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 22, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
Heat Advisory in effect from August 22, 1:00 PM until August 23, 8:00 PM
Today
Sunny and hot with a high near 97. Light northwest wind to 6 mph. Clear lover with a low near 57.
Friday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm.
Saturday
Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 93.
Tuesday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Wednesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
The National Weather Service has announced an Extreme Heat Watch for multiple regions in Oregon, starting this morning, Friday, August 22, and lasting until Sunday evening.
The areas impacted include the Central and Southern Willamette Valley, Greater Vancouver Metro, Lower Columbia and Cowlitz River Valleys, Portland Metro Hills, Tualatin Valley, Inner Portland Metro, the West Columbia River Gorge above 500 feet, and the Clackamas County Cascade Foothills.
Additionally, the Medford National Weather Service Office has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Southern Oregon, effective from 1 p.m. on Friday, August 22, until 8 p.m. on Monday, August 25.
As temperatures are anticipated to reach dangerous levels, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) are advising residents to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and mitigate health risks.
KLAMATH COUNTY CLERK – PRESS RELEASE REGARDING PROPERTY RECORDING ALERT SERVICE
Klamath County is excited to announce the launch of the Property Recording Alert Service (PRAS). This free service is designed to enhance the monitoring of recording activity related to land records, offering transparency and control over your property records.
PRAS provides timely and automated email alerts to property owners when new documents are recorded under monitored names. Each alert includes a direct link to view or download the recorded documents, making it easier than ever to stay informed and protect your property.
https://www.klamathcounty.org/1399/Property-Record-Alert-Service-PRAS
Contact the Klamath County Clerk’s Office with any questions
(541) 883-5134.
Amateur astronomers in the Klamath Basin are in for an exciting experience this Friday night. The Klamath County Museum is set to host a special screening of Christopher Nolan’s film “Interstellar,” accompanied by a presentation from Dr. Jesse Kinder, a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Oregon Tech.
The screening is scheduled to commence at 8 p.m. at Steen Sports Park. “Interstellar” is a science-fiction film released in 2014, featuring a talented cast that includes Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Ellen Burstyn, and Michael Caine.
As per IMDb, “when Earth becomes uninhabitable in the future, a farmer and former NASA pilot, Joseph Cooper, is assigned to command a spacecraft, along with a team of researchers, to locate a new planet suitable for human habitation.”
Following the film, there will be star gazing activities until 11 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for their comfort.
The personal finance firm SmartAsset has published new findings regarding the Best Value Colleges in the United States, highlighting that a degree from the Oregon Institute of Technology is recognized as one of the most valuable options for investment in Oregon.
As per the report, graduates from Oregon Tech receive an average starting salary of $72,273, which ranks as the highest in Oregon. The study indicates that the average starting salary for all graduates from higher education institutions in Oregon is $52,079.
SmartAsset evaluated colleges based on factors such as tuition fees, living expenses for students, availability of scholarships and grants, student retention rates, and the starting salaries of recent graduates to ascertain the best value in higher education. These categories were assigned weights to calculate each institution’s index for the “Best Value Colleges.”
The Best Value Colleges analysis utilized data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System 2023 and the U.S. Department of Education College Scoreboard 2025.
A “Day of Action” is scheduled for Saturday, August 23, at 350 national park locations nationwide, including Tule Lake National Monument, to protest the defunding and potential closure of over 360 national parks and monuments.
The gathering and program at the Tule Lake National Monument, situated eight miles south of Tulelake along Highway 139, will take place from 10 a.m. to around 11:30 a.m. The Tule Lake Committee is dispatching a delegation to Tulelake.
Kelsey King, the daughter of Jim and Akimi King from Klamath Falls, is assisting in the planning and organization of the program.
The rally is being coordinated by Go Sasaki, who will be traveling from Boston and will be accompanied by his mother, Kay, who was born at Tule Lake. Other Tule Lake survivors representing the Tule Lake Committee include Hiroshi Shimizu and Kiyoshi Ina.
Initially known as the Tule Lake War Relocation Center, it was subsequently renamed the Tule Lake Segregation Center. This center is located in Modoc and Siskiyou counties near present-day Newell in far northern California. It was established in 1942 by the United States government to detain Japanese Americans, forcibly removing them from their homes on the West Coast.
The total number of those incarcerated reached nearly 120,000, with more than two-thirds being United States citizens.
