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.
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, with a high near 66. Calm southwest wind around 5 mph in the afternoon. Overnight, cloudy with a low of 38 degrees. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.
See Road Camera Views around the Klamath Basin:
Lake of the Woods
Doak Mtn.
Hiway 97 at Chemult
Hiway 140 at Bly
Hiway 97 at GreenSprings Dr.
Hiway 97 at LaPine
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
On the morning of Monday morning the Klamath Falls Police Department was alerted to a dumpster fire in the alley behind 200 Main St.
Officers quickly arrived at the scene and successfully extinguished the flames, preventing any further damage to the surrounding area. During their investigation, they gathered a physical description of the suspect from witnesses and surveillance footage.
While searching for the individual, officers received additional reports of fires in the downtown area, prompting a response from the Klamath County Fire District, which extinguished a fire behind a business in the 400 block of Main St. Shortly thereafter, another fire was reported in the alley behind a church on the 600 block of Pine St., where an officer was able to put it out.
Within minutes of the last fire, officers located the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Preston Helgesen, who was arrested for arson. He was subsequently taken to the Klamath County Jail, facing three counts of first-degree arson, two counts of reckless burning, and one count of first-degree criminal mischief.
The swift actions of the police and fire department are commendable, as they prevented the situation from escalating and posing a greater threat to the community.
Anyone with further information about this case is encouraged to contact the Klamath Falls Police Department at 541-883-5336, referencing KFPD Case 2025-10130013, or to call the anonymous tip line at 541-883-5336.
Klamath County Sheriff’s Office seeks public’s help with string of burglaries
Six businesses were hit in a series of burglaries this week in urban Klamath Falls with local law enforcement suspecting the incidents may be related. Klamath County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help identifying and locating two male suspects in the string of crimes.
Sheriff Shane Mitchell spoke with the Herald and News, reporting that the impacted businesses include Casey’s Restaurant and Art’s Towing Services, among others.
“We’re having a rash of burglaries right now,” Mitchell said. “In the last week, at two of the businesses, they (suspects) cut the power before going in, so it shuts down the camera system.”
The suspects were caught on recording by another nearby security camera, however, and are believed to have fled the scene in a black Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor after burglarizing But Make It Dirty.
Undersheriff Mike Smith said the means of each crime committed bear a resemblance to each other.
Burglarized businesses:
Le’ Bella Boutique Salon — 4812 S. Sixth St.
Eternal Hills — 4711 Highway 39
Casey’s Restaurant- 4706 S. Sixth St.
Ninja MTB Performance — 3747 Washburn Way
Art’s Towing Service — 510 Market St.
But Make It Dirty — 5226 S. Sixth St.
“Right now, the M.O. is the same for a few,” Smith said. “Cutting power (of the main breaker) at Casey’s and Ninja Mountain Bike and cutting the internet to Le’ Bella.”
The total value of property and cash taken from the businesses is estimated to be just over $9,000. Estimated property damage at one location, Eternal Hills, is approximately $20,000.
Suspects were caught on camera at one of the businesses but the resolution of the footage was insufficient to distinguish any identifying features. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Klamath County Sheriff’s Office.
Although it may still be fall, anyone intending to drive over the Cascades this weekend should closely monitor the daily weather reports.
As stated in a Facebook post by the National Weather Service, an atmospheric river is approaching the Pacific Northwest this weekend, accompanied by cooler air. Several days in advance, the weather service indicated that the precise total amounts of snow remain uncertain.
Nevertheless, the snowfall totals over a 48-hour period could reach up to 12 inches, particularly in the Central Oregon Cascades near Santiam and Willamette Pass. In the valley, there is no likelihood of snow.
However, it will be wet, with showers expected from Friday through Sunday in Klamath County, on into the Willamette Valley and very rainy in Portland.
The Klamath Falls Police Department apprehended a man from Chiloquin in relation to a sexual assault case after establishing a connection with a similar investigation by the Oregon State Police.
On September 27, officers were called to Sky Lakes Medical Center following a report of
physical and sexual assault. A passerby discovered the victim in distress near Northern Heights Blvd and took her to the hospital for care.
The Klamath Falls Police detective division took over the case, where the victim recounted being forcibly taken by a male suspect, assaulted, and then driven to a remote area where she was sexually assaulted. As the investigation progressed, authorities found that Oregon State Police were looking into a comparable case involving a victim who provided similar details and described the same white truck.
