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.
Friday, August 1, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
The Klamath County Fair is on and running through the weekend. It showcases a diverse array of entertainment options, such as live music, carnival rides, and local vendors.
Music star Shane Smith & the Saints will be on stage tonight, Friday night, and Buckcherry performs on Saturday.
Admission fees are $8 for individuals aged 13 and older, $4 for seniors and military personnel, and free for children aged 12 and under.
The fair will feature carnival rides, local vendors, food booths, exhibits, livestock, and numerous other activities. Free admission will be available on Thursday from Noon to 3 PM (sponsored by Elwood Staffing), on Friday from Noon to 3 PM (sponsored by Days Inn), and all day on Sunday (sponsored by KIX96 Better Country and Wynne Broadcasting).
Last night in the Klamath Basin was once again quite a spectacle, marking the fourth consecutive night of significant thunderstorm and lightning activity.
Additional thunderstorms are anticipated to form today (Friday), primarily along and east of the Cascades, extending into Northern California.
A new Red Flag Warning has been issued for these regions. It is crucial to remember that lightning can be fatal – upon hearing thunder, seek substantial, covered shelter and remain there for 30 minutes after the last thunderclap. Fourteen new fires have been confirmed as of Wednesday. All of these fires are fully contained, with the largest measuring 0.3 acres. More holdover fires are likely to occur today.
If you observe smoke, please call 911 or (541) 947-6315 to report it. Refrain from engaging in any activities that may ignite a spark. Stay vigilant and report any smoke or fire without delay. Adhere to all local fire regulations.
Starting from August 3rd to 15th, Rocky Mountain Construction will conduct pavement operations on the segments of Austin Street and Avalon Street.
Traffic management measures, including lane and road closures, will be implemented throughout the construction period. Work crews will operate between the hours of 7PM and 7AM. We advise you to exercise caution when navigating through construction areas. For any inquiries or issues, please reach out to the Streets Division at 541-883-5385.
Klamath County is inviting individuals to apply for a newly established task force focused on addressing public safety requirements and enhancing local law enforcement initiatives.
Commissioner Andrew Nichols is initiating the forthcoming Public Safety Futures Task Force following a call for applicants made on Friday afternoon. This new task force will function under the Local Public Safety Coordination Council and will consist of a citizen-led working group dedicated to investigating new funding strategies, enhancing services, advocating for victims, and implementing structural reforms.
Applicants must reside in Klamath County and be prepared to commit to a one-year term in their position. Meetings will occur on a monthly basis, with the possibility of subcommittee meetings if necessary. The task force is set to commence in September. Applications must be submitted by August 15. To apply, please visit the Klamath County website form center.
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Andrew Molatore has been appointed as the new Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Sky Lakes Medical Center.
Andrew has been a vital member of the Sky Lakes family for almost twenty years, most recently holding the position of Controller. Andrew’s previous roles at Sky Lakes also encompassed overseeing Patient Financial Services and Decision Support. His comprehensive understanding of our organization’s financial environment, profound insight into operations, and his leadership during periods of change made him the ideal candidate.
Born and raised in Klamath Falls, Andrew is deeply connected to our culture and community, which equips him with a unique perspective to guide us forward with insight, empathy, and stability. Andrew possesses an undergraduate degree in Business with dual concentrations in Accounting and Finance from the University of Montana, as well as an MBA from the University of Oregon.
Due to ongoing budget reductions and uncertainty regarding funding, the consistently active Friends of Crater Lake are reaching out to promote greater public involvement in a series of forthcoming events.
Volunteers are being sought for a range of activities, including a Naturalization Ceremony, project weekend, Ride the Rim, and the group’s annual meeting. The first event is a Naturalization Ceremony scheduled for August 14, during which Crater Lake National Park will once again host a ceremony for newly recognized U.S. citizens. Friends volunteers typically assist with parking, respond to inquiries, and distribute refreshments at the event held at the Watchman Overlook. For further information and/or to register, please contact Karen Walters at karen@friendsofcraterlake.org. Volunteers are needed.
