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, FEBRUARY 3, 2026
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, with a high near 57. Light and variable wind. Overnight, mostly clear with a low around 28.
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
Klamath Falls City Schools achieved improvements in graduation results for the Class of 2025, with all three high schools in the district reporting higher four-year cohort graduation rates, as per data released on January 29 by the Oregon Department of Education.
Across the district, 184 out of 266 students in the four-year cohort graduated, leading to a graduation rate of 69.2% for the 2024–25 academic year. This represents an increase from the previous year’s rate of 60.22%.
The district’s four-year cohort completer rate reached 73.7%, with an additional 12 students completing their education through alternative pathways. The average graduation rate statewide is much higher however, recorded at 83%.
Eagle Ridge New Tech High School saw one of the most significant year-over-year improvements, graduating 21 out of 27 students, resulting in a graduation rate of 77.8%. This marks a considerable increase from the school’s previous rate of 58.62%. Eagle Ridge also achieved a completer rate of 77.8% for the Class of 2025.
Klamath Learning Center demonstrated considerable progress as well, with 63 graduates from 117 students, yielding a four-year cohort graduation rate of 53.8%, an increase from 31.25% in the 2023–24 academic year. The school’s completer rate rose to 64.1%.
This is not the only positive development in the region concerning education. The Klamath County School District is commemorating a record-high overall on-time graduation rate for 2025, which signifies a significant achievement for students, staff, and the wider school community.
The county school district’s overall on-time graduation rate has reached 86.7%, representing an increase of over four percentage points from 2024 and 3.7 percentage points above the statewide average of 83%, as per data released on January 29 by the Oregon Department of Education.
Four high schools within KCSD achieved graduation rates of 97% or higher in 2025: Mazama High School at 97.9%, Henley High School at 97.7%, Lost River Jr/Sr High School at 97.4%, and Bonanza Jr/Sr High School at 97%.
Mazama High School topped the district with its 97.9% on-time graduation rate, which indicates nearly a 10 percentage point increase since 2023 and more than a five-point rise from 2024.
Klamath County Dismisses Tax Collector Rick Vaughn
Klamath County has dismissed its tax collector due to breaches of county conduct and performance regulations. Rick Vaughn was removed from his position as the head of the tax department on Thursday during a legal counsel meeting convened by the Board of County Commissioners.
The decision was made by Commissioners Kelley Minty and Andy Nichols, both of whom were present at the meeting. Commissioner Derrick DeGroot reportedly recused himself from the vote and was absent. When approached for a comment, DeGroot stated that he was unable to provide one.
Following the reading of a brief statement, it was revealed that Vaughn’s contract would be terminated. Commissioner Nichols expressed his support for the termination, stating, “I find that the trust has been compromised to a degree that makes continued employment unattainable.”
“The public expects our leadership and all employees to adhere to very high standards,” Commissioner Minty remarked. “We manage public funds, and the community strongly believes that we must do so with the highest level of integrity, and they need to have confidence in all our actions.”
Nichols indicated that he would consult with staff and return to the board with potential solutions for filling the tax collector position.
Klamath County officials are currently evaluating new proposals for the abatement and demolition of a building that is set to be transformed into a community hub.
The Klamath Hub initiative was initially introduced in 2023, featuring plans for an event center that would also accommodate various organizations in a centralized area. The designated location for the project is the former Hanscam’s Bowling Center on South Sixth Street, which ceased operations in 2022 following its acquisition by the county.
The initial estimates for the overall expenses related to the demolition and reconstruction of the site were around $14 million, with an anticipated annual increase of 3% post-2024 should the county postpone construction. Delays became unavoidable after the county accepted a bid from an unnamed contractor last year, which was subsequently found to be inadequate.
During the administrative meeting of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on September 30, 2025, Kayla Wessel from the Klamath County tax offices informed the board that the county had received an additional bid, raising the total by $83,000.
Numerous reports have been received regarding scammers reaching out to local residents, falsely claiming to be affiliated with the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office.
In various instances, the callers have:
• Contacted relatives of inmates
• Claimed that funds are required for an ankle monitor
• Identified themselves as Deputies or Detectives from Klamath County
• Utilized “No Caller ID” or spoofed phone numbers that seem to originate from the Sheriff’s Office
• Informed victims that they have missed jury duty or possess an active warrant
• Requested payment via credit card or other immediate methods. This is a fraudulent scheme.
