate is 1.1 percentage points above the recent low of 3.6% recorded in spring 2023. In comparison, the national unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2% for both March and April. During April, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment saw an increase of 1,200 jobs, following a revised increase of 6,200 jobs in March.
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MEDFORD, Ore.—A Grants Pass, Oregon, man is facing federal charges for trafficking fentanyl and illegally possessing a firearm, announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Christopher Smith, 38, has been charged by criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to the complaint, approximately one year ago, investigators with the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) task force and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) obtained information that Smith was actively distributing fentanyl throughout Josephine County, Oregon from his residence in Grants Pass. On May 9, 2025, investigators executed a state search warrant on Smith’s residence where they located and seized approximately 400 grams of fentanyl, two digital scales with fentanyl residue, two 3D printers, two ghost guns, 74 additional firearms, and an unmarked firearm suppressor. Smith was present during the search and placed under arrest.
Smith made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.
This case was investigated by RADE and DEA and is being prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
MISSED FILING YOUR TAXES?
Salem, Ore. — If you missed the April 15 tax filing deadline you can still file your taxes. There is no penalty for filing if you are due refund money. In fact, now is an excellent time to get free tax filing help because, now that the big rush is over, there are many open appointments. Â
Thanks to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Tax Infrastructure Grant Program free tax filing help is available through mid-October. The program funds community organizations throughout the state to offer free tax filing help for people who qualify. See below to pick the best location for free tax help.
Some taxpayers choose not to file a return because they don’t earn enough to be required to file. But if you don’t file, you may miss out on receiving money back due to potential refundable tax credits. Examples include the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Oregon Kids Credit.
Help is also available to anyone who may have received a letter from the Department of Revenue or the Internal Revenue Service about their tax filing. Letters asking to validate the taxpayer or a child’s ID are common and can be confusing. Taxpayers may also receive letters about a change to their return or an amount owed. Free tax filing organizations can help with the appropriate response to these letters, including translating them if necessary.
The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds culturally relevant or culturally specific organizations, Tribal governments and rural community organizations to help educate and provide free tax filing help for people with low incomes. Help is available in multiple languages. The grant money is also used to increase the number of certified tax preparers in Oregon.
Where to get free help filing taxes
- 211Info: Call 2-1-1 or email help@211info.orgfor a list of all the free tax filing help.
- Oregon State University (OSU);Â vita@oregonstate.edu; 541-737-3371; Corvallis, Bend, Eugene OSU VITA website:Â https://business.oregonstate.edu/volunteer-income-tax-assistance
- Western Oregon University (WOU);Â wouvita@wou.edu; 503-751-4132; Monmouth, Independence, Falls City; WOU VITA website:Â https://wou.edu/business-economics/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita/.
- CASH Oregon:Â info@Cashoregon.org; 503-243-7765; Portland, Beaverton, Gresham
- Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO); TAX@irco.org; 971-427-3993; Portland, Ontario      Â
- Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos; debbiec@Centrodspc.org; 503-982-0243; Woodburn       Â
- Latino Community Association;Â info@latinocommunityassociation.org;
541-382-4366; Bend, Redmond              Â
- Moneywise Oregon;Â dan@moneywiseoregon.org; 541-670-5054; Coos Bay, Roseburg
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The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) will host the state’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 26, at the Oregon World War II Memorial, located on the grounds of the Oregon State Capitol in Salem (intersection of Cottage and Court Street NE).
This solemn event brings together Oregonians from across the state to remember and reflect on the sacrifices of our nation’s fallen heroes, who made the ultimate sacrifice service to the United States. Held in the heart of Oregon’s capital, the ceremony provides a space for community members, families, veterans, and civic leaders to pay tribute to those who served and never returned home.
The event will feature remarks from ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, along with other veteran leaders, state officials, and honored guests. The program will include ceremonial elements such as the national anthem, presentation of colors, and a moment of silence.
“Memorial Day is a sacred day of remembrance — a time to reflect on the cost of our freedoms and to honor the courage and selflessness of those who laid down their lives in service to our country,” said Dr. Daniels. “We invite all Oregonians to join us in this moment of unity and gratitude.”
