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.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, with a high near 86. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Overnight, clear, with a low around 49.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
The Klamath Tribes are opposing an unanticipated request for an extension to increase water allocations submitted by the Bureau of Reclamation in their ongoing effort to save the Lost River sucker fish and Shortnose Sucker fish.
During a news conference on Wednesday, leaders of the Klamath Tribes including Chairman William Ray Jr. stated that, two weeks earlier, the Tribes were informed of Reclamation’s new proposal, which seeks to extract an additional 38,000 acre-feet of water from Upper Klamath Lake for distribution among water users within the Klamath Project for local agricultural purposes.
Although the C’waam and Koptu fish — commonly referred to as the Lost River and shortnose suckers — have been classified as an endangered species since 1988, their populations continue to diminish due to declining water quality and availability.
Ray Jr. mentioned that biologists anticipate that wild spawning fish will be extinct within three years. Should the extra 38,000 acre-feet be withdrawn from the lake, it is expected that the water level will fall just below the federally mandated minimum elevation of 4,139.2 feet.
City Council Approves Purchase of Future City Hall Building
The City of Klamath Falls is taking a key step in its long-term Strategic Plan as the City Council has approved the purchase of the former AmeriTitle building to become the new City Hall.
The new facility will save millions in future building repairs and bring all City departments under one roof, making it easier and more efficient for residents to access services. This centralization will improve coordination between departments, speed up processes, and create a more welcoming and accessible experience for the community.
By investing in a modern facility, the City will also achieve long-term cost savings. The new building is in the Downtown corridor, and will replace three older facilities that require extensive and expensive upgrades, including ADA compliance, seismic retrofits, and electrical improvements.
“This is more than just a building purchase,” said City Manager Jonathan Teichert. “It’s about preventing escalating maintenance expenses and creating a City Hall that is more welcoming and efficient for our residents. From easier access to services, to long-term savings, this investment strengthens the way we serve our community today and for years to come.”
Additional benefits of the new City Hall include:
• Enhanced Accessibility: A fully accessible facility designed to meet community needs.
• Improved Efficiency: Departments located together for faster service and collaboration.
• Long-Term Savings: Avoids millions in repair and maintenance costs across three outdated
buildings.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Purchase and renovation costs are fully covered by the existing
Building Reserve Fund and do not require new taxes or rate increases.
• Community Hub: A central, modern space for residents to connect with City services.
The purchase price is $3.16 million, with total acquisition costs of $3.22 million funded through the
City’s Capital Construction budget. Planning for renovations and the relocation of departments will
begin in the months ahead. The City is committed to transparency and regular public updates
throughout the process.
Plans are progressing at the Favell Museum to establish a new permanent exhibit titled, “Voices of the Klamath River Watershed.”
A steering committee consisting of 12 members has been engaged for over a year in formulating ideas for an exhibit that is intended to incorporate modern technology, interactive 3D components, both physical and virtual 3D maps, photographs, illustrations, charts, diagrams, audio, video, “and more.” The steering committee, which comprises individuals residing in or affected by the Klamath River Watershed — including ranchers, wildlife and waterfowl specialists, various tribes, and representatives from the timber industry — has been convening regularly.
Most recently, the committee has been conducting interviews with exhibit companies and will select one to manage the design and development of the exhibit. As stated in the Favell’s “purpose statement” outlining the exhibit plans and process, the committee consists of individuals “engaged with the issues of the Klamath River Watershed, representing a variety of perspectives, and who have long-standing relationships.”
The comprehensive process leading to the exhibit, which may span two to three years, is expected to commence later this year when the committee identifies and interviews individuals with the aim of “grasping the history and connection of each person and their community to the river,” a process that Loetscher indicated will take several years.
Lakeview, Oregon has officially inaugurated its new, world-class skatepark, made possible through the generous contributions of the Oregon Community Foundation and local benefactors.
The project was conceived with inclusivity as a priority, aiming to create a space for children who may not engage with conventional team sports such as football or basketball. Town officials and local Rotarians who participated in the initiative acknowledged that numerous young individuals encounter obstacles to joining organized sports, whether due to financial limitations or feelings of alienation.
Skateboarding presents a cost-effective, accessible option that embraces individuality and creativity. Situated downtown at the intersection of Center and D Street, the skatepark is already attracting local riders and families eager to explore the ramps, rails, and bowls.
Engineered to satisfy high standards for both casual skaters and more skilled users, the facility is anticipated to evolve into a community hub and a source of pride for Lakeview.
