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, NOVEMBER 13, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
Heavy Wind Advisory Thursday, thru 10PM
Today
Rain likely, mainly after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. Breezy south southeast winds 21 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Rain late this evening too, and overnight cloudy with a low around 36. Southeast wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Saturday
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
The government opened up last night after the House of Representatives vote with President Trump signing the bill to open once again. It will take several days to get everything back on track and for paychecks and benefits to begin to get flowing again.
On Monday evening, leaders of food banks from across the state convened to address the issue of food insecurity and hunger in Oregon where about 16% of the population depends on help.
The Oregon Community Foundation organized a virtual briefing focused on hunger. According to OCF, the severity of food insecurity is critical, with the problem escalating long before the effects on SNAP benefits were felt. This follows the distribution of 110 million pounds of food by the Oregon Food Bank in the previous year, an increase of about 31% compared to the prior year of 2023.
The increase is attributed to families seeking assistance for the first time due to disruptions in SNAP benefits.
If you wish to support hunger relief, there are three ways to contribute. You can donate locally to a food resource, give to the Oregon Food Bank, or support the Stronger Together Fund of OCF.
Locally, Lori Garrard, the director of the Klamath Lake Counties food bank, noted that they are witnessing a significant influx of families, particularly those on fixed incomes and seniors. She remarked that the number of seniors visiting their facility has surged in recent weeks. She emphasized the community’s generosity, highlighting that it is neighbors caring for neighbors, and they have truly risen to the occasion to ensure that all these families continue to receive food assistance.
As the government shutdown comes to a close as of last night, tourism at Crater Lake National Park is experiencing a decline.
Although the park is still open, many services are restricted. Employees at the park’s gift shop, which is operated by a private concession company, report a significant decrease in visitor numbers. The shop continues to operate, but staff members feel that many individuals assume it is closed due to the shutdown.
Typically, the entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, but with no personnel at the entrance booth, this fee is not being collected. A notice displayed near the entrance states:
“During this lapse in appropriations, national parks will remain as accessible as possible. We are doing our utmost to maintain your parks during this period, but certain amenities and services may not be available.”
Pass the word, Crater Lake National Park is open.
KLAMATH COUNTY -Rocky Point Special Election Results
Statement of Votes Cast by Geography Klamath County, Special Election. These are the unofficial results as tabulated at this time.
All Precincts, All Districts, All Counter Groups, All ScanStations, All Contests, All Boxes
Total Ballots Cast: 179
2 precincts reported out of 2 total
Measure 18-142: Rocky Point Fire 5-yr Levy (Vote for 1)
Yes 111 62.36%
No 67 37.64%
Total 178 100.00% Overvotes 0 Undervotes 1
Unofficial results will be posted on the Oregon Secretary of State Website & the Klamath County Website: https://results.oregonvotes.gov/ Election Results | Klamath County, OR
**Wednesday, November 12: posted by 7pm.
**Wednesday, November 26: posted by 7pm.
Certified Results, no later than Monday, December 1.
Cascade Health Alliance Provides Funding to Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank, Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center, and Gospel Mission
Klamath Falls – Cascade Health Alliance (CHA) has made recent contributions totaling $100,000 to three key local food distribution partners: Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank, Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center, and the Klamath Falls Gospel Mission.
Senior Citizens’ Center hosts congregate meals in-house and Meals on Wheels delivery service, the Food Bank provides food pantry services around Klamath and Lake Counties, and the Klamath Falls Gospel Mission serves meals to the public every day.
Food scarcity often worsens during the winter and holiday months, and especially this year when many households face unexpected disruptions in resources and support. CHA remains committed to helping residents through challenging periods by partnering with trusted community organizations. The Food Bank, Senior Center, and Gospel Mission continue to play vital roles in ensuring that individuals and families can access nutritious food and essential services with dignity and compassion.
“In Klamath County, we believe in taking care of one another. The Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center, the Klamath Falls Gospel Mission, and the Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank are partners who do incredible work meeting the immediate needs of our neighbors. We are proud to support them in building a healthier and stronger community.” — Grant D. Kennon, CEO, Cascade Health Alliance
This funding will directly support the Senior Citizens’ Center’s congregate and Meals on Wheels programs, as well as the Food Bank’s extensive pantry network, and the Gospel Mission’s meal services. These contributions will help ensure that seniors and families across Klamath County have reliable access to nutritious food throughout the holiday season and winter.
About Cascade Comprehensive Care (CCC): Founded in 1992, CCC has owned and operated Cascade Health Alliance (CHA) since 2012, a coordinated care organization (CCO) in Klamath County that serves over 27,000 Medicaid members. CCC brings community partners together to deliver quality services efficiently and effectively. Our Vision: To build a healthy community for the population we serve.
