Monday, October 13, 2025, Columbus Day

Klamath Basin Weather

Today
Monday, Columbus Day
Rain likely, mainly before 2pm. Snow level rising to 6400 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. East wind 5 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. A 20% chance of rain after 7pm, snow level at 8800 feet. Mostly clear overnight with a low near 35, east winds 15-17mph and gustier at times. 

Around the State of Oregon

Three judges in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals are considering whether to continue a temporary order that blocks President Trump from sending Oregon National Guard troops to Portland.

The federal government is appealing this restraining order, which prevents deployment of 200 Guard members to protect federal facilities, including an ICE building where small, mostly peaceful protests have occurred. Judges Nelson and Bade appeared supportive of Trump’s authority, while Judge Graber questioned the need for emergency action given the size and nature of the protests.

The restraining order was originally granted because there was no evidence of a “rebellion” at the site.

 

Eugene’s Automated License Plate Reader system aids in the arrest of seven suspects in Asian home burglary

On October 6, a home in the Bethel, Oregon, area belonging to Asian community members was burglarized during the daytime while occupants were working at their Eugene business.

Eugene Police have been dedicating substantial, ongoing resources to investigating similar crimes that appear to be the work of a group of foreign nationals.

The investigation revealed a brief video that captured a person posing to be a pizza delivery driver shortly before all cameras malfunctioned simultaneously. Investigators were led to a local pizzeria that happened to be near the victim’s place of business.  Additional footage was located that showed the suspect and the possible involved vehicle. Detectives uploaded the vehicle into the ALPR system and found it had travelled in the area of the burglary on the day the crime took place. 

With sustained investigative effort, detectives began searching for the vehicle. The system revealed hits on the vehicle in Eugene.  Combining a great deal of hard work and some luck, detectives were able to eventually locate the suspect vehicle in the afternoon of October 8 in south Eugene.

EPD detectives watched the vehicle and the following day, October 9, detectives followed it north to several other cities including Corvallis, Salem, and Keizer where it was joined by two other vehicles. 

ALPR access from multiple jurisdictions was crucial in confirming the presence and locations of the suspect vehicles at various times that day. 

While maintaining observation of the vehicles and suspects, one vehicle was believed to have committed a residential burglary in west Salem.  EPD detectives aided Salem Police with the initial investigation and the two agencies worked together.

Detectives traced the suspects to the 2400 block of Skyline Boulevard in Eugene and with the assistance of patrol resources, monitored the location until a search warrant could be submitted to a local judge.

The search warrant was granted.  and on October 9, Eugene Police SWAT served the search warrant. At the initial announcement of the warrant service, at least seven people fled the residence but were all eventually apprehended. During this, a phone alert went out to the area advising residents to shelter in place.

EPD Investigators and analysis work have confirmed all four known suspect vehicles matched the same timing and path of travel through neighboring states before arriving in Oregon. ALPR technology has been instrumental in identifying these multi-state crime groups. 

“In this particular investigation the ALPR technology was a critical investigative tool in providing a turning point to help solve this case,” said Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner. “This is an example of how this technology can serve victims of crime in a more effective and efficient way. The burglaries affecting Asian business owners and their families throughout Eugene and other Oregon jurisdictions has been a focal point for our police department and we are so pleased that we were able to bring this to a resolution.”

The investigation remains active. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.

Arrested for Burglary in the First Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Burglary in the First Degree and lodged at Lane County Jail were:

27-year-old Steven Alexander Quirogasolano

31-year-old Robinson Camacho Rodriguez

26-year-old William Steven Rodriguez

24-year-old Denison Martinez

27-year-old Jesson Quintero

44-year-old Jhon Alexander Quintero

24-year-old Jhon Quintero

 

 

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) celebrates the progress being made to provide high quality early learning to children across the state.

A new report commissioned by DELC was released by Oregon State University Child Care Research Partnership titled “Oregon’s Child Care Deserts 2024,” which found a significant decrease in child care deserts for preschool-aged children, with just nine counties in that category in 2024 compared to 27 in 2018.