The 173rd Fighter Wing is conducting night flying operations this week through Thursday, September 18th.
These operations will occur between approximately 5:00-11PM. Night flying constitutes a component of the training curriculum for F-15C student pilots at Kingsley Field, which is recognized as the premier F-15C training facility for the United States Air Force.
A significant portion of the training will take place in the military operating airspace located to the east of Lakeview, allowing pilots to fly without the use of lights. Nevertheless, the local community is likely to hear the jets during their take-offs and approaches to and from Kingsley Field. Take-offs will commence after sundown, with the jets expected to return approximately an hour and a half later.
“Whether defending the homeland or engaged in contingency operations, F-15 pilots must demonstrate proficiency in night flying,” stated Col. Micah Lambert, deputy commander of the 173rd FW. “Night flying training encompasses the complete range of skills necessary to ensure that F-15 pilots are combat-ready.”
Community members are encouraged to reach out to the wing’s public affairs office at 541-885-6677 to voice any concerns they may have during this period.
The Oregon DMV Lakeview office at 855 South F St. is closed this week, Sept. 15-19, due to staffing. Find a DMV office near you and view office closures in real time at www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/Pages/
Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Malin) has announced his intention to run for re-election in order to keep representing the constituents of Oregon House District 55, which encompasses southern Deschutes and rural areas of Klamath County.
At the age of 60, Reschke has been a member of the Oregon House since 2016, initially serving in the 56th district before transitioning to the 55th district in January 2021. He has convincingly secured re-election in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024, garnering between 68.7% and 72.6% of the votes in each election.
Throughout his time in office, Reschke has played a pivotal role in securing funding for significant projects at Oregon Tech, Klamath Community College, South Suburban Sanitary District, the City of La Pine, La Pine Wellness Center, La Pine Rural Fire Protection District, Transformations Wellness, Sky Lakes, and various small businesses.
“The Constitution serves as our foundation. I will persist in endorsing initiatives that emphasize limited government, reduced taxes, and fiscal responsibility, while also advocating for individual liberty and personal accountability,” Reschke stated. “I commit to continuing my efforts to reinstate constitutional principles and the values of rural communities in the operations of our government in Salem. I take pride in my dedication to fulfilling that commitment. It has been a privilege to serve the residents of southern Deschutes and Klamath counties. The work we do is truly significant to the people in this district.”
Coffee With A Cop
The Klamath Falls Police Department invites community members to join officers for Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 7:30AM-9:30AM at B.S. Coffee Co., 417 N Spring St., Klamath Falls.
Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative that brings police officers and the community members they
serve together—over coffee—to discuss issues, ask questions, and learn more about each other. The
goal is simple: Conversations that Strengthen Community.
There is no agenda or formal presentation. The event is designed to create an open, welcoming
environment where residents and officers can connect in a casual, friendly setting. Whether you want
to ask a question, voice a concern, or simply get to know the officers who serve Klamath Falls, this is
the place to do it.The Klamath Falls Police Department values strong community partnerships and believes open dialogue is key to building trust and understanding. All are welcome to attend.
For more information, please contact the Klamath Falls Police Department at (541)-883-5336.
Healthy Klamath Network: Pump Track Fundraiser with Dutch Bros.
Healthy Klamath reminds you to join us in a fundraiser benefiting the new Pump Track efforts. Each drink purchased this Friday, September 19th with help as Dutch Bros will donate $1 per beverage purchased. We hope you’ll stop by Dutch Bros on Friday!
Moore Park Playground Closed This Week
Beginning Monday, September 15, 2025, the ADA-accessible playground at Moore Park (installed
last Summer) will be closed to the public. The closure will continue through the end of the week
while warranty work is performed on the surface inside the play area.This temporary closure applies only to the ADA-accessible playground. Other playgrounds and amenities within Moore Park will remain open and available for use. The ADA-accessible playground is expected to reopen once the work is complete and the surface is ready for safe play. For questions or more information, please contact City Public Works at (541) 883-5363.
FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN NEWS
Summer was a blitz full of fun adventures, quality time spent outdoors, and meaningful educational activities. As school begins and the chill of fall air sets in, I am reminded how your generosity and support make this year-round enrichment and intentional 1:1 time possible. Because of your support, Friends are able to provide 3-4 hours a week of direct support to every youth in our program throughout every season of the year. -Warmly, Amanda Squibb
The Pacific Power Foundation awards more than $300,000 in grants to expand access to STEM education across the communities it serves. In the most recent grant cycle, Friends of the Children–Klamath Basin was honored to be selected as a recipient, receiving $3,500 to support our ongoing youth mentoring. Thank you, Pacific Power, for helping power the next generation of STEM leaders!
