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.
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, with a high near 72. Northwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Overnight increasing clouds, low near 41. North northwest wind 5 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 76.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 80. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 83.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 83.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 81.
Monday is Memorial Day
Sunny, with a high near 76.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
Oregon voters are being asked to weigh in on Measure 120 today, on Election Day in Oregon. The proposal that would increase fuel taxes and title and registration fees to fund transportation infrastructure.
Fuel Tax:
Current:Â 40 cents per gallon
Proposed:Â 46 cents per gallon
Vehicle Registration Fees:
Current:Â $43 per standard passenger vehicle, $44 per moped/motorcycle and $63 per utility trailer/light trailer or low-speed vehicle
Proposed:Â $85 per standard passenger vehicle, $86 per moped/motorcycle and $105 per utility trailer/light trailer or low-speed vehicle
Title Fees:
Current:Â $77 for most standard vehicles
Proposed:Â $215 for most standard vehicles
Payroll Tax:Â (through January 1, 2028)
Current:Â 0.1%
If Measure 120 passes, the higher taxes and fees will stay in place. If it fails, state leaders will need to find another way to pay for road repairs and transportation services across the state.
Oregon Tech invites graduates, their families, and friends to gather at the Klamath Falls campus on June 13 at 10AM to honor the Class of 2026.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Shereef Elnahal, President of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), who took office in August 2025.
In his capacity as president, Dr. Elnahal manages a budget exceeding $6.2 billion and oversees more than 22,000 employees, making OHSU the largest employer in Portland and one of the most significant in Oregon. His leadership focuses on strategic planning, financial sustainability, and maintaining high standards across healthcare, research, and education to ensure the continued success of Oregon’s academic health center. Under his guidance, OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute received a landmark $2 billion donation from Phil and Penny Knight and inaugurated the Vista Pavilion, a new inpatient facility dedicated to cancer care.
Prior to his role at OHSU, Dr. Elnahal served as Under Secretary for Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he led the nation’s largest integrated health system with a workforce of nearly 400,000 and participated in the National Academy of Medicine’s Leadership Consortium.
Oregon Institute of Technology is excited to announce the appointment of Jackie Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., as the new Dean of the College of Health, Arts and Sciences (HAS), following a comprehensive national search.
Zhang, who will begin his tenure in June 2026, previously served as a professor and dean at the College of Health Professions at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
With a medical degree and a doctorate in Healthcare Administration, along with a master’s in public health, Zhang has demonstrated significant research prowess, securing over $20 million in funding from prestigious organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, among others. His research portfolio includes both foundational scholarship and impactful applied studies.
WorkSource Oregon Mobile Service Centers bring career help to rural Oregonians
WorkSource Oregon has launched three mobile service centers – vans outfitted with workstations, computers, and secure internet access – to bring free career support directly to job seekers in rural and frontier communities across the state. Job seekers can check the public schedule to learn when the mobile centers make regular stops in the following areas:
- Western Oregon:Â Alsea, Clatskanie, Estacada, Grand Ronde, Mill City, Molalla, Monroe, VernoniaÂ
- Central Oregon:Â Chiloquin, Christmas Valley, Condon, Lakeview, La Pine, Maupin, Warm SpringsÂ
- Eastern Oregon:Â Boardman, Elgin, Halfway, Heppner, Huntington, Jordan Valley, Mission, ValeÂ
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) worked with Oregon’s nine local workforce development boards and local workforce service providers to add these communities to the mobile service schedule. A key consideration was the distance from one of the state’s 37 physical WorkSource Oregon centers. For some rural Oregonians, the average round trip to visit a center is four hours.
“The goal is to reach people in communities that do not have a brick-and-mortar WorkSource Oregon center nearby or experience other barriers to accessing OED’s service,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, director of the Oregon Employment Department. “These mobile centers are another way we and our WorkSource Oregon partners are adapting to meet our customer’s needs by making our free job-seeker services more accessible, including our rural communities.”
Each mobile center visits the communities on their routes two days a month, for two to seven hours at a time. Everyone is welcome to drop in for assistance. Appointments aren’t required. The WorkSource Oregon staff who drive the vans provide job seekers with personalized support finding employment and preparing for long-term career success.
Veterans will receive priority access to services in the mobile centers, just as they would at any other WorkSource Oregon center. This support includes referrals to veteran-specific programs and additional services to help veterans achieve their employment goals.
