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Monday, July 21, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
A 20% chance of showers before 11am, otherwise sunny, with a high near 79. West southwest wind 7 to 11 mph. Overnight, clear with a low near 53. Northwest winds 8-13 mph.
Sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Slight chance of rian overnight, low of 52.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
Containment continues to increase on Elk and Hagelstein Fires; Evacuation orders lift for Elk Fire
Elk Fire
Total Size: 2,637 acres
Total Containment: 88%
Hagelstein Fire
Total Size: 669 acres
Total Containment: 45%
Bonanza, Ore.Due to reduced threat from the Elk Fire, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office has lifted all evacuation notices for areas around the fire. Crews continue to progress on both the Elk and Hagelstein Fires, increasing the depth of mop-up adjacent to the fireline.
Equipment has been pulled from the northwest area of the Elk Fire; this section has now been placed in patrol status. The rest of the fire is expected to be placed in patrol status by end of shift Tuesday.
There may be some visible smoke from the Elk Fire as unburned fuel deep within the interior continues to burn. Suppression repair work on the Elk Fire is intended to reduce impacts to soil and water quality by installation of water bars and smoothing dirt berms.
On the Hagelstein Fire, crews are improving access routes on the east side of the fire and gridding the fire for heat and flames. The west side of the Hagelstein Fire has been mopped up 150 feet into the interior, with snag felling completed.
Oregon Department of Forestry Team 1 Incident Commander, Dan Quinones noted that, “Morale is high and with over 3,000 acres of fire suppression in the last 11 days, both fires will be in a good place to transfer back to the local district and forest in the near future.” Last night and today resources have begun to be released from the Elk and Hagelstein Fires to either assist other fires, or to rest and get ready for their next deployment.
Cooler temperatures and higher humidities will be expected today, allowing crews to focus on mop up and suppression repair. Warmer trends can be expected in the coming days.
The Fremont-Winema National Forest has implemented forest area closures around the fires for public and firefighter safety. The closure area is posted and maps are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/fremont-winema/alerts.
CITY STREET WORK THIS WEEK
Beginning July 21, 2025, work will be performed as follows:
Asphalt Crews:
Asphalt crews will be working from 4 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. July 21 through July 24, 2025 as follows:
Monday 7-21-2025: Grind 5th from willow to 6th lane will be closed
Tuesday 7-22-2025: Pave 5th from willow to 6th lane will be closed
Wednesday 7-23-2025: Grind and pave 5th from Klamath Ave to Oak, lane will be
closed.
Thursday 7-24-2025: Utility cuts county-wide
Paint Crews:
Paint crews will be working from 3 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. July 22 through July 25, 2025 as
follows:
Tuesday 7-22-2025 through Thursday 7-25-2025: 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, Mills Elementary School, and Eagle
Ridge High School.
Signs and Sweeping Crews:
Signs and sweeping crews will be working from 6 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. July 21 through July
24, 2025 fixing signs and sweeping citywide as needed.
All work is weather-dependent. Please use caution while traveling in work zones.
Klamath County Public Works Department Schedule
Klamath County will have work crews at the following locations. Please use caution when in
these areas and watch for flaggers. If you are able to avoid the work zones, please use an
alternate route for your safety and the safety of Klamath County employees and our contractors.
Chip Seal Crew
July 21st – July 23rd – Sprague River Rd.
July 23rd – July 24th – Chiloquin Ridge Rd., Pine Cone Rd., Pine Ridge Rd. & Weed Rd.
4:00 AM – Early Morning Broom Crew
July 22nd – July 23rd – Sprague River Rd.
July 24th – July 25th – Chiloquin Ridge Rd., Pine Cone Rd., Pine Ridge Rd. & Weed Rd.
Homedale Shoulder Widening – Homedale Road south between Southside Bypass
(OR140) and Brett Way
Crews will be working in roadway on Homedale south – Potential lane restrictions, follow signs
See the following link for a map of roads to be chip sealed for the 2025 season, or log onto the
Klamath County Public Works website at http://www.klamathcounty.org/734/Maps.