The Klamath County Association of Realtors gave back to Friends Of The Children, in a big way! They elected to support youth mentoring in the Basin by donating proceeds from their Spring Into Your Dream Home, Tour of Homes event to Friends of the Children–Klamath Basin.
The Klamath Basin Oktoberfest is set to return on Saturday, Sept. 20th.
This event, organized by the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA), will occur on Saturday, September 20th from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Bill Collier Ice Arena located in the Running Y Resort in Klamath Falls.
The community is encouraged to attend and partake in craft beers, traditional German cuisine, live entertainment, and enjoyable activities for the entire family.
Tickets for individuals aged 21 and over are priced at $25 if purchased in advance and $30 at the entrance. General admission for non-drinkers is $10, applicable both in advance and at the door. Children aged 12 and under can enter free of charge!
The Linkville Players are poised to present a daring and emotionally resonant production, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” which will premiere this weekend.
Adapted by Simon Stephens from the acclaimed novel by Mark Haddon, this Tony Award-winning play centers on 15-year-old Christopher Boone, a young boy with behavioral challenges who embarks on a journey to uncover the mystery surrounding the death of a neighborhood dog. Throughout his quest, he reveals secrets that challenge his perceptions of family, trust, and identity.
Director Richard Hoffman remarked that the production presents both a technical and emotional challenge, with innovative staging, lighting, and sound design playing a vital role in conveying Christopher’s distinctive viewpoint. Christopher, played by local talent Evelyn Garringer, is neurodivergent and is often interpreted as being on the autism spectrum. He perceives the world with remarkable precision but finds it difficult to grasp emotions, sarcasm, and metaphor. His narration significantly influences the audience’s experience as he undertakes the investigation while grappling with daily interactions and emotional expression.
Collaborating with consultants from Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services and Oregon Tech’s Behavior Improvement Group, the cast and crew gained valuable insights into the challenges, struggles, and successes encountered by individuals with cognitive disabilities, enhancing their portrayal of Christopher.
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” will commence a three-weekend, seven-performance run at the Linkville Playhouse, beginning this Friday, Sept. 12, with an opening night gala at 6:30 p.m., and will conclude on Saturday, Sept. 27. The play is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m., with the exception of one Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on Sept. 21.
PET READY FOR ADOPTION FROM KLAMATH ANIMAL SHELTER
This week’s pet is a kitty named ” Milo “.Win 2 Nights Lodging in Oakridge and enjoy “Oakridge Rocks The Park!”! Coming Oct 18th!
Click here to win 2 nights stay in Oakridge!
Click here for more info on the event.
Around the State of Oregon
Oregon has missed out on over $48.6 million in federal funding for rural roads, public services, and schools since 2023, as Congress did not succeed in renewing a federal act that has allocated billions to western states over the past two decades.
This funding is intended to reimburse counties that contain significant amounts of federal land for the expenses incurred in providing essential services to individuals and industries that utilize those lands for revenue-generating activities for the federal government, such as animal grazing and timber production.
Oregon, where more than half of the state is comprised of federal land, has faced the largest loss of any state since the expiration of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act at the end of 2023, according to a recent report from the Center for American Progress, a liberal public policy think tank based in Washington, D.C.
A Forest Grove teacher who may lose his job for his Charlie Kirk comments, is also a Cornelius city councilor, and has now stepped down from public office over comments he made about the shooting death of conservative activist Kirk.
In a statement posted on the city of Cornelius website, Mayor Jeffrey Dalin announced that John Colgan submitted his resignation letter Friday, Sept. 12.
“He expressed that he is deeply sorry for his comments and the harm they caused to our community and staff,” Dalin said. “Effective immediately, he has resigned from City Council.”
“Hearing that Charlie Kirk got shot and died really brightened up my day. “Nobody deserves it, but some are asking for it”, Colgan said in the now-deleted post.
Mayor Dalin said that Colgan’s comments on social media do not reflect his own values nor the views of the city as a whole.
“I am committed to fostering respectful dialogue and ensuring that every member of our community feels safe to share their views without fear of harm, intimidation or retaliation,” Dalin said. “Violence is never an acceptable response to differences in opinion or belief. I strongly condemn all acts of political violence and stand firmly against words or actions that could incite it.”
