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.
Monday, July 7, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
Fire Weather Watch in effect from July 8, 02:00PM until July 8, 11:00 PM
Today
A slight chance of thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Overnight a slight chance of thunderstorms before 11pm. Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 59. Northwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
The 173rd Fighter Wing, based at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, is set to conduct flyovers on Friday in celebration of Independence Day across the states of Oregon and California.
As stated by the Oregon Air National Guard, F-15 Eagle jets will be flying over several communities:
9:35 a.m.: Downtown Ashland, Ashland, Ore.
9:45 a.m.: City of Central Point, Central Point, Ore.
10:05 a.m.: City of Dorris, Dorris, Calif.
10:10 a.m.: Main Street, Klamath Falls, Ore.
10:20 a.m.: Lake of the Woods Resort, Lake of the Woods, Ore.
10:30 a.m.: Eagle Point, Eagle Point, Ore.
10:40 a.m.: Diamond Lake Resort, Diamond Lake, Ore.
10:50 a.m.: Port of Brookings Harbor, Brookings, Ore.
11:00 a.m.: Port of Gold Beach, Gold Beach, Ore.
11:00 a.m.: Harrisburg, Ore.
11:10 a.m.: Oregon Ave., Creswell, Ore.
11:35 a.m.: City of Chiloquin, Chiloquin, Ore.
These flyovers are expected to occur at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet above ground level and at speeds reaching 400 mph. Nevertheless, alterations to the schedule may arise due to weather conditions or operational requirements.
Since 1941, the Oregon Air National Guard has been integral to national defense. Kingsley Field is home to the sole F-15C pilot training facility for the United States Air Force.
Klamath Falls 4th of July Parade Info
The annual Fourth of July Parade is set for 10AM on Main Street in downtown Klamath Falls.
Participants will assemble on Spring Street starting at 8:00 AM, and traffic control on Main Street will be established prior to 10:00 AM, when the parade is scheduled to commence. The parade will initiate at the intersection of Spring Street and Main Street, proceeding along Main Street and then turning onto Center Street, ultimately leading into Veterans Park, where the participants will disperse. Main Street is anticipated to reopen by noon.
On Monday the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office carried out a search warrant at a location on Canadian Honker Lane in Sprague River, Oregon.
This warrant was issued following surveillance that indicated the presence of what seemed to be an illegal outdoor marijuana cultivation operation.
Two individuals were found at the scene and taken into custody:
• Tyler Cengiz, 34 years old
• Azure Felan, 34 years old.
Both individuals face charges for the following offenses: • Unlawful Possession of Marijuana (ORS 475B.337) • Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana (ORS 475B.349) The investigation verified the existence of 234 marijuana plants, which included: • 160 plants located within a greenhouse • 74 plants cultivated outdoors in a nearby field.
Moreover, one of the greenhouses had been processed prior to the execution of the search warrant. Water Theft Investigation: The marijuana plants were being illegally irrigated with water sourced from a domestic well. It is estimated that more than 85,000 gallons of water were unlawfully utilized to sustain the cultivation operation.
A separate investigation is currently underway regarding Unlawful Use or Appropriation of Ground Water (ORS 537.535). Deputies also noted considerable amounts of trash and debris on the premises, including plastic coverings and various waste materials, which raised environmental concerns.
AirLink Service Returns
After a brief hiatus due to funding constraints, emergency helicopter services have returned to Klamath AirLink Critical Care Transport.
“This is an exciting day for us as we expand our capabilities with the addition of a new asset that builds on our long-standing commitment to serving the region,” said Deidre Heinrich, program director at AirLink CCT. “Bringing this helicopter into service means we can reach more patients and provide our community with even greater access to the critical medical care they need. It’s our mission to lighten the load for our first responders.”
Serving areas in Oregon, Washington, California and Idaho since 1985, AirLink CCT provides adult, pediatric and neonatal patients with emergency air medical transport by helicopter and fixed wing (airplane). Operating in the Klamath region since October 2012, in January 2024, the helicopter service ceased while revenue streams were sought. During the loss of helicopter service, AirLink CCT continued fixed-wing operations, operating seven days a week and 24 hours a day.
