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MONDAY, MAY 4, 2026
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, with a high near 77. North northwest wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Overnight, clear with a low of 46.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 76. North northwest wind 5 to 9 mph.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 79.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 79.
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 77.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 82.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
Klamath County elections offices are beginning to distribute ballots for the upcoming election on May 19th. To find out when your specific county will send your ballot, visit OregonVotes.gov/myvote.
If you do not receive your ballot within a week of the scheduled date, it is advisable to contact your county elections office. Additionally, if you have recently changed your address and have not updated your registration, be sure to inform them. As you await your ballot, it is essential to create a voting plan to avoid any last-minute complications on election day.
This year, Oregonians are encouraged to mail their ballots no later than May 12th, one week prior to election day.
If mailing is not feasible, you can drop off your ballot at a secure, official drop box, which is available 24/7 until 8:00 p.m. on election night.
KLAMATH COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 1 RESPONDS TO TWO-STORY RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE FIRE ON AUBURN STREET
On Thursday, Klamath County Fire District 1 responded to multiple reports of a structure fire in the 1900 block of Auburn Street in Klamath Falls, OR.
The first unit arrived on scene approximately 4 minutes after dispatch to find a two-story single-family residence with heavy fire involvement in the rear of the structure extending into the second floor living space. Crews initiated aggressive interior fire attack operations to search for potential victims while simultaneously working to control and extinguish the fire.
Klamath County Fire District 1 responded with a total of 19 personnel, including four engines, one ambulance, and two command staff. A Deputy Fire Marshal from the office of the Oregon State Fire Marshal also responded to assist with origin and cause determination.
There were no civilian or firefighter injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Klamath County Fire District 1 would also like to remind the public to ensure smoke detectors are installed, functioning properly, and tested regularly.
Klamath Basin high school students are seizing the opportunity presented by a new program that bridges high school and college, aimed at jumpstarting their careers in the medical sector.
The Klamath Regional Career & Technical Education (CTE) Campus launched its first courses, Medical Terminology and First Aid Basics & Beyond, last fall, engaging around 60 students from Klamath Union, Bonanza, and Chiloquin High Schools.
This initiative is a partnership between Sky Lakes Medical Center and Klamath Community College’s Accelerated Learning department. Students can attend classes either in person at the center or through a hybrid model that integrates online and remote learning, enabling participation directly from their high school classrooms.
Currently, the CTE program offers high school juniors and seniors the chance to earn up to nine college credits, with courses including Medical Terminology I and II, as well as First Aid: Basics & Beyond, and plans for further expansion in the upcoming year.
Electric vehicle drivers in Oregon are set to benefit from an expansion of charging infrastructure, with new stations planned in Klamath County.
The Oregon Department of Transportation has announced the recipients of the second round of federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funding, which will facilitate the installation of 24 new public DC fast charging stations along key highways across the state.
Among the new locations are charging sites in Klamath Falls and Chemult, as well as another in La Pine, located in southern Deschutes County. Each of these stations will be equipped with a minimum of four charging ports.
Two documentary films related to Tulelake will be screened soon in Malin and Tulelake.
“Out of Place,” featuring Cheewa James and Mitzi Asai Loftus, along with “Field Advantage,” which explores the experiences of Mexican-Americans and homesteaders, will be presented at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at the Broadway Theater in Malin, and at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 29, at the First & Last Coffee Lounge in Dorris.
Both events will offer bilingual support with Spanish and English subtitles. The Winema 4-H group will manage concessions to fundraise for their pig pens in Tulelake, which are also highlighted in the second film. Additionally, the Herencia y Raíces dance group may perform live dances between the screenings.
These showings are part of the “Shasta Stories” tour, which commenced earlier this month and primarily takes place in Siskiyou County, coinciding with the Ashland Independent Film Festival.
Native Plant Sale Set Again For Saturday, May 16th at the Klamath County Museum!
Time: 10 am to 2 pm, Saturday May 16, 2026
Location: Klamath County Museum, 1451 Main Street, Klamath Falls
The Klamath Basin Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Oregon, in cooperation with the Klamath County Museum and the Klamath County Master Gardeners, has scheduled a two native plant sales. One played over the weekend and the next one is set for May 16th.
