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Friday, June 27, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, with a high near 84. Light northwest winds 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Northwest wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
A citizen of the Klamath Tribe is currently fulfilling the role of a senior adviser at the federal level.
Mark Cruz was officially sworn into his new advisory role by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, last Thursday.
In a video shared on YouTube by DHHS, Kennedy emphasized the importance of incorporating Indigenous individuals in the policy-making process. By appointing Cruz, Kennedy has honored a commitment made to Tribal leaders during his confirmation as secretary, pledging to include native perspectives in the discussions conducted within his department.
Cruz possesses experience in Washington, D.C., having previously held the position of deputy assistant secretary for the Indian Affairs for Policy and Economic Development program in 2018.
The Kruise of Klamath is Klamath Falls’ hallmark four-day automotive festival, scheduled to take place from Thursday to Sunday, June 26–29.
The capstone event attracts car enthusiasts from all over Oregon — and beyond — as they converge on Main Street, which transforms into a dazzling showcase of vehicles manufactured before 1979.
Whether you choose to participate or simply observe, there is an abundance of activities to enjoy. Attendees can look forward to live music, food vendors, themed sock hops, a downtown cruise, a poker run, and even awards for the most impressive vehicles. This event is a genuine celebration of craftsmanship, community, and cruising culture.
Friday marks the transition into high gear with the annual Kick-Off party at Moore Park, commencing at 4 p.m. All your favorite classic cars will be displayed on the grass, providing an opportunity for admiration and conversation with their owners. A picnic dinner featuring pulled beef or pork sandwiches will be offered by Melissa’s Country Kitchen (advance purchase is necessary). Additionally, The Dogfather will provide hot dogs, sausages, chips, and soft drinks for sale. Live music will also be featured.
On Saturday, witness the classic cars in motion and relive the nostalgia of cruising the downtown strip, reminiscent of the good old days, during the ever-popular show and shine on Main Street from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Later that evening, the essence of the Kruise of Klamath unfolds during the Downtown Run. Experience the sights, sounds, and sensations as the vehicles traverse Main Street and Klamath Avenue, showcasing the unparalleled appeal of classic American muscle.
The Kruise of Klamath will wrap up on Sunday with a poker run tour through the City of Klamath Falls and its surrounding areas. Whether you are there to admire the pristine vehicles, enjoy retro music, or simply relish the summer weekend, the Kruise of Klamath creates lasting memories in Klamath Falls.
Restoration initiatives are currently in progress on 500,000 acres of the Fremont-Winema National Forest, which suffered devastation from the Bootleg and Cougar Peak fires in 2021.
Thanks to what officials describe as an innovative collaboration, the Fremont-Winema, in partnership with Collins Pine Company, has successfully planted over 428,000 seedlings across 2,140 acres within the Jump Project Area, designated as a high-priority restoration zone in the Forest’s Bly Ranger District. The fires inflicted significant damage, leaving the majority of the affected area strewn with ash and charred hillsides.
According to officials from Collins Pine, this has resulted in “a lingering sense of loss.” For residents and workers in Klamath and Lake counties, the effects were deeply personal. The fire not only scarred the land but also disrupted lives, endangered homes, and unsettled the very foundations of a forested landscape that the community relies upon. Currently, more than 11,000 acres affected by the fires are undergoing rehabilitation through a Master Stewardship Agreement, which facilitates collaboration between the Forest Service and private partners for large-scale restoration efforts.
Oregon counties are poised to receive $31 million in federal funding through the Payments In Lieu of Taxes, commonly referred to as the “PILT” program.
PILT funds are appropriations made by Congress that provide some financial support to compensate for public lands that do not yield property tax revenue for local governments.
Klamath County contains over 2.3 million acres of public lands, which accounts for nearly 60% of the total land area of the county. In Lake County, public federal lands constitute approximately 77% of the total acreage, encompassing nearly 3.7 million acres that do not generate tax revenue.
As reported by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Klamath County is set to receive $1,115,636, while Lake County anticipates receiving $1,522,671. Nationwide, 1,900 counties will benefit from PILT funds, with amounts determined by the DOI secretary using a formula that takes into account factors such as population size, public land acreage, and previous year non-PILT federal funds, among other criteria.
In Klamath County, federal funding from the previous year through the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program is one element that diminishes the total PILT funding received. U.S. Representative Cliff Bentz, the only Republican from Oregon in Congress, represents the rural districts of the state, which include Klamath and Lake counties.
