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 8, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, with a high near 86 with a northwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Overnight, mostly clear, with a low around 51.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
The Klamath County Commissioners have granted a 90-day extension to the contract with the Klamath County Economic Development Association, commonly referred to as KCEDA, to provide the nonprofit’s board with the opportunity to evaluate the proposed updates to the contract.
The contract for KCEDA lapsed on June 30 without renewal, primarily due to a disagreement concerning the reintroduction of mandatory full audits every three years.
Before 2016, it was customary for triennial audits to be included in the contracts between the county and KCEDA. Last week, KCEDA leaders reconvened with county commissioners to present a formal statement addressing their expressed concerns. Previously, KCEDA leaders had raised issues regarding audits and the possible risks to clients with whom the organization had established non-disclosure agreements.
As of Tuesday, the contract for KCEDA has been extended until September 30, with Commissioner Andrew Nichols casting a dissenting vote against the extension.
Saturday, enjoy the annual Brats, Brews & Blues Festival at the Klamath Yacht Club for a delightful experience of “fun in the sun”.
The Saturday blues festival also serves as a fundraiser to benefit the Klamath Hospice’s Camp Evergreen and Camp Sapling, which are two local initiatives aimed at supporting bereaved youth.
This year marks the 24th annual BB&B festival organized by the Klamath Basin Sunrise Rotary, promising enjoyable food, entertainment, and camaraderie for everyone. From 2 to 4 p.m., immerse yourself in the twangy, sweet sounds of the Brothers Reed, followed by Broadway Phil and the Shouters, who will deliver some classic rocking blues.
The BB&B festival will take place from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9th at the Klamath Yacht Club, located at 2700 Front St., in Klamath Falls.
Admission is priced at $25 per person, which does not cover food or beverages.
An increase in public art is forthcoming in downtown Klamath Falls as the city persists in its commitment to community beautification and revitalization.
This week, the Klamath Falls City Council revealed that it will once again collaborate with the internationally renowned wildlife sculptor Stefan Savides to install a new bronze artwork in the city.
Savides, celebrated for his realistic avian sculptures, has several pieces already exhibited locally, including those at Klamath Commons Park and the roundabout on Homedale Road. His latest commission is a life-sized bronze bull elk, approximately 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, which will be placed in Baldwin Park after the completion of a related landscaping project later this year.
Savides’ sculptures are praised for their capacity to embody the natural essence of wildlife through clean and elegant designs. His works have been showcased in galleries, museums, and private collections worldwide.
The total cost for the elk sculpture project is $94,300, with the city contributing only $25,000. The remaining amount will be sourced from grants, private donations, and charitable foundations.
Free School Clothing Distribution in Chiloquin August 8–9
Chiloquin, OR – Families in need of back-to-school clothing are invited to a Free School Clothing Distribution event this Friday and Saturday, August 8–9, at the Chiloquin Community Center. The event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day.
Gently used school clothing and other essential items will be available at no cost. Parents and guardians are encouraged to come pick out clothing for their children before the new school year begins.
This community project is proudly sponsored by Healthy Klamath, Just Serve, and Chiloquin Visions in Progress (CVIP).
Volunteers are still needed to help sort and organize the donated items. Those interested in volunteering can contact Anita Johnson at 909-240-1048.
This community effort is a great way to support local families and ensure every child has what they need to start school with confidence.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony held last week marked the inauguration of an expanded segment of the Geo Trail, which was made possible in part by the efforts of civil engineering students from Oregon Tech — who developed the design for a ramp leading to Crystal Terrace as their senior project in 2023.
The Geo Trail in Klamath Falls was established in 2016 as a community-driven initiative. This nearly 2-mile-long recreational trail is situated above Oregon Tech and Sky Lakes Medical Center, offering picturesque views of the Klamath Basin.
Conor Roark, Ashley Ripplinger, Hunter Stubbs, Zachary Walker, Mark Villanueva, and Lief Tuel worked in collaboration with Justin Rodriguez, a professional engineer (P.E.) and a member of the Klamath Trails Alliance Advisory Board, to devise a design that would enhance trail access for residents of the Crystal Terrace senior living facility as well as for commuters heading to Sky Lakes Medical Center.
The team commenced the project during the Fall 2022 and Winter 2023 terms of their senior design course, under the guidance of assistant professor of civil engineering Jintai Wang.