Please note: The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office will never: • Call you to demand payment for fines, warrants, jury duty, or ankle monitors • Request your credit card information over the phone • Threaten arrest unless immediate payment is provided Scammers may be exploiting publicly accessible information to target families and make their calls appear credible.
If you receive such a call: • Hang up right away • Do not disclose any personal or financial details • Report the call to the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Please assist us in disseminating this information by sharing this post with family and friends, particularly those who may have loved ones in custody or could be susceptible to these tactics. Your vigilance contributes to the safety of our community.
Klamath County Public Health update: Funding available for wood stove change-out and weatherization
Residents living within the Air Quality Zone may qualify to participate in a program to transition from old wood-burning heating devices to cleaner heating sources and/or weatherization services.
Up to $10,000 per household is available to replace wood stoves or fireplaces with gas or electric appliances. Professional installation is included. Licensed contractors will help determine the replacement device to best fit your needs, manage the removal of old devices and install high-efficiency replacements.
Program participation is prioritized for low-to-moderate income households using wood-burning devices as a primary heat source.
There is also $5,000 per household available for weatherization, such as insulation, air sealing, and minor repairs.
Apply here online, or call 541.882.8846.
The Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank was the recipient of a significant delivery from Sherm’s Thunderbird Market that brought in 23,000 pounds of food.
Officials at the food bank indicate that the period following the holidays is particularly crucial, as donations generally decrease while the demand continues to escalate.
Recent cuts to SNAP benefits have further heightened the necessity for food assistance throughout the region.
This year marks the 26th consecutive year that Sherm’s Markets has contributed this annual donation. Representatives from the company state that this initiative encompasses all communities where Sherm’s operates, including Medford and Roseburg.
Special elections are set to take place in May, marking the first time in twenty years that residents of Klamath County will choose a new county clerk.
Two individuals are competing for this role, one of whom is Daniel Beard. He asserts that his experience within the clerk’s office has equipped him with the necessary skills to begin effectively from day one.
The other candidate is Rejeana Jackson, who previously served as the chair of the Klamath County Republican Central Committee. She aims to succeed the current clerk, Rochelle Long, who has opted not to seek re-election.
Beard, who worked for two years as a deed specialist in the Klamath County Assessor’s Office, transitioned to the clerk’s office in 2023. He claims that this experience has allowed him to gain a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in recording and elections.
In Klamath County, similar to other rural counties, a single clerk is supported by two additional staff members to carry out all essential duties. Since joining the county, Beard has stated that he has developed a deep understanding of both the recording functions and the various elections conducted over the years.
Klamath Falls has a hometown contender on Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners: Master Distiller,” as longtime fan and self-taught distiller DeeDee Pope steps into the national spotlight.
For years, Pope watched the competition series, which pits experienced distillers against one another in head-to-head challenges to craft spirits under pressure. This season, the viewer became the competitor.
“It was actually from watching the show that I started distilling in the first place,” Pope said. “Being on the show was an absolute blast, and I loved it.”
Pope’s path to the show began with a chance encounter in April 2023 at the Cattle Country Music Festival in Gonzales, Texas, where she met series hosts and judges Mark Ramsey and Eric “Digger” Manes. After sampling Pope’s homemade spirits, the pair encouraged her to apply. Out of roughly 30,000 applicants, Pope was selected as one of 30 contestants to appear on the show.
“Master Distiller,” a Discovery Channel competition series, features three distillers per episode tasked with creating spirits such as vodka, whiskey, rum or gin. Judges evaluate each entry on technique, flavor and presentation, naming one competitor the winner and awarding the title of master distiller. The judging panel includes moonshining veterans Ramsey, Manes and Tim Smith, along with Danielle Parton and other prominent figures in the moonshining world, all known from Discovery’s “Moonshiners” franchise.
Pope competes on the eighth season premiere titled Ultimate Vodka Showdown. The challenge focuses on producing a clean, balanced spirit — a category known for its technical difficulty and unforgiving margins.
“Coming from the Klamath Basin, I usually brew brandies and grain-based spirits,” Pope said. “I’d only ever done a couple runs of vodka when I was practicing for the competition.”