OSP identified the suspect as 41-year-old Donald Larimer from Chiloquin and shared his information with Klamath Falls Police, who subsequently conducted their own investigation and established probable cause for his arrest. Larimer was stopped by a Klamath Falls officer on October 1 and taken into custody, facing charges that include kidnapping, rape, unlawful sexual penetration, sodomy, and sexual abuse.
Oregon Tech is streamlining the application process for high school students participating in its dual credit program by introducing a direct admission initiative.
Starting this year, students enrolled in the dual credit program will be automatically assessed for college admission, eliminating the need for a separate application. Currently,
the program supports over 5,000 students annually across 82 high schools in Oregon.
Carleen Drago Starr, the Director of Educational Partnerships & Outreach, highlighted the program’s efficiency, noting that students and their schools have already completed the necessary paperwork for college credit courses, thus avoiding redundancy. The initiative aims to alleviate the stress and uncertainty often associated with college admissions. Josephine Ness, the Director of Admissions, mentioned that this marks the third direct admission program launched by Oregon Tech since 2022.
Eligible students will receive communication from an Oregon Tech Admissions Counselor regarding the next steps in the process.
The Klamath National Forest is planning to conduct prescribed fire operations this fall and winter, pending all required approvals and as weather conditions allow.
These prescribed burns are used to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from wildfires. The Klamath has many projects ready to go for burning to capitalize on ideal burn conditions, which are different for each project. Not all projects listed will be completed this fall and winter.
Prescribed burns planned for the Klamath National Forest include the Goosenest Ranger District for the Cedar Mountain Underburn, 10 miles southeast of Macdoel, up to 600 acres and the First Creek Underburn, north of Highway 97 near Grass Lake totalling 225 acres.
For 152 years, the remains of four prominent Modoc leaders have been inaccessible to their descendants in the Modoc Tribe. Black Jim, Boston Charley, Schonchin John, and Captain Jack are set to return to their ancestral lands following the long-awaited transfer of their remains and associated funerary objects on Friday, October 17.
Previously held by the Klamath County Museum, this transfer is the culmination of a decades-long effort, as highlighted by a news release from the Modoc Ancestral Remains Committee, which emphasizes the profound historical and spiritual importance of this event for the Modoc people.
Since the beginning of 2025, Modoc leaders have been finalizing the process, securing necessary approvals from Klamath County, Oregon state officials, and the Klamath County Museum.
Those interested in learning about the work happening to address homelessness in Klamath County can share their thoughts about homelessness at a Town Hall meeting Thursday, Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Oregon Tech College Union Auditorium.
The Klamath Basin Faith-based Council, a workgroup associated with the Healthy Klamath Network, is sponsoring the event to learn more about what is being done for the homeless and to learn about the needs of agencies serving homeless people.
Speakers have been invited from the Gospel Mission, Klamath Lake Community Action Services, Thrive Church’s Warming Shelter and the Veterans Administration. After short presentations, the floor will be open for comments and to learn more about other resources.
A local branch of an international organization that supports women has opened the application period for local women who want to better their circumstances.
With falling temperatures, local youth are in need of winter apparel in the Klamath Basin.
Windermere Real Estate’s Coats for Kids Drive is now accepting new and gently used coats, boots, gloves, hats, and scarves for children through Oct. 26. Donations can be dropped off at any Southern Oregon Windermere office. In-person drop-offs are accepted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at locations in Ashland, Medford, Jacksonville, Eagle Point, Shady Cove, and Klamath Falls. As principal broker Devin Zupan noted, every donation helps provide comfort for kids during winter.
Klamath Alternative Wellness Expo Set for November 1, 2025: A Celebration of Health and Holistic Living
The Fourth Annual Klamath Alternative Wellness Expo is excited to announce its upcoming event to be held on November 1, 2025, at the Klamath County Fairgrounds Linman Hall. This much-anticipated expo will bring together wellness enthusiasts, holistic practitioners, and health-conscious individuals for a day filled with knowledge, inspiration, and community.
The Klamath Alternative Wellness Expo will feature a diverse range of exhibitors showcasing various alternative health practices, natural products, and wellness services. Attendees can explore booths offering everything from herbal remedies and nutritional supplements to holistic therapies.