The area surrounding the static F-15 jet display in Klamath Falls is set for renovation.
During a recent council meeting, the Klamath Falls City Council sanctioned a construction services agreement with Diversified Contractors, Inc. to carry out the “Veterans Park Plaza Improvement Project.”
For this initiative, the city allocated a total of $175,000 during the budget discussions in May, with financing sourced from the city parks capital outlay fund. Terry Sellars, the maintenance director for Klamath Falls Parks, informed the council that the bids received exceeded expectations. After being put out for bid on June 19, the city received two proposals, both significantly above the allocated budget, with Diversified’s bid amounting to $244,699.
Sellars mentioned that the staff managed to collaborate with Diversified to lower the total bid by $19,500, resulting in a final cost of $225,199, in addition to a contingency allowance of $22,520. The location of the retired jet display is situated on top of the park’s concrete amphitheater, where it was installed in January 2024.
The construction of a new facility has been completed, which offers Klamath Crimson Rose enhanced resources to assist young girls and women in embarking on a new journey beyond the criminal justice system.
Dan Golden, the director of the juvenile department in Klamath County, stated that Klamath Crimson Rose (KCR) operates a 90-day behavioral stabilization program that has demonstrated effectiveness for female youth. Following this, Golden mentioned that Crimson Rose collaborates with parole and probation officers in the girls’ home districts to coordinate care plans, aiding in the acquisition of ongoing treatment resources.
Statistics from the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), the state organization that funds the KCR program and its new facility, indicate that around 75% of girls diverted from the criminal justice system into these youth programs do not re-enter the juvenile court system. The new facility has expanded the total number of available beds to 12.
County Commissioner Kelley Minty commended the program for its achievements since its inception in 2014. The girls referred to KCR are aged between 12 and 20, frequently facing mental health challenges and histories of abuse. A memorandum of understanding between KCR and Klamath Basin Behavioral Health ensures on-site access for the youth in need, which includes both individualized and group therapy sessions, according to Golden.
The educational requirements are also addressed on-site, thanks to a collaboration with Klamath Falls City Schools’ Klamath Institute program, which provides one full-time teacher and a part-time teacher’s aide. The new building design incorporates an education center and an art room, offering young girls a space to learn and express their creativity.
The Ross Ragland Theatre is set to resonate with laughter this weekend as three exceptional comedians take the stage on Saturday, the 9th.
Hosted by Retro Room Records, the Killer Comedy Show is scheduled to commence at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, featuring the comedic talents of Sam Bam, Key Lewis, and Marc Yaffee.
Sam Bam, a veteran comedian, has refined his skills in Bay Area comedy clubs for over a decade, earning a reputation as a favorite in the stand-up comedy circuit due to his authentic, candid storytelling and his knack for transforming everyday occurrences into amusing performances.
Key Lewis contributes high-energy improvisation and a captivating performance style to the lineup. His acts intertwine narratives from his interracial upbringing, family dynamics, and unique perspectives on relationships, all delivered with a talent for spontaneity and engaging the audience. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Arctic and subsequently joined the GIs of Comedy, touring with fellow veterans to entertain service members in more than 11 countries, including Italy, Egypt, and Jordan. Lewis describes comedy as his drug and expresses his desire for others to discover the therapeutic benefits he has experienced. Both Sam Bam and Key Lewis will be supporting the iconic Marc Yaffee, a seasoned comedian whose career dates back to the 1990s.
For ticket inquiries, please call 541-884-LIVE.
Renowned mainly for its skating activities, the Bill Collier Ice Arena is expanding its offerings this weekend by hosting its inaugural cornhole tournament, titled Blades and Boards.
This two-day event aims to unite the community while generating funds for scholarships and improvements to the facility. The tournament is scheduled for today and Saturday, Aug. 8th & 9th and includes three events that welcome participants of all skill levels. The proceeds will be allocated directly to enhancing the arena and supporting local youth through scholarship initiatives.
The festivities commence on Friday evening with a Blind Draw tournament. Check-in is set to begin at 5:30 p.m., with the games starting at 6:30 p.m. The entry fee is $20 per individual. Partners will be assigned randomly, and each team will engage in two to three warm-up games prior to entering a double-elimination bracket.
Fifty percent of the entry fees will be distributed as cash prizes, allocated as 60% for first place, 30% for second, and 10% for third.