Senator Ron Wyden made a visit to Crater Lake National Park yesterday and during this visit, Wyden engaged with the retired superintendent of the and park advocates to discuss the repercussions of the expected federal funding reductions to the National Park Service implemented by the Trump administration.
Earlier this year, it was reported that many employees from the U.S. National Park and Forest Service were laid off as part of Trump’s initiative to reduce federal expenditures. While in the area, the senator spoke about how visitors can continue to appreciate the National Park in Oregon and outlined strategic methods to support the park staff. Crater Lake has already experienced significant effects, including the sudden resignation of a new but already former superintendent who resigned five months into the job earlier this year.
Senator Wyden emphasized that Crater Lake is a natural asset, contributing to tourism and economic development in our area and some but let’s face it, few job opportunities for locals.
Advocates and park workers present at the event shared concerns about vacant positions and closed facilities due to these budget reductions. Wyden emphasized the importance of conferences like this to spread awareness and rally support for keeping national parks open, not just in Oregon but across the U.S.
He referred to Crater Lake as a “gem,” underscoring its significance and the need for ongoing protection efforts. The senator’s push is part of a broader effort by legislators nationwide to ensure the preservation of public lands.
Accompanying Wyden were Caitlyn Burford from the National Parks Conservation Association and Karen Walters from Friends of Crater Lake, both of whom provided valuable insights regarding the adverse effects on Crater Lake staff.
This past weekend, history was vividly brought to life at the Fort Klamath Museum during its annual Living History Day.
The remnants of the 1863 U.S. Army fort were animated not by soldiers of war, but by reenactors, storytellers, blacksmiths, and frontiersmen, who provided an immersive experience of 19th-century frontier life.
Families explored the historic grounds, observed musket demonstrations, and listened to presentations that spanned topics from battlefield medicine to pioneer cooking. Volunteers conducted blacksmithing demonstrations, fur trade displays, and storytelling sessions aimed at immersing guests in the realities of frontier survival and military existence.
Situated just north of Upper Klamath Lake, near the contemporary community of Fort Klamath, the event attracted visitors from throughout the region. Some attendees arrived after noticing flyers posted at Crater Lake National Park, which is only a short drive away. Participants traveled from as distant as Tacoma, Washington, and San Jose, California.
Fort Klamath was founded in 1863 to safeguard settlers and secure vital transportation routes during a period of escalating conflict between the U.S. government and Native American tribes in the area — particularly the Klamath, Modoc, and Yahooskin peoples.
This summer signifies a significant milestone for a company that has established itself as a fundamental part of agriculture in Southern Oregon and Northern California — Basin Fertilizer and Chemical Co., LLC (BFC), a reputable name throughout the Klamath Basin, is proudly commemorating its 50th anniversary in business.
Established in 1975, BFC originated as a small enterprise initiated by Bob Gasser and Chris Moudry — both recent college graduates — along with their partner Jim Schuck. With merely two employees, a pull sprayer, and four anhydrous ammonia applicators, the company commenced operations on a single acre of land acquired from Chevron Oil.
From its inception, what the business lacked in size and resources, it compensated for with determination, vision, and a profound respect for the farmers in the region. The founders held the belief that success in agriculture is founded on trust, consistency, and a readiness to adapt. This conviction has shaped BFC’s identity — not merely as a supplier of products, but as a dedicated partner in the prosperity of Basin agriculture.
Throughout the last fifty years, BFC has evolved alongside the community it serves. The company has invested in advanced technology, expanded its facilities, and assembled a team with extensive agronomic knowledge while remaining faithful to its foundational values: healthy soils, healthy crops, and healthy communities.
Currently, BFC plays an essential role in the regional agricultural economy, providing comprehensive crop input and advisory services. The company offers a complete range of products and services, from tailored soil and plant health solutions to pest management and crop protection. By supplying both conventional and organic products, BFC guarantees that growers have the necessary resources to optimize the yield of every crop they cultivate while achieving their specific farming objectives.
Our congratulations from BasinLife.com and Wynne Broadcasting going out to Basin Fertilizer and Chemical Co, as they celebrate 50 years in business in the basin.
Efforts to enhance the trails within the Mountain Lakes Wilderness, located in the Fremont-Winema National Forest, are being undertaken by a crew consisting of 16 members.
Heather Berg, a former ranger from the Klamath Ranger District who has continued her involvement in trail improvement initiatives post-retirement, stated that the Siskiyou Mountain Club (SMC) is collaborating with the High Desert Trail Riders, who are providing pack support for the project.