The annual Project Weekend is set for August 15 to 17, during which Friends volunteers will assist the park with various projects such as painting, trail enhancements, and native plant seed collection. Camping accommodations for RVs and tents will be available at Mazama Campground, along with dinner provided on Friday and Saturday evenings. For additional information and to register, please contact Ann McCaughan at ann@friendsofcraterlake.org.
Volunteers are also required for the annual Rim the Rim event, during which 25 miles of East Rim Drive, from its junction with the North Entrance Road to park headquarters, will be closed to motorized vehicles from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on two Saturdays, September 6 and 13. This event presents challenges due to significant elevation gains.
City Work Begins on Geothermal Pipeline Replacement Project – N. 8th St
Beginning this week, Bob’s Excavating will be working on N 8th Street. Road and lane closures with flaggers will be in place to direct local traffic. Construction closures and flaggers expected to be in place through Friday, October 17th. Please take caution when traveling through or around construction zones.
For more information, please contact Public Works at 541-883-5363.
Students from Henley High School constructed a custom ride for a 4-year-old with mobility limitations, enabling him to move around more freely.
Engineering students designed a vibrant red car for Paxton, a 4-year-old from the Eugene area who has a passion for dinosaurs. This initiative is part of the national Go Baby Go program, which promotes mobility through the adaptive design of ride-on cars for children. The car has been modified to meet Paxton’s specific requirements, including head and neck supports, a push-button toggle control, and an adjustable harness system.
Senior students Joshua Weaver and Anthony Flores spearheaded the initial phase of the project. They utilized their mechanical and electrical engineering expertise to create a custom head support system and personalized the car with Paxton’s name and dinosaur decals. Paxton received the car in July, and he was thrilled with it.
Go Baby Go is a national, community-oriented research, design, and outreach program that provides modified ride-on cars to children with limited mobility.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has issued a recreational use advisory for Upper Klamath Lake due to the presence of toxic algae.
This advisory is prompted by the detection of microcystin, a toxin generated by cyanobacteria, at levels exceeding the recommended limits for human exposure. Toxin exposure typically occurs through the ingestion of water during activities such as boating, skiing, and splashing in the water.
The OHA advises lake visitors to refrain from swimming and engaging in high-speed water activities. Other activities on the lake, such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and camping, are considered safe as long as excessive water spray is avoided. The OHA also recommends that both dogs and children be kept away from contaminated water, as they are at a heightened risk of exposure.
Dogs can become severely ill and may even die within hours of exposure. If your dog exhibits symptoms such as weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, or a loss of appetite, it is crucial to seek veterinary care immediately.
Around the State of Oregon
One individual has lost his life, and two police officers are currently hospitalized as a result of an incident involving an officer-involved shooting in Springfield.
Authorities report that the officers were attending to a call regarding a disorderly individual yesterday afternoon when the suspect attacked two officers with a knife, inflicting serious injuries. The officers were promptly transported to a medical facility. Subsequently, the Oregon State Police arrived at the scene and discharged their weapons at the suspect, resulting in his death. An investigation into the matter is currently underway.
On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 9:47 a.m., an Oregon State Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a passenger vehicle traveling southbound on I-5 near Albany due to several traffic infractions.
With the help of an OSP drug detection K-9, approximately 112 pounds of methamphetamine, 5.6 pounds of cocaine, and 4.4 pounds of fentanyl were discovered inside the vehicle.
Both the driver, Jesus Compos Roman (29) from Everett (WA), and the passenger, Eduar Freites Mosquera from Mill Creek (WA), were taken into custody for the possession and distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, and were booked at the Linn County Jail.
The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available for public release at this moment.
A 39-year-old man from the local area will be incarcerated in state prison for the next eighteen months due to charges associated with child sex offenses. As reported by the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, Anthony Nicholas Wheeler entered a guilty plea on Monday for first-degree online sexual corruption of a child and luring a minor.
These charges arose from an investigation conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in March, following a report that a man was reaching out to a teenager through Snapchat. The individual, later identified as Wheeler, allegedly informed a 16-year-old that her age was inconsequential to him. When the dialogue turned sexual, the teenager ceased her responses. Subsequently, a detective took over the conversation using the teenager’s Snapchat account.
Wheeler was apprehended upon his arrival at Lava Lanes, where he anticipated meeting the girl.