On Saturday morning, the tournament will proceed with a Bring Your Own Partner (BYOP) event starting at 10:30 a.m. The entry fee for this event is $50 per person. Teams will participate in six to eight preliminary rounds before moving on to bracket play. The brackets will be categorized by skill level, determined by the total points accumulated in the earlier rounds.
Similar to Friday’s event, half of the pot will be awarded, divided between the advanced and competitive divisions, with each division adhering to the same 60/30/10 payout structure. Additionally, top finishers will be awarded trophy boards. The weekend concludes on Saturday evening with the Crew Cup tournament, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. The entry fee for this tournament is $30 per person. Participants will be randomly assigned into crews of four, with players rotating partners for each throw.
Following several preliminary games, crews will enter a double-elimination bracket. Payouts will once again be distributed in a 60/30/10 ratio from half of the collected entry fees. The arena is conveniently located just west of Klamath Falls off Highway 140 at Running Y Ranch.
Klamath Falls Farmers Market is participating in a nationwide celebration of National Farmers Market Week this Saturday, Aug 9th.
The festivities will commence at 9 a.m. on Main Street in downtown, featuring a special dedication by Mayor Carol Westfall to honor the local organization and the farmers who provide fresh food to our tables.
Fernando Rayas, a local farmer and board member of the Klamath Falls Farmers Market, stated that purchasing local produce “supports a family committed to cultivating food for the community in the basin.” This week’s event is made possible by the sponsorship of Sky Lakes Medical Center and the city of Klamath Falls. Over 50 vendors are expected to participate, showcasing peak-season produce, freshly baked goods, and local artisan crafts and products.
Additionally, the program will include complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides, games, and a photo booth.
The Klamath Music Festival, featuring a diverse array of musical performances from renowned classics to emerging talents, will take place at the Ross Ragland theater campus on Saturday, August 23.
This event is organized by the non-profit Klamath Music, which actively supports the music scene in the basin throughout the year. This morning, Klamath Music’s executive director Nick Depew and festival artist Ethan McCalister appeared on Sunrise with Emily Storm to share details about the festival.
The festival will be headlined by the classic rock band The Fabulous Thunderbirds, known for their hit “Tuff Enuff,” who will conclude the evening’s events. Prior to their performance, Gary Jules, famous for his song “Mad World,” will take the stage. For McCalister, performing alongside seasoned acts is a significant opportunity. He serves as the lead vocalist and guitarist for Atelectasis, a relatively new metal band hailing from Klamath Falls.
The band is a family-oriented group, featuring McCalister’s father Van on drums and his brother Miles on bass. McCalister’s best friend, Donovan Jones, plays lead guitar. Their music has been characterized as a blend of accessible thrash metal and progressive rock, drawing inspiration from bands such as Tool and Megadeth. Their performance will include both covers and original compositions, including a recently recorded single.
To purchase tickets, please call 541-884-LIVE.
PET READY FOR ADOPTION FROM KLAMATH ANIMAL SHELTER
This week’s pet is a dog named ” Baxter “. Baxter is a male, Labrador, around 5 years old, he is solid black and weighs around 50 pounds. 
If you are interested in adopting Baxter the shelter is located at 4240 Washburn Way, Monday through Friday from 12:00 – 4:00, walk throughs are available, pet meet and greets are by appointment, you can reach the shelter at 541-884-PETS (541-884-7387)Around the State of Oregon
Pacific Power has introduced its latest Wildfire Intelligence Center, a facility aimed at improving the company’s capacity to track and monitor wildfires in real time, thereby enabling more informed decisions regarding emergency power shutoffs.
“If we observe that a fire is starting to move away from the equipment, or if we determine that the fire poses no threat, we will restore power as swiftly as possible. The Wildfire Intelligence Center significantly enhances our capability to achieve this,” stated Simon Gutierrez, Communications Specialist for Pacific Power.
The center is staffed by a team of 15 and is transitioning to 24-hour operations. Since its launch on May 3, the center has monitored over 1,300 wildfires, as reported by Nick Linfoot, Wildfire Intelligence Center Manager. Pacific Power asserts that the additional intelligence has already enabled them to prevent numerous emergency de-energizations that would have otherwise been necessary, thanks to enhanced situational awareness and real-time data.
Since the onset of the pandemic, many students in Oregon have fallen far behind their peers across the nation in terms of educational achievement.