This year’s Memorial Day ceremony holds the significance of falling on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Oregon World War II Memorial, dedicated in 2014, honors the more than 3,700 Oregonians who lost their lives during WWII.
Limited seating will be available. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs or blankets for the park setting. Please dress appropriately for the weather, as the ceremony will take place rain or shine.
For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed beginning at 11 a.m. on ODVA’s Facebook page at facebook.com/odvavet and YouTube channel at youtube.com/channel/UCAQVavs9KmvDeJ42ySFtY8A.
Mental Health Awareness Month Spotlight: Loneliness line supports seniors
PORTLAND, Ore.– When Carli Cox picks up the phone, she never knows who will be on the other end, but she knows why she’s answering.   As a Crisis Intervention Specialist at Lines for Life, Cox is one of the voices providing support to people facing behavioral health challenges including loneliness.
For Mental Health Awareness Month, Oregon Health Authority is highlighting its partnership with Lines for Life. OHA provides funding for six crisis and support lines, including the Senior Loneliness Line. This service offers older Oregonians connection and emotional support amid growing concerns about social isolation in aging populations.
“The Senior Loneliness Line is unique,” Cox said. “It functions both as a warm line for friendly conversation and as a space for crisis support when needed. We get calls from people who just want to start their day with a voice on the other end, to others who are dealing with isolation, loss, aging related issues, and sometimes suicidal thoughts.”
About 15% of Oregonians are ages 65 years or older, and by 2030 that number will increase to 20%. This age group is experiencing many behavioral health struggles, with one in five individuals experiencing depression at any given time. Males ages 75 and older have the highest suicide rate of any age group and gender.
With more than three years of experience and 4,000 crisis calls under her belt, Cox plays a critical role in helping the aging population. Older adults often face stigma seeking mental health support, and Cox wants them to know that no problem is too small.
“Many seniors didn’t grow up in a time when talking about mental health was encouraged. We want them to know this line is here for them—it’s safe, confidential, and there’s no need to be in crisis to call.”
The Senior Loneliness Line sees a wide range of callers, from those facing estrangement from family to those who’ve outlived loved ones. Even a single phone call can bring meaningful change.
“Sometimes, you can hear a shift in someone’s voice by the end of a conversation,” said Cox. “Making that connection is so rewarding.”
If you are a senior or know someone who might benefit from the Senior Loneliness Line, please call 1-800-282-7035 or visit https://
Oregon reports record-high nonmedical vaccine exemptions for kindergartners
But most families continue to vaccinate their kids, OHA officials say
A record 9.7% of kindergartners claimed nonmedical exemptions from Oregon’s school vaccination requirements for the 2024-2025 school year, the highest rate ever recorded in the state, Oregon Health Authority announced today.
The increase continues an upward trend from 8.8% in 2024, when Oregon had the fourth-highest nonmedical exemption rate in the United States, behind Idaho, Alaska and Utah, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). National data for the current school year are not yet available.
Data from the Oregon Immunization Program at OHA’s Public Health Division indicates 86.3% of kindergartners were fully vaccinated with all required immunizations for the current school year, down from 86.4% last year, marking three consecutive years of declining vaccination coverage among Oregon’s youngest students. These declining rates raise the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in schools, particularly in communities with lower immunization coverage.
Stacy de Assis Matthews, school immunization coordinator at the Oregon Immunization Program, stressed the critical role of high vaccination rates in protecting public health.
“An immunized community is our most effective defense against diseases such as measles,” Matthews said. “Robust vaccination coverage not only protects individual children but also safeguards those who cannot be vaccinated due to age, medical conditions, or other vulnerabilities, helping protect our communities in Oregon.”
- To view a video of local public health authority representatives from around Oregon sharing their thoughts about vaccine perceptions in their communities, click here.
Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA, expressed alarm at the rising exemption rates.
“The increase in nonmedical exemptions weakens community immunity, creating opportunities for outbreaks of serious diseases that vaccines have nearly eradicated,” he said.
