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 BasinLife.com, KFLS News/Talk 1450AM/102.5FM, The Herald and News, and powered by Mick Insurance. Call them at 541-882-6476.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Rain likely, possibly mixed with snow, then partly sunny, with a high near 44. West wind 15 to 18 mph. Snow level 4400 feet. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no snow accumulation expected. This evening and overnight, a 30% chance of snow, low near 29 degrees. Little accumulation expected.
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
A troubling scene unfolded on Old Fort Road on Sunday, as authorities were called to confront a reckless act of environmental harm—illegal dumping of used oil.
Deputies and Public Works crews arrived swiftly, facing the hazardous mess head-on. Working together, they contained and removed the contamination, ultimately disposing of roughly 130 gallons of used oil at the landfill.
But this was no isolated incident. Just days earlier, a similar dumping along Cross Road had already raised alarms, leaving officials concerned that a pattern may be emerging.
Now, investigators are searching for answers—and those responsible. The Klamath County Sheriff’s Department is urging anyone with information to come forward, as they work to stop whoever is behind these damaging and unlawful acts.
Recent federal changes are expanding work requirements for some Oregonians who receive SNAP food benefits. State agencies are encouraging recipients to get free job search and training help through WorkSource Oregon.
The Oregon Department of Human Services and Oregon Employment Department say more SNAP recipients must now show they are working, looking for work, or in training to keep their benefits.
The new rules apply to more people than before, including some adults up to age 64 and some households with older children. Some recipients will also need to meet these requirements for longer than three months.
SNAP Director Amya Hoffman says many people may already qualify through jobs, volunteering, or other activities. Free help is available through WorkSource Oregon, which has 37 centers across the state. For more info, go to WorkSourceOregon.org.
The new Winco Foods opened on Monday with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony as shoppers filled the store quickly enjoying every department. The store is a warehouse-style grocery experience with emphasis on low prices.
WinCo operates more than 130 stores across the country. You bag your own groceries at checkout. They accept, debit cards, checks and cash, EBT cards, but no credit cards.
The new WinCo Foods is located at the corner of Shasta and Avalon in Klamath Falls and is open 24 hours a day.
KCC and SOU Partner to Expand Access to Teaching Degrees
Klamath Community College and Southern Oregon University have partnered to make teaching degrees more accessible and affordable for students in the Klamath Basin.
Students can start at KCC by earning a two-year Associate of Applied Science in education or a one-year para-educator certificate. Those credits transfer directly to SOU, where students can complete their teaching degree mostly online without leaving the area.
The program allows students to continue living and working locally while finishing their education. About 30 students are currently enrolled, including recent high school graduates and working adults. Some participants are already teaching in local schools.
KCC also works with the Klamath County School District to offer dual-credit classes, giving high school students the chance to earn up to 17 college credits and start working toward a teaching career early.
For more information about KCC and its programs, visit www.klamathcc.edu.
Residents of Keno gathered last week to talk about a proposed large-scale solar project planned for their area. The project, backed by the Klamath Falls Energy Center, would cover about 8,600 acres, making it the second-largest solar farm in Oregon. It would be located roughly 1.5 miles northwest of Keno.
The meeting was organized by Klamath County commissioner candidate Elvina Contla, who pointed out that a separate solar project proposed by Diamond Solar would require only 2,000 acres—less than a quarter of the land needed for the Klamath Falls Energy Center project. Contla described the larger proposal as an unprecedented industrial expansion into timberland.
The project’s parent company, Denmark-based Orsted, submitted a Notice of Intent to the Oregon Department of Energy on December 22, 2025, as part of the application process for site certification. Another public meeting is scheduled for March 5 at 5:30 p.m. in Klamath Falls at The Spot, located at 1111 Main Street.
The land designated for the project is owned by Green Diamond, a forest products company operating across multiple states. To make way for the solar installation, the area would be cleared of trees and vegetation to install millions of solar panels.
Community members raised several concerns during the meeting, including wildfire risks, potential impacts on the water table, and disruption to local wildlife. The project is planned as a 400-megawatt solar power facility, with an additional 400 megawatts of battery storage capacity.
While the facility is expected to use relatively little water once operational, construction could require up to 45,000 gallons of water per day. Although no official timeline has been set, similar projects suggest construction could take between one and three years.