Since the last report in 2022, tremendous progress was made with 10 counties (Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Grant, Jackson, Lake, Lane, Union) moving from being child care deserts in 2022 to not being deserts in 2024 for preschool age children ages 3-5. (One county – Baker, became a preschool child care desert in 2024 when it had not been in 2022).

Despite progress being made, almost all Oregon counties remain child care deserts for infants and toddlers ages 0-2. Child care deserts exist when there are three or more children for a single regulated child care slot. Regulated care includes child care centers and home-based providers that are licensed by or receive public funding from the state, which meet and maintain required health and safety standards.

Without public funds, all 36 Oregon counties would still be considered child care deserts for infants and toddlers, and 28 of 36 counties would still be deserts for preschoolers.

 

Income tax filing extension deadline just days away

Salem, OR—More than 2.1 million Oregonians have filed their tax year 2024 state personal income tax returns this year.

But with just six days before the tax filing extension deadline October 15, as many as 100,000 Oregonians are expected to sneak in under the wire.

“It’s not unusual for there to be a large number of returns filed in the last week before the extension deadline. If you forget and file after the extension deadline, you could be subject to additional penalties,” said Megan Denison, Personal Tax and Compliance Division administrator with the Oregon Department of Revenue.

“Our best advice for taxpayers is to get their returns in as soon as possible.”In addition to filing sooner rather than later, the department offers the following information for taxpayers who still need to file their state return.

File electronically.

E-filing is the fastest way for taxpayers to get their tax refund. Nearly 95 percent of those who have already filed this year, have filed electronically. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks. Taxpayers should file just once. Sending a paper return through the mail after e-filing will delay a refund.

Free filing options

Revenue provides several options for taxpayers to e-file their returns for free. Oregon Free Fillable Forms performs basic calculations and is ideal for taxpayers who don’t need help preparing their returns and want the convenience of filing electronically. The IRS offers a similar option for filing federal taxes electronically.

New this year, taxpayers can file their federal return directly with the IRS using IRS Direct File and their Oregon return directly with the state through Direct File Oregon for free. Videos are available to show how to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.

Information about all available free tax preparation software options is available on the Revenue website, along with a list of organizations providing free assistance.

Where’s my refund? tool and video

Revenue has issued nearly 1.5 million refunds already this year, most within two weeks of filing. Taxpayers wondering about the refund on their tax year 2024 return, can use the Oregon Department of Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? tool to check its status and, if they want more information, watch a video outlining the refund timelines to better understand the process.

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, see a list of approved tax preparation software products, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments. For questions not answered on our website, call 800-356-4222 toll-free (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 or email questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls. Due to the number of calls Revenue receives during tax season, you may experience extended wait times.

Health Licensing Office publishes FAQs for sign language interpreter educational, legal and medical licenses

Salem, OR — During the 2025 Legislative Session, Senate Bill 950 (2025) was passed and signed into law by Governor Kotek May 28, 2025.

The new law repeals the sign language interpreter (SLI) educational, legal and medical licenses, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Under the law, SLI educational, legal or medical licenses issued between June 8, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2025, will remain valid until Jan. 1, 2029.

This provision allows current license holders three additional years to continue practicing.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the Health Licensing Office (HLO) will no longer issue or renew SLI educational, legal or medical licenses.

To support license holders and the public in understanding these changes, HLO has published Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• FAQ for Sign Language Interpreter Educational License
• FAQ for Sign Language Interpreter Legal License
• FAQ for Sign Language Interpreter Medical License

News regarding the Board of Sign Language Interpreters can be found here.

If you have any questions, please contact: Josh Page at josh.page@oha.oregon.gov, or by calling (503) 934-0720

 

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has finalized the 2026 health rates for the individual and small group plans following months of federal uncertainty that delayed the normal review timeline.

Five insurers – Moda, Bridgespan, PacificSource, Providence, and Regence – will continue to offer plans statewide.