Late to the table again, Governor Tina Kotek has proposed four bipartisan bills designed to enhance the educational outcomes within the state. The enhancements outlined in these bills involve allocating state funds to programs that aim to improve and assess student performance, as well as ensuring greater predictability and accuracy regarding the funds distributed to school districts.
Additionally, these bills streamline administrative responsibilities for smaller school districts, allowing them to concentrate more on student needs and to expand upon Kotek’s 20-23 Early Literacy Initiative, supported by an extra $13 million. The enactment of these bills coincides with what Kotek describes as a historic allocation of $11 billion for the State School Fund.
Of the four bills signed, three will take effect immediately upon passage.
Siskiyou Gold Fair Is On Through Sunday
If you did not experience sufficient enjoyable activities at the Klamath County fair this past weekend, a brief drive will lead you to another well-known local county fair.
It is now Siskiyou County’s opportunity to host the fair, and this year is particularly significant– TheSiskiyou Golden Fair is commemorating its 100th anniversary. The fair will take place from Wednesday to Sunday at the fairgrounds in Yreka, offering five complete days of traditional fun, live entertainment, and community heritage.
Attendees can partake in all the beloved attractions: exhilarating carnival rides and games, tasty food vendors, motocross events, a dynamic rodeo shoot-out, and the ever-popular Destruction Derby.
This year’s concert schedule features performances by Ben Haggard and Chancey Williams, bringing some celebrity appeal to the celebrations. Naturally, a county fair would not be complete without animals– from livestock displays to petting zoos, there is something for animal enthusiasts of all ages.
The carnival will commence at 3 p.m. on Wednesday and will then open daily at 10 a.m. for the rest of the week. Parking is complimentary, and children aged six and under are admitted free of charge.
The Oregon Department of Human Services’ (ODHS) seeks public comment on proposed changes to two Medicaid-funded services.
These amendments will allow ODHS to implement an Agency with Choice service option for in-home consumers and will update the Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) rate methodology for Adult Foster Homes and Residential Care Facilities. These amendments are proposed with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026.
More information, including the public notice, amendment summary and available drafts of the proposed amendments, are posted on the APD website.
To submit feedback and comments, the public may take one of the following actions:
- Send an email to Beth.Jackson3@odhs.oregon.
gov - Send written comments addressed to Oregon Department of Human Services, Attn: Beth Jackson, 500 Summer Street NE, Salem, OR 97301.
- Send a fax to 503-947-4245, Attn: Beth Jackson
Deadline: To be considered, feedback must be received by Sept. 1, 2025.
- APD was directed by House Bill 4129 (2024) to create an Agency with Choice (AwC) service model for in-home service options. This model will be added to APD’s in-home service options in Jan. 2026. The detailed requirements for AwC will be in Oregon Administrative Rules. The 1915(k) language will be amended to reference those rules. The 1915(k) will also include a description of how the AwC rates will be developed. Because HB 4129 limits the number of AwC providers to two, APD will specify that limit in the 1915(k). APD will also add AwC to APD’s 1915(b)(4) for case management services.
- APD is also proposing a new way to calculate rates for APD Adult Foster Homes and Residential Care Facilities. The rate methodology for these providers was created in the 1980s and no longer captures the complexity of individuals served in these settings. The new rate methodology will more accurately account for individuals’ needs. The 1915(k) will define the methodology and provider requirements.
OREGON STATE AGENCIES REMIND EVERYONE TO BE INFORMED AND PREPARED
Salem, Ore. – As Oregon heads into its peak wildfire months, August and September, Oregon’s public safety services and natural resource agencies want to remind Oregonians to practice wildfire prevention, prepare their home and a go-bag for evacuation and know where to sign up for alerts.
“As Oregonians and visitors enjoy the beauty of an Oregon summer, we have to remember that we are still in the middle of wildfire season,” Governor Kotek said. “Ignition risks present a real threat to our parks, forests and coastal areas – and it’s on us to act responsibly, doing our part to prevent wildfires wherever we recreate.”
According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center’s predictive services, the Pacific Northwest area is anticipated to be at elevated risk of significant fires from August to October. With fire crews responding to new fire starts every day, now is the time for Oregonians to be prepared for wildfires and help prevent future ignitions.
How can people help prevent wildfires?