KWUA Responds to 2026 Klamath Project Annual Operations Plan
The Bureau of Reclamation has released its 2026 Annual, of which outlines how water will be managed during the 2026 water year and establishes the operational framework for irrigation deliveries, Upper Klamath Lake elevations, and Klamath River flows under Biological Opinions that were adopted in 2024 by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Fisheries Services).
Specifically, the Plan identifies a goal of up to 350,000 acre-feet of Project water supply by maximizing stored water in Upper Klamath Lake for irrigation, dependent on hydrologic conditions, and staying in compliance with the 2024 Biological Opinions.
“While the Plan provides the parameters for how water will be managed this year, it does not yet translate into a confirmed allocation for irrigators,” said Elizabeth Nielsen, KWUA Executive Director.
“That determination is expected by April 1. Until then, we are closely monitoring conditions and coordinating with Reclamation to ensure irrigation needs are fully considered as final decisions are made.”
Reclamation will continue assessing hydrologic conditions and working with the Fisheries Services, KWUA, and irrigation districts to adaptively manage the 2026 water year in accordance with the 2024 Biological Opinions.
“Adaptive management was instrumental in carrying the Project and the Basin through the 2025 water year,” said Scott Seus, KWUA President. “2025 was a critical reset year. We saw farms and ranches in full operation, landscape-scale benefits from a hydrated system, functioning wildlife refuges, and improved habitat conditions for fish and wildlife. Through close coordination and real-time decision-making, we were able to navigate potentially challenging conditions. We are hopeful that the same adaptive and collaborative approach will be applied in 2026 so we can build on last year’s progress, despite a less-than-ideal snowpack.”
While adaptive management has helped navigate recent water years, significant concerns remain regarding the current regulatory framework for the Project, which was set in late 2024. The 2024 framework largely divides water supplies without a clear regulatory logic, rather than applying the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in a manner consistent with the law’s intent or with the way other federal water projects in the West are managed.
This approach makes Project and Basin-wide planning difficult and inconsistent.
Looking ahead, KWUA remains engaged in the upcoming ESA reconsultation process for the Project and the completion of a new and greatly improved framework for long-term water management by the 2027 irrigation season. KWUA is committed to ensuring that Klamath Project management aligns with irrigation and refuge needs, ESA requirements and sound science, in a manner consistent with the rules that apply to other federal water projects across the West.
We look forward to continued coordination with irrigation districts, tribes, and federal agencies as we navigate the 2026 water year and beyond.
Ella Redkey Pool Looking For Volunteers
Volunteers are needed at the Ella Redkey Pool for the 3rd Grade Everyone Swims Program.
-
- Instructor Training Session: Friday, April 3, 2026: 4:30pm – 6:30pm
- Register Online TODAY!
- Select “Online Registration / My Account”
- Create an account or log into an existing one
- Select the orange “Volunteer Opportunities” tab
- Scroll to the bottom and click the green “Add to Cart” button
- Follow prompts and select the weeks you would like to volunteer
Basin Transit Services Starts North Transporation Services To Cover Chemult, La Pine and even Bend, Oregon.
Basin Transit Service invites riders to join its new Basin Connect North initiative, which provides enhanced regional transportation in North Klamath County, extending as far as Bend.
According to BTS Director Adrian Mateos, residents of North County can book rides a day in advance, facilitating connections for riders throughout Beaver Marsh, Chemult, Crescent, Crescent Lake Junction, Gilchrist, La Pine, and Bend.
This new initiative is supported by the State Transportation Improvement Fund, which allocates funds to transit districts that aim to provide services beyond their designated service areas. The introduction of this program is made feasible through collaborations with various organizations.
The U.S. Postal Service will establish stops for rider pickups at their facilities in North County. Additionally, the Crescent Fire Department has generously offered its nearby space to accommodate buses for easy access.
Klamath County Public Health 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
BasinLife Sports!
Logan Macy lined a tenth inning go-ahead RBI double, helping Oregon Tech complete a 3-game Cascade Conference series sweep of Eastern Oregon at Optimist Fieldover the weekend.
The OIT Owls (11-7, 4-3 CCC) held on for a 9-8 victory in the league counter, while EOU used a 6-run eighth inning to steal a 10-7 decision in the non-conference finale.