Kaiser Permanente will provide coverage in 11 counties, giving consumers six options to choose from in major portions of the state. Average changes for 2026 in the Individual market saw six companies submitted rate change requests ranging from an average increase of 3.9 percent (PacificSource) to 12.9 percent (Kaiser), for a weighted average increase of 9.7 percent. That average increase is slightly higher than last year’s requested weighted average increase of 9.3 percent.

In the small group market eight companies submitted rate change requests ranging from an average increase of 5.2 percent (PacificSource) to 21.5 percent (Providence), for a weighted average increase of 11.5 percent, which is lower than last year’s 12.3 percent requested average increase.

 

Oregon’s nearly 30,000 federal workers are still off the clock and with the continued government shutdown by Democrats, the chance of layoffs, delayed paychecks and an uncertain near future looms.  

After Congress failed to reach a short-term funding agreement nearly two weeks ago, roughly one-third of Oregon’s federal work force were sent home without pay, while another third — including airport screeners, border protection agents, VA medical staff, and others — must remain on the job but will not see paychecks until the shutdown ends.

The final third, such as employees of the U.S. Postal Service and Bonneville Power Administration, are not impacted by the shutdown, because their agencies operate with independent funding streams. 

For Oregon families, the shutdown could be disruptive in ways both obvious and subtle. Social Security and Medicare checks are expected to continue, but anyone needing a passport, a tax issue resolved, or help from agencies such as the IRS or Veterans Administration may encounter significant delays.

Nutrition assistance programs like WIC will remain funded only through mid-October, according to the Oregon Health Authority, while SNAP benefits could stretch about a month into the closure before interruptions occur. 

What stays open, what closes in Oregon Stays open: Airports and air travel – TSA screeners, air traffic controllers, and FAA safety staff will continue working without pay. The military and VA hospitals – Active duty personnel (including the National Guard troops expected to be deployed to Portland) as well as in-hospital medical care, and veterans’ health services will remain operational.

U.S. Postal Service – Mail delivery and post office operations are funded separately.

Weather reports – The National Weather Service will continue to provide forecasts and warning information. Bonneville Power Administration – Maintains the Northwest’s electrical grid with its own funding. Social Security and Medicare benefits – Checks will continue to be issued.

Likely disrupted or closed: Passport processing – Expect major delays, especially for expedited applications. Federal agency customer service – IRS, Veterans Administration, and Social Security offices will scale back, leaving many inquiries unanswered.

WIC benefits – Will continue through mid-October, but could lapse if the shutdown drags on. SNAP (food stamps) – Benefits will continue for several weeks but may run out if the impasse lasts.

Federal science and regulatory agencies – Workers at EPA, NOAA, USGS, Fish and Wildlife, and the Forest Service face furloughs. Stay tuned.

 

The Oregon Department of Transportation is working to fill vacant positions after resignations and a hiring freeze.

Typically, the department starts hiring winter maintenance staff in July, according to Deputy Director Travis Brouwer, who spoke to the Joint Committee on Transportation at the Oregon Capitol. The possibility of layoffs pending legislative action resulted in an increase in employee departures.

From late June to late September, 206 employees resigned, with about half retiring or leaving after receiving layoff notices. Following the legislature’s decision not to pass a transportation funding plan during its six-month session, the department identified 483 planned layoffs and eliminated 449 vacant positions.

Governor Tina Kotek suspended the layoffs twice while awaiting legislative action; these layoffs will not proceed since the Oregon Senate approved a $4.3 billion transportation package that provides funding for transportation jobs over the next decade. A special legislative session was held between August and September to secure sufficient votes to pass the bill. As a result, the department is delayed in recruiting staff to maintain roads during the winter and assist customers with vehicle registrations and licenses.

 

Springfield Special Education Teacher Honored as Oregon’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year

In a surprise announcement Friday, Springfield Public Schools special education teacher Sally Golden was named and celebrated as Oregon’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year.