The greenhouse is overstocked with shrubs including serviceberry, mock orange, sagebrush, rabbitbrush, fernbush, chokecherry, bitter cherry. There will be a limited number of dogwood and Modoc cypress. The shrubs are in 1-gallon pots at $10 each.
There are nearly 400 native plants available in 4” pots for $5 each, including many penstemons and daisies, as well as rosy pussytoes, Douglas aster, goldenrod, and tall evening primrose, and possibly some phlox, cushion buckwheat, and sulfur buckwheat.
The larger annual native plant sale is Saturday, May 17 th at the Museum. The Chapter conservatively estimates they’ll have more that 1,300 plants available to the public with more than 88 species represented.
Proceeds of the sale will be applied to a revision and reprint of the 2009 edition of “Common Plants of the Upper Klamath Basin,” which has been out-of-print and unavailable for several years. This regional field guide to Klamath Basin native plants is geared to the public while also appealing to natural resource professionals and botanists and remains in high demand.
For additional information, click here: https://klamathbasinnps.com.
The 25th annual Living Well Health Fair will be held Saturday, May 16, from 8 to 2pm at Linman Hall/Exhibit Hall 1 at the Klamath County Fairgrounds, 3531 South Sixth Street.
The free event offers health screenings, educational exhibits and interactive activities. Free cholesterol and blood glucose screenings will be available, and people should fast 8-12 hours before testing for the most accurate results. Cascades East Family Medicine doctors and Sky Lakes Primary Care Providers will interpret results at no charge.
“The Living Well Health Fair is all about making health approachable, engaging and accessible for everyone,” Bennett said. “It’s an opportunity for our community to explore local resources, connect with care teams and take simple, meaningful steps toward better health—reflecting our mission to inspire human potential through wellness.”
Healthy Klamath will present an inflatable lung model to highlight respiratory health concerns like the effects of smoking, lung disease and air quality on lung function. People can walk through the exhibit to learn about lung health.
OHSU Knight Cancer Institute will bring an inflatable colon to educate the community on colorectal health. The exhibit covers the importance of screenings for colon cancer, recognizing symptoms and understanding prevention strategies.
Community partners will offer demonstrations and resources covering mental health, physical health, aging and substance use disorders. Food trucks will be on-site for lunch.
For more information, visit Sky Lakes’ website or follow updates on social media.
Registration is now open for this year’s Dirty Pelican Bike Paddle Run and Fun Run, scheduled for Saturday, May 16, at Moore Park.
This annual event invites participants to engage in a thrilling competition that combines biking, paddling, and running, taking them through the scenic Moore Park and along Upper Klamath Lake.
Competitors can choose to participate individually or as part of a three-person team, starting with a 7.5-mile mountain biking segment on the Link River and Moore Park trails, followed by a 2-mile paddle on Upper Klamath Lake, and concluding with a 3.5-mile trail run in Moore Park.
Additionally, a 5k Fun Run will take place on the same day, beginning around 9:15 am, making the event accessible to all ages. The Dirty Pelican Bike, Paddle, Run Race in Klamath Falls was designed to foster community spirit and encourage outdoor activity while also serving as a fundraiser to support local families.
The YMCA of Klamath Falls will be having the annual Community Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Shield Crest Golf Course.
Sponsors are needed at $500, which includes one complimentary team of four players with carts, lunch, a tee box advertising sign and media recognition, and 18 holes of great golf.
Everyone is invited to enter and play with the tournament limited to the first 72 players. Tournament entry fee for individuals is $80 a person. All proceeds support scholarships for youth and families.Call 541-884-4149 or 541-883-3977 to register or ask questions. Thank you from the YMCA!
This week’s pet ready for adoption at The Klamath Animal Shelter is a dog named ” Cheeky “
Cheeky is a 4 year old female Golden doodle, she is light blonde colored, and she weighs about 50 pounds.
Around the State of Oregon
Oregon Gas Prices Surge Nearly 20 Cents in One Week
Drivers across Oregon are seeing a sharp increase at the pump, with gas prices jumping nearly 20 cents over the past week. According to GasBuddy, the average price for a gallon of gas in Oregon now sits at $5.15. That’s up 24.6 cents from a month ago and $1.41 higher than this time last year.