The crew commenced their activities on Tuesday, August 12, by trekking along the Varney Creek Trail. With assistance from the High Desert group, the team hiked to Harriette Lake, one of the most frequented locations in the wilderness area, where they set up a base camp.
During a reconnaissance trip earlier this summer, over 300 trees were discovered obstructing the trails. In addition to the crew stationed at Harriette, there are also volunteer teams from SMC and the Klamath Trails Alliance working on the Clover Creek and Mountain Lakes Trails.
The trail maintenance work was intended to be financed and executed by SMC under the RAC Agreement (Resource Advisory Committee West Zone Trail Maintenance Project), which was approved in 2024. However, this agreement is currently under review by the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency). Berg mentioned that SMC has secured financial backing from the trail community to support the project.
Huge RV Blowout Sale Starts This Weekend at the Fairgrounds! Don’t Miss It!
Klamath Falls, get ready — we’re rolling in with MASSIVE RV DEALS!
Beginning Friday, August 22nd to Monday, September 1st, we’re bringing a HUGE selection of new & used Trailers, Fifth-Wheels and Motorhomes for you to tour and select a favorite! We’re dealing! Coming to the Klamath County Fairgrounds!
Click here for full info!
To accommodate the Klamath Music Festival, the Ross Ragland Theater will close North 7th Street between Pine Street and High Street, beginning at noon on August 22, 2025.
The street will be reopened by noon on August 24, 2025. Any questions can be directed to Curtis Peoples at 541-887- 8632.
Klamath Music is excited for the upcoming annual music festival this weekend, which will feature both new and familiar faces.
The 2025 edition of the Klamath Music Festival is preparing for an impressive lineup, headlined by Gary Jules, renowned for his cover of “Mad World” by Tears for Fears, alongside the Fabulous Thunderbirds, best known for their 1986 hit song “Tuff Enuff.”
According to Klamath Music Director Nick Depew, this year’s event is essential for supporting the rest of the nonprofit’s programming. This year, one of Klamath’s local legends will return to the lineup, showcasing some brand new compositions.
Arthur Buezo, a one-man band from Beatty, delivers a unique performance with his distinctive genre — savage folk. His musical foundation is rooted in the banjo, stemming from his previous bluegrass-punk band.
Tickets can be purchased at klamathmusic.com. Admission is priced at $25 for adults and $5 for children aged 12 and under. A family fun room for families with children will be available at the Ragland Cultural Center from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Gates will open at 12:30 p.m., with concerts commencing at 1 p.m. on the outdoor stage, and headliners will perform later in the evening inside the Ross Ragland Theater.
Klamath County Library is set to launch the big wheels next week with the summer series Big Truck Expo, Aug. 27 at the downtown Klamath Falls.
Children and families are invited to prepare for an enjoyable experience at the Klamath Downtown Library branch at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Fire trucks, police vehicles, ambulances, and more will open their doors and rev their engines, allowing local youth to interact with the various big-truck services they provide throughout the county.
Library staff encourage everyone to bring their curiosity along with a pair of ear plugs — these trucks are known for their loud sounds. The Big Truck Expo is a complimentary event taking place at the Klamath County Downtown Library, situated at 126 S. Third St. in Klamath Falls.
A complimentary lunch for youth will also be available following the event. For further details, please reach out to library staff at (541) 882-8894.
PET READY FOR ADOPTION FROM KLAMATH ANIMAL SHELTER
This week’s pet is a kitty named ” Brutus “.
Around the State of Oregon
Legislators are scheduled to reconvene in Salem on August 29 to deliberate on Governor Tina Kotek’s initiative aimed at increasing the gas tax and payroll tax to finance Oregon’s infrastructure and avert layoffs at ODOT.
The proposal seeks to raise the state gas tax by six cents, bringing it to a total of 46 cents per gallon, in addition to increasing title and registration fees. Furthermore, it plans to gradually implement a road usage charge for electric and hybrid vehicles beginning in 2027. There will also be a slight increase in the payroll tax designated for transit.
Notably, the plan intends to abolish mandatory tolling on significant state highways, with a public hearing scheduled for August 25 at the Capitol.
Four Year Old Girl Killed Following Vicious Rottweiler-Pit Bull Dog Attack in Josephine County
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the death of a 4-year-old girl following a dog attack near Grants Pass.
Authorities responded to a 911 call reporting a dog attack on the 1800 block of Laurel Road. Law enforcement, along with AMR and the Illinois Valley Fire District, arrived on the scene and attempted lifesaving measures; however, the child was sadly pronounced dead at the location.