Golden has been a special education teacher in the district for 20 years and has coordinated the Community Transition Program (CTP) for the past 14 years. She facilitates, writes and implements Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for young adult students with disabilities in the Springfield School District, with a focus on serving students in the four main areas of transition: employment skills, independent living, community participation and post-secondary education.

Prior to CTP, she taught special education at Springfield High School for six years and was a treatment team member for two years at Jasper Mountain Center, a residential home and day treatment program for children with significant trauma histories.

“Mrs. Golden embodies the profound influence that dedicated educators have on their students’ success,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “Her ability to build authentic partnerships with families and the Springfield community ensures that her students are supported with the resources they need and that they are valued as vital, contributing members of our society.”

“Mrs. Golden exemplifies the very best of Oregon education,” said Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education. “In a field too often overlooked, she has reimagined transitional special education by seeing her students not as ‘at-risk’ but as ‘at-hope’—radiating belief in their potential and purpose. With her expertise, humility, and gift for storytelling, Mrs. Golden is a trailblazer and a powerful advocate for inclusive, student-centered practices. We are proud to honor her as Oregon’s Teacher of the Year, knowing she will inspire educators and communities across the state.” 

“I continue to see each and every student as a unique individual worthy of respect, capable of growing, and open to influence,” Golden said in her application. 

Springfield’s Community Transition Program supports students with disabilities who complete high school with a modified diploma or certificate of completion and are eligible to continue receiving district special education transition services through the school year in which they turn 21 years of age. Through hands-on, community-based activities – such as work experience, cooking, shopping, city bus training, and recreation – students build independence and life skills. CTP staff also connect students with adult service agencies to ensure a smooth transition beyond district services. 

The Oregon Teacher of the Year program is sponsored by the Oregon Department of Education in partnership with the Oregon Lottery. Golden was celebrated as a Regional Teacher of the Year in September and will receive a $10,000 cash award as the 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year. A matching $5,000 is also awarded to the Community Transition Program.

“Mrs. Golden goes beyond offering what you find in a traditional classroom, helping students build the skills and connections to be successful in the real world,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We celebrate her leadership as an educator who is making sure these young adults have the opportunity to thrive in their community.” 

The Oregon Teacher of the Year is selected after an extensive application process. Nominees from schools throughout Oregon submitted packets of information including testimonials and letters of support from administrators, students and colleagues. From the written material, applicants were assessed on leadership, instructional expertise, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, professional development and vision.

As the 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year, Golden will serve as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers. She will also receive year-long professional development and networking with other state Teachers of the Year through the Council of Chief State School Officers’ National Teacher of the Year program.

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting the Oregon Teacher of the Year website. —(SOURCE)

New Parking Fees at 21 Oregon State Parks

Beginning October 1st, visitors are now equired to pay a parking fee at 21 Oregon State Parks where fees were previously exempted.

As stated by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), this modification is part of a strategy to tackle a 14% budget deficit, with the extra revenue aimed at sustaining current service levels throughout the state. Some of the parks impacted include: Farewell Bend Beverly Beach Face Rock Sunset Bay Bullards Beach Harris Beach Valley of the Rogue

The daily parking fee is established at $10 per vehicle for residents of Oregon and $12 for visitors from out of state.

OPRD indicates that this change will assist in funding maintenance, staffing, and visitor services as expenses continue to increase. For further information, including a comprehensive list of affected parks and options for annual passes, please visit the Oregon State Parks website at stateparks.oregon.gov.

 

 

The United States Postal Service has announced its official mailing deadlines for the 2025 holiday season, assisting customers in planning ahead to ensure timely delivery of their cards and packages.

For those sending items within the contiguous 48 states, the following send-by dates are recommended:

December 17 for USPS Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail (which includes holiday cards and small packages)

December 18 for Priority Mail

December 20 for Priority Mail Express, the quickest domestic shipping option offered by USPS.

USPS advises customers to ship early, use trackable services, and consider acquiring insurance for valuable items. Flat-rate boxes and shipping supplies can be obtained at local post offices and online at usps.com, where a comprehensive list of holiday deadlines, including those for international and military shipping, is also available.

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