“We are thrilled to offer a platform for local and regional experts to share their knowledge and resources,” said Kathy Crist, of the Klamath Alternative Wellness Expo. “This event aims to empower individuals to take charge of their health and discover alternative methods for achieving well-being.”
In addition to the exhibitors, the expo will host a series of free informative workshops and free classes led by experienced professionals in the field. Topics will cover a wide range of interests. Whether you’re a seasoned wellness advocate or new to alternative therapies, there will be something for everyone.
The expo will have raffle tickets available for purchase for locally provide items. Community members may bring in up to five items of canned food for the Klamath-Lake County Food Bank in exchange for up to five free raffle tickets.
This event is free to attend. The Expo is sponsored by Chocolate Mudra, Body Mind Holistic, One Peak Medical of Klamath Falls, The Aerie Retreat and Spiritual Center, Mind Your Health Wellness, and Bliss Float.
Join us for this exciting day of learning, connection, and holistic health on November 1, 2025. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Klamath County Fairgrounds Linman Hall, to celebrate alternative, original, and complimentary wellness together!
For more information, please visit www.klamathalternativewellness.org(http://www.klamathalternativewellness.org)
TRICKER STREET from Wynne Broadcasting is Saturday!
City of KF Note: Scarecrow Row Street Closure
On Saturday, October 25th, the annual Scarecrow Row event will take place in conjunction with the
Farmers Market.
Main Street between 4th Street & 11th Street will be closed, and 9th Street between
Main Street and Klamath Avenue will be closed from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Any questions can be
directed to Jennifer Hackman at 541-539-6212.
Scarecrow Row in Downtown Klamath Falls is Saturday!
The Children’s Costume Parade (10:00am starts at 9th & Main, downtown Klamath Falls.) Then the Trick or Treating begins immediately following the parade. Visit participating downtown businesses for some spooky treats! Each business will have goodies for all the little ghouls and goblins.
Along with pumpkin painting, a scarecrow display and the last Farmers Market of the season, it’s a great time to bring your family and friends for a morning full of fun, festivities, and fall spirit!
Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services is teaming up with the Klamath Basin Senior Center for a double dose of Halloween fun this year!
Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services Sensory Friendly Hour: Museum Monster Mash is October 24th | 5:00 – 6:00 PM at the Klamath County Museum – 1451 Main Street.
This sensory-friendly Halloween celebration is designed for individuals and families seeking a more accessible event experience. Costumes welcome! RSVP Required: Call 541-882-1000 to reserve your spot.
Then on Halloween, October 31st swing by the Trunk or Treat event at the Klamath County Museum, and after that head on over to the Senior Center for even more Halloween excitement! Two great events, one spooky night — don’t miss out! Klamath Basin Senior Center at 2045 Arthur Street is set for an evening of Halloween fun – perfect for all ages!
With a Not-So-Scary Haunted House and Trunk or Treat Fun plus a Fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner from 4–7 PM
Bring the whole family for spooky (but not too spooky!) fun, sweet treats, and a delicious dinner — all while supporting a great cause! $10 for Adults – $5 for Kids.
Several major roads within Crater Lake National Park—including the North Entrance Road, East Rim Drive, and West Rim Drive are now closed.
COMING TO THE RAGLAND THEATER
Paul Reiser Comedy Show
The Ross Ragland Theater 218 N 7th Street, Klamath Falls, OR, United StatesRocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary
The Linkville Players is excited to kick off the 15th season of its Little Linkville, Plays for Children series with an original work titled The Scarivore.