The dog involved, identified as a mix of Cane Corso, Rottweiler, and Pit Bull, has been taken into custody by Josephine County Animal Control. The name of the child will not be disclosed. The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is currently available.
Earlier this week Oregon Governor Tina Kotek responded to allegations from the federal government asserting that the state is hindering federal immigration enforcement due to its sanctuary law.
On August 13, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a deadline for Kotek, along with numerous other elected officials from sanctuary states and cities, to reply to a letter warning of potential legal repercussions because the state forbids law enforcement and other public agencies from collaborating with federal officials on immigration enforcement.
Kotek detailed the background of Oregon’s sanctuary state law established in 1987, noting that a majority of Oregon voters are in favor of the law. In a ballot measure from 2018, 63% of Oregon voters expressed opposition to repealing the law.
According to the sanctuary law, law enforcement agencies in Oregon are generally prohibited from inquiring about an individual’s immigration status or conducting investigations for immigration enforcement purposes. Any requests from federal agencies to local law enforcement regarding immigration enforcement, absent a judicial order, must be documented, reported, and subsequently denied.
Kotek affirmed that the state of Oregon adheres to federal law and will persist in following its own regulations. During a news conference on Monday concerning the state’s latest lawsuit against the federal government, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield stated that the federal government is urging Oregon to violate its own laws. Stay tuned on this one.
Oregon’s Republican congressman Rep. Cliff Bentz fired back on Tuesday at left-leaning Governor Tina Kotek’s criticism of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, which is now law, by saying “it does far more good than Gov. Kotek wants to give credit for. ”
Rep. Bentz said Kotek’s recent comments on Trump’s sweeping tax-and-spending bill are misleading Oregonians and leaving out key facts.
“While the Governor portrays (the bill) as a wholesale attack on children, families and working people, the reality is far different,” Bentz said in a statement issued Tuesday.
In July, Congress passed H.R. 1. The so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill.” It has been criticized for its cuts to programs for working families and vital social services.
The bill would cut funding from the Oregon Health Plan, which is the state’s Medicaid program, and put more than 200,000 Oregonians at risk of losing health care coverage. Following the bill’s passage, Kotek has said Oregon stands to lose more than $15 billion in federal funding for health care, food assistance and other programs over the next few years.
“The Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress have betrayed American children and families, who will become sicker, hungrier, and less prosperous because of President Trump’s budget bill,” Kotek said in a statement. “Oregonians will see less of their federal tax dollars coming back to our state for things they count on.”
Bentz defended the bill, saying it targets inefficiencies in state-administered programs. Bentz cited Oregon’s current policy of providing more than two years of continuous Medicaid eligibility for most adults, even when income levels exceed federal thresholds or individuals gain employer-sponsored insurance. The bill would require states to review eligibility twice beginning in 2027.
“The bill protects Medicaid for those it was meant to serve,” Bentz said. “Seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families.”
Bentz also criticized Kotek’s claims that the bill will impact food programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, commonly known as food stamps. New work requirements will likely reduce access to SNAP for Oregonians, Kotek said, and Kotek’s office has estimated Oregon will lose $3 billion in federal funding for SNAP in the next few years. The loss comes from a new fine imposed by the federal government on states with high payment error rates, which includes Oregon. The state of Oregon must shoulder a higher cost for administering the program if its error rate rises above 5%, which troubles Kotek and democrats in the state, because the fraud and abuse of the system is likely high.
In 2024, Oregon’s error rate was more than 14%. “The only way to get a state’s attention is to levy a penalty when the state fails to do its job,” Bentz said.
Bentz also criticized Kotek for failing to acknowledge other provisions in the bill, including $10 billion in tax cuts for farmers and ranchers, disaster relief funding, increased crop insurance support, and tax benefits for families and workers. Additional measures include increased funding for the military, border wall construction, and expansion of the Border Patrol. “Silence on these important matters is one thing,” Bentz said, “but pushing out misleading and fear-generating statements regarding the bill is quite another.”
A man from Coos County has received a 15-year sentence in federal prison for utilizing Facebook Messenger to sexually exploit a child.
According to prosecutors, 40-year-old Christopher Jay Young pressured a minor into sending explicit videos and encouraged them to provide additional content. Young was indicted the previous year and entered a guilty plea for attempting to use a minor to create sexually explicit material.
Following his prison term, he will also be subject to supervised release and is required to register as a sex offender.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield is collaborating with 21 other states to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding the withholding of federal funds designated for crime victim services.