UNITED WAY OF KLAMATH BASIN WITH EMERGENCY FOOD DECLARATION: Help Local Families (and Pets) This November 
SEE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE TO HELP, CLICK HERE
How You Can Help:
Donate Online: Use the link below to give today — every dollar makes a difference!
Give Food: Donations of nonperishable food items can be made directly to our local partners:
Pet Food Donations Needed:Government Has Reopened – SNAP benefits will begin to roll out to states and communities
Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?
Here are resources that can help:
211Info: Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon.
Oregon Food Bank: Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Mapto find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you.
Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit theADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area.
FOOD BANK Food/FUNDRAISER THROUGH Nov 20th
Please bring 4 cans of food or $4 to Klamath County Clerk’s office through Thursday, November 20th.
-Receive a raffle ticket for every 4 provided.
(The food bank is in need of donations)
Bring 4 cans of food or $4 to Klamath County Clerk’s
office beginning November 6 – November 20.
Receive a raffle ticket for every 4 provided.
Drawing to be held on November 21.
Items needed:
canned green beans
french fried onions
canned or dried gravy
cranberry sauce
cream of mushroom soup
canned sweet potatoes
biscuit mix
We can accept expired food products: cans up to 1 year past date and dry food up to 6 months past
date. Most food codes are to ensure the freshness of food, not its safety.
We can accept dented cans but cans which have sharp creases, bulges or rust must be discarded.
Dents that do not compromise the integrity of the can are okay.
UNABLE to accept unlabeled food.
-Raffle drawing to be held on November 21.
1st place winner: $100.00 gift card to Fred Meyer
2nd place winner: $50.00 gift certificate to Howard’s Meat
Wishing you all a Happy Holiday Season!
Warm Regards,
Rochelle Long
Klamath County Clerk
305 Main St.
Klamath Falls, OR 97601
Basin residents now have an additional option for urgent care with the opening of SkyCare at Sky Lakes Medical Center.
Recognizing that health issues can arise unexpectedly, SkyCare Immediate Care is designed to provide timely assistance for minor injuries and sudden illnesses, welcoming all individuals, regardless of their current patient status with Sky Lakes. This initiative aims to enhance community health by increasing access to care.
SkyCare operates daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is conveniently located on the second floor of the Collaborative Health Center, directly across the parking lot from Sky Lakes Medical Center. For inquiries, please call 541-274-3150.
The girls have returned to the cabin as the Linkville Players unveil “The Bachelorette Party — Girls’ Weekend 2,” a humorous sequel to last season’s successful production “Girls’ Weekend.”
The original play, which received the Klammie Award for Best Play, had audiences in stitches and eager for more. The sequel is set to continue the laughter as the cherished characters come together for yet another episode of camaraderie, enjoyment, and absurdity.
Brimming with sharp humor, physical comedy, and emotional depth, “The Bachelorette Party — Girls’ Weekend 2” offers another dose of outrageous entertainment that demonstrates the unpredictable nature of reunions among old friends, unexpected incidents, and a selection of dubious snacks all under one roof.
“The Bachelorette Party” is scheduled to be presented over three weekends, including a special Sunday matinee on Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available for advance purchase at Poppy on Main Street, located at 522 Main St., or at the theater one hour prior to each performance.
Around the State of Oregon
Government Reopens Ending Longest Shutdown in U.S. History
The stopgap funding measure keeps government operating through Jan 30 while Congress works on longer-term deal.
The measure also funds the SNAP -Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that more than 42 million Americans rely on through September. The program supports non- or low-income individuals or families to purchase groceries on a debit card.
Additionally, the measure reverses layoffs the Trump administration set into motion earlier in October and pays employees for their absence.
The reopening of the government comes after 43 days of a lapse in funding amid a stalemate between Senate Republicans and Democrats over a stopgap spending bill that would have funded the government through Nov. 21.
After a lapse in funding starting Oct. 1, the Senate passed legislation Monday night that would reopen the government by a 60–40 vote margin. A total of eight Democrats voted alongside their Republican counterparts for the measure. The House subsequently passed its version of the measure Wednesday.
The deal came as fallout from the shutdown came to a head, including travel disruptions at U.S. airports where air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers were required to work and were gearing up to miss a second paycheck.
As a result, these staffers were calling in sick or taking on second jobs, creating staffing shortages and flight delays.
The standoff between Republicans and Democrats originated over disagreements about various healthcare provisions to include in a potential funding measure. Trump and Republicans claimed Democrats wanted to provide illegal immigrants healthcare, and pointed to a provision that would repeal part of Trump’s tax and domestic policy bill known as the “big, beautiful bill” that reduced Medicaid eligibility for non-U.S. citizens.