After sweeping a Saturday doubleheader, OIT had to battle back for win in today’s opener. Tech scored three first inning runs, including two on a Dylan Edwards single and built a 5-3 lead in the fourth on a 2-run Logan Pontecorvo single.
The Mountaineers (4-11, 1-5) returned the favor in the seventh, capitalizing on a bases loaded walk and hit-by-pitch, to take a 6-5 lead. The Owls answered, tying the game in the eighth on a Landon Cheney pinch-hit RBI single and taking a one-run lead in the ninth on a Jacob Cook ground out.
EOU forced extra innings, thanks to an Alex Olague RBI single, but OIT plated two in the tenth, as Macy ripped a 2-out RBI double and Andrew Sharp drove Macy in with a single. Tech worked around a solo homer from Jaxon Logsdon to close out the win.
Collin Hysell got the win in relief, allowing two runs on three hits, striking out five in three-plus innings of work. Pontecorvo was 3-for-3 in the victory, with Sharp adding two hits.
In the non-league game, the Owls built a 5-0 lead by the fifth inning – including a fourth inning solo homer from Sharp and a 2-run single from Cal Pickhardt.
Leading 7-4 in the eighth, EOU batted around against four Tech relievers, tying the game on a Mario Landeros 2-run double and taking the lead for good on Jace Nagler’s second homer of the game.
The loss spoiled a quality start from Aiden Lundquist, who allowed three runs on seven hits in five-plus innings, striking out six. Three Tech players – Macy, Edwards and Pickhardt each had multi-hit games.
OIT continues their 22-game road trip to open the season next weekend with a 4-game series at College of Idaho.
For all the scores of your favorite teams, click to our BasinLife.com Homepage, and on the right, see all the scores and schedules of upcoming games in all sports…high school, college and the pros!
Around the State of Oregon
Springfield Man Sentenced to Over 12 Years in Prison for Federal Hate Crime Violation
A Springfield, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for a federal hate crime after assaulting a victim on the basis of their sexual orientation.
Daniel Andrew McGee, 26, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.
“The right to live safely in one’s community is a fundamental civil right. The District of Oregon remains committed to combatting hate crimes and protecting that right for all,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “While no conviction can undo the harm caused, we hope this sentence will bring some measure of justice to the victim and our community.”
“Hate crimes impact not just individuals, but entire communities,” said Acting FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Matt Torres. “The FBI works together with our partners to prevent hate crimes from impacting our communities, and every attack on someone because of who and what they are deserves to be acted on by the full extent of the law.”
According to court documents, on the evening of July 5, 2021, McGee met the victim at the victim’s apartment after communicating on the dating application Grindr, an application originally designed for, and primarily used by, gay men. McGee assaulted the victim over the course of several minutes, striking the victim on the head with a wooden tire thumper and using his hands to try to gouge the victim’s eyes out. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries during the assault, including serious head wounds.
The investigation revealed McGee had been researching and planning the attack for weeks. For at least one month prior to the attack, McGee searched the internet for homophobic and graphically violent anti-gay material. McGee planned for the attack by purchasing the weapon and other materials from Amazon and searching the internet for suggestions on how to get away with murder.
On November 18, 2021, a federal grand jury in Eugene, Oregon, returned a one-count indictment charging McGee with a federal hate crime involving an attempt to kill.
On November 25, 2025, McGee pleaded guilty to count one of the Indictment.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Eugene Police Department. Joseph Huynh, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and Tenette Smith, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division Criminal Section, prosecuted the case.
Blazers head coach Billups to appear in federal court Today
Portland Trail Blazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups will appear in federal court in New York today with other big names in sports. Billups was arrested in October of 2025 in connection with an illegal gambling operation, where victims were attracted to play alongside well-known professional athletes and coaches only to be unknowingly deceived through rigged shuffling machines, fixing the odds in their favor. He faces federal money laundering and wire fraud charges. Both carry a maximum sentence of 20 years.
The FBI three-year investigation says the case involves millions of dollars, three La Cosa-Nostra mafia crime families and dozens of alleged co-conspirators, including other big names in the NBA.