This legal action contests the newly imposed conditions that link Victims of Crime Act grants to state compliance with federal immigration enforcement, a stipulation that is prohibited by Oregon’s sanctuary law. Advocates caution that the potential loss of 15 million dollars in funding for the upcoming year could lead to the closure of shelters and resource centers throughout the state.
State officials contend that the administration is exceeding its authority by imposing political conditions on funds that were never authorized by Congress.
Or, maybe it’s just Trump Derangement Syndrome over and over from Oregon officials.
A man from Coos Bay entered a guilty plea on Monday regarding the drunk driving incident that resulted in the death of a cherished softball coach and a promising young student-athlete from Umpqua Community College in April.
Jonathan J. Dowdy pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree manslaughter for the fatalities of coach Jami Strinz, aged 46, and 19-year-old student Kiley Jones, as stated in court documents submitted to the Coos County Circuit Court.
Additionally, Dowdy admitted guilt to three counts of third-degree assault, five counts of fourth-degree assault, as well as charges of driving with a suspended license and driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII).
Witnesses who were driving behind Dowdy’s pickup truck observed him swerving dangerously and almost hitting a concrete barrier before he crossed into oncoming traffic on Oregon 42, colliding head-on with the team bus around 10 p.m. on April 18, according to court documents.
One witness had been tailing Dowdy for several miles and had already contacted the police, as noted in a court memo authored by Coos County prosecutor John Blanc in May. First responders discovered both empty and unopened beer cans scattered along the four-lane state highway, and Dowdy’s blood-alcohol level was subsequently recorded at .22%, as mentioned in Blanc’s memo.
The community college team was returning home after a victory on Friday night when the bus overturned during the crash, resulting in injuries to all passengers and the deaths of the player and coach.
Oregon now one of the least favorable states for relocation
Oregon, with its sanctuary state status, growing homeless problem, growing high cost of housing and living, high income taxes, drug addiction problems, and a public education system facing pour student performance, funding, and staffing, has just been labeled as one of the least favorable states for relocation.
ConsumerAffairs has recently conducted a ranking of the best and worst states for moving. The findings indicate that Oregon, California, Louisiana, and New Mexico are among the least desirable states to relocate to.
Conversely, the top states for moving are Utah, New Hampshire, Idaho, and Virginia.
Coos County Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Attempting To Sexually Eploit a Minor
EUGENE, Ore.—A North Bend, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for sexually exploiting an Oregon child using the social media application Facebook Messenger.
Chistopher Jay Young, 40, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and 15 years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, on January 20, 2024, Young, using Facebook Messenger, persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, record the conduct, and send it to him.
On April 11, 2024, federal and state law enforcement officers from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oregon State Police, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office executed federal search warrants on Young’s home and vehicles. Young was arrested and investigators seized his devices.
During a search of Young’s devices, investigators learned that Young used the minor’s social media account to communicate and request the child sexual abuse material and that Young had the minor’s Facebook login credentials saved in his phone.
On April 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count indictment charging Young with attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and attempting to coerce or entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual conduct.
On May 6, 2025, Young pleaded guilty to attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from HSI. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Grants Pass Man Indicted for Months-long Burglary Series
Grants Pass, OR. – Between September 2024 and January 2025, the Grants Pass Police Department began investigating several commercial burglaries occurring within the city.
Not only were the businesses burglarized, but items valued between $100 and $1000 were taken, and property was intentionally damaged, in some cases adding up to more than $1000. The following businesses were victims of the burglary series:
- Bi Mart (Victimized twice)
- Cash Connection (Victimized twice)
- Highland Market
- Rogue Fly Shop
- Batteries Plus Bulb
- M Street Market
- Lucky Duck on Redwood Ave.
- Farmers Building Supply
- Don’s Bike Center
- Fields Home Improvement (in Josephine County)
During the months-long investigation, Anthony Boyd Mooney, a 33-year-old male of Grants Pass, was identified as the suspect. Last week, a Grand Jury panel heard testimony and indicted Mooney on the following charges:
- 12 counts of Burglary in the Second Degree
- 5 counts of Theft in the First Degree
- 11 counts of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree
- 7 counts of Theft in the Second Degree
The whereabouts of Anthony Mooney are currently unknown, but he has several warrants for his arrest. Anyone with information on Mooney’s location should contact their local law enforcement agency to facilitate his arrest.
The Grants Pass Downs is poised to commence its fall racing season with a 12-day meet beginning on Sunday, September 7.