The Board of Trustees at Southern Oregon University (SOU) has unanimously approved President Rick Bailey’s request to reduce his salary by $50,000 for the upcoming year.
SOU is currently dealing with a $5 million deficit, prompting discussions about potential cuts to programs and faculty and staff positions. The Board of Trustees noted that Bailey’s salary was initially set at $290,000 per year at the start of the year. This reduction will take effect on August 1st and will remain in place until July 1st, 2026, at which point his salary will be fully reinstated.
While several board members expressed gratitude to Bailey for his sacrifice and leadership, Bailey indicated that this is not a matter for celebration. Instead, he believes the decision serves to draw the state’s attention to the financial difficulties facing SOU. The Board of Trustees remarked that, in comparison, Bailey is one of the lowest-paid University Presidents in Oregon.
He is scheduled to host a Campus Conversation on Friday, although he has stated that he does not intend to address the salary reduction during this event.
Oregon is participating with 22 other states in a legal action against the federal government concerning a statute that reduces funding to Planned Parenthood.
The legal action contends that the Defund Provision infringes upon the rights of states and will result in postponed diagnoses of cancer and sexually transmitted infections, a rise in unintended pregnancies, and an escalation in healthcare expenses amounting to at least 30 million dollars over a period of five years.
The temperatures are warm; however, gas prices remain relatively low.
Most states, including Oregon, are experiencing fairly stable pump prices. Crude oil prices are currently below 70 dollars per barrel, which is contributing to the avoidance of significant fluctuations in gas prices this summer.
According to Triple-A, the national average for regular gasoline has decreased by one cent to $3.14 per gallon. Meanwhile, the average price in Oregon has fallen by two cents to $3.97 a gallon.
Gildardo Rivera Garcia, 45, residing unlawfully in Salem, Oregon, has been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, following the trafficking of over 43 pounds of illegal drugs in Oregon.
According to court documents, on July 27, 2025, as part of an investigation into drug trafficking and a fatal fentanyl overdose, investigators from the Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) team, along with the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), executed a federal search warrant at Garcia’s residence in Salem.
During this operation, investigators discovered and confiscated approximately 32 pounds of fentanyl, 11 pounds of heroin, an automated money counter, and cash. Garcia made his initial appearance in federal court on Tuesday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge, who ordered him to be detained pending further court proceedings. This case is being investigated by the FBI, HSI, DEA, and WIN, and is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
PORTLAND, Ore.— The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that Scott E. Bradford has taken the oath of office—administered by U.S. Circuit Court Judge Danielle J. Forrest on Monday—to serve as the United States Attorney for the District of Oregon. On July 28, 2025, United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Mr. Bradford to serve as interim U.S. Attorney.
The District of Oregon serves approximately four million people and covers more than 98,000 square miles. Our expansive region hosts a wide variety of cultural and geographic diversity and is home to nine federally recognized Tribes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon has approximately 100 employees, with the main office located in Portland, where nearly half the population of the state lives, and two branch offices in Eugene and Medford, Oregon.
“I am honored to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and thank Attorney General Bondi for placing her trust in me. It is a privilege to lead this great office, serving alongside such dedicated public servants. I look forward to working with our federal, state, and local partners to protect the public and defend the interests of the United States,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Bradford is an 18-year veteran of the Department of Justice, joining the Department in 2007 through the Attorney General Honors Program and the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an Assistant United States Attorney in 2009. He has held several leadership positions in the office, including Chief of the White Collar Unit, Chief of the Economic, National Security, and Cyber Crimes Unit, and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division. In 2022, Bradford was the Department’s Regional Cybercrime Attaché in Southeast Asia. Bradford returned the Department of Justice in 2024 in Washington, D.C., most recently serving as the Acting Chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division. Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Bradford clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman.
Bradford received his bachelor’s degree from Bringham Young University and his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law.
Today is the federal government’s deadline to turn over a list of names of people receiving SNAP benefits in Oregon.
A coalition of states, inclucing Oregon, led by the usual liberal ideologies initiated a federal lawsuit on Monday against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, after the government insists on knowing who is on SNAP services, in the government’s attempt to cut fraud and abuse of the system.