In general, flagging stations will be set up at the end of the work zone and delays will be 0 to 20
minutes for the motoring public. Our goal is to minimize the delay to the motoring public. Other
minor work is occurring through the County but we are only listing the major items in this
announcement. There may be adjustments of work schedules due to weather or other items
outside of the County’s control (breakdown of equipment, material/resource availability, etc.)
Please do not contact the County if you do not see work occurring, it could be finished already
or will be rescheduled.
Please drive slow through Chip Seal and Paint Stripe areas. This will reduce damage to the
areas and reduce the probability of oil or paint getting on your vehicle. Klamath County Public
Works and the Board of County Commissioners appreciate the motoring publics’ patience
during the repair season for our local roads and bridges. If you have any questions regarding
work, please contact the Public Works Department at (541) 883-4696.
Diamond Lake Resort is sounding the alarm regarding impending reductions to ODOT maintenance crews, who diligently work to ensure that the resort and the rest of the state remain open and accessible throughout the year.
Dan Metz, a manager at ODOT, indicated that layoffs scheduled for the end of July would leave businesses and communities in the High Cascade isolated, potentially for months, as snow and other maintenance tasks accumulate on the small remaining workforce.
The resort is situated near the border of Klamath and Douglas counties. Diamond Lake Resort is positioned just a few miles from Crater Lake National Park. This all-season resort is a favored destination for anglers, cyclists, and hikers, transforming into a snowy paradise when winter envelops the Cascades. Officials at the resort warn that all of this could be at risk of disappearing or being severely restricted if the roads are not cleared of snow.
Following the failure of lawmakers to approve a transportation package during the legislative session, Governor Tina Kotek announced that ODOT has begunlaying off nearly 500 employees this month.
By the following year, that figure could escalate to between 600 and 700 positions. Stay tuned.
Around the State of Oregon
CLACKAMAS, Ore. – Soldiers from the Oregon Army National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) returned home July 19, 2025, following a successful year-long deployment to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission.
The welcome home event at Camp Withycombe marked the homecoming for soldiers participating in KFOR’s 34th rotation. This mission has been crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the Balkans since 1999. Approximately 300 soldiers returned in two groups, with the first group arriving around 1 p.m. A formal demobilization ceremony will be held in the near future.
The first group to return consisted primarily of soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, headquartered in Springfield, along with medical and support personnel from the 600-member task force that included soldiers from Oregon, Idaho, West Virginia, New Jersey, and Tennessee.
Lt. Col. Joseph Twigg, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, addressed the returning soldiers and their families. “Over the past year, you stood watch in Kosovo as part of KFOR. You built partnerships, maintained stability, and represented the United States with professionalism and integrity,” Twigg said. “From the smallest patrol to the most complex multinational mission, you performed with discipline, heart, and commitment.”
During their deployment, the Oregon soldiers made significant contributions to what Col. Peter Helzer, Commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, described as “the longest and most successful NATO mission in the history of the alliance.”
“Oregon soldiers contributed to a robust international mission, adding to over 4,000 security patrols, 13,000 public engagements, and 5,000 volunteer hours supporting communities in Kosovo,” Helzer said. “Additionally, soldiers from the 41st IBCT successfully responded to one of the largest terrorist attacks in Kosovo in recent years by providing security to critical infrastructure, working with our local and international partners to maintain peace in the region.”
The deployment provided unprecedented opportunities for international cooperation and professional development. Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment conducted fully integrated patrols with German and Latvian armies across contested terrain in Northern Kosovo. At the same time, headquarters staff planned operations alongside Italian, Hungarian, Slovenian, Turkish, and Swiss soldiers.
“The greatest lesson for most of us, I’m sure, was the importance of building trust in your team and your partners,” Helzer explained. “In this business, relationships matter, and Kosovo provided an unprecedented opportunity to learn how to better connect and operate together.”
The skills gained during the deployment will have immediate applications back home in Oregon. “Much of the experience gained from the mission in Kosovo can be immediately applied to supporting emergency services and domestic operations back here in Oregon,” Helzer noted. “As part of KFOR, we had to immediately integrate into a complex system of law enforcement, local government, and emergency services to be successful. The organizational, communication, and logistical skills we stressed overseas will most certainly make us more effective in case of an emergency here at home.”