Stating that the service is a necessity for the Klamath Basin, Michaela Charlberg, a flight nurse with AirLink, further explained that EMS would have to ferry patients from either the scene of the incident or from Sky Lakes Medical Center to AirLink CCT’s hangar located at the Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport. From there, a patient would be loaded onto a Pilatus PC-12 airplane and take off from the runway to touchdown at another runway to then be loaded onto another ambulance to be taken to a hospital.
“For inter-facility transport, having a rotor-wing aircraft (helicopter) easily cuts service time(s),” Charlberg said. “All we need is a helipad or a landing zone cleared and we can be in and out.”
Klamath AirLink CCT base manager and respiratory therapist Matt Brimmer said having the helicopter allows for access to rugged terrain and high altitude emergencies during variable weather systems across forests, farmland and mountain roads.
“Reclaiming our ability to fly into the often remote and rugged areas of the Klamath Basin was crucial,” Brimmer said. “Seeing this comeback would not have been possible without the support of Skylakes Medical Center and local fire departments and emergency service providers.”
To celebrate the return of its helicopter service, the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony early Tuesday morning.
Among the attendees was Klamath County Fire District 1 Chief Greg Davis, who spoke about the partnership between his organization and AirLink CCT.
“AirLink is an extremely important resource for the Klamath Basin. Their capabilities and impacts are numerous regarding emergent care. It means a lot that they’re back in full swing,” Davis said.
Based at the Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport and co-located at Klamath County Fire District Station 5 near the Running Y, Klamath Air Link CCT serves all of Klamath and Lake County, western Modoc County and eastern Siskiyou County.
Predominantly used for interfacility transfers for critical conditions (cardiac, stroke, obstetrics), AirLink CCT also has the means to respond to vehicle crashes, drownings and ski accidents. Each AirLink CCT aircraft is equipped with ventilators, monitors, suctions, IV pumps, blood gas analyzers, neonatal isolates and LifePort systems for patient access and safety. Klamath AirLink CCT maintains a pilot and two healthcare professionals seven days a week with 25 staff regionally.
“Our determination to deliver the best care possible is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to ensuring that in times of crisis, help is not just a call away, but a quick flight away,” Heinrich said.
As public interest increases regarding the future of Keno Dam—including demands for its removal to enhance fish passage for species currently migrating upstream of the previous Lower Klamath River dam sites—the Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA) is reaffirming the dam’s essential function within the region’s water system and urging federal agencies to uphold binding legal commitments that safeguard it.
Keno Dam, situated on the Klamath River just downstream of the Klamath Irrigation Project diversion works, is crucial infrastructure that facilitates flood control, water deliveries to roughly 100,000 acres of agricultural land, and wildlife habitat for two prominent national wildlife refuges.
In a letter dispatched yesterday to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, KWUA emphasized that the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is legally obligated by the Klamath Power and Facilities Agreement (KPFA), which requires the operation of Keno Dam to sustain upstream water levels for essential purposes including diversion, canal maintenance, and flood control.
Any alteration to this stipulation must receive approval from Reclamation and all Project contractor parties to the KPFA. Other stakeholders in the KPFA include Oregon and California, as well as the National Marine Fisheries Service. The KPFA further compels all parties to undertake every reasonable and lawful measure to prevent or mitigate adverse effects on land or water users associated with the Project resulting from species introduction, reintroduction, or habitat restoration. Despite being established for over 15 years, this obligation has been neglected.
KWUA endorses a transparent, science-driven assessment of fish passage possibilities at Keno Dam and has advocated for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to spearhead this initiative.
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 stating “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.”
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.
CITY STREET WORK BEGINNING JULY 7, 2025
Asphalt Crews will be working from 4 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. July 7 through July 10, 2025 as
follows:
Monday 7-7-2025: Grind and pave Main between 3rd and 4th 1 lane traffic.
Tuesday 7-8-2025: Grind and pave Main Street 2nd to Center Street traffic will be
down to 1 lane.
Wednesday 7-9-2025: Grind and pave Main between 5th and 6th street traffic will be
down to 1 lane.
Thursday 7-10-2025: 5th Street between Klamath Ave. and Main Street traffic will
be down to 1 lane.