Prices vary widely across the state. On Sunday, the lowest recorded price was $4.49 per gallon, while the highest reached $6.59—a difference of more than $2.
The national average is also climbing, rising 38.2 cents in the past week to $4.48 per gallon. That’s 35.6 cents higher than a month ago and up $1.30 compared to last year.
Oregon Officials Urge Wildfire Preparedness Ahead of Early Fire Season
As May marks National Wildfire Awareness Month, fire officials across Oregon are urging residents to prepare now for what could be an intense and early wildfire season.
Experts say a combination of drought conditions, low snowpack, increased lightning, and below-average rainfall could push fire season to begin weeks earlier than the typical June 1 start.
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) says it has been preparing year-round, including conducting prescribed burns and ramping up seasonal hiring to ensure firefighters and equipment are ready.
Despite those efforts, officials stress that public awareness is critical. About 80 percent of wildfires in Oregon are caused by humans, with vehicle sparks and debris burning among the leading causes.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions, such as properly extinguishing debris burns, following burn restrictions, avoiding parking hot vehicles on dry grass, and being mindful of sparks from chains, brakes, and mufflers.
Douglas County has already declared an Emergency Drought Order, highlighting concerns about water shortages and economic impacts. Officials warn that limited water supplies could affect farming, livestock, and residential use.
While this year’s snowpack is among the lowest on record, similar to 2015 and 2018, fire officials say it’s too early to predict how severe the season will be.
Still, ODF says it is confident in its preparations and coordination with partner agencies to respond effectively to wildfires across protected lands.
FATAL CRASH ON HIGHWAY 20
LINN COUNTY, Ore. – On Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 5:44 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 20 near milepost 21 in Linn County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a white Jeep Wrangler, operated by Mariah Darlene Lopez (30) of Sweet Home, was traveling westbound on Highway 20 near Sweet Home when it crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a black Kia Forte, operated by Karen Gail Ramirez (69) of Sweet Home, head-on. The operator of the Kia was ejected from the vehicle. The Jeep Wrangler had reportedly been driving recklessly prior to the crash.
The operator of the Kia (Ramirez) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Jeep (Lopez) was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries and was arrested for second-degree manslaughter. Lopez was lodged at the Linn County Jail following her release from the hospital.
The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Lebanon Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation. Investigators ask witnesses to the crash or those who observed the driving behavior of the involved vehicles (a white Jeep Wrangler with a black hardtop and aftermarket wheels and a black Kia Forte) prior to the crash to contact Oregon State Police dispatch at 800-442-0776 or by calling *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-142871.
Eight Charged in Multistate Drug Ring, Including Eugene and Springfield Women
Eight people — including two from Lane County — are facing federal charges for their alleged roles in a drug trafficking operation that moved methamphetamine and fentanyl from Mexico into the U.S. and across multiple states, including Oregon.
According to investigators, the group smuggled drugs into California, then distributed them nationwide using vehicles and packages hidden in items like toys and cereal boxes.
Among those charged are Felicia Waite of Eugene and Julia Dorfler of Springfield, who are accused of helping distribute drugs locally. Others allegedly operated stash houses in California and Salem or worked as couriers collecting drug money.
Authorities say the investigation led to the seizure of 56 pounds of fentanyl, 116 pounds of meth, more than $300,000 in cash, and 20 firearms.
The case is being led by federal prosecutors in Oregon, with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies.
One Shots Fired Call Leads to Deputies Arresting Two Separate Suspects
GOLD HILL, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies arrested two unrelated suspects following a shots fired menacing call Thursday, April 30th. Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) 911 dispatch received a report that a man confronted a driver on Gold Ray Road, yelling about her speed before firing a gun into the ground and then toward her.
As deputies responded, they spotted a truck matching the suspect description leaving the area at a high rate of speed. Deputies initiated a pursuit, and the vehicle fled toward Gold Hill. The truck was successfully disabled with spike strips but continued northbound on I-5 on its rims. The vehicle eventually stopped, and the driver fled on foot. Deputies quickly outperformed the driver and arrested him.