The show runs October 18, 19, 25 & 26. Saturday performances are at 1pm. Sunday performances are at 1pm and 3pm. General admission tickets are priced at just $3 each and are available in advance in person at Poppy on Main or at the door of the theater at 201 Main Street(on a first come, first serve basis) prior to each performance.Dont Miss These Events Coming To The Klamath County Library
- Basin Board & Card Gamers –Fridays at 2:30pm (Includes teens 12+)
- Adult Dungeons & Dragons – Tuesdays from 7pm to 9pm and Fridays from 6pm to 8pm (online)
- Fiber Art Circle – Tuesdays at 6pm and Saturdays from 11am to 1pm
- Adult Chess Club – Saturdays at 1pm
- Sign Up Today! Banned Book Club: Fahrenheit 451 –Friday, October 24th at 3pm
- Online Only! From Research to Novel: Using Genealogy to Write Historical Fiction –Wednesday, October 29th at 11am (Registration required)
- Sign Up Today! Adult Murder Mystery: The Midnight Manor – Wednesday, October 29th at 5:30pm (Registration required)
- Don’t Miss This! Freedom to Read Celebration –Wednesday, October 29th at 5:30pm
Around the State of Oregon
Governor Tina Kotek is calling for the full Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider a ruling made by a 3-judge panel that permits the deployment of the National Guard into Portland’s downtown area, which sees nightly chaos, noise and violent protests.
In the opinion of left-leaning Attorney General Dan Rayfield, if the ruling is allowed to stand, it would give the president unilateral power to put Oregon soldiers on the streets with almost no justification and puts the government moving into American cities on a “dangerous path”.
Rayfield is also urging the full Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to review the case and vacate the majority’s order before troops can be deployed.
More Than 300,000 Oregonians to Lose or See Cuts in Food Benefits
The federal government is set to terminate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at the end of this month, impacting nearly one in six residents in Oregon, according to Governor Tina Kotek.
Thousands of Oregonians will begin losing their food and utility allowances based on more stirngent qualificationr requirements that are now imposed by the federal government, to cut waste, fraud and abuse.
Based on current news and alerts, the claim that nobody will receive food stamps (SNAP benefits) in November 2025 is partially true, but with a critical caveat. As of mid-October 2025, benefits for November are currently on hold due to the federal government shutdown. Here’s what you need to know:
Benefits are currently withheld, but not canceled entirely. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has notified states not to issue November SNAP benefits while federal funding has lapsed. However, if the government reopens, benefits would be issued after a budget agreement is reached. Existing funds are safe. Any benefits already on a recipient’s Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card remain available for use. The hold only applies to the November allotment of new benefits.
Delays are expected even if the shutdown ends soon. Recipients should prepare for delays in receiving their benefits. Some state agencies are continuing to process applications and renewals to prepare for when funding becomes available again.
Significant program changes were already in motion. Regardless of the shutdown, several major changes to SNAP from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 were scheduled to take effect in November 2025.
These include: Expanded work requirements for many able-bodied adults, including those aged 55 to 64. New work requirements for parents whose youngest child is age 14 or older. The elimination of previously exempt groups, such as veterans and former foster youth, from some work requirements.The potential for some states to eventually reduce or end benefits entirely.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has begun mailing notices to the more than 313,000 residents who will be affected by changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) introduced by the federal government’s more stringent requirements to qualify for benefits.
The first round of mailing affects Oregonians who applied for SNAP benefits between July 4 and September 30, 2025.
The other key dates for SNAP are November 1, 2025, when first-benefit reductions and case closures become effective, through to 2026, when additional changes will roll out for households renewing existing benefits, or when benefits are updated.
Households that qualified for utility allowances from programs like Heat and Eat and LIHEAP can expect changes to their benefits.
Only households with at least one member 60 years and older, or someone disabled, will automatically qualify for a Full Utility Allowance (FUA).
About 29,000 households will lose their FUA. They will forfeit benefits amounting to about $58 a month. Notices about the benefit reduction, which will begin on November 1, 2025, have been mailed to 9,600 households.
Able-bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) will have to qualify for SNAP benefits based on new work rules. These requirements became effective on October 1 and apply to adults between the ages of 18 and 64 who do not have children under 14 years.
These rules have already been implemented in six Oregon counties – Benton, Clackamas, Hood River, Multnomah, Washington, and Yamhill. Ultimately, the rules will apply statewide and affect 310,000 adults.
Oregonians who do not meet the new work rules can expect to lose their benefits at the end of this year.
Visit the SNAP Work Rules website for a full list of exemptions.
The Oregon Department of Human Services has begun informing over 750,000 low-income individuals—almost half of whom are children and seniors—that they will no longer receive food assistance after October 31 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown where Democrats refuse to vote to open the government without getting a $1.5 trillion wish list of partisan spending demands tacked onto a 6 week funding bill.