As stated by the Horseman’s Racing Association, this event will present a combination of competitive racing, community activities, and family-oriented entertainment extending through mid-October. The Opening Day will highlight the Daily Courier Stakes and the Southern Belle Stakes, generating excitement at the track. Additionally, the season will feature Monday evening races accompanied by a “Twice the Fun for the Price of One” promotion, starting on September 8.
On September 14, the track will host the Rex on the Rogue Dino-Races, a fundraising initiative aimed at supporting children who are battling cancer in Josephine County. A week later, on September 21, Ladies Hat Day will take place, allowing women wearing hats to gain free admission and compete for prizes across various categories. Community involvement will continue on September 28, with free entry available to patrons who donate canned goods to the Josephine County Food Bank.
Oktoberfest, scheduled for October 5, will introduce Bavarian elements with commemorative pint glasses and tastings.
House Bill Helps To Remove House Squatters More Quickly
A new state law designed to address the growing issue of squatting in Oregon has been introduced. House Bill 3522, which was signed into law earlier this year, aims to provide law enforcement and property owners with essential clarity and authority in managing illegal occupants.
This legislation will come into effect in January 2026. The new law grants police the ability to take more immediate action in evicting individuals who are unlawfully occupying a property, eliminating the need for the protracted legal procedures that were previously required to differentiate between a squatter and a tenant.
This legislation represents a notable change in Oregon’s approach to illegal occupancy—striking a balance between the rights of property owners and due process, while also addressing loopholes that have permitted squatters to exploit legal ambiguities. As the law is set to be implemented in 2026, homeowners throughout the state are optimistic about achieving quicker resolutions and experiencing fewer legal complications in the future.
Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his spouse, Penny Knight, have contributed $2 billion to the Oregon Health and Science University, marking a record-breaking philanthropic initiative in their ongoing efforts to transform care for cancer patients.
This announcement was made during a press conference held at the Knight Cancer Center at OHSU. The purpose of the donation is to enhance diagnostics and improve access to clinical trials at OHSU, while also simplifying the process for patients and their families by providing additional resources and therapies.
The Knights, along with their foundation, have a long history of supporting OHSU, including the establishment of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. Additionally, the couple is involved in another initiative aimed at funding research known as the Knight Cancer Challenge, which commenced in 2013, where they pledged to match donations in a bid to raise $500 million for OHSU.
Parking fees are set to rise at Oregon State Parks this year. Beginning on October 1st, parking fees will be implemented at 21 state parks where they were previously exempt.
This list includes popular destinations such as Beverly Beach, Face Rock, Sunset Bay, Bullards Beach, Harris Beach, and Valley of the Rogue State Parks. Oregon Parks and Recreation indicates that these new fees are essential to address a 14% budget deficit and to sustain current service levels. Furthermore, overnight camping fees will increase next summer at the 29 most frequented parks throughout Oregon.
This encompasses Alfred A. Loeb, Cape Blanco, Humbug Mountain, and Umpqua Lighthouse State Parks. Beverly Beach, Bullards Beach, Sunset Bay, Harris Beach, and Valley of the Rogue State Parks will experience increases in both parking and camping fees. For additional details, please visit the Oregon State Parks website.
More Oregon Gas Taxes and DMV Fees Coming Your Way
Governor Tina Kotek has unveiled a proposal aimed at tackling the transportation crisis, which over the years serving in the Oregon legislature, she is partly responsible for creating.
The funding strategy encompasses an increased gas tax and DMV fees to avert layoffs and sustain services. The proposal seeks to ensure sufficient funding for the State Highway Trust Fund during the 2025-2027 biennium without diminishing emergency funding for other critical issues, such as wildfire suppression.
The revenue sources include a $0.06 increase in the gas tax (raising the total to $0.46), an additional $42 for vehicle registration, a rise in title fees, and a 0.1% increase in payroll tax.
A detailed examination of the revenue sources is available here. Half of the revenue generated from these measures will be allocated to preventing layoffs within the Oregon Department of Transportation. The remaining state highway funds will be distributed to counties and cities across the state according to the traditional 50/30/20 allocation.
Should additional revenues not be secured during a special session, layoffs are scheduled to commence on September 15, with a subsequent wave anticipated in January 2026.
OREGON STATE AGENCIES REMIND EVERYONE TO BE INFORMED AND PREPARED
Salem, Ore. – As Oregon heads into its peak wildfire months of 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 Marshalreminds 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.
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