Paint Crews:
Paint crews will be working from 3 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. July 7 through July 10, 2025 as follows:
Tuesday 7-8-2025 through Thursday 7-11-2025: 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. July 7 through July 10, 2025 fixing signs and sweeping citywide as needed.
All work is weather-dependent. Please use caution while traveling in work zones.
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.”
IYS SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM
Last weekend, a few hundred families gathered at Kiwanis Park for the annual launch of the Summer Lunch Program by Integral Youth Services.
Various service organizations and nonprofits established booths for families to explore, including Healthy Klamath, Sky Lakes Medical Center, Klamath Behavioral Health, the Department of Human Services, and Klamath Community College.
Integral Youth Services and the Klamath Basin Food Bank offered nutritious meals to the families. The Summer Lunch Program aims to meet the nutritional requirements of low-income youth during the summer months by providing daily distributions of free USDA-sponsored nutritional lunches.
Distribution sites are available in both urban and rural locations. The Summer Lunch Program provides free daily meals to youth aged 1-18 from June through August. Integral Youth Services operates several sites across the city, including library locations and various neighborhood parks.
Find the closest IYS Lunch site by clicking here
Around the State of Oregon
July 4 is here, and AAA Oregon/Idaho forecasts that about 900,000 residents of Oregon are preparing to travel for the holiday.
Across the nation, more than 72 million Americans are anticipated to travel 50 miles or more for Independence Day. AAA predicts that most travelers from Oregon will be driving this year, with popular destinations including the coast and Central Oregon.
July 2 and July 6 are expected to be the busiest days for driving during this holiday period. To avoid heavy traffic, AAA recommends that you start your journey in the morning.
CONFLAGRATION INVOKED, OREGON STATE FIRE MARSHAL MOBILIZES FIREFIGHTERS, EQUIPMENT TO COLD SPRINGS FIRE
SALEM, Ore. – A quick, wind-driven fire in Umatilla County prompted the Oregon State Fire Marshal to mobilize four task forces and an incident management team. The Cold Springs Fire was reported on Wednesday afternoon and raced to more than 1,000 acres as of late afternoon, according to Umatilla County Fire District 1. The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office has issued levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices for those living near the fire.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal initially sent help through immediate response on Wednesday afternoon, with two structural task forces from Clackamas and Washington counties and air support through agreements with the Oregon Department of Forestry. To provide additional help, the agency is mobilizing its Green Incident Management Team and two more task forces.
The OSFM Green Incident Management Team will take command of the fire Thursday at 9 a.m.
“The latest wildfire forecast for July and August is extremely concerning,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Over the last 48 hours, we saw thousands of lightning strikes across the state, and Red Flag Warnings issued for critical fire danger. I’m calling on everyone to pay attention to the conditions and take the necessary steps to prevent sparking a human-caused fire.”
For fire updates until the Green Incident Management Team takes command, please follow the Umatilla County Fire District 1. For evacuation information, please follow the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office.
This is the third time the Emergency Conflagration Act has been invoked in 2025, and the third immediate response for the Oregon State Fire Marshal.
FATAL ACCIDENT NEAR LAKEVIEW
LAKE COUNTY, Ore. – July 2, 2025 – On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at approximately 3:49 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash in Lake County near Lakeview.
The preliminary investigation indicated a white Mercedes Sprinter van, operated by Daniel Klinkert (48) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was traveling eastbound on Highway 140 near milepost 1 when it entered the intersection with a southbound commercial motor vehicle towing double trailers. The southbound red Kenworth commercial motor vehicle, operated by Nicholas Cardoza (61) of Lakeview, swerved to avoid a collision with the van, left the roadway, and rolled over.
The operator of the Kenworth (Cardoza) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Mercedes van (Klinkert) was not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation. The crash remains under investigation.
Oregon State Police was assisted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lakeview EMS, Lakeview Fire Department, and Thomas Creek-Westside Fire Department.
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) extends its heartfelt condolences following a tragic ambush on firefighters in Idaho.
In an official statement, ODF remarks: Fire is a family and a closely-knit community. As a neighboring state that has had the privilege of collaborating with Idaho’s firefighters, we are profoundly shaken, disturbed, and heartbroken for the families of those who lost their lives and those injured while serving their community.