Colgan, a science teacher at Neil Armstrong Middle School, was also placed on paid administrative leave Friday following public outcry. He has been with the Forest Grove School District since 2014.
“We also do not condone the celebration of violence,” Forest Grove School District superintendent said in a release Friday afternoon. “Violence always leaves victims behind, and showing insensitivity to those victims is unacceptable and contrary to the values we uphold as educators and community members.”
How long the investigation will take is unknown, a district spokesperson told the media.
In a related incident, a staff member at Crater High School is currently under investigation following disparaging remarks made on social media concerning the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The post, which has circulated within the community, states: “I will never tolerate or sympathize with a bigot, racist or rapist… and I will never have sympathy for them no matter what happens to them.”
Superintendent of Central Point School District 6, Walt Daveport, confirmed to NewsWatch 12 TV that the district is aware of the post and is taking appropriate action.
“We’re taking the situation extremely seriously,” Davenport remarked. “The safety of our students and the maintenance of a positive school environment is a top priority for the district. We have policies in place regarding conduct in this matter and concerning social media postings, and the district will address this in accordance with board policy and procedures.”
District officials have stated that they will not disclose the identity of the staff member while the investigation is still in progress. Although community members have provided tips regarding the potential identity of the employee, the district has not verified the name of the individual, as of yet.
Blue and Log Fire Update
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Fire Information: 707-387-4472
Email: 2025.Blue@firenet.gov
Blue Fire: 3,666 acres; 30% containment
Log Fire: 1,170 acres, 71% containment
Operational Updates:
Blue Fire: Firefighters continue to focus on suppression repair efforts, mitigating the
impacts caused from firefighting activities, such as digging handline and dozer lines, throughout
the Blue Fire. Off the southern tip of the Blue Fire, firefighters reinforced a dozer line that extends westward
about one mile.
Firefighters also cleared forest roads to improve access to the fire’s western perimeter, allowing
them to go direct where possible. Two type 3 helicopters provided aerial reconnaissance of the
western edge to identify isolated heat sources. An unmanned aircraft system, or drone, will also
conduct infrared surveillance to pinpoint sources of heat.
Log Fire: Minimal fire behavior and some smoldering have been observed. Little to no heat
signatures are appearing on infrared flights, but aircraft will continue to monitor the area daily.
Firefighters have completed their mission to wrap structures in the Wooley Creek area as well as
the lookout at English Peak.
• Evacuation Warnings are in effect for Zones SIS-1007-A, SIS-1117, SIS-1118-A, SIS-1118-B, SIS-1118-C
and SIS-1233-A.
• The latest evacuation information can be found at https://protect.genasys.com
• Klamath National Forest Closure Order for the Blue Fire: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-
publication/caknf-blue-fire-klamath-national-forest/blue-fire-closure-order-08-31-2025
• Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Services for fire-related resources and general safety information.
Pacific Crest Trail: The trail is closed between the northern junction with the Kelsey National Recreation Trail
#5204 (mile 1632.1) and Seiad Valley (mile 1656) due to the Blue Fire. Detailed closure information can be
found at https://closures.pcta.org/closure/gqQqgQWyxAAiPD2nO1nd
Oregon Congressman Cliff Bentz has reintroduced legislation mandating that precise printed information accompany prescription medications.
The “Patients’ Right To Know Their Medication Act” stipulates a one-page standardized format containing FDA-approved details on the proper use of the medication. Bentz asserts that this will particularly aid rural patients who may not consistently have dependable internet access to research drug information.
He is confident that it will result in a reduction of errors and a decrease in hospital visits.
FATAL ACCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 62
SHADY COVE, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies responded to a fatal motor vehicle crash Tuesday, September 9 on Highway 62 in Shady Cove. ECSO Dispatch received a call for a head-on collision at 2:18 PM involving multiple vehicles in the 20000 block of Highway 62.
JCSO deputies arrived along with Jackson County Fire District 4 and Mercy Flights to find one driver deceased and another in serious condition. A Mercy Flights helicopter transported the injured patient to a local hospital where they remain in stable condition. The decedent is John Steven Renfro, 72, of Shady Cove. Next-of-kin has been notified. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
The Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team and JCSO Medical Examiners responded to investigate. The preliminary investigation revealed a Toyota Tundra, operated by Renfro, was traveling northbound on Highway 62 near Cindy Way in Shady Cove. He crossed over the centerline for unknown reasons, and struck a southbound Dodge Durango head on. Oregon Department of Transportation closed the highway for approximately four hours during the investigation.
