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Monday, June 23, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, with a high near 80. Light and variable wind. Overngiht, partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Light and variable wind becoming north northwest 5 to 8 mph in the evening.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
Safeway has made its return to Klamath Falls, taking the place of its sister company Albertsons on South Sixth Street and Homedale Avenue.
Management and staff assembled the community around the entrance of the newly renovated grocery store. Eric Dalton, the long-serving general manager at Albertsons and now at Safeway, remarked that the transition was a lengthy yet rewarding endeavor that commenced around Thanksgiving last year.
Modifications at the local store feature completely new decor, plank flooring, and an enhanced Drive Up and Go program for online orders. New bakery offerings, along with expanded floral and deli services, will continue to be managed by the same familiar faces. To celebrate the grand opening, Safeway contributed $10,000, which was divided between
two regional nonprofits: Basin United Way and Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank. Food Bank Director Lori Garrard expressed that the store has been a significant source of support for their organization.
A delightful new establishment has emerged in the local culinary landscape as Jersey Mike’s has officially commenced operations and is open. Get ready to enjoy tasty sandwiches!
Focusing on freshly baked bread, high-quality meats, crisp vegetables, and the distinctive house-made Mike’s sauce—a unique combination of red wine vinegar and olive oil—Jersey Mike’s proudly claims the tagline “a sub above,” a sentiment that loyal patrons of the sandwich shop wholeheartedly endorse.
Established in 1956 in Point Pleasant, N.J., by Michael Ingravallo under the original name Mike’s Giant Submarine Shop, Jersey Mike’s was one of the pioneering venues in the United States to serve submarine sandwiches. Ingravallo gradually expanded along the New Jersey coastline, ultimately operating a total of 13 shops.
The company experienced significant growth in 1975 when the current CEO took over leadership. Providing a diverse selection of both cold and hot sandwiches, all made with freshly baked bread, Jersey Mike’s also offers low-carb alternatives known as sub-in-a-tub, where all the fillings of a sandwich are chopped, mixed, and served in a container.
They provide gluten-free bread options and catering services. Discounts are available for seniors, as well as active and retired military personnel, and customers can enjoy a complimentary sandwich on their birthday.
The Klamath Falls City Council has approved a budget amounting to $348,429,675 for the upcoming biennium during its meeting last week.
Beginning with the general fund, the City of Klamath Falls will utilize $218,610,125 for the fiscal years 2025 and 2026 to support vital city services, including law enforcement ($18,875,700), street maintenance ($15,901,625), and development services ($157,796,575). The remaining portion of the total budget, which is $129,819,500, is allocated among nine additional funds.
These include the airport fund ($15,074,850), parking fund ($829,500), waste water fund ($44,775,575), water fund ($36,314,600), property fund ($424,000), escrow reserve fund ($1,630,575), debt service fund ($538,975), Binet fund ($20,000), and the Veteran’s Memorial Agency fund ($4,000).
Furthermore, the city council has sanctioned the ad valorem property tax rate at $5.4423 per $1,000 of assessed value. This rate remains unchanged from the previous biennium, 2023-25.
For a detailed breakdown of the city’s budget, please visit www.klamathfalls.city/191/Finance.
STREET WORK WEEK OF JUNE 23, 2025 KLAMATH FALLS, OR – June 20, 2025.
Beginning June 23, 2025, work will be performed as follows: Asphalt Crews: Asphalt crews will be working from 6 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. June 23 through June 26, 2025 as follows:
Monday 6-23-2025: Clean and prep Crescent Street from Portland Street to Shelly Street.
Tuesday 6-24-2025: Repave Crescent Street from Portland Street to Shelly Street some detours traffic control will be in place.
Wednesday 6-25-2025: repave Crescent Street from Portland Street to Shelly Street some detours traffic control will be in place.
Thursday 6-26-2025: Repave Crescent Street from Portland Street to Shelly Street some detours traffic control will be in place.
Paint Crews: Paint crews will be working from 3 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. June 24 and June 27, 2025 as follows: Tuesday 6-24-2025 and Wednesday 6-27-2025: Painting Crosswalks and legends on Washburn from 3 a.m. till 7 a.m. then painting crosswalks curbs and legends around Klamath union high school, Pelican Elementary School, and Conger Elementary School.
Signs and Sweeping Crews: Signs and sweeping crews will be working from 6 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. June 23 through June 27, 2025 fixing signs and sweeping citywide as needed. All work is weather-dependent. Please use caution while traveling in work zones.