Her appearance marks a rare moment of national television exposure for a Klamath Falls distiller, putting a local craftsperson in front of a wide audience of spirits enthusiasts and reality TV fans alike.
“I’m just grateful I got the chance to do something I love on a show I’ve admired for years,” Pope said. “Getting to bring a piece of home with me — to represent Klamath Falls on a national stage — meant everything. I couldn’t stop smiling the whole time I was there.”
Find out if Pope has what it takes to be a master distiller when the season eight premiere airs on Jan. 27 on the Discovery Channel and Hulu. Check local listings for times.
OHA Helping Rural Health Areas With New Federal Funding
Southern Oregon’s rural areas are set to benefit from a substantial $197.3 million Trump Administration Federal Healthcare investment.
Claire Pierce-Wrobel, the Director of Health Policy and Analytics at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), has confirmed that this funding is intended for regions classified as “frontier” or rural, specifically targeting communities such as Grants Pass and Klamath Falls.
Despite the significant financial influx, officials recognize that it will not resolve the systemic challenges confronting the region on its own. Pierce-Wrobel emphasized that this funding is essential for survival amid ongoing budget cuts. In response to the distinct geography of Southern Oregon, where some individuals travel nearly two hours for medical care, the OHA is focusing on flexible solutions rather than conventional brick-and-mortar investments.
Pierce-Wrobel underscored the importance of “scaling access points,” indicating that the funds could be allocated for initiatives such as “mobile clinics or school-based health services, allowing us to meet people where they are, instead of requiring them to visit a doctor in a specific office at a designated time.” She further noted that these investments are aimed at ensuring “people can access a doctor when they need it, particularly in cases where they may currently face longer wait times.”
Officials are also optimistic about enhancing telehealth infrastructure to better integrate rural systems and leverage AI-enabled technologies to alleviate administrative burdens on healthcare providers.
Annual Healthy Klamath Winter Activities Challenge Runs Through March
Are you seeking a reason to venture outdoors or to forge new friendships? The Annual Winter Klamath Activities Challenge, which continues through March 18, presents an opportunity to engage in a variety of activities — including walking, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, ice skating, swimming, pickleball, birdwatching, and more — all designed to promote both physical and mental well-being.
In addition to motivating individuals to engage in activities independently or with others, the Wellness Center provides monthly programs.
Learn more here: https://www.healthyklamath.com/klamath-winter-activities-challenge25 or call 541-274-2770
ABBEY ROAD COMING TO RAGLAND THEATER, APRIL 29, 2026
The Beatles tribute band, Abbey Road, makes it’s way to Klamath Falls, April 29th.
With their tight harmonies, flawless note for note renditions of Beatles hits, custom–tailored costumes, vintage instruments, Liverpudlian dialect and precise attention to every detail, Abbey Road is proud to present the “Number Ones….and More” production. The show features virtually every number one single the band achieved in the United Kingdom or United States. For tickets: https://ragland.org/
ONE NIGHT ONLY! CINDERELLA AT RAGLAND THEATRE, FEB. 18th!
A Fairytale Night, Now 20% Off
Get ready for a magical night out when Cinderella arrives at Ross Ragland Theater on February 18!
This fresh and funny take on the classic fairytale is filled with sweeping ballroom scenes, dazzling hand-sewn costumes, and just the right amount of sparkle and mischief. Perfect for a family outing, romantic date, or a night of live entertainment with friends.
For a limited time, you can enjoy 20% off your tickets to this one-night-only performance of Cinderella from World Ballet Company.
Don’t wait until the clock strikes midnight—this offer won’t last long!
USE PROMO CODE WBC20 AT CHECKOUT TO REDEEM
Around the State of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon – Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Eugene Mayor Kaarin Knudson, alongside Eugene-Springfield leaders, addressed the public following the Friday night ICE protest at the Federal Building downtown, which eventually escalated into a riot during anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) demonstrations.
Kotek assured immigrant, refugee, and Black, brown, and indigenous communities of their safety, stating, “People here today are going to do everything they can to protect you and to stand together, united against what is happening from our federal government.”
On Friday afternoon, police in riot gear eventually declared the peaceful protest as a riot and moved in on protesters around 6pm after seeing Federal agents deploying flash bangs and tear gas. Local police ordered protesters to leave the area and most of them did not, ignoring the bullhorn announcements. A few arrests were made as the evening went on.