The statement further underscores the extraordinary bravery required for wildfire duty and reaffirms ODF’s steadfast support for the Idaho agencies affected.
On June 29, firefighters who were responding to a reported brush fire near Canfield Mountain in northern Idaho fell victim to a fatal attack. Authorities report that the fire was intentionally ignited by a gunman who opened fire on the crew, resulting in the deaths of two firefighters and leaving another seriously injured.
In the subsequent hours, over 300 law enforcement officers from local, state, and federal agencies initiated an extensive search of the area. The suspect was later discovered deceased on the mountain, with investigators believing that the individual took their own life.
OHA urges parents, caregivers to avoid recalled baby food
PORTLAND, Ore.—Following reports of lead poisoning cases in two counties, Oregon Health Authority is urging parents and caregivers to avoid using a baby food that has been recalled by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
Two cases of elevated blood lead levels in babies were detected in Oregon. During interviews with the families, investigators determined the children consumed the flavor affected by the recall.
The cases followed a recall alert in March of more than 25,000 packages of a baby food called Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale, Thyme Vegetable Puree. The product was sold in 4-ounce containers. No other flavor of the product has been subject to recall.
Good & Gather is a Target store brand, and the product was sold nationwide at the company’s stores. The FDA has since labeled the recall a Class II event, which means that use of or exposure to this product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” but the probability of serious health impacts is low.
While the FDA recall is considered “terminated,” the product has a best use date of December 2025, so there may be families with the product still in their homes.
Lead is of special concern for babies, toddlers and children because even small amounts of lead may affect behavior, cognitive development and academic achievement, according to American Academy of Pediatrics.
“While lead is toxic for all people regardless of age, small children are especially at risk because they’re still growing and developing,” said Ryan Barker, OHA’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program coordinator. “Continued exposure over time can permanently damage their central nervous system, which may result in long-term health problems, such as learning disorders, impaired speech and brain damage.”
- Hear Barker discuss the effects of child lead poisoning in this video.
Signs of lead poisoning are not always easy to see and can be mistaken for other illnesses. Without a blood test, lead poisoning may go undiagnosed, especially since affected children often don’t look or act sick.
Possible signs of lead exposure and symptoms in children include:
- Tiredness or loss of energy.
- Hyperactivity.
- Reduced attention span.
- Irritability or crankiness.
- Poor appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Constipation.
- Aches or pains in stomach.
More information on blood testing and lead can be found on the following pages:
- CDC’s Testing Children for Lead Poisoning
- Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units’ Recommendations on Management of Childhood Lead Exposure
- Oregon Health Authority’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Oregon health care providers and laboratories are required by law to report certain diseases and conditions, including elevated and non-elevated lead test results, to local health departments or OHA.
Last year Oregon had 361 lead poisoning cases in children, with 237 affecting children younger than 6. The most common cases are due to ingesting paint and paint dust containing lead, but exposures from traditional cosmetics, glazed pottery, and informally imported spices have been identified.
For more information, visit OHA’s lead poisoning in Oregon page, and visit the CDC’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program page.
Although Oregon legislators were unable to approve a transportation bill, numerous bills were enacted in Salem during this extensive legislative session.
A groundbreaking consumer protection package constituted part of the new legislation recently enacted into law. In order to combat rising utility costs, the Fair Energy Act revamps the rate-setting procedures for gas and electric bills, while the Fan Fairness Act addresses fraud and price gouging related to event tickets.
Ashland State Representative Pam Marsh (D) expresses her satisfaction with the progress made in housing initiatives. While it required some time, Rep. Marsh also conveys her contentment with the efforts made by lawmakers to secure funding sources aimed at enhancing the state’s resilience to wildfires.
Oregon’s minimum wage increases by 35 cents per hour this week, resulting in the Portland area’s hourly minimum reaching $16.30.
This year’s increase is set at 2.4% — the lowest since 2015. In 2015, the Oregon Legislature sanctioned seven consecutive annual increases in the minimum wage and mandated additional increases linked to the cost of living, starting in 2023.