Chauncey Billups made his first appearance in federal court back in October. All 31 defendants in the case are set to appear in court today.
Oregon House Approves Immigration Policy Bill
The Oregon House of Representatives has approved Senate Bill 1594, aimed at strengthening how the state handles federal immigration enforcement.
The bill requires state agencies to work with the Oregon Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement to update policies tied to Oregon’s sanctuary law. Lawmakers say the goal is to include more input from immigrant and refugee communities and provide clearer, more consistent guidance.
Supporters say some families have avoided public services due to uncertainty about how their information may be shared with federal authorities. The measure is intended to improve transparency, accountability, and trust.
A Bend, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition after officers responded to gunfire in the Deschutes National Forest.
Cody Joe Hunt, 38, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.
According to court documents in 2025, U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officers responded to gunfire in the Deschutes National Forest near China Hat Road. Officers arrived to find Hunt fleeing into the woods, leaving behind an assault rifle and shell casings. They tracked him through the snow and discovered ammunition in his pockets matching the assault rifle. He was arrested on many charges as was already a convicted felon, therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
In September, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count superseding indictment charging Hunt with felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Oregon Health Authority is urging riders to take safety precautions when using e-scooters and e-bicycles, as new data show a sharp increase in serious injuries associated with these “micromobility” or motorized devices.
An analysis by OHA’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program (IVPP), using Oregon hospital and emergency department discharge data, shows that e-scooter-related injuries more than doubled in the past 4 years.
Last year alone saw e-scooter and e-bike tally 509 injuries sending riders to hospitals and emergency rooms.
PacifiCorp Ordered to Pay $305 Million for 2020 Oregon Wildfires
An Oregon jury has ordered PacifiCorp to pay $305 million to 16 victims of the state’s 2020 wildfires, part of a class-action lawsuit involving thousands.
The utility has now faced over $1 billion in damages for failing to cut power during a windstorm despite warnings. Appeals are ongoing, and trials for more than 1,000 class members are scheduled for 2026 and 2027. The fires killed 11 people, burned 1,560 square miles, and destroyed thousands of homes.
Oregon lawmakers are considering a new bill aimed at regulating flavored nicotine pouches. The legislation seeks to close a loophole that currently allows these products to be sold without the same restrictions applied to other tobacco products.
Health experts warn that despite their different appearance, nicotine pouches carry similar risks of addiction as cigarettes and vaping products. Lisa Fischer, a Tobacco Prevention Outreach Coordinator, emphasized that nicotine is highly addictive and can alter brain chemistry by triggering dopamine release, reinforcing repeated use.
Under current Oregon law, individuals must be at least 21 years old to purchase tobacco products, but that restriction does not currently apply to nicotine pouches.
These smokeless products, which are placed between the gum and lip, have grown increasingly popular in recent years, raising concerns among public health officials.
ATRIO Health Plans is currently facing financial challenges, with an outstanding debt of nearly $60 million owed to Asante for services that have already been provided.
This situation has resulted in a notable alteration in network status for ATRIO members. As stated by Asante, starting January 1, ATRIO’s Medicare Advantage coverage will be considered out of network with Asante.
Members are required to take action before March 31 to prevent any disruption in their care, as new routine appointments will not be accessible after this date, with certain exceptions.
Heather Rowenhorst, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Asante, highlighted their dedication to the community, noting that the non-payment from ATRIO has necessitated challenging decisions.
“This decision underscores our commitment to our communities to ensure the sustainability of Asante and health care in southern Oregon,” Rowenhorst remarked.
Members affected by this change have until March 31 to switch their Medicare Advantage plans. Asante provides resources to assist members in continuing care with their existing providers.
Oregon is currently facing a significant housing crisis, and recent legislative measures have ignited debate.
Senate Republicans assert that a vital bill designed to decrease construction expenses for affordable housing was obstructed by Democratic leaders in the Senate.
Senate Bill 1566, introduced by Sen. Dick Anderson and Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson, aimed to reduce costs by 10-20% for affordable housing initiatives. The legislation sought to clarify exemptions from prevailing wage regulations for privately owned developments.
The bill was anticipated to facilitate the creation of 1,300 units in the Eugene Waterfront region and provide housing for homeless veterans. Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr condemned the decision, stating, “Oregonians always lose when politics takes precedence over people.”