Left-leaning Gov. Kotek on Monday during her remarks emphasized the importance of peaceful protest and criticized the Trump administration’s ICE tactics, which she said “create fear and tear families apart.”
Eugene Mayor Knudson thanked community leaders, legal observers, and local law enforcement for their efforts during the protests. She highlighted the challenges posed by federal policies, saying, “Navigating the landscape that has been created for us at the local level by a federal administration is a 24/7 job on all fronts.”
ICE agents in many cities continue to do their authorized job of removing illegals with criminal records from cities all over the nation and Homeland Security Secretary Kristy Noem reminded them ICE will not be backing down from implementing Federal law voted on by Congress.
Let it be known that more illegals under then President Barack Obama also deported over 3 million illegal aliens during his administration, proving once more this is more about blocking President Trump and the nonstop Trump Derangement Syndrome that Democrats and the media have perpetuated for this president. Stay tuned.
The Oregon Heritage Commission is providing grants to museums for projects related to collections, heritage tourism, and education. The awards generally vary from $2,000 to $10,000.
Museums are eligible to apply for a range of initiatives, such as cataloging and conservation of collections, marketing efforts for heritage tourism, and educational exhibits. Additionally, they may collaborate with other organizations on projects that align with their mission. Museums serve as custodians of local, regional, and state history, and this program facilitates the collection, preservation, and promotion of that history throughout the state.
A complimentary online workshop on the grant application process will take place on February 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Registration is mandatory. The commission, which is appointed by the Governor, consists of nine members who represent the diverse heritage of Oregon. Its objective is to enhance Oregon’s heritage through coordination, advocacy, and educational initiatives.
Oregon takes steps to protect SNAP access in rural communities starting this month.
Salem, Ore.- Starting today, some people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits and live in certain rural counties will not have to meet the “work rules” for the rest of 2026.
This change is for people who live in areas where employment services that help them meet the requirements are not readily available.
This change affects 1,310 people living in Crook, Gilliam, Jefferson, Lake, Morrow, Sherman and Wheeler counties. More than 730,000 people in Oregon receive SNAP benefits.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will apply these discretionary exemptions for people with an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) status who live in seven rural counties without local employment service centers.
Under recently changed SNAP rules, having ABAWD status means people are between ages 18 and 64, do not have children under 14 living with them, and are able to work. Federal rules say that people in this group must work or take part in approved job or training activities for at least 80 hours a month to keep getting SNAP. If they do not, they can only get SNAP for three months. After that, their benefits stop and they cannot get SNAP again for up to three years, unless they qualify for an exemption.
While the exemptions in these seven counties are not related to the federal HR1 law passed in July 2025, HR1 did significantly alter how SNAP is administered in Oregon, including expanded work requirements statewide.
What people living in affected counties need to know
- Discretionary exemptions will be applied automatically each month beginning February 1, 2026 through December 2026.
- No action is required from people receiving SNAP in the affected counties.
- ODHS eligibility staff will continue to review and apply other SNAP exemptions at application, renewal and when changes are reported.
People who want to confirm their exemption status can:
- Check their ONE Online account,
- Contact the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075, or
- Reach out to a local ODHS office.
People in the seven counties are encouraged to continue participating in job training and employment services. Continued participation will not affect a person’s exemption status.
Supporting food access in rural Oregon
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, the federal program that administers SNAP, allocates a limited number of discretionary exemptions to each state each federal fiscal year based on the estimated number of people subject to SNAP time limits. Oregon received its allotment for federal fiscal year 2026 in December and is using these exemptions where access barriers are greatest.
The Oregon Employment Department provides employment and training services statewide through local WorkSource centers to SNAP participants with ABAWD status. The seven counties included in this change do not have a local WorkSource center, which can mean long travel distances or reliance on phone or internet access that may not be consistently available in rural areas.
Under federal guidance, discretionary exemptions are limited and may only be used for certain periods. Oregon plans to apply these exemptions in the seven counties from February through December 2026.
This change is not related to the federal HR1 law passed in July 2025 and does not reflect a new federal law or mandate. It is a state-level administrative action allowed under existing federal SNAP rules.
About SNAP in Oregon:
- SNAP is a cornerstone of Oregon’s fight against hunger, helping more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon, approximately 27 percent of households, afford groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults, and people with disabilities.
- Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity. SNAP drives an estimated $1.6 billion into the Oregon economy each year.
- But even with SNAP benefits, many families still struggle to meet their basic needs, especially amid the rising cost of food and housing. Everyone deserves access to healthy food, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is committed to making sure people in Oregon receive the right amount of SNAP food benefits they qualify for.
Oregon and IRS begin processing e-filed returns; First state refunds expected February 17
Salem, OR—As Oregon and the IRS begin processing electronically-filed tax year 2025 returns today, the Department of Revenue expects the first Oregon taxpayers to receive their refunds—including their share of the state’s $1.41 billion kicker—as soon as February 17.
The department announced earlier this month that taxpayers who choose to file paper returns face a significantly longer wait. For paper filed returns, refunds will not start being issued until early April.
To help taxpayers avoid missteps that could further delay their refund, the department is opening 2026 tax season with a series of best practices suggestions.
File a return to claim your kicker
The kicker is a refundable creditthat will either increase a taxpayer’s Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe. It is not sent to taxpayers separately as a check.
Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year.
Personal income taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using the “What’s My Kicker?calculator available on Revenue Online. To use the calculator, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2024 and 2025.
File electronically, request direct deposit
On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. Those who file paper returns will experience a significantly longer wait in 2026 due to processing delays.
In the closing months of 2025, the IRS was late providing necessary tax forms and information to the Oregon Department of Revenue. As a result, the state’s processing of paper-filed Oregon personal income tax returns can’t begin until the end of March.
Taxpayers should file just once unless they need to make a change to their return. They should choose to either file electronically or by paper. Doing both will delay processing of their return.
Gather all tax records before filing
In a kicker year, taxpayers can be in a hurry to file their return so they can get their refund as soon as possible. The department warns taxpayers not to get in too much of a hurry. They should make sure they have all necessary records—including Form W-2s from their employers and Form 1099s reporting other income—needed to file a complete and accurate tax return to avoid errors.
Getting in a hurry can cause taxpayers to file before they have all the information necessary to report all of their income. If income reported on a return doesn’t match the income reported by employers, the return, and any corresponding refund, will be delayed.
Revenue Online
Revenue Online is the state’s internet tax portal and is the best way to communicate with the department.
Taxpayers with a Revenue Online account should make sure their information is current before they file. They should check their username, password, and address; and verify any estimated tax payments they’ve made.
Those who don’t have a Revenue Online account can create one. They can simply go to Revenue Online, click “Sign Up” in the box at the top right and follow the prompts.
Download Form 1099-G
The department reminds taxpayers that it no longer mails Form 1099-G to taxpayers. The form reports the amount of refunds, credits, or other offsets of personal income, statewide transit individual tax, TriMet transit self-employment tax, or Lane transit self-employment tax paid during the previous year.
Only those who itemized deductions on their tax year 2024 federal income tax return will need a Form 1099-G to file their tax year 2025 return. Those taxpayers can view and download their Form 1099-G through Revenue Online.
Taxpayers who received unemployment insurance or Paid Leave Oregon benefits in 2025 will receive a separate 1099-G by January 31 from the Oregon Employment Department.
Almost every county in Oregon is set to receive federal funding through two recently approved spending packages by Congress ans signed into law by President Trump.
Over $100 million will be allocated to 54 community-initiated projects in Oregon, with several located in Southern Oregon. The projects receiving funding in this region encompass the installation of a water line, enhancements to the Curry County Jail, and maintenance of the jetty at the Port of Bandon.
Pacific Power Shares Winter Heating Tips to Help Customers Stay Warm and Save Money
As cold temperatures linger across the region, Pacific Power is reminding customers of a few simple adjustments they can make at home that can help them stay warm while also reducing their energy bill.
“With households using more electricity to stay comfortable during winter months, adopting energy-efficient heating practices benefits everyone,” said Ryan Flynn, president of Pacific Power. “Even small changes support the grid and can lead to significant savings on your monthly bill.”
To help customers get started, Pacific Power recommends taking these practical steps to help keep their energy costs in check this winter.
Tips for staying warm and energy-efficient:
- 68° degrees is great – Setting the thermostat at 68°F when you’re home and awake is recommended.