Some of the many services all job seekers can expect when they visit a mobile center include:
- One-on-one career coaching
- Workshops on resumes and interviewing
- Information on which regional industries and local employers are actively hiring
- Access to free training to advance professionally or learn skills for a new occupation
- Information about paid internships, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, GED programs, and college classes
- Referrals to benefit programs that help job seekers with transportation, childcare, internet access, tuition, textbooks, school fees, identification, work clothes and tools, food, and more
The mobile centers are sponsored by OED in partnership with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
Oregonians who receive food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Oregon and who have received an Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) notice from ODHS can access free employment and training through the mobile WorkSource Oregon centers to meet the work requirements and stay eligible for SNAP. People who receive an ABAWD notice must complete 80 hours a month of work or other activities like volunteering to keep their SNAP food benefits for more than three months. These mobile centers help bring those services directly into communities and make it easier for people to get support closer to home.”
SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Employment Department has released its 2026 Careers magazine in English and Spanish to help students and job seekers explore possible careers, research educational and training options, map out potential career paths, and prepare to apply and interview for jobs. Educators, school and occupational counselors, and educational institutions can order free print copies and download a student activity guide.
Produced by OED’s Workforce and Economic Research Division, the annual publication features 40 different articles, including in-depth breakdowns of career pathways, practical tips, and success stories. It’s designed to help Oregonians choose which profession they want to go into, perfect for graduates and those looking for something new.
“Our goal is to highlight real career pathways where Oregonians can connect their interests and skills to occupations that are in demand across the state,” said Workforce and Economic Research Division Director Bob Uhlenkott. “No matter which industries or job fields you’re interested in, this information provides valuable insight into what opportunities exist in Oregon and how to pursue them.”
The magazine is broken down into five sections: career planning, education, job search, career guide, and resources. Article topics this year include:
- Build a Good Foundation Through a Pre-Apprenticeship Program
- Tips for Job Shadowing
- Help Paying for College
- A Recruiter’s Advice for Finding Your Next Job
- Five Steps to a Successful Interview
Drawing on the Oregon Career Information System (CIS), the Career Guide section provides detailed information about 240 occupations, including wage ranges, the availability of apprenticeships, educational and licensing requirements, total annual employment, and average annual job openings in the state.
OED also publishes Career Aware, a two-part version designed for elementary-age students.
“This information is for Oregonians of all ages – whether you’re figuring out what you want to be when you grow up, considering a career change, or looking for your next position,” Uhlenkott said. “Having access to reliable information and guidance can make a huge difference for people when exploring the many opportunities available to them.”
Klamath County Fire District 1 Civil Service Commission Meeting Agenda
7:00 a.m., Thursday, May 21, 2026,143 N. Broad St., Klamath Falls, OR 97601
1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call of Commissioners
4. Approval of the Agenda
5. Public Comment
6. New Business
a. Apprentice to Firefighter Hiring List
b. Review Process and Approve Deputy Fire Marshal/Community Risk Reduction Hire
Klamath Hospice and Palliative Care is excited to host their 4th Annual Senior Awareness Fair on Wednesday, May 20th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.Â
The event will take place at 2751 Washburn Way in Klamath Falls.
Each year, the Senior Awareness Fair welcomes approximately 500 attendees and brings together 40 community partners, all offering valuable resources, services, and information for seniors in our region.
This event is free and open to the public.
We extend our sincere thanks to Basin Transit System, which is generously providing FREE rides for seniors to and from the event.
AARP Smart Driver Course at the Chiloquin Community Center
Drivers in the Chiloquin area will have an opportunity to refresh their driving skills and potentially reduce their auto insurance premiums during an upcoming AARP Smart Driver course at the Chiloquin Community Center.
The class will take place on Friday, May 22, 2026, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Chiloquin Community Center, 140 First Street, Chiloquin.
The AARP Smart Driver course is designed to help drivers of all ages improve safety behind the wheel by learning updated driving strategies, reviewing current traffic laws, and understanding how aging can affect driving ability. Participants will also learn practical techniques for reducing distractions, managing difficult
driving conditions, and increasing overall confidence on the road.
Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete the course. Under Oregon law, drivers age 55 and older may qualify for mandatory insurance premium discounts after completing the class.
The cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members.
The class is hosted at the Chiloquin Community Center as part of ongoing efforts to support lifelong learning, safety, and healthy aging opportunities within the community.