Rural communities throughout Oregon are set to receive approximately $49 million in back payments from the federal government, which local leaders assert will aid in stabilizing vital services.
This funding consists of retroactive payments from the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Secure Rural Schools bill, which was reauthorized in the previous year.
Rural communities throughout Oregon are set to receive approximately $49 million in back payments from the federal government, which local leaders assert will aid in stabilizing vital services.
This funding consists of retroactive payments from the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Secure Rural Schools bill, which was reauthorized in the previous year. The funds can serve as a crucial support system for schools, public safety, and wildfire preparedness.
Congressman Cliff Bentz is proposing new legislation that has the potential to transform the management of millions of acres of timberland in Western Oregon.
The proposed bill centers on areas known as O&C lands, which encompass over two million acres of federally managed forests arranged in a checkerboard pattern across 18 counties in Western Oregon.
These lands were originally associated with a railroad land grant from the 1800s, later coming under federal management. A law enacted in 1937 designated them for sustained-yield timber production to benefit local communities.
Bentz’s initiative aims to modify that law to reaffirm timber harvesting as the primary objective for these lands.
The Oregon House has recently approved HB 4138, known as the Law Enforcement Accountability and Visibility Act (LEAVA), which is designed to improve transparency and accountability within law enforcement activities throughout the state.
The bill is now pending review in the Senate. As stated by the Oregon House, this legislation establishes uniform standards for law enforcement identification, restricts the use of facial coverings, and limits state support for unconstitutional federal actions.
Under the provisions of LEAVA, officers are required to display their name, badge number, and agency identification while performing their duties. Additionally, it mandates the public posting of policies regarding facial coverings for designated circumstances. The bill also establishes a barrier against unconstitutional federal overreach, forbidding state and local employees from participating in actions that discriminate against individuals based on their beliefs or constitutional rights.
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission has made a decision with a vote of 6-1 to reject a petition from environmental organizations that sought to implement more stringent regulations on the state’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery.
This petition, initiated by groups such as the Center for Biological Diversity and Oceana, aimed to further reduce the risk of whale entanglements along the coast. During a well-attended meeting in Springfield, numerous local fishermen provided testimony opposing the proposal, contending that external interests should not control local fishery management.
In the end, the commission opted to allow the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) to proceed with its existing rulemaking processes and ongoing collaboration with federal agencies.
Oregon Considers Funding Moda Center Renovations
Portland plans to remodel the Moda Center, and state lawmakers are considering a bill making Oregon part-owner of the arena. Renovations would be funded by state bonds repaid through taxes on arena activity. The Trail Blazers must commit to staying 20 years, with a review after 10 years.
Concerns remain that the team could leave once renovations are done.
As March approaches, anticipation is growing for Lakeview’s annual Irish Days celebrations.
This cherished tradition will commence with dinner at the Lakeview Elks Lodge on the evening of Friday, March 13. Guests who present an O’Button will receive a $2 discount on their dinner.
O’Buttons are available for purchase at the Lake County Chamber of Commerce in Lakeview. The dinner on Friday will feature the crowning of both the grand and wee leprechauns, along with a performance by the Sagebrush Echoes. Dan Michaelson has been named this year’s grand leprechaun.
The Wee Leprechaun will be selected through a drawing this Friday. The festivities on Saturday will begin with breakfast at the Eagles Lodge prior to the Irish Days Parade.
The parade lineup is scheduled for 10 a.m., with the parade itself starting at 11 a.m. Additionally, the Eagles Lodge will offer a potato bar lunch; diners can enjoy a $2 discount on lunch with an O’Button.
Beginning on March 30, 2026, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will discontinue the waiver of parking fees at an additional 22 day-use parks.
Currently, a day-use parking permit costs $10 for residents of Oregon and $12 for out-of-state visitors, and it is valid for the entire day of purchase at any state park in Oregon. Access to the parks remains complimentary for those who walk, bike, or utilize public transportation.
Visitors arriving by car can present valid parking by displaying a current hangtag from camping at an Oregon State Park or a valid 12 or 24-month parking permit. Additionally, visitors who acquire parking permits online or through parking QR codes can link their license plates to the valid payment.