The Oregon Department of Forestry is urging the public to actively practice wildfire prevention as the state continues to put out new fires every day. Additional human-caused fires on the landscape will draw the firefighting efforts away from the lightning-caused fires and put extra strain on ground and aviation resources, which are already spread thin. YOU can help prevent wildfires by:
- Checking and following your local fire regulations. The majority of the state is either in high or extreme fire danger right now, meaning even the smallest of sparks could start the next large wildfire.
- Debris burning may be prohibited where you live.
- Check local restrictions or contact your local ODF office.
- Return to check on your burn site if you burned earlier in the year.
- Make sure your car has been recently serviced to avoid faulty parts throwing sparks.
- Don’t drag tow chains.
- Avoid parking vehicles on tall, dry grass.
- Recreate responsibly. Where campfires are allowed, make sure your campfire is DEAD OUT before leaving it by drowning it with water, stirring it with a shovel and repeating that process until it is cold to the touch. If there is heat coming off it, there are still embers that could reignite.
Take Simple Steps Now to Protect Your Home from Wildfire
The Oregon State Fire Marshal reminds Oregonians that summer is not the safest time to tackle large landscaping or defensible space projects. Hot, dry conditions increase the risk of starting a fire with tools or equipment. But there are still small, safe steps you can take now to reduce wildfire risk around your home. The Oregon State Fire Marshal encourages everyone to plan ahead and do light cleanup tasks that protect your property without increasing fire danger.
Here are a few easy tasks to reduce risk in the first five feet around your home:
- Clear leaves, pine needles, and other debris from your roof, gutters, and under decks.
- Cut back plants and bushes that are touching your home or growing under roof eaves. Give trees and shrubs space from each other and from structures.
- Remove dead plants and wood mulch. Use nonflammable materials like rocks or gravel near your home. Avoid bark mulch or dry grasses right next to buildings.
- Move firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable items at least five feet away from your home.
- Cover attic vents, soffit vents, and spaces under decks with 1/8-inch metal mesh to block embers.
Avoid using power tools or equipment that could spark a fire, especially during the heat of the day. Summer is a good time to plan defensible space projects so you’re ready to work safely once wildfire season ends.
For more tips or help with defensible space, visit www.oregondefensiblespace.org or https://preventwildfires.
How can I prepare myself in case I need to evacuate?
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) urges everyone to prepare for wildfires and other emergencies by knowing evacuation levels, staying informed, having a plan, and having a go-kit ready.
Evacuation Levels
- Oregon follows a three-level evacuation notification system, each structured around safety threat level.
- Oregonians should become familiar with “Be Ready, Be Set, Go!” evacuation levels to make informed decisions when receiving evacuation notices.
- OEM urges people to evacuate whenever they feel unsafe, conditions can change rapidly; individuals should always make the best decision for their safety.
- Following evacuation, people should not return to the area until public safety officials state it is safe.
- Stay informed sign up to receive evacuation at, ORAlert.gov remember to update information if need be.
- Find the websites for your county emergency management, sheriff’s office, or tribal police and follow them on social media.
FORESTRY’S NEW REGIONAL AIR-ATTACK PLATFORM SEES IMMEDIATE SUCCESS
SALEM, Ore.—Oregon’s wildfire response continues to evolve with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) recent addition of regional air attack and ongoing investment in severity aircraft.
Deputy Director of Fire Operations, Kyle Williams, explained, “the severity aircraft and regional air attack gives us a huge advantage, both are excellent investments. These help us fight wildfires with surgical precision, quickly cutting off wildfires in critical locations.”
In terms of geographical scope, ODF is the state’s largest fire department. The department typically responds to more than one thousand fires each year. Most fires you never hear of because ODF’s fast, effective response keeps most wildfires under 10 acres.
Chief of Fire Protection, Michael Curran, explained, “this takes a coordinated effort using aircraft and on-the-ground firefighters to quickly stop these fires. ODF has hundreds of firefighters and multiple aircraft strategically located across the state to do this work.”
What is air attack?
Air attack is the airplane and crew that fly above a wildfire to coordinate aircraft and groundwork to stop a wildfire—a flying air traffic control center. Air attack has three primary responsibilities—keeping firefighters safe, ensuring accurate drops of water or retardant, and giving incident commanders a full, clear picture of the fire.
Safety takes priority. Keeping firefighters and air crews safe requires maintaining space between aircraft and coordinating precise water drops. Air attack monitors and directs flight paths based on multiple factors. The key factors are spacing and whether the pilot can drop the water on target while keeping on-the-ground firefighters safe.