Buried deep in Sen. Chuck Shumer’s demands on page 57, Section 2141, their CR bill response is to repeal the Working Families Tax Cut bill passed in July which had new safeguards against waste, fraud and abuse in health care spending. Democrats in the Senate want to restore and continue to add $200 billion in American taxpayer funded health care sudsidies to go to illegal aliens healthcare and other things that the Republicans cleaned out in passage of President Trump’s big beautiful bill. Stay tuned.
Portland Woman Charged with Assaulting Federal Law Enforcement Officer Near Local ICE Office
A Portland woman made her first appearance in federal court Tuesday, after allegedly assaulting a federal officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
Lisa Miyamoto, 56, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer. According to court documents, on October 19, 2025, federal officers deployed outside the gates of the ICE facility to clear the vehicle entrance for vehicles to exit the facility. Miyamoto forcefully struck an officer with a wooden tambourine and was arrested by officers.
Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 36 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed near ICE facilities, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.
Miyamoto made her first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. She was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.
Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight 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.
In addition to that case, another Portland woman made her first appearance in federal court on Wednesday after allegedly assaulting a federal officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
Elizabeth Leslie, 32, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.
According to court documents, on October 18, 2025, federal officers arrested Leslie after she lunged forward and struck an officer in the chest when officers were trying to clear a path for vehicles exiting the ICE facility.
Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 35 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.
Leslie made her first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. She was released on conditions pending further court proceedings. Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight 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.
Deputies arrest UTV driver after fatal DUI crash
On October 20th Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded with fire personnel to a UTV crash on BLM Road 16-7-30, near Triangle Lake.
Fire personnel determined the male passenger was deceased. The Lane County Sheriff’s Crash Reconstruction Team responded. Initial investigation showed the UTV had rolled, fatally injuring the passenger, who may have been seat belted but was not wearing a helmet.
Deputies observed signs the driver, Walter Frederick Rogers, 49, of Gresham, was impaired. After additional investigation, Rogers was arrested for DUI and lodged at the Lane County Jail. The case will be forwarded to the Lane County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of additional charges.
The identity of the passenger is being withheld pending next of kin notification. Thanks to Lane Fire Authority, Lake Creek Fire & Rescue, the Lane County District Attorney’s Office, Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Oregon State Police for their assistance with this incident.
OHA will increase Oregon Medicaid insurer payments in 2026
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced it is working closely with multiple partners to make necessary adjusts to protect quality health care access for Medicaid members, despite increasing health care costs, federal changes, increased utilization, and changes to insurance contracts.
To help stabilize Oregon’s Medicaid system in the face of escalating costs and utilization, OHA will increase payments to Oregon Health Plan (OHP / Medicaid) insurers, also known as coordinated care organizations (CCOs), by an average of 10.2% in 2026. “These rates reflect OHA’s commitment to maintaining quality care for OHP members, while recognizing the financial strain facing CCOs statewide. The increase will also require the agency to take targeted policy steps to contain costs and ensure long-term program sustainability,” the agency stated.
“We’re investing more now to protect the stability of our Medicaid system, but that means we must be equally disciplined about controlling future costs,” said OHA Director Sejal Hathi, M.D., M.B.A. “Our focus is on safeguarding access to care today while keeping the program strong for years to come.”
OHA previously announced that collectively, Oregon CCOs had a nearly break-even 2024, with all 16 CCOs having a small average net operating income of $129,000, resulting in a net operating margin of 0.001%. Total CCO expenditures per member grew by more than 10% between 2023 and 2024. Through June 30, 2025, CCOs collectively had a 0.02% profit margin this year. While these are averages there is variation between CCO experience.
The 2026 rate adjustment is designed to help CCOs manage these pressures and maintain provider networks, even as OHA works to balance program costs with available funding.
More than 1.4 million people in Oregon — including adults with lower incomes, children, older adults, and people with disabilities — receive coverage through OHP. OHA contracts with 16 CCOs across the state to coordinate physical, behavioral, and dental health care for members.
A large driver of recent OHP cost growth has been behavioral health care, demand for which grew following the pandemic.
“While OHA established directed behavioral health payments to help providers meet that need, demand continued to grow and CCOs have paid more than anticipated in recent years. To further contain costs, CCOs may negotiate lower payments with their contracted providers. At the same time, providers are looking to right-size their own finances. Today’s challenges mean everyone is being forced to make difficult decisions,” OHA detailed.