The City of Chiloquin is excited to extend an invitation to both residents and visitors for the 4th Annual Chi-Town Family Festival, taking place on Friday, June 27 (2–6 PM) and Saturday, June 28 (10 AM–6 PM) at the Chiloquin Rodeo and Event Grounds.
With no admission fee, this family-oriented festival provides entertainment for all—join in the celebration of summer with your community All proceeds will support Chiloquin Visions in Progress (CVIP) and its various community initiatives, including the Chiloquin Community Center and youth programs such as the new Chiloquin Teen Adventure Camp launching this July.
What’s new this year?
Find the closest site by clicking here
Celebrate 25 years of the Klamath County Library Service District Through Sunday, August 31st, 2025
KINGSLEY FIELD, Oregon – Thunderbirds scheduled to perform at Klamath Falls airshow July 19-20, 2025.
The 173rd Fighter Wing will welcome back the U.S. Air Force’s premier aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, for the Wings and Eagles Airshow and Kingsley Field Open House, July 19-20, 2025.
“The Wings and Eagles Airshow will showcase the Thunderbirds, with one aircraft being flown by a previous Kingsley F-15 instructor pilot,” said Col. Lee Bouma, 173rd Fighter Wing commander. This will be the first time since 2008 that the Thunderbirds have been featured in Southern Oregon.
The public is invited to enjoy a wide variety of civilian and military performers, which will be announced at a later date, and admission is free.
“Please mark your calendar and come share the weekend with us, enjoying military aviation,” said Bouma. “This is one way we can give back to our amazing community that supports us so well.”
The Wings and Eagles Airshow will be held in conjunction with the Sentry Eagle air-to-air combat exercise, one of the Air National Guard’s largest air-to-air exercises. This exercise provides military pilots of the National Guard, Active Duty and Reserve components a forum in which to test their flying skills.
Additional information will be shared on the 173rd Fighter Wing website at https://www.173fw.ang.af.mil/ and on the wing’s social media pages.
For more information about the Wings and Eagles Airshow or the Sentry Eagle air-to-air combat exercise contact the 173rd FW Public Affairs Office at (541) 885-6677.
Around the State of Oregon
Monday, 12:00pm Pacific Time: Iran has launched missile attacks on US military bases in Qatar and Iraq, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites and escalating tensions in the volatile region.
People in Doha, Qatar’s capital, stopped and looked up as missiles flew and interceptors fired and struck at least one missile in the night sky.
Iran announced on state television that it attacked American forces stationed at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base. A caption on screen called it “a mighty and successful response” to “America’s aggression” as martial music played.
Iran also targeted the Ain al-Assad base housing US troops in western Iraq, an Iraqi security official told the media.
The attacks came shortly after Qatar closed its airspace as a precaution amid threats from Iran.
Just before the explosions, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on the social platform X: “We neither initiated the war nor seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.”
In the past, Iran has threatened American forces at Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts the forward headquarters of the US military’s Central Command.
Qatar, across the Persian Gulf from Iran, maintains diplomatic relations with Iran and shares a massive offshore natural gas field with Tehran.
Earlier in the day, Israel expanded its war against Iran to include targets associated with the country’s struggling theocracy, striking the gate of a Tehran prison notorious for holding political activists and hitting the headquarters of the military force that suppressed recent protests.
As plumes of thick smoke rose over Tehran, Israel was attacked with yet another barrage of Iranian missiles and drones.
On the 11th day of the conflict, Israel said it attacked “regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran”, but Israeli officials insisted they did not seek the overthrow of Iran’s government, their archenemy since the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal is deploying two structural task forces from Lane and Marion counties via Immediate Response to address the Upper Applegate Fire in Jackson County.
The fire was first reported on Wednesday, located off Upper Applegate Road, south of the town of Ruch. Firefighters and resources from the Applegate Fire District, along with other fire agencies in the Rogue Valley, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Oregon Department of Forestry, are currently on-site working to contain the fire.
Currently the fire is about 140 acres and expanding. The Oregon Department of Forestry has indicated that several aerial resources have been requested, including multiple helicopters and two large air tankers. The mobilization of these two task forces will enhance the capacity of the Applegate Fire District to provide additional structural protection.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation notices at levels 1, 2, and 3 for residents in proximity to the fire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is able to deploy resources through Immediate Response without the necessity of invoking the Emergency Conflagration Act. This response mechanism aims to rapidly increase resources to avert expensive wildfires.
As the fire season progresses in Oregon, emergency responders are advising residents, particularly those residing in high-risk wildfire areas, to familiarize themselves with the state’s three-tier evacuation system.