Course Details
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025, and Friday, June 6, 2025 (two-day course)
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Chiloquin Community Center, 140 S. First Avenue, Chiloquin, OR 97624
Cost: $20 for AARP members / $25 for non-members
Call (541) 783-7780 to register, stop by the Chiloquin Community Center, or go to http://aarp.info/c43811.
For a full list of AARP Driver Safety programs across Oregon, download the course calendar here:
https://bit.ly/3Bjcgan.
Ragland Arts Festival
June 20th will be the date for the first Ragland Arts Festival from 10AM-2PM.
There will be vendors, art, music, food, and so much community fun. Join us in the Cultural Center for a day of fun, sunshine, and last minute shopping for Father’s Day.
This event is free to the public, but donations will be accepted. All proceeds from this event go to our Education Scholarship Fund. The Education Scholarship Fund helps ensure that no one is denied the opportunity to attend one of our camps or classes due to financial restraints.
TICKETS: FREE. Donations are accepted.
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 voters will decide today on Election Day whether to approve Measure 120, a ballot measure that would raise gas taxes and vehicle fees to help pay for road and transportation projects in the state.
Lawmakers passed the transportation funding plan last year after the Oregon Department of Transportation warned about budget problems and possible layoffs. The plan would increase taxes and fees by about 6%.
Many people criticized the proposal because families are already dealing with high costs and inflation. Republicans collected enough signatures to put the issue on the ballot, giving voters the final say.
“Certainly the conversation at the ballot this year on whether or not any increase in the gas tax to help maintain our roads and highways is a tough sell right now because I think everyone is feeling the pinch on their household budgets,” Gov. Tina Kotek said.
“I think we all have to compromise” said Kotek, who has failed Oregonians here along with education concerns, drug addition problems and the mounting homeless issue in the state.
“We all have to look at all the you know puts and takes and build the best most affordable reliable and viable package that we can have,” Kotek said.”
Rep. Val Hoyle also raised concerns about the impact of higher gas prices on residents. “I can’t see putting a gas tax on Oregonians when we’ve got gas that’s going to be six or seven dollars a gallon. Most of my constituents won’t support it, and no, I won’t support it,” Hoyle said.
If Measure 120 passes, the higher taxes and fees will stay in place. If it fails, state leaders will need to find another way to pay for road repairs and transportation services across the state.
SNAP interviews required for all households starting June 1st
Starting June 1, 2026, all SNAP households must complete an interview when they apply for or renew their monthly food benefits.
This change returns SNAP to standard federal rules, which require interviews for all applications and renewals. These rules help make sure benefits are accurate and reflect each household’s current situation. An interview must be completed before benefits can be approved.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some households were allowed to skip renewal interviews. This temporary flexibility ends May 31, 2026.
This includes households that previously did not need an interview, such as those where:
- All adults are age 60 or older or meet the SNAP definition of disability, and
- No one in the household has income from work
For some people, this may be the first time they complete a SNAP interview when renewing their benefits.
Interviews are a standard part of SNAP. They help:
- Confirm information
- Prevent errors
- Make sure people receive the correct benefit amount
- Connect people to the full benefits and services they may qualify for
What this means for people
People applying for or renewing SNAP benefits will need to complete an interview before their benefits can be approved or renewed.
“These updates help make sure people receive the correct SNAP benefits for their current situation,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, SNAP Director at ODHS. “We know adding another step may be challenging. Our staff are here to help answer questions and support people in the way that works best for them. Completing the interview and providing documents when requested helps us process benefits correctly and connect people to the full amount they qualify for.”
What people can do now
- Make sure ODHS has your current contact information
- Watch for mail, email, text messages or phone calls from ODHS about your interview
- Respond to messages from ODHS to avoid delays
- Connect with ODHS in the way that works best for you—online, by phone or in person
Learn more about SNAP at Oregon.snap.gov
Ways people can contact ODHS
- Online: Through a ONE Online account
- By phone: Call 800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY), relay calls welcome
- In person: Visit a local office (find one online)
- By Mail: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
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.
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Oregon’s initiative to assist families in saving for college has surpassed four billion dollars. Known as Embark, this program, formerly the Oregon College Savings Plan, was established 25 years ago.
It enables families to accumulate funds for higher education with the benefit of tax-free growth. Participants can also receive an annual tax credit of up to 380 dollars, potentially amounting to over 6,800 dollars over an 18-year period.
Currently, more than 150,000 residents of Oregon hold accounts within this program.