Beyond the professional development, the mission provided many soldiers with their first opportunity to serve in Europe and experience a different part of the world.
Speaking to the families and communities who supported the soldiers throughout the deployment, Helzer emphasized the strategic importance of the mission. “The Balkan region is a historic crossroad of empires, and maintaining stability there prevents greater disorder that will eventually impact us here at home,” he said.
“I want you to know the command team from top all the way down are committed to normalizing the demands on you and your soldiers over the coming years,” Helzer told families at the ceremony. “Thank you for your commitment and support.”
Twigg praised the soldiers’ performance during the deployment, telling them they “shaped the security picture, provided real-time assessments that reached leaders at every level, and ensured informed decision-making from the ground up.”
He also recognized the families’ sacrifices during the deployment. “To the families here today—you served too. You kept things running at home, carried the burdens of distance, and supported your Soldiers every day,” Twigg said. “Thank you for your sacrifice and resilience. We could not have done this without you.”
The 41st IBCT’s community engagement efforts extended far beyond traditional military operations. “Whether on missions such as patrols, observation posts, or aerial recon and resupply, or community engagements and projects, they have done work that had a real impact on the lives of the Kosovar people,” Helzer said. “Beyond that, they have served as a strategic deterrent to malign actors across the region.”
The successful completion of the KFOR mission demonstrates the Oregon National Guard’s continued commitment to serving both state and federal missions while maintaining readiness for any contingency.
The 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, known as the “Jungleers,” is headquartered in Clackamas with subordinate units spread throughout Oregon. The brigade’s successful deployment to Kosovo continues the unit’s proud tradition of service, building on previous deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
With the soldiers now home, the focus shifts to reintegration and applying the valuable experience gained during their time in the Balkans to future missions, both at home and abroad.
Orleans Complex – Butler and Red Fire Update, July 21, 2025
- Butler Fire: The Butler Fire tested containment lines July 20 with a mix of spot fires and rollouts. Spotting occurred on both the north and south ends of the fire west of the Salmon River, while the fire east of the river had moderate growth.
- Butler Fire: Salmon River Road between Butler Flat and Nordheimer Campground remains closed as rocks and burning debris continued to fall onto the roadway.
-
National Forests: The Six Rivers and Klamath National Forests issued a joint closure order July 16 within the vicinity of the Butler Fire. The closure includes Nordheimer and Oak Bottom campgrounds. The Pacific Crest Trail remains outside of the closure area, but hikers are advised to exercise caution.
Marble Complex INCIDENT UPDATE 7-15-2025
– Summit Fire and Jacket Fire in Rogue Valley
Summit Fire: 700 acres – 58% containment
Portland Man Sentenced To Prison For Illegally Possessing Firearm in Drug Traffiking Crime Case
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man was sentenced to federal prison Thursday for illegally possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Rocky Allan Rainwater, 25, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, in January 2024, investigators with the FBI and Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) learned that an individual, later identified as Rainwater, used Telegram, an encrypted messaging service, to advertise the sale of various illegal narcotics including cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA, ketamine, LSD, Xanax, Adderall, and marijuana.
During the investigation, investigators learned that Rainwater sold drugs to several minors in the Portland area and determined that he was advertising and selling drugs to both adults and minors. In addition to delivering drugs locally, Rainwater, using the Telegram username “smokeyinpdx,” also advertised that he would sell and ship drugs to out-of-state customers.
On March 22, 2024, investigators arranged a controlled buy of cocaine from Rainwater. When Rainwater arrived, investigators arrested him and seized a loaded .22 caliber pistol, 73 grams of cocaine, 465 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, dextroamphetamine, and a scale. The same day, investigators executed a search warrant on Rainwater’s residence and found cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine, an electronic scale, .22 caliber ammunition, $1,490 in cash, and a money ledger.
On February 7, 2025, Rainwater pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF). It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
CCITF is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.
If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.