- Keep warm air in – Close window coverings at night to reduce drafts, and seal air leaks with caulking and weatherstripping around doors and windows.
- Clean and tune – Clean or replace furnace filters monthly during the heating season. Routine maintenance helps improve airflow and ensures your system isn’t working harder than necessary.
- Use space heaters sparingly – and safely – Portable heaters require a lot of electricity and should be used only as needed. Running a typical 1,500-watt unit for eight hours a day over a month can add about $30 to a winter bill.
- Use appliances during off-peak hours – Using appliances like ovens, dishwashers and laundry machines during off-peak hours helps reduce strain on the grid and can help customers manage their bill – an approach Pacific Power also highlights during extreme weather.
Pacific Power offers a range of energy assistance programs, including income-qualified discounts, weatherization support and resources for customers managing high bills. For more information, visit PacificPower.net/Assistance or call 888-221-7070.
For more tips on how to save energy year-round, visit our Savings & Energy Choices webpage at PacificPower.net/WinterTips.
The Lake County Board of Commissioners convened a special session late last week to gain further insights into the Greater Idaho movement.
This initiative seeks to shift Oregon’s border westward, incorporating several Eastern Oregon counties into Idaho. During the meeting, Mike McCarter, an advocate and spokesperson for the movement, stated that they are striving to garner additional support from officials.
The group aims to elevate the conversation regarding the divide between urban and rural lifestyles within the state to the Oregon legislature. Supporters express a stronger alignment with Idaho’s values, rural lifestyles, political stance, and legislative measures, according to McCarter.
Lake County commissioners indicated that the purpose of the special session was to comply with county measure 19-35. This measure mandates the board to convene on the fourth Wednesday of each January, May, and September to deliberate on the potential relocation of the Idaho state border.
The College of the Siskiyous, located in Weed, has officially announced the introduction of a new Associate of Arts degree in Communication Studies: Social Media, which is set to commence in the upcoming spring semester.
This 18-unit program is specifically designed to prepare students for careers in the digital workforce by emphasizing skills such as podcasting, live streaming, social media strategy, and ethical digital storytelling.
Jayne Turk, the faculty lead for the program, indicated that the curriculum is intended to equip students for a job market where both businesses and government agencies increasingly require employees to be proficient in new technologies and social media platforms. The program places a strong emphasis on accessibility for rural and diverse student populations by providing essential courses entirely online through Zoom, including “Podcasting & Live Streaming.”
Turk mentioned that students are able to create high-quality content using readily available tools such as smartphones and laptops, thereby eliminating the financial burden associated with costly hardware. The degree is accessible to students without any prior experience and is attractive to a broad demographic. Turk even highlighted that her current class includes a student who is 81 years old.
Stay Prepared For Winter Driving
If you’re planning to drive the roads, AAA recommends making sure your vehicle is ready to travel long distances. Last year, the company rescued 600,000 Americans on the roadside, including 6,500 Oregonians.
Dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires were the top issues.
VisitAAA.com/winterprepfor tips and travel advice, including what to put in an emergency kit.
UNDER PRESSURE: A VOLCANIC EXPLORATION, AN EXHIBITION FROM OREGON’S HIGH DESERT MUSEUM, SHEDS NEW LIGHT ON THE RUMBLING GIANTS AMONG US
(BEND, Ore.) — For millions of years, volcanoes have been the most powerful force in nature. And for many in the West, the impact of volcanoes is forever tied to the May 18, 1980, eruption of Washington’s Mount Saint Helens. The science, spectacle, and significance behind these massive peaks will soon be at the center of an immersive new exhibition, “Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration,” which will run from Feb. 7, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, at the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service recipient High Desert Museum in Bend, Ore.
On the heels of the Museum’s recent “Sensing Sasquatch” exhibition – which won the Western History Association’s prestigious 2025 Autry Public History Prize and earned national praise for exploring the Indigenous perspectives of what many call Bigfoot – comes the latest groundbreaking exhibition from the High Desert Museum. Under Pressure will take visitors on an educational, insightful, and thought-provoking journey into the forces that make volcanoes among the most majestic and often misunderstood natural wonders of the world, while exploring their individual stories and temperaments.