The STAR Team consists of investigators from JCSO, Medford Police Department, Ashland Police Department, Central Point Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. This case is open and ongoing. There is no further information available for release at this time.
MISSING CHILD ALERT – SIBLINGS ABEL WOOLFOLK AND CARSYN WOOLFOLK ARE MISSING AND BELIEVED TO BE AT RISK
(Gresham, OR) – Carsyn Woolfolk, age 5, and Abel Woolfolk, age 7, went missing with their mother Josee Marie Pyshny and father Daniel Scott Woolfolk from Portland on Sept. 4.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division believes that they may be at risk and is searching for them to assess their safety.
ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Carsyn and Abel. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of Abel, Carsyn, or their parents Josee Marie Pyshny and Daniel Scott Woolfolk should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).
They are believed to be in the Portland Metro area or Vancouver, Washington.
Name: Carsyn Lee Woolfolk
Date of birth: March 31, 2020
Height: 42 inches
Weight: 40 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Brown
Other identifying information: Carsyn is on the autism spectrum and is non-verbal.
Gresham Police Department Case # 25-37531
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children # 2061078
Name: Abel Cole Woolfolk
Date of birth: Aug. 27, 2018
Height: 48 inches
Weight: 55 pounds
Hair: Brownish blond
Eye color: Blue
Other identifying information: Abel has eczema and visible tooth decay.
Gresham Police Department Case # 25-37531
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children # 2061078
Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
BLM TIMBER SALES TO OFFER NEARLY 40 MILLION BOARD FEET IN WESTERN OREGON
The Bureau of Land Management will offer six timber sales in September, totalling 39.7 million board feet to be harvested from 3,470 public acres across western Oregon. Timber produced by these sales will provide critical supplies for construction and other industries, and support jobs across local economies.
“Timber harvested from public lands provides essential benefits to our nation, from supporting rural economies and local jobs to ensuring a strong domestic timber supply,” said BLM OR/WA State Director Barry Bushue. “At the same time, timber production plays a vital role in forest health and wildfire risk reduction that protects communities and saves lives.”
The Lakeview District will offer the Clover Butte timber sale (4.8 million board feet, 1,103 acres). The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 10 a.m. on Sept. 17 at the Lakeview District Office, 2795 Anderson Avenue, Bldg. #25, Klamath Falls.
The Medford District will offer four sales:
- Holcomb Hollow Salvage & Hazard timber sale (5.6 million board feet, 679 acres). The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 9 a.m. on Sept. 25 at the Medford District Office, 3040 Biddle Rd, Medford.
- Chopper Styx Salvage & Hazard timber sale (5.2 million board feet, 437 acres). The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 9 a.m. on Sept. 25 at the Medford District Office, 3040 Biddle Rd, Medford.
- Take A Chance timber sale (10.6 million board feet, 383 acres). The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 9 a.m. on Sept. 25 at the Medford District Office, 3040 Biddle Rd, Medford.
- Apple Saws Salvage & Hazard timber sale (6.6 million board feet, 629 acres). The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 9 a.m. on Sept. 25 at the Medford District Office, 3040 Biddle Rd, Medford.
The Roseburg District will offer the Prince Butte timber sale (6.9 million board feet, 239 public acres) near Oakland in Douglas County. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 10 a.m. on Sept. 23, at the Roseburg District Office, 777 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg.
In western Oregon, the BLM manages 2.4 million acres of some of the most productive forests in the world, and is committed to supplying a reliable, secure, and resilient domestic supply of timber. BLM forestry supports economic security, reduces risks from wildfire, conserves fish and wildlife habitat, and decreases costs of energy production. Local communities rely on jobs that come from BLM forests, and timber from public land feeds local industry.
Each year, sales managed by the BLM’s forestry program in Oregon and Washington support approximately 2,000 local jobs and generate more than $1 billion for local economies. Revenue from timber sold on O&C lands is shared between the U.S. Treasury and 18 western Oregon counties. This funding provides local communities with the means to construct new county buildings; develop fairgrounds and museums; support libraries, schools, and jails; and build flood-control dams and reservoirs.
The FBI is seeking information from individuals who may have been victims of health care fraud.