Oregon Legislature Adding More Money To Housing and Homelessness Problem
SALEM, Ore. — The 2025 Oregon Legislative Session concluded on June 27, delivering significant investments in the state’s housing and homelessness efforts.
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is grateful for key legislation passed that will bring much-needed relief to families experiencing housing instability across Oregon.
“These investments are the result of collective effort, and each brings us closer to a future where every Oregonian has access to stable housing,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “While we acknowledge there’s more work ahead, we are energized by what’s been achieved and deeply grateful to our lawmakers, community partners, and advocates who made it possible.”
Highlights from the 2025-27 agency budget and key legislation include:
- $204.9 million to sustain homeless and emergency shelters, helping communities across Oregon meet the immediate needs of people living unsheltered.
- $100.9 million for the Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) Homeownership program, which supports the development of affordable homes for families with low to moderate incomes.
- $10 million to support the housing priorities of Oregon’s nine federally recognized Native American Tribes, affirming the state’s commitment to tribal partnership and housing justice.
- $24 million for the Senior Housing Initiative through House Bill 3589, a targeted investment in preventing and reducing homelessness among Oregon’s aging population.
- House Bill 2698, which establishes a statewide homeownership goal, providing a clear benchmark for increasing access to homeownership for all Oregonians.
- House Bill 3792, which increases funding for low-income energy bill assistance by raising the cap from $20 million to $40 million, a move that will allow OHCS to serve more households in need of relief from rising utility costs.
The Housing Stability Council, OHCS’ advisory body that guides and advocates for the agency’s work, reflected on the investments approved by the Legislature: “At a time when housing needs are outpacing available resources, state-level leadership and investment are more critical than ever. Amid rising everyday costs, aging infrastructure, and increasing rates of people experiencing homelessness, the need to invest in shelter and housing for all—including seniors and Tribal communities—is urgent and undeniable. These housing investments reflect our shared commitment and responsibility to advancing access to safe, stable, and dignified housing for everyone in Oregon—regardless of age, background, or circumstances.”
As OHCS moves forward with program implementation, the agency will continue to work with the Housing Stability Council, legislative leaders, local partners, and community members to close remaining gaps and ensure every Oregonian has a place to call home.
For more information and a full list of OHCS’ legislatively approved bills and investments, visit the agency’s website.
Red Cross issues advice to stay safe during extreme heat
Heat can be dangerous for anyone. Stay hydrated, stay cool and stay connected.
We’re experiencing some of the hottest temperatures of the year across Oregon and SW Washington. The American Red Cross urges everyone to take three critical actions to stay safe:
- Stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
- Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library or cooling center.
- Stay connected by checking on others and asking for help if you need it. Make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.
“Knowing what to do to protect yourself and loved ones from extreme heat can save lives,” said Priscilla Fuentes, Chief Executive Officer of the Cascades Region. “We’re asking everyone to check on friends and neighbors, especially older adults, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers and athletes. You could make all the difference by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.”
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Remind everyone to drink water, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Aim for a cup of water every hour and encourage people to avoid sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks. Babies should be breast-fed or bottle-fed often. Fewer wet diapers or darker urine can be signs of dehydration.
Encourage athletes and outdoor workers to take breaks in the shade. They should drink a cup of water — or a sports drink — every 20 minutes.
Help those without air conditioning find a safe place to go like a mall, library or cooling center. They can also take cool showers or baths to help cool off. Remind people to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in light colors.
Never leave a child or pet alone inside a parked car, and make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.
HEAT ILLNESS SIGNS Anyone can become ill during extreme heat if their body can’t cool down properly. It’s critical to act fast as some types of heat illness can be deadly.
Heat cramps are signaled by heavy sweating and muscle pain. Take action by stopping what you’re doing, resting in a cool place and drinking a cup of water — or a sports drink — every 20 minutes. If you feel sick to your stomach, pause drinking. Get medical help if cramps last more than two hours or you have heart problems.
Heat exhaustion is signaled by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Take action by stopping what you’re doing, resting in a cool place and drinking a cup of water — or a sports drink — every 20 minutes. Loosen your clothes and place a cool wet cloth on your body. Get medical help if you’re vomiting, don’t feel better in an hour, or if you have heart or kidney problems.