To offset higher CCO rates, OHA has been working in partnership with CCOs to evaluate a variety of cost-containing measures; these include:
– Offering additional funding if CCOs have behavioral health costs that exceed revenue in 2026, while also requiring CCOs to refund OHA if they have low behavioral health costs next year.
– Reducing funding for the CCO Quality Incentive Program, which offers an annual financial bonus for improving care quality. The program is one of many ways that OHA encourages quality improvement.
– Narrowing eligibility requirements for enhanced directed behavioral health payments to providers who offer team-based care, which better supports people with the most complex behavioral health conditions. Pending federal approval, this change could be effective Jan. 1, 2026.
– These changes are part of ongoing efforts to ensure that every public dollar continues to deliver maximum value for the people of Oregon.
OHA’s collaborative efforts with CCOs and partners have led to renewed contracts for 2026 in most regions. One CCO did decline service for a specific market, but OHA is working to confirm coverage through another CCO.
PacificSource notified OHA on Sept. 18 that it would not renew its CCO contract for Lane County. About 92,000 people living in Lane County currently have their Medicaid benefits managed by PacificSource, while another CCO, Trillium Community Health Plan, serves another 36,000 people in that county.
Based on OHA’s review of information provided by Trillium, with the interest to ensure clarity for providers and members and time for Trillium to take meaningful actions to expand their network, OHA is moving forward to allow the CCO to broaden coverage to all OHP members in Lane County for 2026.
To allow more than 90 days for the transition of members between CCOs, OHA is working with PacificSource on the potential to continue to serve as a CCO in the region until Feb. 1, 2026. This agreement is still in process and OHA is confirming details. Already included in the agreement is a mandatory “transition of care” period, where Trillium would be required to ensure that members have uninterrupted, appropriate access to services previously authorized by their former CCO and make accommodations for OHP members in specific care circumstances. -story from our partner, The Herald & News.
State program offers free help, fraud prevention tips for Medicare Open Enrollment
(Salem) — Medicare Open Enrollment for 2026 plans began Oct. 15 and remains open through Dec. 7, 2025. This is the time when people with Medicare can review their current coverage and make changes for the upcoming year.
Medicare beneficiaries who would like to discuss their Medicare options can receive free, confidential help from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) including help with comparing and selecting new Medicare plans.
The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program provides free help from counselors who can help people compare plans, understand their benefits and make informed decisions about their Medicare options. Counselors can also provide information on how to avoid becoming a victim of common scams that target people during Open Enrollment.
During the Open Enrollment period, people with Medicare can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan,
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare,
- Change their Medicare Advantage Plan,
- Change or enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan, and
- Review changes in costs, coverage and provider networks.
“Choosing the right Medicare plan can have a big impact on a person’s health and finances,” said Jane-ellen Weidanz, who oversees SHIBA as Deputy Director of Policy for the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD). “SHIBA certified counselors can help make sure Oregonians have the information and support they need to make informed decisions.”
SHIBA certified counselors can also help people report scams to Medicare and educate people on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud. The ultimate goal for scammers is to get the beneficiary’s Medicare number to commit Medicare billing fraud. Common scams include claiming beneficiaries need a new card or offers of free medical equipment. These scams can happen by mail, over the phone, or by text and email.
The best way to avoid Medicare scams is to keep Medicare numbers private; anyone who receives a message or email about Medicare from a number or person they do not recognize should not respond. “The safety of Oregonians is always a top priority, which includes making sure Oregonians have trusted support during Medicare Open Enrollment,” said APD Director Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, Ph.D. “SHIBA counselors can help people recognize red flags and protect themselves from fraud and scams.”
How to get free help
Help from SHIBA is available over the phone and through virtual and in-person appointments.
To talk to a SHIBA certified counselor or to make an appointment, call SHIBA at 800-722-4134 (toll-free.)
Because high call volume during Open Enrollment may result in longer than usual wait times, Oregonians are also encouraged to access free resources on the SHIBA website at SHIBA.oregon.gov.