This system is intended to assist residents in taking prompt and suitable actions in response to swiftly changing fire conditions. Local authorities emphasize the importance of situational awareness during the fire season.
Wildfires can escalate quickly, and conditions may shift with minimal notice. Residents are urged to enroll in local emergency alert systems, keep abreast of reliable news outlets, and maintain communication through official emergency websites of their respective counties or cities.
Furthermore, the Oregon Office of Emergency Management suggests that individuals prepare a go-bag at all times, equipped with necessities for a minimum of 72 hours, which should include food, water, clothing, and contact details for family members.
The Town of Lakeview is enacting water usage guidelines from June 19 to October 31, 2025, aimed at conserving water resources.
As stated by the town, these measures are essential since the community relies on a limited number of active wells until new wells become operational. Lawn watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.
Residents are advised to water during the early morning or evening hours to reduce evaporation. The town emphasizes that these guidelines are designed to minimize water waste during the hottest times of the day, and that efficient water usage is crucial for sustaining the town’s water supply.
For additional information, residents may reach out to Town Hall at (541) 947-2020 or Public Works at (541) 947-2371.
Bill Establishing Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund Advances with Bipartisan Support
HB 2815 upholds Tribal sovereignty and self-determination in early learning
SALEM, ORE. – After a successful work session and passage out of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, HB 2815 passed out of the House and Senate floor.
The bill previously passed out of the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education with unanimous support before moving to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. The legislations intent is to create a Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund, as well as a new Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance to ensure Tribes can operate early learning programs and supports in accordance with their unique needs.
HB 2815 helps to ensure that the nine federally recognized Tribes within Oregon’s border hold the ability to focus on initiatives most relevant for their Nations, and is in line with Governor Tina Kotek’s outlined budget priorities. The creation of a Tribal Early Learning Fund allows for flexible funding access to early learning resources for Tribes and strengthens Oregon’s government-to-government relationships.
HB 2815 is designed and supported by Tribal representatives from across the nine federally recognized Tribes of Oregon. The Plan will support experiential early learning and child care, promote and revitalize language, and ensure access to cultural resources and curriculum in early learning spaces. These resources are focused primarily on increased supports to Tribal children prenatal through age eight.
Previously, the legislature passed HB 2055 (2021), which among other things, outlined expectations for a new Tribal Early Learning Hub to coordinate early learning services in Tribal communities. However, as Tribal Representatives began working towards implementation, it was determined that the hub model created administrative burdens and limited the ability of Tribes to express their rights to self-determination in a government-to-government relationship with the State.
HB 2815 improves upon the initial concepts in HB 2055 by reducing barriers for Tribes in accessing state funding. Now that the bill has passed both houses it will be enrolled and sent to the Governor for her signature. The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) will administer grant awards directly to Tribes instead of third parties. In doing so, the bill will streamline the grantmaking process while ensuing Oregon is upholding government-to-government expectations.
HB 2815 also establishes the Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance (OTELA) in place of the current Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) and clarifies DELC’s rulemaking authority.
Supporters of the bill say this updated approach, along with the dedicated funding, will help to advance the state’s early learning goals while helping to close disparities in accessing early learning opportunities faced by Tribal communities. The funding may be used as directed by each Tribe to expand access to culturally relevant classroom materials, preschool or child care services, Tribal language immersion programs and caregiver education programs among many other Tribal early learning and care-focused goals defined within the Plan.
“It is imperative to send up words of respect and appreciation for our ancestors who did foundational work to get us to where we are today,” said Julie Siestreem, Tribal Council member of the Confederated Tribes of Coos Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians. “The state hasn’t always upheld our right to self-determination. This bill is a step towards extending Tribal Sovereignty. A dedicated fund is needed to move the needle in the right direction – towards centering and respecting Tribal ways of knowing what’s best for our children.”
“This initiative was developed by the nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon through a multi-year, Tribal-led process grounded in self-determination and government-to-government collaboration in close partnership with DELC, to ensure our youngest children have stable resources and brighter futures,” said Paulina Whitehat, DELC Tribal Affairs Director. “Now pending legislative approval, this initiative represents a powerful example of what respectful governance can achieve. In a time of uncertainty, it offers hope and demonstrates how honoring Tribal sovereignty, and mutual trust can guide meaningful, inclusive public policy, setting a model for others to follow.”
“The Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund is a critical and vital next step for centering Tribal sovereignty in the early learning system,” said Angela Fasana, Education Director of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. “The Plan and Fund will assist the Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde in furthering our goals as a people to foster and support our youth and families.”