Heat stroke is a deadly condition signaled by high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Call 911. Move to a cooler place, remove extra clothing and use a wet cloth or a cool bath to cool down. If possible, sip a sports drink or water.
IF THE POWER GOES OUT When a heat wave and a power outage happen at the same time, it can be even more dangerous. Stay in air conditioning either at home or at a mall, library or cooling center. Keep an ice-filled cooler stocked with food, water and medicine, so that they don’t spoil. More information is available here.
Finally, download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and heat safety information. Content is available in English and Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find both apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
STATE FORESTS ANNUAL OPERATIONS PLAN FOR TIMBER SALES FINALIZED AFTER ROBUST PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has finalized its Annual Operations Plans (AOP). The plans describe projects planned for state forests in the 2026 fiscal year that began July 1 and runs through June 30, 2026. These include:
- Planned timber sales for each district.
- Recreation projects, such as the installation of a bridge.
- Other types of forest projects, such as stream enhancement or restoration projects.
ODF received 516 written comments during the public comment period that was open from April 18 to June 3.
“Once again, we received many passionate and constructive comments from the public, representing diverse perspectives and demonstrating a high level of interest and engagement in state forests,” said Nick Palazzotto, ODF’s State Forests Division Deputy Chief. “The comments help us in the challenging work of trying to balance ODF’s legal obligation to manage state forests for timber production to meet economic goals as well as social and environmental outcomes—a concept referred to as Greatest Permanent Value.”
State forests provide economic, social and environmental benefits, including:
- Outdoor recreation
- Forest education
- Clean water
- Critical fish and wildlife habitats
- Sustainable harvest volumes that produce jobs and revenue that funds vital services in rural counties
The majority of timber sales are on Board of Forestry lands, where about two thirds of the resulting revenue is split with the counties. In turn, the counties share those revenues with special districts that support local schools or provide other essential community services. ODF retains one third of the revenue to fund management of state forests. A small portion of the timber sales are located on Common School Forest Lands and generate revenue for the state’s Common School Fund.
Some comments resulted in edits to specific timber sales while others are addressed in a high-level summary of the comments received highlighting the major themes, topics, and agency responses.
“We read and consider every comment,” said Palazzotto. “However, we do not respond individually to each one. Sale-specific comments are considered by the field and technical specialists and changes are documented in the plans. We also develop a summary with broad categories that capture the high- level comments and provides our responses to the public commentary.”
The comment summary document has the following sections:
- Recreation
- Timber Harvest
- Climate Change and Fire Mitigation
- Young Stand Management
- Aquatic, Water Quality, Wildlife
- Roads and Slopes
- Process and Document Improvement
- Specific Sales
- Out of Scope
“Because we manage state forests for the Greatest Permanent Value, we have to consider how our decisions impact all Oregonians, not just a single commenter,” said Palazzotto. “So even though we made changes to some sales, not everyone will be satisfied with those changes. We recognize that and seek to be as transparent as possible in our decisions.
We know Oregonians care about their forests as we received more than 500 comments this year. Given the high interest in how state forests are managed, ODF will continue to work on improving communications with landowners, neighbors and concerned citizens. Our goal is to raise awareness of our AOP process and how people can connect with us to have their concerns heard.”
The Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Operations Plan documents are available for ODF’s Astoria, Forest Grove, Klamath-Lake, North Cascade, Tillamook, West Oregon and Western Lane districts. These are located on the same webpage as the summary of comments and agency response document.
The Oregon State Fair is set to commence on August 22nd. This year, there will be a total of 11 concerts. Featured artists include the All American Rejects, Wynonna Judd, Cheap Trick, and the Beach Boys.
Attendance to the concerts is complimentary with general admission to the fair; however, reserved seating and VIP Plus Suite Seats can be purchased. Tickets are available for purchase on the Oregon State Fair’s official website. The fair will take place from August 22nd until September 1st.
Buy tickets and learn more at: https://oregonstatefair.org/
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