In a news release issued on Thursday, Bentz stated that the PILT program aids counties in covering the expenses of “maintaining … essential services,” which include roads, schools, law enforcement, first responders, and fire protection.
Farmers impacted by swarming grasshoppers and crickets will have the opportunity to apply for reimbursements for their financial losses once again this season.
The Klamath County Board of Commissioners announced the reinstatement of the financial assistance grant for grasshoppers and Mormon crickets earlier this week. “These unwelcome invaders pose a threat to the livelihoods of the county’s farmers and ranchers, the food supply, and the overall health of the ecosystem,” a news release from the county states. As agricultural producers in Klamath County face yet another season of combating these invasive species, the county is currently accepting grant applications for reimbursements.
Applications should be submitted to the Grasshopper Grant Committee, which will review them and provide recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. To apply, please visit klamathcounty.org/FormCenter/Board-of-Commissioners-7/Klamath-County-Grasshopper-Mormon-Cricke-121.
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.
When news began to circulate on Klamath Falls community pages on Facebook that a Fourth of July parade would not occur, one individual took action: Cori Whisenhunt.
Following the passing of Doug Brown in 2022, the founder of the Freedom Foundation that had organized the Fourth of July parade in Klamath Falls for many years, the holiday event has struggled to regain its footing. After a change in leadership and an illness affecting the organizer, the Klamath Falls Downtown Association faced slim prospects for this year’s parade.
Coming from a deeply patriotic family, Whisenhunt expressed that the absence of a Fourth of July parade was a significant disappointment. Simultaneously, the announcement regarding the lack of a Fourth of July parade reached the attention of VFW Commander — Captain (ret.) Ron Johnson, Marine Corps League Commandant Sarah Callen, and Klamath County Commissioner Andy Nichols, who is a member of the Veterans Advisory Committee. In her first city-wide organized event, Whisenhunt has collaborated with the Veterans Action Council and Discover Klamath to guarantee that a Fourth of July parade will indeed occur.
Scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, July 4, along Main Street in Klamath Falls, individuals interested in volunteering or participating in the parade can complete forms online at tinyurl.com/klamathparade or by reaching out to Kyle’s Lawn Care Services at (541) 281-3623.
Community theater is experiencing a resurgence this year in Klamath Falls. With a dedicated group of local actors and stage crews, the Ross Ragland Theater troupe has invested their passion into the forthcoming production of the Broadway musical “Anastasia.”
The narrative revolves around the youngest daughter of the last Russian imperial family, the Romanovs, who were executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918. Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov’s remains were not discovered for almost a century, giving rise to historical speculation regarding her potential survival.
This revival of the renowned “Anastasia” production is touted as the most significant to grace the Ragland since “Les Miserables.” Inspired by the animated musical film, the script utilized in the Ragland’s performance was previously a Broadway show. Actor David Wehr remarked that it is “the best show” he has ever participated in throughout his career.
For 25 years, the Klamath County Library Service District has enriched the minds and hearts of community members through the pleasures of reading and much more.
In honor of this quarter-century milestone, Klamath County Libraries are providing the library passport program until the conclusion of summer on August 31. This passport program invites community members to embark on an adventure across the county, allowing them to visit each of the 11 branches that are currently operational and offering services.
The district was established in 2000 as a special taxing district following widespread voter approval in Klamath County, ensuring its sustainability for future generations. During the late 1990s, as Klamath County grappled with the repercussions of diminished OC&E timber revenues and the tax limitations imposed by Measure 50, the library system faced significant funding cuts. However, a ballot measure proposing to fund the libraries at a rate of $0.49 per $1,000 of assessed property value garnered an impressive 78% approval from voters in the special election of 2000.
Library Director Nathalie Naveau remarked that the establishment of the service district “transformed everything.”
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KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore- 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
An Oregon Republican Congressman has expressed partial opposition to a proposal aimed at selling federal land.
Republican Senator Mike Lee advocates for the sale of significant portions of federal land, a move that has the backing of President Trump. Oregon Republican Congressman Cliff Bentz argues that this sale is arbitrary and intended solely to transfer ownership away from the federal government.
Bentz clarifies that he does not oppose the sale or exchange of federal land, provided there is a clear economic or social need, and that the processes consider the interests of Native tribes, ranchers with grazing rights, and recreational users.