With inflation subsiding last year, the rise in minimum wage is also reduced. Oregon is distinctive as it has three different minimum wage levels: a highest tier for the Portland area, a ‘standard’ tier for other urban and semi-urban counties (which will be $15.05 per hour), and a lower tier (which will be $14.05) for rural regions of the state.
All three tiers rank among the highest in the country and significantly exceed the federal minimum wage, which has remained at $7.25 per hour since 2009.
Nye Beach health advisory issued July 2
High bacteria levels prompt OHA recommendation to avoid water contact
PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is issuing a public health advisory today for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters at Nye Beach in Lincoln County. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted.
Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.
Visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources.
Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources including:
- Stormwater runoff
- Sewer overflows
- Failing septic systems
- Animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife
Even if there is no advisory in effect, avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.
Ocean waters will be re-tested after an advisory is issued. Once bacteria levels are at a safe level, OHA will notify the public that the advisory is lifted.
While this advisory is in effect at Nye Beach, state officials continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory.
For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.
The University of Oregon terminated the employment of 42 individuals last week, with additional layoffs anticipated in the upcoming months due to budgetary constraints, as stated by university spokesperson Eric Howald to the general media.
The 42 individuals were employed in the College of Arts and Sciences, which is the largest school within the university. This group included 11 faculty members along with staff from administration, human resources, communications, grants, and academic support.
These layoffs were implemented to address a deficit exceeding $3.5 million for the college in the current fiscal year, which concludes on Monday, according to Howald. In the forthcoming months, the University of Oregon is expected to implement further layoffs and possibly furloughs, as the institution confronts a budget shortfall estimated between $25 million and $30 million for the next fiscal year, Howald indicated.
A legislative proposal aimed at enhancing housing for seniors in Oregon is progressing towards the governor’s desk. House Bill 3589 seeks to establish a program dedicated to creating accessible residences for seniors and individuals with disabilities, in addition to offering technical support to developers.
An allocation of $24 million is set to be redirected from Oregon’s Senior Property Tax Deferral Program to finance this initiative. This bill is designed to complement House Bill 3506, which focuses on safety improvements for current homes. Senator Pam Marsh, a Democratic representative from Ashland and a primary sponsor of both pieces of legislation, emphasizes the necessity of infrastructure that can accommodate Oregon’s aging demographic.
Should it be enacted, Marsh indicates that the bill would mandate the Housing and Community Services Department to publicly monitor and report on the advancement of affordable housing development associated with this initiative.
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.
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.
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.
Salem, OR – The Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) commissioned a third-party vendor, Baker Tilly Advisory Group, to conduct an independent audit of the Oregon Motor Voter (OMV) program at the direction of Governor Tina Kotek and SOS last fall.
The independent audit was one of many accountability measures initiated in response to the data entry errors discovered in OMV.
The audit found that the steps taken by Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and SOS to close the gaps in the OMV program were largely effective. ODOT and SOS are acting on additional recommendations from the audit to further support the program.
“I take any error that undermines Oregonians’ confidence in their election system incredibly seriously,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “From the moment the errors were caught, I committed to ongoing accountability and continual improvement of the Oregon Motor Voter program. This report underscores the strength of that work.”
“This independent audit is one of many things we are doing to lock down and root out errors in the Motor Voter system and earn back Oregonians’ trust. My team is already acting on these recommendations, and I’m glad to hear that what we’ve done so far is effective. We are committed to running fair, secure, accessible elections here in Oregon,” said Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read.
The audit assessed the effectiveness, accuracy and security of the OMV program, focusing on compliance, internal controls and data integrity. The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) division of the ODOT and SOS elections division actively participated in the audit.
The audit concluded that new processes and internal controls at DMV and SOS improved areas where errors were previously identified, although some gaps remain and additional improvements could be made. Those additional improvements are focused on reviewing OMV related rules, manuals and trainings; creating formal processes for tracking and evaluating errors in the system; and conducting more regular oversight of data and error logs.
The findings and recommendations from the audit are intended to enhance the integrity, compliance and operational efficiency of the OMV program, earning public trust and assuring access to a fundamental right through the automatic voter registration process.
For additional information on this audit, visit ODOT Motor Voter Program Audit website.
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