Hitting the target keeps fires smaller. Accuracy depends on clear communication from the firefighters to air attack about target coordinates and timing. The firefighters determine the spot to hit, which can change quickly based on the speed that a fire spreads, winds, and aircraft.
Air attack calculates and coordinates based on how soon the aircraft can be on location, whether it is an airplane or helicopter, where the firefighters are, and how many parts around the fire need help. Air attack looks at the whole picture, triages the requests and details, determines which aircraft are best used where and when, then directs drops to stay on target.
While an aircraft drops water or retardant on the leading edge of the fire to check it, this allows on-the-ground firefighters to suppress the fire’s push by digging and creating a fireline, a non-flammable, mineral soil buffer around the fire. This early stage takes clear communication and coordination for precise water drops and keeping firefighters safe and out of the drop zone. Keeping everyone safe and maximizing the effectiveness of this oft called “airshow” on a wildfire takes calm disposition, clear communication, strategic thinking, and decisive action—that’s air attack.
Why does it matter?
Historically, when a wildfire started, aircraft, let alone air attack, were not readily available. When the wildfire grew to a size that warranted air attack, then the dispatcher would order it from a central location. The response time slowed the effectiveness, because of the limited air response and support. Even if an aircraft and firefighters arrived, the lack of big-picture coordination stifled the work.
Recent investments by Oregon’s legislature gave ODF two regional air attack teams.
Williams explained, “now, dispatchers can send air attack during the initial attack phase of emergency response. It’s a game changer.”
The regional air attack builds on the “severity aircraft” program to better use state resources. Over the past couple of decades, the legislature has continued investing in firefighters and technology that return great results.
Curran concluded, “we’re seeing a huge return on investment using these aircraft early—cutting costs, keeping wildfires small, and better protecting natural resources and the public.”
HONDURAN NATIONAL UNLAWFULLY RESIDING IN OREGON SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR TRAFFICKING FENTANYL IN PORTLAND AND SAN FRANCISCO
Ermin Izaguirre-Estrada, 22, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Oregon, was sentenced Monday to 70 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for trafficking fentanyl in downtown Portland and San Francisco, California.
According to court documents, on August 9, 2023, as part of a fentanyl enforcement mission targeting fentanyl dealers in downtown Portland, officers observed Izaguirre-Estrada holding what appeared to be blue fentanyl pills in his hand. The officers arrested Izaguirre-Estrada and seized a loaded firearm, more than 6,000 fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and cash.
On August 16, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Izaguirre-Estrada with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and alien in possession of a firearm.
On September 26, 2023, a federal grand jury in the Northern District of California returned a two-count indictment charging Izaguirre-Estrada with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, based on a prior arrest in April 2023.
On April 30, 2025, Izaguirre-Estrada pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, resolving both of his criminal cases.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HITDA) Interdiction Team (HIT), the PPB Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team and PPB Bike Squad. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
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.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
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.
EUGENE, Ore.—A Lynwood, California man was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison Monday for trafficking 11 pounds of methamphetamine from California to Oregon.
Luis Banuelos, 34, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.According to court documents, on February 28, 2021, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, officers from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team arrested Banuelos after he transported methamphetamine from California to deliver to a customer in Prineville, Oregon.
Officers searched Banuelos’s vehicle and seized two boxes containing more than 11 pounds of methamphetamine. When questioned by investigators, Banuelos admitted to transporting drugs from California approximately seven times for distribution in Oregon.On August 4, 2022, Banuelos was charged by criminal information with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On October 31, 2022, Banuelos pleaded guilty to the charge. The case was investigated by the CODE team and the Drug Enforcement Agency. It was prosecuted by Adam Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
What actions should you take if an unsolicited box containing a QR code is delivered to your home? Under no circumstances should you scan it, as warned by the FBI.
This scam represents the latest iteration of a practice referred to as “brushing.” Typically, a brushing scam entails sending an unsolicited package to an individual, followed by the perpetrator writing a fraudulent review in that person’s name to enhance their online reputation and sales. The FBI has indicated that receiving an unsolicited package serves as a warning that your identity may be compromised.
The latest variant of this scam is termed “quishing,” which also involves an unsolicited package; however, this particular box contains a QR code. When scanned, the recipient is prompted to enter personal or financial information. In certain instances, scanning the QR code may inadvertently install malicious software designed to extract data from your device.