Democrats pushed back on this characterization, and said they want to permanently extend certain Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire at the end of 2025.
The stopgap spending bill that Trump signed does not extend these subsidies by the end of the year, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., agreed to a vote in December on legislation that would continue these credits. Stay tuned.
Federal legislators are progressing with legislation that may dismantle a substantial segment of the U.S. hemp market, eliciting strong resistance from farmers who have established their enterprises under the 2018 Farm Bill.
The suggested policy, which is part of a draft appropriations bill, aims to exclude hemp-derived cannabinoid products—including widely used items such as full-spectrum CBD and popular delta-8 THC products—from the legal definition of hemp.
This proposed policy is linked to the government spending bill, rendering it a crucial, non-negotiable element that must be ratified to conclude the shutdown. The existing 2018 definition restricts delta-9 THC concentration to 0.3mg on a dry weight basis; however, the proposed modification would alter the standard to “total THC,” effectively prohibiting numerous currently compliant consumable products that contain traceable, yet non-intoxicating, levels of other cannabinoids.
Advocates within the industry contend that this redefinition would devastate the multi-billion-dollar hemp-derived consumable market, significantly affecting rural agricultural economies.
Medford Police apprehended three individuals on Saturday evening following an incident involving armed menacing, a vehicle chase, and the recovery of two stolen firearms.
Officers responded to a report indicating that a passenger in a passing vehicle had pointed a firearm at a woman near the intersection of Crater Lake Avenue and Delta Waters Road. The woman remained on the line with dispatch, providing continuous updates. Officers located the vehicle in the vicinity of Hawthorne Park and initiated a traffic stop.
The driver, however, fled the scene, lost control while making a turn from 4th Street onto Jackson Street, and subsequently crashed into a fence at Hawthorne Park. A 17-year-old male was left in the vehicle and was taken into custody.
Two other individuals—Kevin J. Borja, aged 26, and Jayden E. Hodge, aged 19—fled into the park.
During the pursuit on foot, Borja discarded a pistol and entered Bear Creek, where he concealed himself in dense brush. The vehicle was linked to a recent armed robbery reported to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, during which several firearms were stolen. One of the stolen firearms was visible inside the vehicle.
Oregon CCB Investigators Visit Over 400 Jobsites In Search for Unlicensed Contractors
Salem – The Oregon Construction Contractors Board is investigating 68 potential violations after investigators visited 429 job sites looking for unlicensed contractors. This effort, which took place between October 13-24, was a part of a joint effort taking place over many states, coordinated by NASCLA (National Association of State Contractor Licensing Agencies). State licensing agencies associated with NASCLA all conducted their own efforts during this time.
During the event, CCB Field Investigators from around the state acted independently and in teams to discover unlicensed contractor activity. Efforts like this occur multiple times a year in different regions to show strong presence in the field and act as a deterrent for illegal construction activities, like working without a CCB license.
The findings:
- 25 percent of the proposed violations were in connection with advertising, bidding, or working without a contractor’s license.
- The majority of remaining proposed violations included:
- Lead-based paint violations
- Working with employees on the jobsite while in exempt status. In some of these cases, the contractor may not have the required workers’ compensation policy.
- Other violations span a range including no workers’ compensation insurance and no Assumed Business Name associated with the license (ABN).
A typical first-offense penalty for working without a license is $1,000 with subsequent violations resulting in fines of up to $5,000.
“During sweeps, we focus on a designated region and the entire team combs cities looking for anyone breaking construction law. Unlicensed contractors can undercut the bidding process, which could have negative repercussions for homeowners and licensed contractors,” said CCB Enforcement Manager Vena Swanson. “Unlicensed contractors are notorious for using methods that don’t meet industry standard, using sub-par building materials, and leaving homeowners at risk to pay workers compensation claims that occur on their property. Coordinated sweeps deter this illegal activity, while giving us the opportunity to find it and cite it.”
Who Needs a CCB License?
Anyone who repairs or remodels, as well as those who build new homes or businesses, must be licensed with the CCB. Contractors working on homes built before 1978 need special licensing and training to handle lead-based paint.
CCB encourages all homeowners to check their contractor’s license before starting a home improvement project. Licensed contractors have a bond and insurance that offer some financial protections to the public. Also, homeowners may be able to get help from the CCB to resolve construction-related disputes if they use properly licensed contractors.
Consumers can check a contractor’s CCB license online at http://search.ccb.state.or.us/
Contractors and consumers can report unlicensed contractors and other illegal activity or verify licenses on the CCB’s website. Or, call 503-378-4621 to verify a license.