Cieslak cited CDC data reporting 1,001 measles cases in the U.S. as of May 8, 2025, with 96% among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at Oregon Public Health, highlighted the importance of sustaining and strengthening public confidence in vaccination programs.
“Vaccines have transformed public health by dramatically reducing the burden of infectious diseases, enabling children to grow up in safe environments,” Sidelinger said. “The growing trend of nonmedical exemptions threatens to undo decades of progress and puts us all at risk. OHA is committed to providing accessible, science-based information to empower families to choose vaccination.”
Despite the rise in exemptions, Matthews emphasized that the vast majority of Oregon families continue to get childhood immunizations. For students across all grades, from kindergarten through 12th grade, 90.4% were fully vaccinated in 2025.
“Parents and guardians recognize the essential role vaccines play in keeping schools and communities free from diseases like measles, polio, and pertussis,” she said. Oregon’s immunization laws help protect more than 650,000 students in schools and child care programs. “Every child’s immunization record is checked yearly, helping ensure equitable vaccine access for all Oregon children.”
Updated kindergarten immunization and exemption rates for the 2024-2025 school year are available at Oregon Immunization Coverage. Spreadsheets detailing immunization rates for individual schools and child care facilities are also accessible, with 2025 updates to interactive maps forthcoming.
Vaccination resources for families:Â
- Information on immunization requirements in 17 languages can be found on the OHA website.
- Families seeking vaccines can contact 211or their local health department. 211Info offers support in English and Spanish, with interpreter services in multiple languages.
- The Vaccines for Childrenprogram provides low- or no-cost immunizations for children ages 0-18 who are enrolled in Oregon Health Plan, uninsured, and/or American Indian/Alaska Native.Â
Increasing awareness and education about primary prevention, public health risks and preventive health services are among actions OHA is taking as part of its 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. The plan further supports expanding access to vaccines and other health resources for children, parents and families in all communities in Oregon.
About OHA: Oregon Health Authority is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all Oregonians through evidence-based public health initiatives, including robust immunization programs.Â
FREE CAMPING, DAY-USE PARKING & ACTIVITIES ON STATE PARKS DAY JUNE 7Â
SALEM, Oregon—Every year Oregon State Parks begins the busier season with a small thank you to its visitors — free camping and day-use parking on State Parks Day.
State Parks Day has been a tradition since 1998 to thank Oregonians for their long-standing support of the state park system. It falls on the first Saturday of June, which is June 7 this year.
“We are honored to steward and share these places with Oregonians and all our visitors. We appreciate their commitment to preserving and maintaining Oregon’s special places. We would not have the park system that we have today without their support,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will waive day-use parking fees at the 25 parks that charge them and camping fees for all tent, RV and horse campsites on June 7. State Parks Day also includes free events at many state parks.
Park staff have worked hard over the last few months getting parks ready for the busier season and State Parks Day. The list of projects includes everything from clearing storm damage, with as many as 180 downed trees near Nehalem, to moving mountains of muck or sand to re-open camp loops. Now parks are ready to welcome visitors for State Parks Day and the busier season.
State Parks Day Events
- The Cove Palisades will host a free festival that celebrates the diverse history, food and culture of Central Oregon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Festival of the Land, includes Dutch oven cooking demonstrations, kids’ games and activities, petting zoo, educational displays, mini farmers market and more.
- L.L. Stub Stewart will host a star party in partnership with OMSI and Rose City Astronomers at 9:30 p.m. in the Hilltop Day-Use Area. Visit OMSI’s website on the day of the party for possible weather-related cancellations: https://omsi.edu/whats-on/
- Carl G. Washburne will host a free State Parks Day BBQ from noon to 1 p.m.
- Spring Valley Access will host a trail work party from 9 a.m. to noon. The event includes clearing brush, raking debris and picking up trash. Â
- Tryon Creek State Natural Area invites visitors to explore its Interpretive Nature Center, navigate its extensive trail system and attend a guided hike.
- Prineville Reservoir will host a free State Parks Day BBQ from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. near the Dark Sky Observatory.
- Silver Falls will host an exhibit about the emerald ash borer (EAB) and its role as a threat to Oregon’s ash trees 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oregon State Parks and Oregon Department of Forestry staff will be on hand to share information about the importance of ash trees and this destructive invasive beetle.