Bene Market Group, Seguro Medico, Quick Health, and Arthur Walsh are currently under investigation. Last year, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation issued a cease-and-desist order against Seguro Medico. It is alleged that these businesses enrolled consumers in insurance plans without their consent, sent misleading and incorrect text messages, and utilized false claims in their sales presentations.
The FBI encourages victims to reach out to them.
ODOT Work Slow, Funding Still A Problem For Personnel
Funding the state transportation department remains a persistent source of frustration for Oregonians and their legislature, regardless of political affiliation.
Minimal funding and the employment of hundreds of personnel at the Oregon Department of Transportation are still uncertain as the state Senate delays voting for an additional two weeks. The House approved a temporary bill with the necessary three-fifths majority on Labor Day, with the Senate anticipated to conclude the special session with a decisive vote last week.
However, circumstances shifted when Sen. Chris Gorsek (D-Gresham) was unable to attend due to recovery from a medical procedure. In Gorsek’s absence, the anticipated margin of ‘yes’ votes in the Senate was deemed too narrow to ensure the bill’s passage, prompting senators to delay for two weeks in hopes of Gorsek’s return.
Rep. E. Werner Reschke (R-Malin) remarked that it is not standard practice to defer voting due to a legislator’s absence. Reschke emphasized that the majority of public testimonies were strongly against the proposed 6-cent gas tax increase, as well as the registration, title, and road use fees.
The current economic outlook appears grim in Oregon, with the latest report indicating a loss of 25,000 jobs statewide last year.
Currently, the newest COVID-19 vaccines are accessible solely to Oregonians who possess a prescription; however, physicians in the state are reluctant to request these vaccinations.
Currently, the newest COVID-19 vaccines are accessible solely to Oregonians who possess a prescription; however, physicians in the state are reluctant to request these vaccinations. Until the committee provides its recommendation, state regulations prevent pharmacists from administering the vaccines to anyone lacking a prescription, even to individuals for whom the vaccine has been authorized.
Additionally, physicians are also hesitant to prescribe or administer the new COVID-19 vaccine in the absence of an official recommendation from the CDC regarding the vaccine.
Courtni Dresser, who serves as the vice president of government relations for the Oregon Medical Association, stated that the reluctance of doctors to prescribe the vaccine “originates from a place of caution and concern” due to the absence of clear directives from both the federal and state governments.
PORTLAND, Ore.— Defendant Julie Winters, 46, of Portland, made a first appearance in federal court last week after being charged by criminal complaint with assaulting a federal officer and resisting arrest.
According to court documents, on August 20, 2025, Winters became hostile when deputies from the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) attempted to place Winters under arrest for violating the conditions of her pretrial release for an earlier charge of assaulting a federal law enforcement officer. Winters began to fight and resisted arrest.
After several minutes, the deputies were able to handcuff and escort Winters to a holding cell. A short time later in the holding cell, Winters had a medical incident, and the Deputy U.S. Marshals provided immediate care in her cell. The Deputy U.S. Marshals removed the restraints as they waited for additional medical personnel to respond.
As soon as the restraints were removed, Winters began fighting with the Deputy U.S. Marshals.
Winters grabbed a Deputy U.S. Marshal by the hair at the base of the scalp and began to whip
the Deputy U.S. Marshal around by the hair.
Winters was actually on pretrial release for a separate incident on June 24, 2025, for which she was
indicted on two counts of attempted assault on an officer and intimidation of a federal officer
with a dangerous weapon. According to court documents, on June 24, 2025, officers observed Winters attempting to light an incendiary device next to the guard shack of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office. As Federal Protective Service officers engaged with Winters, she pulled a large knife from her backpack and began waiving the blade toward the officers. Winters threw the knife at
an officer, but it did not strike the officer.
Winters began to flee but an officer deployed a taser, bringing Winters to the ground. As officers attempted to secure Winters, she pulled a second large knife from her waistband. Officers finally disarmed Winters and arrested her.
Under the Trump Administration’s new FBI, the case is being investigated by the United States Marshal Service and the FBI and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
A Portland man made his first appearance in federal court this week after assaulting a federal officer during ongoing protest activity near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
Devin P. Montgomery, 49, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.
According to court documents, on the afternoon of September 4, 2025, Federal Protective Service (FPS) observed Montgomery operating an Unmanned Aircraft System, also commonly described as a “drone,” in a temporary flight restricted area near the ICE facility in Portland. The FPS advised Montgomery that flying a drone above or around the federal facility was prohibited due to the restriction imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Montgomery ignored FPS’s instructions and continued to operate the drone in the restricted area.