Some states are contesting its recent request for the personal information of millions of individuals who receive federal food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins notified states earlier this month that they are required to provide this data to the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service in order to adhere to an executive order issued by President Trump. This order mandated that appointees of Trump’s agency be granted “full and prompt access” to all data related to federal programs, enabling them to identify and eliminate instances of “waste, fraud, and abuse.”
Last week, officials from the USDA informed state SNAP directors that the deadline for data submission is Wednesday, warning that failure to comply “may trigger noncompliance procedures” — which could include the withholding of funds. In the announcement of the states’ lawsuit on Monday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that the “unprecedented” request “violates all kinds of state and federal privacy laws” and “further breaks the trust between the federal government and the people it serves.”
The Trump Administration hoping to streamline the system, will likely see this group of states in court.The Trump administration is requesting that Oregon provide personal information of individuals who are receiving food stamps by today.
The liberal Oregon School Activities Association is currently confronted with yet another lawsuit regarding its policy that permits transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports.
The American First Policy Institute has initiated this lawsuit, asserting that girls who have voiced their objections to the policies have experienced harassment for their expressions. In May, two girls chose to leave the winner’s podium at the state track and field championships due to the participation of a transgender student.
The additional lawsuit is directed at the Governor, the O-S-A-A, and three school districts.
Governor Tina Kotek has enacted two pieces of legislation aimed at addressing concerns related to water quality and transparency.
Senate Bill 1154 seeks to enhance and update the state’s Groundwater Quality Protection Act by (1) encouraging a proactive strategy that initiates earlier actions from agencies and local authorities to tackle contamination, with a specific focus on data collection and analysis, as well as incentivizing optimal management practices; (2) enhancing the capacity of state agencies and local collaborators to effectively and swiftly respond to contamination when critical thresholds are reached; and (3) ensuring accountability throughout the implementation process.
On the other hand, House Bill 3525 mandates that landlords owning properties with well water must collect and analyze samples of drinking water for arsenic, coliform bacteria, lead, and nitrates. In a statement, the governor remarked, “Oregonians rely on groundwater resources for various purposes, the most crucial of which is supplying drinking water to residents throughout the state. It is essential that we ensure the quality and quantity of water in our streams and aquifers is more resilient to the escalating impacts of climate change and rising demands.”
Illegal Alien Honduran Man Convicted of Possessing and Distributing Fentanyl
PORTLAND, Ore.— Edis Odalis Centeno Banegas, 45, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Portland, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release Monday for possessing and distributing fentanyl in Oregon.
According to court documents, on September 6, 2023, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Banegas and his co-conspirator. During a search of the vehicle, officers located and seized fentanyl and Super Mannitol, a cutting agent used to mix with fentanyl for further distribution, and arrested Banegas and his co-conspirator.
Later the same day, investigators executed search warrants on Banegas’s residence and storage unit. Investigators located and seized additional fentanyl powder, counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, Super Mannitol, three firearms, ammunition, and equipment to process fentanyl including vice presses, a scale, masks, and a blender. In total, more than ten pounds of fentanyl and Super Mannitol were seized.Â
On September 19, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Banegas with conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On February 5, 2025, Banegas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) team, Portland Police Bureau, and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.
A state board has revoked the police license of a former long-serving lieutenant from the Central Point Police Department (CPPD).
As per public records, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training unanimously voted last Thursday to revoke Lieutenant Randy Clark’s license for a period of three years. The board determined that he breached moral fitness standards due to his off-duty conduct towards a former long-term girlfriend.
Records indicate that Clark persisted in contacting her even after the then-Chief of the CPPD instructed him to cease all communication. Clark was subsequently placed on administrative leave, and although no criminal charges were filed against him, the Medford Police Department initiated an investigation.
He retired in June 2022 while the investigation was still ongoing, concluding a 30-year career with the CPPD. Prior to his tenure with the agency, Clark attended both RCC and SOU and served as a reserve officer for the Talent Police Department.