The Oregon Department of Justice issued a critical alert to residents last week following yet another incident of an Oregonian falling prey to a “gold bar” scam.
According to officials, the Oregon woman was deceived out of tens of thousands of dollars after scammers persuaded her to convert her funds into gold, alleging that her bank accounts had been compromised.
This incident follows a case from last month in which a woman in her 60s from Eastern Oregon lost $600,000 to scammers after she adhered to their directives to purchase gold bars and transfer their ownership to them, as reported by state officials.
Officials from the Oregon Department of Justice stated that they, along with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, intervened in that situation after the woman’s sister contacted the state agency’s consumer protection hotline for assistance. Authorities were able to prevent the woman from relinquishing an additional $300,000 worth of gold bars, according to officials.
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.
Oregon Guard Field Artillery Regiment Returns Home from Deployment to Middle East
HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. – Approximately 230 members of the Oregon Army National Guard 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment (FA) returned to Oregon, days ago after a yearlong deployment to the Middle East.
The 2-218th FA deployed to Iraq and Syria in support of OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE, to advise, assist, and enable partner forces to secure lasting defeat of terrorist elements across the Central Command Area of Responsibility. This mission helped protect regional stability while supporting overall U.S. national security.
While awaiting the return of their Soldiers, family and friends gathered in the Camp Withycombe gymnasium, making welcome home signs and connecting with other military families.
The Forest Grove Police Department and Clackamas Fire Department joined in the homecoming celebration, providing support for their return.
The Oregon National Guard command team greeted Soldiers when they arrived at Camp Withycombe to congratulate them on their hard work overseas.
“It’s an honor to welcome this group back,” said Sgt. Maj. Adrian Gonzales, command sergeant major for the 2-218th FA rear detachment. “They did an outstanding job out there.”
After a year of waiting, the Soldiers of the 2-218th FA collected their loved ones and bags, and went home.
“We couldn’t be more proud of what they accomplished,” said Gonzales.
SOME PARKS TO SEE UPDATES TO PARKING FEES AND SEASONAL CAMPING RATES
SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is updating some visitor fees at select parks as part of a broader, proactive effort to build a more resilient financial future for Oregon State Parks.
Starting Oct. 1, 2025, Oregon State Parks will no longer waive the parking fee at 21 additional day-use parks. The parking fee is currently $10 for in-state visitors and $12 out-of-state visitors.
The parking fee does not apply to visitors who walk, bike, use public transportation, have a valid hangtag from camping at an Oregon State Park or a 12 or 24-month parking permit. Currently, OPRD charges for parking at 25 parks and waives parking fees at over 225 parks across the state.
The 21 additional parks include some of the busiest parks in the system such as Harris Beach State Park, which experienced an estimated 2 million day-use visits last year. Visitor fees help pay for maintenance and operation.
Some overnight camping rates will also see updates for visits beginning May 1, 2026:
- Overnight rates at our 29 busiest parks will increase to the top of the current rate range from May 1 through September 30. This increase will apply year round on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (Top rate is $29 for tents and $52 for full hook-up RV)
- At all parks:
- Cabin and yurt prices will increase to the top of the rate range year round. (Top rates vary from $72 for rustic yurts to $129 for deluxe cabins/yurts)
- Boat moorage fees will increase from $15 to $20.
- Overnight parking, overflow camping and primitive camping fees will increase from about $10 to at least $15 per night.
The park system faces a projected 14% budget shortfall due to increasing costs, impacts from record visitation and a reduction in lottery funds for operations. These targeted fee adjustments, along with internal efforts to reduce costs, modernize procurement and explore new revenue, will help maintain current service levels and ensure the system remains strong and accessible now and in the future.
“State parks are some of the most beloved spaces in Oregon, but we have struggled as a state to sustainably fund them. We’re working to reimagine the future of Oregon State Parks as financially resilient system that will serve generations to come,” said Director Lisa Sumption.
State parks has three main sources of funding: a little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. It is not funded by general fund taxes.
For visitors looking to save on parking, there are annual and 24-month parking permits available for Oregon State Parks. The 12-month parking permit costs $30 and the 24-month permit costs $50. You can buy them online.
Oregon State Parks is also collecting feedback to help guide its effort to reimagine a stronger resilient park system. The surveyincludes priorities for new and existing experiences, services and amenities as well as views on public-private partnerships, sponsorships and other funding options.
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.
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