Federal officers approached Montgomery, who became belligerent with the officers and began cursing at them. After his arrest, Montgomery spit in an officer’s face.
Since June 13, 2025, a total of 26 defendants have been charged with federal offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, arson, possession of a destructive device, and depredation of government property.
Montgomery made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.
Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to 8 years in federal prison.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Due to the Kelsey Peak Fire and the Moon Complex, the Bureau of Land Management Grants Pass Field Office, along with the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, has implemented an emergency closure affecting a section of the Rogue River Trail, tfn.
The public is strongly advised to refrain from using the entire trail. Entry into closed areas is strictly prohibited for the public, and all activities—including hiking, hunting, and dispersed camping—are not allowed. The Rogue River Trail is closed from Horseshoe Bend to Flora Dell.
For further details, please refer to the map available on the BLM website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
The Kelsey Peak and Moon Complex fires are currently active in steep and challenging terrain. This closure is necessary to safeguard the public and minimize disruptions to firefighting efforts. Fire managers will evaluate the closure and its implications in accordance with effective risk management practices as conditions permit. Weather and fuel conditions continue to be conducive to the spread of fire. The BLM Medford District is currently experiencing extreme fire danger.
A prominent advocate for the movement to abolish vote by mail in Oregon asserts that it is gaining momentum, while detractors argue that it still has a considerable distance to cover.
Initiative 37 has reportedly collected a minimum of 25,000 signatures since July 25, according to chief petitioner Ben Edtl, a Republican political consultant based in Tualatin.
To qualify for the November 2026 ballot, the initiative requires over 156,000 verified signatures by July 2, as stated by the Oregon Secretary of State. Supporters have raised nearly $9,000 to date but have expended close to $12,000.
Oregon initiated trials of a vote-by-mail system in the 1980s, eventually becoming the first state in the nation to officially implement the system. Since that time, seven additional states and Washington D.C. have adopted similar measures.
EMERALD ASH BORER BEETLE HAS BEEN FOUND IN MULTIPLE NEW SITES THIS SUMMER, INCLUDING PORTLAND
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is a tiny green beetle from eastern Asia that is having a devastating impact on ash trees in North America, including northwest Oregon.
Across the U.S., millions of ash trees have been killed by the larvae of this pest. The larvae eat tissues under the bark, eventually killing infested trees.
First found in Oregon in 2022 at a school in Forest Grove, this summer the beetle showed up in traps in six new areas. Five of the sites were within the existing EAB quarantine boundary.
A trap was placed this summer at a sixth site in Multnomah County after Peter Van Oss, a private arborist with Teragan and Associates, noticed an ailing green ash tree in the parking lot of the David Douglas Aquatics Center in the Hazelwood-Mill Park area. Van Oss suspected it might be infested with EAB and alerted officials.
City and state officials then inspected the tree Van Oss had reported and saw signs of EAB infestation, such as dieback at the top and serpentine gallery marks under the bark. A single adult insect was trapped and sent to the United States Department of Agriculture, specifically to the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service’s Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory in Maryland, which confirmed it was EAB.
The other new sites where EAB was found this summer are:
- Hazeldale Park about a mile west of Beaverton
- Killin Wetlands Nature Park near Banks in western Washington County
- Five miles northwest of the town of Yamhill in Yamhill County
- Three miles southeast of Oregon City in Clackamas County
- Bureau of Land Management-administered land east of Scotts Mills in Clackamas County
“The pattern of spread in the eastern U.S. has been that populations at first increase slowly and the rate of natural spread is slow,” said Cody Holthouse, Manager of the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture’s Insect Pest Prevention and Management Program. “But within a few years there is a rapid build-up in the population and it spreads in all directions at a faster pace. That’s exactly what we’re starting to see with these detections.”
Holthouse said EAB is about half an inch in length and is hard to spot with the naked eye. It is not strongly attracted to traps, making early detections in novel locations difficult. “Finding one in a trap usually means there are quite a few already in that area,” he said.
Holthouse said the discovery in southeast Portland puts all of Multnomah County into the EAB quarantine zone. Other quarantined counties include Clackamas, Washington, Marion, and Yamhill counties.
“Quarantine is designed to prevent humans from spreading EAB by limiting movement of firewood or any other plant materials from ash, olive or white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus),” said Holthouse.
A full list of quarantine regulations can be found here.