Learn more about how to have a successful project at www.oregon.gov/ccb.
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Seaside, Oregon, woman pleaded guilty today to stealing more than $567,000 in pandemic unemployment benefits from the Oregon Employment Department (OED).
Tamara Fulmer, 47, pleaded guilty today to one count of Theft of Government Benefits.
According to court documents, between May 2020 and October 2021, Fulmer used the personal information of 27 individuals to fraudulently apply for pandemic unemployment insurance benefits (UI benefits).
Based on Fulmer’s misrepresentations, OED paid out $567,930 in UI benefits. Fulmer deposited at least 236 UI checks totaling $68,773 into her own personal account and cashed many of the UI checks at a gas station in Seaside without the applicant’s knowledge or permission.
OED paid Fulmer an additional $13,353 after she submitted her own fraudulent UI application where she falsely claimed she had not applied for or received disability despite receiving disability payments since 2004.
On February 19, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a one-count indictment charging Fulmer with Theft of Government Property.
Fulmer faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced on February 18, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge. As part of the plea agreement, Fulmer has agreed to forfeit the proceeds from her criminal activity and pay $581,283 in restitution as recommended by the government.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Meredith D.M. Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at:https://www.justice.gov/
Christine Drazan is once again announcing she will campaign to run for Governor of Oregon.
The former leader of the House Republicans declared her candidacy once again, as she is determined to save the demogratically controlled state of Oregon, which is gets a failing grade in most any area that counts, such as local economies, jobs, eduation, health care costs and crime and public safetly. Drazan stated “This race will be about you.”
Drazan ranks among the most prominent Republican figures in Oregon. She previously contested the gubernatorial election in 2022, narrowly losing to Democratic nominee Gov. Tina Kotek by less than 4%.
Gov. Kotek’s term will be up in November of 2026 where she must be re-elected to stay in power. The state’s most pressing problems continue to include persistent crises in housing and homelessness, widespread public safety concerns involving crime and drug addiction, and signs of a weakening state economy. Job growth is near an all-time low in the state.
Recently, she was appointed to occupy a vacant seat in the Oregon Senate. Her announcement may pave the way for a rematch with Kotek, who is anticipated to seek reelection but has not yet disclosed her intentions. Drazan’s aspirations for higher office were well-known among political insiders in Salem. According to three Republican sources, she convened a meeting regarding this matter with trusted lobbyists last week.
Marine Board Urges “Check Email” for Motorboat Registration Renewal Notices
The Oregon State Marine Board will be emailing motorboat registration renewal notices to boaters who have email addresses on file whose registration expires on December 31, 2025. Each renewal notice is unique to the owner and their boat. Owners are encouraged to take advantage of the online renewal option, and the email has detailed instructions for using the Boat Oregon Store. For boaters who do not have an email address on file with the agency, renewal notices will be sent via US Mail and should arrive by mid-November.
The fastest way to get on the water is to renew online through the Marine Board’s Boat Oregon Store, which provides a printable temporary permit to go boating right away. Owners can renew multiple boats or purchase Waterway Access Permits in one transaction for a $1.50 portal provider fee. The registration decals are mailed within 2-5 days from online sales and within 7-10 business days from the date of receipt by US mail with payment and the remittance coupon. Owners can then expect an additional 2-4 weeks for their decals to arrive by US Mail. The timelines may vary since printing and mailing are handled outside the agency.
Any watercraft with a motor or sailboats 12 feet or longer are required to be titled and registered with the Marine Board. Early bird online sales begin on November 1. Motorboat registration feesare $8 plus $5.95 per foot and are issued on a 2-year calendar basis for 2026. Renewing in the fall or early winter months is recommended to avoid long delays during the peak summer season.
Nonmotorized boaters of kayaks, canoes, rafts, drift, stand up paddleboards, and their inflatable versions can also purchase waterway access permits through the Boat Oregon Store. A 7-day permit costs $6, an annual permit is $20, and a two-year permit is $35. Annual and two-year permits are also valid for one or two calendar years. Paddlers are encouraged to purchase permits early in the year to get the most use out of them and to explore the bounty of waterways in the state. Because permits can be saved or printed immediately, they make great “stocking stuffers” for the holidays, especially if you plan on gifting someone a boat. Permits are transferable to other paddlecraft, and children under 14 are exempt.
Visit the Boat Oregon Store help pagewith videos and written instructions on how to navigate the store to renew your motorboat registrations or purchase Waterway Access Permits.
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:Thanks for reading the the news on BasinLife.com from Wynne Broadcasting.
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