The Bureau of Land Management’s Lakeview District has announced the opening of the Gerber and Topsy campgrounds for the 2026 recreation season, allowing visitors to once again access two of the district’s most sought-after locations for camping, fishing, and exploring Oregon’s public lands.
Topsy Campground, situated along the upper Klamath River, provides a serene high-desert environment, framed by open ponderosa pine forests and scenic views of the southern Cascade mountains.
Starting at noon on May 13, guests can enjoy 13 campsites equipped with drinking water, vault restrooms, a dump station, camp hosts, trash service, and day-use parking. Approximately an hour east of Klamath Falls, the Gerber Recreation Area presents a diverse array of recreational activities across its high-desert terrain, including mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and backcountry exploration.
This area features North and South Gerber Campgrounds, primitive sites, a horse camp, and day-use areas, with fees commencing on May 13. Amenities available include drinking water, vault restrooms, a dump station, camp hosts, two boat ramps, fish-cleaning stations, trash service, day-use parking, and nine miles of hiking trails connecting the various recreation sites.
Visitors planning to explore Oregon’s state parks this summer should be aware of new regulations that have been implemented this year. Notably, several parks have prohibited drone usage due to environmental concerns, although permits can be obtained for flying in non-restricted areas.
Additionally, it is crucial to adhere to campfire safety guidelines, ensuring that fires are completely extinguished after use, as certain regions may impose total fire bans later in the season based on assessments from local and state fire agencies.
Furthermore, an increasing number of parks are now charging day-use parking fees, and a more stringent cancellation policy for reservations will be enforced, as noted by Lauren Wirtis from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. For further details on these regulations, please visit the department’s website.
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.
Oregon Utilities Promote Wildfire Awareness: Get Ready for Fire Season by Preparing Now and Staying Informed
PGE, Pacific Power, Idaho Power and the PUC share tips and guidance as fire season approaches
In recognition of National Wildfire Awareness Month, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC), Portland General Electric, Pacific Power and Idaho Power encourage Oregonians to prepare for wildfire season. Everyone has a part to play this summer in keeping our communities safe.
PGE, Pacific Power and Idaho Power invest year-round to prevent wildfire and deliver safe, reliable power to the homes and communities that depend on it. They partner with tribes and federal, state and local agencies to plan and prepare for the upcoming wildfire season.
“We’ve had an unusually dry winter across much of Oregon, and that means wildfire season may arrive earlier and with greater intensity,” said Commissioner Chair Letha Tawney. “Even as Oregon electric utilities invest billions to reduce wildfire risk, customers need to be ready for potential outages when fire danger is high. The changing risk of extreme wildfires touches every Oregon community and requires all of us to take steps now to reduce the chance of catastrophe.”
Resources to help Oregonians prepare for wildfire season are available at wildfire.oregon.gov, including guidance on staying informed, evacuation planning and creating defensible space to help prevent wildfire.
PGE, Pacific Power and Idaho Power also share these additional tips on ways to stay safe and be prepared this fire season.
Have a plan
- Consider relocating with a friend, family member or shelter, especially if medication or treatment of a medical condition requires electricity.
- Businesses should communicate their outage-response plans to key employees, plan for workarounds to computers and cash registers and make a plan to bypass electronic door locks.
- Plan for livestock water needs in case well pumps lose power.
- Know how to open and close electric garage doors and security gates.
- Learn how to protect home and business electronics and appliances against data loss and surge damage when power is restored.
Make an outage kit
Prepare your home and businesses by making an outage kit to use in case wildfire leads to a power outage.
- Be sure to include shelf-stable food, water for people, pets and livestock, medications, flashlights, batteries and solar or car chargers for electric devices. Keep ice packs or frozen water in the freezer to help keep food cold until ice is available.
- Outage kits should also include flashlights or camp lights for all areas, including restrooms, battery-powered or hand-crank radios for information, battery-powered fans, extra batteries, car chargers for cell phones and electric devices, bottled water and emergency phone numbers.
- Businesses should prepare to minimize disruption, keep employees safe and protect equipment.
Stay informed
Here are a few steps you can take to make sure you receive up-to-date wildfire information:
- Contact your electricity provider or log in to your account and make sure all contact information is current so you can receive alerts and messages.
- If you rely on electricity to store medication or operate medical equipment, enroll in your electric provider’s Medical Certificate Program, if available, to receive proactive communications about outages. Make a backup plan with your doctor and other medical providers.
- VisitOregon Alert to find your local alert system. Provide current contact details and sign up for wildfire alerts.
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