At present, OPRD mandates a day-use parking permit at 46 parks and waives parking fees at over 150 parks throughout the state. The selection of the 22 additional parks was based on the amenities and features that necessitate maintenance and operation, including restrooms, trails, paving, irrigation, boat ramps, and more.
The revenue from parking fees contributes to the maintenance and operation costs, ensuring that these facilities remain available for all visitors.
Oregon State Parks to hire seasonal Park Rangers, Park Ranger Assistants
SALEM, Oregon— Oregon State Parks is hiring seasonal Park Rangers and Park Ranger Assistants for positions across the state for the 2026 season.
Hiring starts as soon as this month and runs through June with new positions listed on a rolling basison the website. The positions last anywhere from four to nine months. Most seasonal staff work April through September, but some start as early as this month or work as late as December.
Seasonal staff help visitors access world-class experiences and ensure clean and safe park areas for everyone to enjoy. Duties include janitorial work, landscape maintenance, visitor education and visitor services.
Salaries start at $20.28 per hour for seasonal assistants and $23.79 for seasonal rangers. Both positions include comprehensive medical, vision and dental plans for employees and qualified family members. The positions also include paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Student workers, ages 16 and older, who are enrolled in high school start at $20.27 or more per hour, depending on experience.
Several of Oregon State Parks’ top leaders started their careers as seasonal employees, including all three Region Directors.
“We are focused on developing an engaged workforce by partnering with staff on career development, investing in skill building and fostering a culture of belonging. Whether you’re here for a season or your entire career, you make a difference in protecting and promoting Oregon’s special places,” said interim Director Stefanie Coons.
Seasonal staff gain valuable skills working with experienced Park Rangers at parks around the state. Positions are available in Oregon’s coastal areas, scenic valleys, and mountain regions, offering opportunities to work in some of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest.
For more information about current openings, visithttps://bit.ly/oregonparkjobs. If you have any questions or need additional assistance in accessibility or alternative formats, please email Oregon Parks and Recreation Department RecruitingOPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.
MARCH IS PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS MONTH – KNOW THE RISKS OF SPORTS BETTING AND WHERE TO FIND HELP
Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Lottery is focusing on collaboration and enhanced community outreach to increase awareness of problem gambling in March – also known as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).
By participating in this annual grassroots campaign, Oregon Lottery works with local and national partners to promote available prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
This year’s theme, “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures,” emphasizes a collective responsibility for preventing gambling-related harm and a community-driven approach to awareness and support.
“We really connected to this year’s theme,” said Stacy Shaw, who leads Oregon Lottery’s Safer Play Program and is on the board of the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling (OCPG). “We see our biggest impacts when we collaborate broadly to reach our players and develop resources and tools for Oregonians impacted by gambling issues.”
The Oregon Gambling Research Center, a division of the OCPG, recently completed a research study that highlighted the important role communities play in supporting Oregonians.
“Problem Gambling Awareness Month reminds us that gambling-related harm affects individuals, families, and communities, and that prevention and support are critical to recovery and healing,” said Glenn Yamagata, executive director of OCPG. “Our research shows the importance of strengthening these community pathways to reduce harm and create meaningful, lasting change.”
Oregonians can access online tools and connect with free, professional counseling year-round by going to the OPGR website. The website provides a wide variety of resources designed to help people wherever they are on their help seeking journey. This includes free access to EVIVE – a first of its kind digital health app, offering solutions for quitting, moderating, or simply playing safer. New this year to anyone affected by gambling is GamFin, a free financial counseling and online community that offers support.
Since 1992, one percent of Oregon Lottery revenue has funded problem gambling treatment and prevention efforts throughout Oregon. Since that time, over $155 million in Lottery funds has supported those services.
Looking for something fun to do? It’s the 22nd Annual Oregon Chocolate Festival in Ashland this Saturday and Sunday, at the Ashland Hills Hotel.
Taste, learn and indulge in all things chocolate and beyond! There’s a two-day chocolate lover’s paradise with artisan chocolatiers, winemakers and crafters from all over Oregon. The Oregon Chocolate Festival will also have a culinary stage with live demos and it’s family friendly all weekend too.
There are overnight packages with lodging as well. Get your tickets and check it out at OregonChocolateFestival.com for information.
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 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.
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