“Investing in our youngest of learners allows for a strong foundation of lifelong learning, this bill does just that,” said Alissa L. Lane, CTSI Education and Cultural Programs Director. Dedicated funding would ensure Tribes can implement Tribal specific supports, learning materials and interventions, which is vital for ensuring our Tribal students have the strong start they need in life. The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Education department fully supports the proposed bill.”
The Office of Tribal Affairs at DELC will continue to provide support to implement the plan and fund. To read more about this work please visit Tribal Advisory Committee page of the DELC website. Tribal Sovereignty is one of six goals in DELC’s strategic plan. To learn more visit the Growing Oregon Together page of the DELC website.
As Oregon’s breathtaking landscapes draw outdoor enthusiasts from around the world, state agencies are underscoring the vital role of preparedness and safety in reducing search and rescue (SAR) incidents.
With peak tourist season approaching, adventurers are urged to take precautions that can prevent emergencies and lessen the burden on volunteer rescue teams.
The state has recogniced June as Search and Rescue Awareness Month.
Follow Best Practices for Safe Outdoor Adventures
The next best way to support SAR volunteers, is to not need their services in the first place. Each year, SAR teams from mostly small, under-resourced communities across Oregon rescue individuals who are lost, injured, or in distress – at no cost to the individual. According to OEM, lack of preparedness is a leading factor in SAR incidents.
“Our SAR teams often assist people who are inexperienced, overconfident, and ill-equipped for the realities of the wilderness,” OEM State SAR Coordinator Scott Lucas said. “We routinely find individuals who ventured out in flip-flops without water, unaware of potential hazards. Preparation saves lives.”
In addition, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD)—which manages more than 250 state park properties as well as scenic waterways, ocean shores, historic sites, and outdoor recreation programs across the state—urges visitors to respect designated trails, safety barriers and warning signs.
“Many of Oregon’s most beautiful landscapes include inherent risks and hazards like steep cliffs and drop offs that require careful attention,” said OPRD Emergency Manager Jamen Lee. “Leaving marked trails or ignoring safety signs and barriers can increase the risk of injury or fatal falls. We encourage visitors to stay on trail and respect signs and barriers to recreate safely. We also encourage packing the 10 essentials including food, water and sun protection.”
Additional safety tips for heading outdoors:
- Have an emergency kit and cell phone charger in your vehicle.
- Know the trail and conditions – research the trail thoroughly and get accurate directions to the trailhead. Check weather and the park webpage for alerts.
- Check road conditions on Tripcheck.com or call 511.
- Know campfire restrictions at Oregon State Parks as well as public fire restrictions.
- Download maps to a cell phone or print them in case there is no cell service.
- Make a plan and tell someone– make sure they know your route, the exact trail name, possible side destinations and when you plan to leave and return. This information is vital for search and rescue if they need to come looking for you.
- Practice situational awareness – stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on trail markers and landmarks so you can provide those details in an emergency. (This includes Oregon Beach Access Numbers on the coast).
- Listen to your body – know your limits when selecting hikes and when you’re on the trail.
- Watch for hazards – if you see signs of bad weather, wildfires, dangerous wildlife activity or other potential hazards, adjust your plans. Never feel bad about turning around early. Have a plan B.
- Stay on marked trails – going off trail or following social trails increases the risk of getting lost or injured. It also increases the risk of fatal falls.
- Respect trail closures – safety signs and barriers. They are placed there for your safety. Disregarding them can have deadly consequences.
- Exercise caution when crossing streams or navigating steep terrain – never climb on logs or turn your back on the ocean.
- Follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace – minimize your impact.
- Stay in touch – There might not be cell coverage and reception on the trail.
- Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on cell phones.
- If you are using your cell phone, keep the battery fully charged and switch to airplane mode to conserve battery until you need it.
- Consider a personal locator beacon (PLB) like InReach or SPOTS, if you need to call for help.
- Prepare for the weather – layer up, wear appropriate footwear for the terrain and carry an emergency blanket.
- Bring sun protection and lots of water of hot days – Tips for hot-weather hiking.
Practice Boating and Water Safety
Before you go out, plan ahead and check water levels and tide information, obstructions, local regulations and boating access for put in’s and take out locations. The Oregon State Marine Board’s (OSMB) website has planning resources for every boat type, including what equipment to carry.
In addition, OSMB recommends people:
- Review the map of life jacket loaner stations to borrow if you don’t have your own.
- Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
- Recreate with others so they can provide aid more quickly if the unexpected happens.
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