“From cultural and historical significance to the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens, the Pacific Northwest and High Desert have a particularly long, complex, and symbiotic relationship with volcanoes,” says Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D., High Desert Museum executive director. “We live in their shadows, recreate on their slopes, and admire their beauty, but it’s the volcanoes’ ability to simultaneously cause destruction and creation that evokes feelings of awe. Under Pressure will provide an immersive and deep exploration.”
Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration, a groundbreaking new exhibition from Oregon’s High Desert Museum.
WHEN: Feb. 7, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027
WHERE: High Desert Museum (Spirit of the West Gallery)
59800 US-97, Bend, OR 97702 (map HERE)
COST: Free with Museum admission or membership
Active U.S. military and their families, as well as Tribal members, are FREE with ID
Among the highlights that visitors to Under Pressure can expect to encounter include:
- Engage the senses through interactive displays and exhibits, including volcanic rocks and a volcanic hazard map, to learn about cutting-edge volcano research.
- Hear stories and learn the significance of volcanoes to the people of the High Desert region.
- Get to know 4-6 individual volcanoes through biographies that explain the similarities and differences between them.
- Learn about present-day volcano hazards and how lava flows.
- Understand the technologies that scientists use to detect volcanic activity, which allow us to live among volcanoes while also enjoying their many benefits.
“These geologic giants exist all around us, come in all shapes and sizes, and tell a story of our past, present, and future,” says Whitelaw. “With 350 million people living near an active volcano worldwide, the more we understand about volcanoes, the better we can exist alongside them.”
Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration opens to the public on Feb. 7, 2026, and runs through Jan. 3, 2027, in the High Desert Museum’s Spirit of the West Gallery. For additional information on exhibitions or to start planning your experience, visit highdesertmuseum.org.
Beginning in February, air travelers in the United States who do not possess a REAL ID will incur a fee of $45, as announced by the Transportation Security Administration on Monday.
Although the updated ID has been mandatory since May, passengers lacking it have previously been permitted to pass through security with additional screening and a cautionary notice.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, 94% of travelers are already compliant, and the new fee aims to motivate travelers to acquire the ID. REAL ID refers to a state-issued license or identification card that complies with federal standards and fulfills enhanced requirements established following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
What to expect when visiting Oregon State Parks in 2026
This year Oregon State Parks will welcome millions of visitors, maintained nearly 1,000 miles of trails, hosted hundreds of events including mushroom hikes and star parties.
Staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors for the 2026 season with guided hikes, seasonal events and outdoor adventures.
To help visitors enjoy the more than 250 state parks and know what to expect next year, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department gathered the upcoming updates in one place.
What’s new in 2026:
- 12-month parking permits will increase from $30 to $60 for Oregon residents and to $75 for out-of-state residents due to the out-of-state surcharge.
- 24-month parking permits will not be sold in 2026. Existing permits will be honored until they expire.
- Oregon State Parks will no longer sell Oregon Pacific Coast Passports but will honor passports purchased in 2025 until they expire.
- Oregon State Parks will no longer honor Jackson County parking permits.
Winter/Spring 2026
- OPRD is considering updates to its Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy. The proposed changes would update the rules around cancellations, refunds, special access passes and rate ranges starting as soon as Feb. 2026. The proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system and maximize the availability of campsites for visitors by encouraging early cancellation. Public comment is expected to run from December 1 to January 15, 2026. Final approval is required by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.
- Additional parks will require a parking fee. The specific parks and implementation date is still being finalized.
- Implement fees to use dump stations at Oregon State Parks to support the cost of that service.
- State Parks Day (June 6), will continue to offer free parking for Oregon residents. Camping fees will no longer be waived on that day pending approval of the proposed Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy updates.
“The changes are critical to sustaining state park operations and services now and for the future. We appreciate visitors’ continued support as these necessary changes are implemented,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Director (OPRD) Director Lisa Sumption.
OPRD is projecting at $14 million budget shortfall this biennium due to decreasing lottery revenue, increasing costs and a long-standing need for more sustainable funding. OPRD does not receive general fund tax revenue for operations.
OPRD will continue to review and update fees and operations to keep providing high-quality visitor experiences and sustain parks now and in the future.
In addition to increasing fees, OPRD is also streamlining costs, planning to add more cabins and yurts to expand capacity and increase revenue and looking for new partnerships and sponsorships to help build a more sustainable funding future.
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