PORTLAND MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING A FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AND DAMAGING FEDERAL PROPERTY DURING VIOLENT PROTEST AT LOCAL “ICE” OFFICE
A Portland man made his initial appearance in federal court yesterday after committing various offenses – including aggravated assault of a federal officer and damaging federal property – during a violent protest at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
Robert Jacob Hoopes, 24, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offenses of aggravated assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, and depredation of federal property in an amount exceeding $1,000.
According to court documents and information shared in court, on June 14, 2025, Hoopes was present at a protest at the ICE building. He was seen throwing large rocks at the building. He threw one of those rocks at an ICE officer and struck the officer in the head, causing a significant laceration over the officer’s eye. Later that same day, he and two other individuals were seen using an upended stop sign as a makeshift battering ram, which resulted in significant damage to the main entry door to the ICE building. Hoopes was identified from a photo online later that same day. Hoopes was arrested by FBI agents on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Hoopes made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Â Hoopes was ordered released pending trial.
Aggravated assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon that results in bodily injury is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. Depredation of federal property in an amount exceeding $1,000 is a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Since June 13, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged 23 defendants with offenses committed at the ICE building including assaulting federal officers, arson, possession of a destructive device, and depredation of government property.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
After enduring protests from certain constituents during a series of town halls in Eastern Oregon last year, U.S. Representative Cliff Bentz returned to his district last Friday to celebrate in front of a more welcoming audience near Pendleton.
The Eastern Oregon Economic Summit marked the Ontario Republican’s first public address since the narrow approval of the GOP’s budget and domestic policy bill earlier this month. Bentz’s address attracted protesters; however, this time they positioned themselves outside, across the street from where political and business leaders convened at the Wildhorse Resort and Casino on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
During his speech at the event, Bentz took the opportunity to elaborate on the advantages of being part of the majority party and to advocate for the controversial federal budget bill he played a role in passing. Bentz defended his vote and emphasized the inclusion of a $47 billion rural health fund. He remarked that much of the discourse surrounding the bill was “incorrect,” as he stated in his address. Before his election to Congress in 2020, Bentz dedicated twelve years to the Oregon Legislature, spending the entirety of that time in the minority party.
Governor Tina Kotek has announced a special legislative session scheduled for late August, following the failure of lawmakers to approve a $12 billion transportation funding package during the regular session of 2025.
Despite possessing a supermajority in both legislative chambers, Democrats could not advance the package prior to the adjournment of the session. Consequently, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has begun implementing layoffs and has suspended various infrastructure projects due to budget constraints.
Last week, Kotek presented her weak strategy of more gas taxes to stabilize ODOT’s financial situation. This proposal entails a six-cent increase in the state’s gas tax, a $42 rise in vehicle registration fees, a $139 increase in title fees, and an additional $30 charge for electric vehicles.
The proposal is already encountering opposition from Republican lawmakers, who contend that the state should utilize funds from its emergency reserve instead.
President Trump has issued a Major Disaster Declaration with FEMA for Oregon to assist in recovery efforts for coastal counties affected by severe weather earlier this year.
Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties are still in the process of recovering from the consequences of severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred in March. The declaration will provide federal funding through FEMA to repair and replace affected facilities.
U.S. Congressman Cliff Bentz has stated that the president has allocated approximately $9.5 million for recovery efforts, contingent upon assessments from FEMA. Congressman Bentz also mentioned that these federal funds may include the opportunity for Hazard Mitigation Grants.
In a significant achievement for conservation, adult winter-run chinook salmon have been observed in the McCloud River for the first time in almost a century.
California Fish and Wildlife has verified sightings near Ash Camp in Shasta County, which include a female salmon protecting her nest, indicating successful spawning. These fish are likely part of a collaborative initiative that began in 2022 aimed at reintroducing the endangered species to their original habitat above Shasta Dam. Most fish are captured and relocated downstream of the dam to enable their journey to the ocean, although some are inevitably overlooked.
CDFW will be present at the McCloud River this Saturday to stock additional winter-run chinook eggs for hatching and growth this summer.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 29, 2025) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the person(s) responsible for the illegal take and waste of a buck deer in Grants Pass.
On the morning of July 23, 2025, a dead buck deer was found on private property on NW Vine Street near NW Highland Avenue in Grants Pass. The property owner recalled hearing a single shot on the evening of July 21, 2025, but had not noticed the deceased animal until later
Anyone with information is asked to call the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number #SP25347008.
Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators
The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitters and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.
The TIP program offers cash rewards or preference point rewards to individuals who provide information leading to the arrest or citation of those responsible for the unlawful killing of wildlife and/or waste of big game. When making a report, provide as much of the following information as possible:
- Description of suspicious activity or violation
- Date, time, and location of activity
- Description of any vehicle involved
- Name and/or description of suspect(s)
Preference Point Rewards
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar
The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.
Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$400 Game Fish & Shellfish
$400 Snagging/Attempt to Snag
$300 Habitat destruction
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
Rewards for Game Fish & Shellfish and Snagging/Attempting to Snag are sponsored, in part, by Northwest Steelheaders Association and Coastal Conservation Association.
Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened” or “endangered” under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
$10,000 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and $11,500 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and north of Highway 20
Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.
How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (*677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information visit:Â www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/
Trump Administration Drops Grants To Organizations Trying To Protect Spotted Owls and Barred Owls
A strategy aimed at preserving the endangered northern spotted owl in the Pacific Northwest through the culling of a larger, invasive owl species may be at risk. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Trump administration has canceled three grants related to owl conservation, amounting to over one million dollars, which were allocated to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife last month.
One of these grants was intended to support a project that would eliminate the invasive barred owl from nearly 200,000 acres in California. In January, a coalition of lawmakers urged Trump to halt the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s initiative to cull hundreds of thousands of barred owls across Washington, Oregon, and California. The lawmakers argue that the plan is excessively costly and, in their words, “entirely impractical.”
END OF JULY IS A GOOD TIME TO GIVE URBAN TREES A GOOD SOAKING
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry wants to remind urban homeowners that now is the perfect time to remember to water your trees.
“By the end of July, soils in Oregon are very dry. Coupled with long, hot days, this puts trees under a great deal of stress. Drought-stressed trees are vulnerable to pests, at risk from losing their leaves early, and even dying,” said ODF Community Assistance Forester Brittany Oxford.
Oxford advises that trees three years and younger need about 15 gallons of water once a week, possibly more during heat waves.
“What’s harder for many in western Oregon to grasp is that even older trees benefit from a deep watering at least a few times during the summer,” said Oxford. “That’s why the last week of July and the last week in August have been designated as Soak It Weeks, to serve as reminders for urban homeowners to deeply water their older trees at least once during those times.”
Oxford points out that rainfall in western Oregon is no longer reliable enough in spring and fall to get trees through the dry summer months in good shape. ”Higher average temperatures are especially hard on the many trees in Oregon cities that are native to places where it rains a lot in summer, such as eastern Asia or the eastern U.S.,” she said.
While some trees native to dry areas of the world might not need or even want watering in the summer, most other trees will grow faster, look better and be healthier if watered in the summer. Â
“Get to know what species of tree you have and adjust the watering needs according to how drought-tolerant it is, your soil type, and how exposed to sun your tree is,” says Oxford. “A tree in full sun may need more water than one growing in shade.”
She recommends that trees four to 10 years old may need anywhere from 20 to 30 gallons every other week. Trees older than that may only need a deep soaking once a month.
In all cases, water should be given close to the tree’s trunk. “Apply it slowly so it soaks down into the roots and doesn’t run off,” advised Oxford. “Drilling small holes on one side of a five-gallon bucket near the bottom can be a convenient way to water. Just refill the bucket from a hose as many times as needed.”
Watering in the morning or evenings is advised to reduce water loss from evaporation.
“Mulching around a tree also cuts down on water loss, but keep it from touching the tree’s trunk,” said Oxford.
Find more guidance on watering trees at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/
BLM GEOTHERMAL LEASES IN OREGON SALE NET MORE THAN $430,000
VALE, Ore. —The Bureau of Land Management leased two parcels in Malheur County totaling 5,235 public acres for $430,518.