Brian Keith Kapileo Nepaial, 38, of Aloha, has been charged by criminal complaint with pointing a laser at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Helicopter and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
According to court documents, on October 3, 2025, a CBP helicopter was struck by a green laser, causing it to abort its planned landing. The fligh crew observed an individual walking near a residence and disappearing.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified the residence and, on October 10, 2025, executed a federal search warrant at the residence. FBI special agents seized a laser from the bedroom of Kapileo Nepaial and found over 100 grams of methamphetamine and evidence of drug trafficking.
Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 34 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed in connection with the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.
THE OREGON NATIONAL GUARD GENERAL OFFICER PROMOTION CEREMONY FOR COL. PHILIP R. DEMONTIGNY
PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Army National Guard Col. Philip R. DeMontigny was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the Oregon National Guard during a ceremony held in his honor at the W.D. Jackson Armory in Portland, Oregon, on October 19, 2025.
The Presiding Officer for the ceremony was Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, described a long list of DeMontigny’s accomplishments with family, friends, co-workers, and other guests in attendance.
“Phil, your promotion to Brigadier General represents the culmination of nearly three decades of exceptional service, but it also marks the beginning of new responsibilities and opportunities,” Gronewold said. “You have earned this rank through your dedication, your courage, and your unwavering commitment to those you lead.”
DeMontigny currently serves as the Assistant Adjutant General – Army for the Oregon National Guard and has served in the Active Duty Army, Army Reserves, and Army National Guard. He began his military career when he enlisted as an infantryman in March of 1996, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York.
In his civilian career, DeMontigny retired in 2024 after 23 years serving with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He now works as the Agency Risk and Emergency Manager for the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services.
Brig. Gen. DeMontigny’s military education culminated with a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. War College in 2019, and he currently resides in Olympia, Washington.
Circular Action Alliance launched Oregon’s first RecycleOn Oregon drop-off center in Ashland, marking a national milestone.
Over 140 more locations will open statewide. The center accepts packaging not collected by regular recycling bins, such as stretchy plastics, lids, handles, buckets, pails, shredded paper, and aluminum foil, which require special handling. Located at 220 Water Street, it aims to make recycling simpler and more effective as part of the state’s new program started July 1st.Income tax Information From The State of Oregon
Salem, OR—More than 2.1 million Oregonians have filed their tax year 2024 state personal income tax returns this year. 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.
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:A rare sky watching event is on the way this week — two comets visible in the same month and meteor showers from another one!
Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) and Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) are expected to brighten enough to be spotted with the naked eye around October 20–23, 2025.
Grab a spot under dark skies, take your binoculars if you have them, and don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime double comet show.
Though Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) has been in view for a few days, on Tuesday October 21st, it will be at its closest approach to Earth. While the comet is visible in the northern hemisphere, the best viewing time is after sunset, low in the northwestern sky. Binoculars or a camera with a night-sky setting will likely provide the best view, and a scenic foreground can help frame the comet.
To view Comet Lemmon, look low in the northwestern sky. Start looking about 90 minutes after sunset.
The comet will appear as a faint, hazy ‘cloud’ or a more condensed, brighter spot near the center. It will have a greenish coma and a faint blue tail.
Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) can be found in the evening sky throughout October and is best spotted in the hours following sunset, before it sinks low on the south-southwest horizon. The comet will be positioned approximately 5 degrees to the upper left of the star Xi Serpentis in the eastern section of the constellation Serpens. A stargazing app on your mobile device can help you locate the comet if you’re unfamiliar with these stars.
Also… October 21–22, 2025, the night sky will come alive with bright streaks of light that are remnants of Halley’s Comet burning through Earth’s atmosphere.
The Orionids are one of the most captivating meteor showers of the year, producing up to 20 meteors per hour under dark, clear skies. These meteors are known for their speed and brilliance, often leaving glowing trails that linger for seconds.
Best time to watch is after midnight, when the constellation Orion rises high in the sky. They’ll be visible from both hemispheres, though the Northern Hemisphere will enjoy slightly better views.
Tip: Find a dark, open spot away from city lights, bring a blanket or reclining chair, and let your eyes adjust for 20 minutes — no telescope needed!
Each flash of light connects us to Halley’s Comet, a timeless traveler that last passed near Earth in 1986 and will return in 2061. Until then, these fiery fragments remind us of our place in the vast, beautiful universe.
Thanks for reading the the news on BasinLife.com from Wynne Broadcasting.
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