- Collier: will offer a guided tour through Collier Logging Museum 11 a.m. to noon so visitors can learn about old logging camps and what machines they used to make life easier.
- Fort Stevens will host disc golf lessons 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fort Stevens State Park-Historic Area Columbia Shores Disc Golf Course.
- Harris Beach we have a multi-park scavenger hunt where visitors can seek natural formations, unique flora and historical locations. Pick up scavenger hunt cards at Harris Beach registration booth or from ranger or host at Alred Loeb.
For a list of events, visit stateparks.oregon.gov/
For camping availability, please check oregonstateparks.
About State Parks Day
State Parks Day began in 1998 to celebrate the support of visitors around the state. It’s one of three days a year that Oregon State Parks waives the day-use parking fees. Other days include Green Friday the day after Thanksgiving and First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day.
About Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
The mission of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations. The department manages 254 Oregon State Parks comprising more than 100,000 acres. Learn more at stateparks.oregon.gov.
ODF Reminds Everyone To Exercise Caution With Spring Burning
SALEM, OR – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and other fire prevention experts are urging everyone to exercise caution when disposing of yard debris this spring. There have already been 32 escaped debris burns reported on ODF-protected land in 2025, nearly double the amount compared to this time last year. The average size of a spring escaped debris burn is about one acre, or the size of a football field, and generally requires suppression from the local fire protection agency.
Over seventy-five percent of wildfires in Oregon are human caused, with escaped debris burns topping the list. With forecasters becoming increasingly confident that this season will be hotter and drier than normal, now is the time to practice wildfire prevention. As grass and vegetation begin to dry out, the risk of a fire creeping away from a debris burn pile increases. Make sure to weigh your options and have all of the fire prevention tools in place before lighting the burn pile or incinerator.
Besides burning, preferable options for brush removal include composting or recycling. Check with your local disposal company for recycling options. Â
But if burning now is the only option to dispose of yard debris, fire prevention specialists ask people to follow safe burning practices.
- Call before you burn—Regulations vary by location. Call your local district, fire protective association, fire department, or air protection authority to learn about current burning restrictions or regulations, and if you need a permit.
 - Know the weather—Burn early in the day and never burn on windy days, because fires can spread out of control more easily.
 - Always have water and fire tools nearby—When burning, have a shovel and charged water hose or a bucket of water on hand to put out the fire.
 - Clear a 10-foot fuel-free buffer around the pile—Make sure there are no tree branches or power lines above.
 - Keep burn piles small—Large burn piles can cast hot embers long distances. Keep piles small, maximum of four feet by four feet. Add debris to the pile in small amounts as the pile burns.
 - Burn only yard debris—State laws prohibit burning materials, treated wood or trash that create dense smoke or noxious odors.
 - Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to start or speed up your fire.
 - Stay with the fire from start to finish—NEVER leave your debris burn unattended. State law requires monitoring debris burn piles at all times, until it is out cold. This law is intended to ensure sparks or embers that jump from the fire can be put out quickly.
 - Put the fire out cold/completely—Drown the pile with water, stir the coals, and drown again, repeating until the fire is cool to the touch.
 - Recheck burn piles—Return to the burn site periodically over several weeks to check for heat or smoke and refrain from adding new yard debris on top of old ashes. Burn piles can retain heat for several weeks and rekindle when the weather warms up and winds blow.
 - Costs of run-away debris burns—State law requires the proper clearing, building, attending and extinguishing of open fires all year. If your debris burn spreads out of control, you may have to pay for suppression costs, as well as the damage to your neighbors’ properties, which can be extremely expensive.
As the summer fire season quickly approaches, consider putting off any burning until next fall or winter, when conditions are more favorable. Just cover a portion of the pile with plastic, such as a tarp, to keep dry until you decide to burn. Delaying your burn plans will give the debris more time to cure and prevent spring holdover fires.
More tips on wildfire prevention, including campfire safety, motorized equipment use, and fire-resistant landscaping can be found on the Keep Oregon Green website. Find public use restrictions for Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands before your burn.
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