The driver, Jay William Oncher-Fontaine, 38, of Wolf Creek, had multiple felony warrants and showed signs of impairment. He was lodged in the Jackson County Jail on his warrants, as well as charges of elude, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, reckless driving, and additional offenses.
After the arrest, deputies determined Oncher-Fontaine was not involved in the shooting. Deputies returned to the area and located a second truck matching the original description. A traffic stop was conducted, and Frank Pennisi, 28, of Bandon, was arrested.
A search of the vehicle revealed two firearms. Pennisi admitted to shooting in the area and being angered by drivers traveling too fast. He was lodged in the Jackson County Jail on charges of menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, and reckless endangering.
Salem, Ore –A new proposal from the federal government could change how housing programs and shelters treat transgender people across the country.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) wants to change part of a rule called the “Equal Access Rule.” Right now, that rule helps protect people from discrimination based on gender identity. The new proposal would remove “gender identity” and replace it with “sex.”
This means shelters and housing programs could place people based on their biological sex instead of how they identify. They might also ask for documents to prove it.
HUD Secretary Scott Turner said the change is meant to protect women and focus on what he called biological reality.
If the rule is approved, it would also remove some protections for transgender people in housing programs that receive federal money. It could even force local programs to follow federal rules instead of state laws, or risk losing funding.
In Oregon, state law already says it’s illegal to discriminate based on gender identity. Because of that, some housing providers say the new federal proposal could create confusion.
One worker from a local housing agency explained that organizations might have to choose between following federal rules to keep their funding, or following state laws that protect transgender people.
Right now, shelters in that area follow state law and allow equal access. But even small changes at the federal level could affect how they operate.
The proposal could also mean agencies need more staff training or face new legal risks.
The worker added that transgender people already make up a large part of the homeless population and could face even more challenges if the rule goes into effect.
The Salem Housing Authority said it’s too early to know exactly what will happen. They said any real changes depend on whether the proposal becomes an official rule.
For now, the proposal is open for public comment until late June.
Tuition at Oregon’s seven public universities will increase again this fall, marking the twelfth consecutive year that the state’s four-year institutions have raised admission costs for new students.
This ongoing trend of relying on tuition hikes to fund university operations, coupled with insufficient state investment, has positioned Oregon’s public universities as the most expensive in the western United States, as reported by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.
Over the past decade, resident undergraduate tuition increases have outpaced inflation for six of those years, averaging an annual rise of 4.3%, which translates to approximately $430 more each year. Additionally, any proposed tuition increase of 5% or more requires approval from the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
Security Fence Planned for Eugene Federal Building
The federal government is preparing to install temporary security fencing around the Eugene Federal Building, and city officials say there is little they can do to stop it because the property falls under federal jurisdiction.
According to the City of Eugene, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has notified officials of its plans to install the fencing. Because the federal government is exempt from local and state land-use regulations on property it owns, the city cannot enforce local fence codes or block the project.
City officials say their involvement is limited to reviewing and processing a Right-of-Way Use Permit to ensure nearby public streets and sidewalks remain safe and accessible during installation.
That permit would allow contractors to temporarily use public streets or sidewalks for construction-related work, such as closing traffic lanes to deliver materials or complete installation.
Last week, the city received an application from GSA’s contractor requesting temporary lane closures on Pearl Street and 7th Avenue during the fencing project. Officials say the application is currently under review, and the permit will be issued if all requirements are met.
The city emphasized that Right-of-Way permits are approved or denied based solely on whether the applicant meets permit requirements, regardless of who submits the request.
According to GSA, part of the fence will extend along the northern section of the Pearl Street sidewalk next to the federal building. However, the city says that section of sidewalk is on federal property, where Eugene holds no easement and has no legal authority to prevent its closure.
To maintain pedestrian access, the city plans to convert a nearby parking strip into a continuous walkway before the fencing is installed. That work is expected to begin Monday, April 27.
City officials described Pearl Street as a key route connecting downtown Eugene to the riverfront and market district and said they are committed to ensuring the alternate pedestrian path is in place before the sidewalk closure begins.