The sale generated an average of $82 per acre in total receipts, which was the most per acre revenue generated from a BLM geothermal lease sale in Oregon in recent history.Â
For each parcel leased, 50 percent of the combined bid, rental receipts, and subsequent royalties will go to the State of Oregon, 25 percent will go to Malheur County, and the remaining 25 percent will go to the U.S. Treasury.Â
Geothermal lease sales support domestic energy production and American energy independence, while contributing to the nation’s economic and military security. Consistent with Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy,” the BLM’s geothermal lease sales help meet the energy needs of U.S. citizens and solidify the nation as a global energy leader long into the future and achieve American Energy Dominance.Â
Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal geothermal resources. The BLM ensures geothermal development meets the requirements set forth by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other applicable legal authorities. Planning documents for this sale are available at the BLM National NEPA Register. The BLM’s lease sales are held online through EnergyNet.
Geothermal is an abundant resource, especially in the West, where the BLM has authority to manage geothermal resource leasing, exploration, and development on approximately 245 million surface acres of public lands and the 700 million acres where the United States owns the subsurface mineral estate.
Please visit the BLM’s Geothermal Energy page for more information.
ARMENIAN NATIONAL EXTRADITED TO THE UNITED STATES FACES FEDERAL CHARGES FOR RANSOMWARE EXTORTION CONSPIRACY
PORTLAND, Ore.—An Armenian national extradited from Ukraine to the United States faces federal charges for their role in Ryuk ransomware attacks and extortion conspiracy targeting companies throughout the United States, including a technology company operating here in Oregon.
Karen Serobovich Vardanyan, 33, an Armenian national, has been charged with conspiracy, fraud in connection with computers, and extortion in connection with computers. Vardanyan was extradited from Ukraine to the United States on June 18, 2025.
Levon Georgiyovych Avetisyan, 45, an Armenian national, has been charged with conspiracy, fraud in connection with computers, and extortion in connection with computers. Avetisyan is the subject of a United States extradition request in France.Â
Oleg Nikolayevich Lyulyava, 53, and Andrii Leonydovich Prykhodchenko, 53, both Ukrainian nationals, have been charged with conspiracy, fraud in connection with computers, and extortion in connection with computers. Lyulyava and Prykhodchenko are not in custody.
According to court documents, between March 2019 and September 2020, Vardanyan and co-conspirators are alleged to have illegally accessed computer networks of victim companies to deploy Ryuk ransomware on hundreds of compromised servers and workstations. Ryuk ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to encrypt data on a victim’s computer or network and prevents the victim from accessing the encrypted files until a ransom is paid.
Ryuk has been used to target thousands of victims worldwide across a variety of sectors, including private industry, state and local municipalities, local school districts, critical infrastructure, and hospitals and other healthcare services and providers. Ryuk attacks have severely disrupted these entities’ abilities to function by restricting access to data and impacting communications.
As part of the scheme, ransom payments were extorted from victim companies in exchange for decryption keys to regain access to their data. A ransom note was placed on the computer systems demanding ransom payments in Bitcoin, a form of cryptocurrency, and provided an email address that victims could use to communicate with the cybercriminals. Vardanyan and co-conspirators are alleged to have received approximately 1,610 bitcoins in ransom payments from the victim companies, which was valued at over $15 million at the time of payment.
Vardanyan made his first appearance in federal court June 20, 2025, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a seven-day jury trial scheduled to begin on August 26, 2025.
If convicted, Vardanyan faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, three years’ supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 for each count.
The case is being investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Katherine A. Rykken, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing Vardanyan’s arrest and extradition from Ukraine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the Ukrainian authorities for their assistance in this matter.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
For the first time in many years, patrons can approach the bar, enjoy a shot of whiskey, and perhaps even witness a gunfight erupt in Shaniko along Highway 97.
Indeed, Oregon’s most renowned ghost town now features an Old West tavern that operates on weekends. Benjamin Harleman, the owner of the High Desert Ranger Saloon, also serves as the president of the High Desert Rangers gunfighters club.
Harleman embodies the role of a traditional saloon keeper, donning a black felt wide-brimmed hat, a collarless “granddad” shirt, and a blue wool vest while he serves drinks behind the bar. The saloon provides a variety of root beers and sodas, alongside alcoholic beverages at the bar.
For food, Harleman typically has wings or nachos available for patrons. While cash is preferred, in a rare concession to modernity, the bar also accepts Venmo or CashApp.
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