However, Lee’s proposal was thwarted by the Senate parliamentarian, who determined that it could not be incorporated into the President’s Big, Beautiful Bill.
Late last week, Democratic Oregon Governor Tina Kotek enacted legislation that grants unemployment benefits to workers on strike, following the lead of neighboring Washington state, which has implemented similar measures in response to recent walkouts by Boeing factory employees, hospital nurses, and educators in the Pacific Northwest.
Oregon’s legislation marks it as the first state to offer compensation to public employees who are picketing — a group that is generally prohibited from striking in most states, much less receiving benefits for such actions. Under this new law, striking workers will be eligible to receive unemployment benefits after a two-week waiting period, with a maximum benefit duration of 10 weeks. Currently, only three other states — New York, New Jersey, and most recently Washington state — provide unemployment benefits to striking workers.
The legislation in Washington, which was approved in April, allows striking private sector employees to receive benefits for up to six weeks, commencing after a minimum of two weeks on strike.
In contrast, Democratic Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont vetoed a bill on Monday that aimed to offer financial assistance to striking workers, having previously vetoed a similar proposal last year. The passage of Oregon’s bill was marked by significant contention. It initially cleared the state Senate in March and subsequently passed the state House earlier this month.
However, a majority of senators disagreed with the amendments introduced by the House, necessitating the formation of a conference committee to reconcile the differences between the two legislative versions. Ultimately, the bill received final approval after a compromise was reached regarding the 10-week benefits cap. The legislation incited considerable discussion among lawmakers and constituents alike, resulting in the submission of over 1,000 letters of written testimony.
Over 7,000 marijuana plants and 300 pounds of processed marijuana were confiscated during a raid conducted in Cave Junction.
The Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team, collaborating with the FBI, Homeland Security, the IRS, and various other agencies, executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 31000 block of Redwood Highway.
Alongside the illegal marijuana, authorities discovered numerous violations of electrical, water, and solid waste codes, all of which may lead to civil forfeiture of the property. At the time of the search, the suspects were not located and remain at large. They are facing several charges, including unlawful manufacturing and possession of marijuana, as well as unlawful appropriation of water.
A proposed legislation aimed at safeguarding local journalism in Oregon was rejected by the state Senate on Tuesday.
This bill, sponsored by a Democrat, sought to impose fees on companies such as Google, Meta, Apple, and Yahoo for utilizing news produced by local media outlets. The funds generated would be allocated to assist in the support of newsrooms. Democrat Mark Meek cast a vote against the bill, contributing to its failure. Subsequently, the bill was promptly sent back to the Rules Committee.
Complimentary summer meals are provided for children in need throughout the state, including at camps and various programs.
The Summer Food Service Program is an initiative by the Oregon Department of Education aimed at addressing the gap that students encounter when free school meals are not accessible. Foster children, those receiving SNAP benefits, and participants in other programs are eligible for complimentary meals at registered summer programs.
To find a list of locations, please visit the Oregon Department of Education website.
On Friday, Democrats in the Oregon Legislature voted to advance a significant transportation funding bill out of committee.
However, this was achieved only after Representative Mark Meek was removed from the committee, as he opposed the bill and his vote was deemed essential. Senate President Rob Wagner assumed Meek’s position on the committee. Due to dissent from certain Democrats, the upcoming House vote may be closely contested.
The proposed bill is set to increase taxes and fees by nearly two billion dollars annually. Specifically, the gas tax will rise by 15 cents, while vehicle registration and various other fees will also see an increase. Additionally, there will be a two percent tax imposed on new car sales and a one percent tax on used car sales.
Individuals aged 65 and older, as well as those with disabilities who meet the criteria for assistance in Oregon, are eligible to receive complimentary emergency kits.
The Office of Aging and People with Disabilities has approximately 18,000 emergency kits and 1,200 power stations in stock. Eligibility for these items is granted to those who receive Medicaid in-home support services. For further information, please consult the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities.
Owens Corning has announced the closure of a door components factory located in Prineville, resulting in the layoff of all 184 employees starting on August 25.
This marks the latest in a series of factory shutdowns and layoffs across Oregon, contributing to a significant decrease in manufacturing employment. Previously owned by Contact Industries, the Prineville facility has experienced a series of ownership changes in recent years.
Owens Corning, based in Ohio, acquired the plant as part of its $3.9 billion acquisition of Masonite International last year.