Romanian Nationals Unlawfully Residing in the United States Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Steal SNAP Benefits
PORTLAND, Ore.—Two Romanian nationals apparently unlawfully residing in Portland pleaded guilty for their role in a conspiracy to steal benefits from low income and food insecure individuals and families.
Aramis Manolea, 35, and Cristina Manolea, 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States.
According to court documents, from April 2025 through November 2025, A. Manolea and C. Manolea conspired to use stolen Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) account information and PINs to fraudulently purchase SNAP-eligible items, like infant formula. The stolen goods were packaged in storage units and loaded into vans and trucks for shipment to California. In total, A. Manolea and C. Manolea are responsible for stolen benefits valued at almost $27,000.
On November 12, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 26-count indictment charging A. Manolea, C. Manolea and their co-conspirators with conspiracy to defraud the United States, unauthorized use of access devices, possession, production, and trafficking of device-making equipment, and aggravated identity theft.
- Manolea and C. Manolea face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. C. Manolea will be sentenced on May 22, 2026, and A. Manolea will be sentenced on May 29, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.
As part of the plea agreement, A. Manolea and C. Manolea agreed to pay restitution in full.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation are investigating the case with assistance from the United States Marshals Service for the District of Oregon, Eastern District of California, and the Central District of California, and the Oregon Department of Human Services. Geoffrey A. Barrow and Nicholas D. Meyers, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, are prosecuting the case.
Former U.S. Postal Service Employee Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing Mail
EUGENE, Ore.—A Burns, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for repeatedly stealing mail while working as a U.S. Postal Service employee at the Hines, Oregon Post Office.
Patrick Wright, 44, was sentenced to 45 days in federal prison and two years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay over $2000 in restitution.
According to court documents, from January 2024 through June 2024, while working as a U.S. Postal Service employee, Wright opened mail and stole the contents, including money and gift cards.
On April 17, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a one-count indictment charging Wright with theft of mail by a postal employee.
Wright pleaded guilty today to Count One.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Sweet.
FEMA has allocated nearly $10 million in funding to Oregon for long-term initiatives aimed at enhancing community resilience to disasters.
This funding is part of a larger announcement of over $137 million for more than 50 projects across the nation. Under the leadership of newly appointed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, FEMA is actively working to reduce the backlog of funding requests, continuing to provide resources to states despite the ongoing 69-day lapse in appropriations, the longest in U.S. history.
Specifically, over $4.1 million will be directed to Consumers Power Inc. in Oregon to improve infrastructure that mitigates power outages during wildfires, while nearly $3.4 million will be invested in Douglas County, Oregon, to enhance 911 systems for better communication among first responders.
Mushroom collection season now open on Klamath National Forest
The Klamath National Forest invites the public to enjoy mushroom collecting on the forest, where a variety of edible mushrooms — including morels, chanterelles, shaggy mane, puffballs, boletes and oyster mushrooms — can be found throughout Siskiyou County.
When mushroom collecting, make sure you know before you go. Some mushrooms can be dangerous. Never collect a mushroom you aren’t sure is safe.
Permits Required for Mushroom Collecting
You may collect up to one gallon of mushrooms per day for personal use without a permit, with a yearly limit of five gallons. To help protect forest resources and support sustainable harvesting, a permit is required for any commercial collecting or for personal collection exceeding the five-gallon annual limit.
$20 Permit: Collect up to 8 gallons over four consecutive days.
$50 Permit: Collect up to 20 gallons over 30 consecutive days; additional days may be purchased for $5 per day.
$100 Seasonal Permit: Collect up to 40 gallons during the season.
Permits are available at Forest Service offices in Yreka (1711 South Main Street), Happy Camp (63822 Highway 96), Macdoel (37805 Highway 97), and Fort Jones (11263 N. Highway 3). Please note that permits are now issued at the Supervisor’s Office in Yreka.
Each permit includes specific conditions and restrictions designed to promote responsible and sustainable harvesting. Permit holders are responsible for reviewing and complying with these guidelines.
For more information about mushroom harvesting, camping, or fire restrictions, contact your local ranger district or visit www.fs.usda.gov/r05/klamath/offices.
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