BEND, OR — The 2025 High Desert Rendezvous—the High Desert Museum’s largest annual fundraising event—has set a new record, grossing over $700,000 to support the Museum’s exhibitions and programs.
The event, now in its 36th year and considered one of the longest-running fundraisers in Central Oregon, took place at the Museum on Saturday, August 23. Attendees met wildlife, explored the Art in the West exhibition, enjoyed living history activities and gathered for a sumptuous dinner and live auction. The previous record-setting Rendezvous was in 2024.
The 2025 Rendezvous Honoree, the Tykeson Family Foundation, contributed to the event’s success. The Foundation makes a profound impact in Central Oregon through its steadfast dedication to education, health care and the arts. Led by Amy Tykeson, the former CEO of BendBroadband, the Tykeson Family Foundation supports the Museum’s many programs and initiatives.
“The Museum continues to make a tremendous impact in the region. We were honored to be recognized and are proud to play a role in furthering the important work underway for all of us to learn, convene, reflect and understand,” said Tykeson, who serves as managing trustee for the Foundation.
“We’re extraordinarily grateful to the Rendezvous attendees, the Tykeson Family Foundation, our Board of Trustees and this amazing community who have contributed to the ongoing work of this museum,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “This generosity helps us continue to grow our amazing exhibitions, educational efforts and programs to serve this dynamic region.”
Founded in 1982, the High Desert Museum brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum every year opens up to nine new temporary exhibitions, cares for over 100 animals and welcomes thousands of school children for field trips. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, nearly 220,000 people visited the Museum.
The 2025 High Desert Rendezvous was presented by Bonta Gelato and Ferguson Wellman Wealth Management with support from Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Vista Capital Partners.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM:
The High Desert Museum opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Happy Birthday, Woodsy Owl!
Woodsy Owl turns 54 years old today!
“Quick, what’s today?! No, not just the middle of September or the beginning of a new week, it’s my birthday! That’s right, I, Woodsy Owl, was born 54 years ago today, and began my important work of reminding everyone to Lend a Hand, Care for the Land!
I took the stage on September 15, 1971, with the mission of raising awareness of environmental protection, both on the forest and in your communities. I was perfect for this job—being an owl, I’m at home in cities, towns and forests, and we owls are also known for our wisdom, like how important it is to care for our lands and homes.
Since then, I’ve spent the last 54 years sharing with kids and adults how we all can keep the national forests and grasslands clean and enjoyable for everyone. After all, no one likes to get to a campground, trail or lake and have to clean up after the people who came before.
Lend a Hand, Care for the Land
How we look a taking care of the land has changed through the years. Those of you who grew up with me might remember I used to say, “Give a hoot, don’t pollute!” While it’s still important to not pollute, there’s so much more to taking care of the forests and all the other natural places we love than simply not polluting. That’s why I added a new motto: “Lend a hand, care for the land!”
Whether you’re in a forest or at home or at school, there are all kinds of things you can do to lend a hand and care for the land. For instance, have you heard of the 4Rs of litter prevention? Here they are:
- Reduce: Cut down on the amount of stuff you use every day to reduce your daily garbage.
- Reuse: Use the same thing more than once. Donating old clothes, games, books and other items in good condition means that others can use them and they won’t end up in the garbage.
- Recycle: Recycling is a process of transforming something old into something new. You can take paper, glass and cans to a recycling center, where they can be turned into new items, such as clothing, carpets and outdoor furniture.
- Rot: This one may sound gross, but it’s actually really easy and helpful. Also called composting, it’s when you take your leftover fruits and vegetables and turn them into rich new soil. Not only are you reducing litter, but you’re also creating new soil for your garden!
- Another important one to think about when you’re visiting a national forest is Leave No Trace. When you’re hiking or camping, not only should you not leave trash around, try to minimize your impact overall. Don’t move rocks or cut branches off trees. Look at wildlife but don’t disturb them. Take photos or videos of those wonderful moments with family and friends, but leave no trace in nature. People should always remember to give a hoot – don’t pollute—that’s the essence of Leave No Trace.
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Plant a birthday tree!
I’m really glad you want to celebrate my birthday with me! Who knew 54 years could go by so quickly? One of my favorite ways to celebrate a birthday is by planting a tree. So, if you’ve got time and a good space for one, why not plant a tree to celebrate not just my birthday, but all the beautiful forests that we’ve cared for all these years and for many more!
Thanks for reading the the news on BasinLife.com from Wynne Broadcasting.
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