Megan James, a spokesperson for Owens Corning, characterized the closure of the Prineville facility as a “strategic business decision” in an email sent on Tuesday. The company informed state workforce officials that some employees will remain until November to facilitate the winding down of operations.
Since the fall of 2022, Oregon factories have cut nearly 14,000 jobs, leading to an overall decline of 7% in manufacturing employment. These job cuts encompass a variety of sectors, including clean energy, semiconductors, and traditional roles in forest products.
The Hidden Bottle Hunt returns for its fifth consecutive year to commemorate the anniversary of the enactment of Oregon’s Bottle Bill.
Featuring six bottles concealed in various regions throughout the state, the annual Hidden Bottle Hunt offers Oregonians an enjoyable opportunity to spend several days outdoors each summer.
This event is organized by the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, and this year’s hunt commences on Thursday, with clues disclosed online each day until the conclusion of the event on Saturday. The design of this year’s bottle pays tribute to the Dark Sky Sanctuary located in Lake County and was crafted by DarkSky Oregon.
The six individuals who successfully locate the bottles will have the privilege of selecting a charity of their choice to receive a $1,000 donation from OBRC. For daily hints, please visit bottledrop.com/hunt.
A former member of the Ashland city council is currently facing three misdemeanor charges following an altercation that occurred outside the City Council chambers in May.
According to Ashland Police, Eric Navickas pushed Chief Tighe O’Meara after a tense exchange that took place after the City Council meeting on May 21. During the meeting, Navickas had voiced his opposition to a proposal aimed at prohibiting repeat offenders from the city’s enhanced law enforcement areas without a trial, instead depending solely on police testimony.
The situation intensified outside the council chambers, where an audio recording captured raised voices and allegations of racism. Police report that Navickas shoved O’Meara, who subsequently seized Navickas’s coat and placed him under arrest. Navickas later issued an apology during a City Council meeting on June 3. The minutes from that meeting reflect that he “expressed concern over city exclusion laws and spoke against injustices faced by the impoverished and marginalized.”
The Oregon Health Authority has issued a warning to the public regarding a health advisory. The OHA attributes this advisory to the presence of cylindrospermopsin, a toxic compound produced by blue-green algae.
These algae blooms occur naturally; however, they can lead to severe health issues in humans and can be fatal to animals, which are more susceptible. A Jackson County couple has been actively spreading awareness after their dog reportedly died following exposure to harmful algae blooms in Lost Creek Lake.
It is particularly hazardous to drink water directly from areas of the lake that are affected by a bloom. Boiling, filtering, or using camping-style water treatment methods will not eliminate the toxins. The drinking water sources for public campgrounds and parks surrounding Lost Creek Lake are derived from groundwater wells that remain unaffected by the toxins from the blooms.
These sources are mandated to comply with public water system regulations that ensure the provision of safe drinking water.
As Oregonians confront swiftly rising utility costs, state legislators are advocating for new laws to protect consumers.
The FAIR Energy Act (HB 3179), which has successfully passed the House and is now in the Senate, seeks to reform the method by which utility rates are determined, ensuring enhanced accountability and preventing power disconnections during essential winter months.
Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Southern Jackson County) stated that the primary goal of the FAIR Act is to assess the effects of soaring energy prices on consumers. She detailed significant protections, noting, “One of the provisions of the bill is that utilities are prohibited from disconnecting power during winter months, and they are also barred from implementing rate increases during that time.”
Marsh further discussed the challenges many Oregonians encounter, saying, “I believe you are witnessing genuine calculations for individuals regarding whether to pay a utility bill or to allocate funds for groceries.” The legislation will mandate that utilities requesting rate hikes provide an economic analysis of the impact on their customer base, recognizing the direct repercussions of escalating costs driven by factors such as wildfire management, inflation, and heightened demand due to warmer summers.
This legislation signifies a wider initiative to alleviate the financial strain on residents, with Marsh clarifying that “this bill elevates the community and the ratepayers to a higher threshold than we have experienced in the past, ensuring that our needs and the implications of what the utility proposes will truly be taken into account.
This season marks the period when deer and elk give birth, which means that visitors to the forest might encounter calves or fawns left unattended while their mothers venture off to feed.
According to ODF-and-W, this behavior is typical, and individuals should not jump to the conclusion that the animals are orphaned. Taking an animal from its natural habitat is detrimental to its development and is also against the law. In the event of an encounter with a deer or elk, particularly with young ones, it is important to maintain a safe distance, keep pets leashed and away, and enjoy observing from afar.
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