Klamath Rails Model Railroad Club – Train Show On Now!

 Join us for the annual Train Show presented by Klamath Rails Model Railroad Club and Hosted by Klamath County Museum.

• When: July 14 – 25th, 2026
• Hours: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
• Where: Klamath County Museum

Around the State of Oregon

Emergency Conflagration Act Invoked for Hagen Fire; State Fire Marshal Mobilizes Resources

Because of the rapid growth and immediate threat posed by the Hagen Fire, the Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked to provide additional resources to protect nearby homes and critical infrastructure. This marks the sixth time the act has been invoked in 2026, as Oregon continues to face a challenging fire season pushed by record-low snowpack and drier-than-normal fuel conditions.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing an incident management team and two structural task forces to the fire. These state resources will enter unified command with Northwest Team 7 to prioritize the protection of homes and critical infrastructure near the fire.

“We are facing not only challenging fire conditions but also low resource availability across the country,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “It is important now more than ever that Oregonians are wildfire aware and take actions like signing up for emergency alerts and preventing any new fires.”

As of Tuesday morning, the Hagen Fire is estimated at 5,685 acres and is located approximately nine miles southwest of Tollgate, Oregon. The fire burned actively overnight, creating spot fires that forced the withdrawal of crews working on the nearby Ninemile Fire. Firefighters are being challenged by steep, inaccessible terrain and temperatures expected to climb into triple digits this week.

The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, has issued evacuation notices. For the most recent information about evacuations please follow the local sheriff’s office.

Find information about the Hagen Fire and other fires in the Paradise Complex on the InciWeb page and on the official fire information Facebook page. Oregonians can sign up for emergency alerts at oralert.gov.

Oregon Residents Reminded to be Ready for Power Outages

With wildfires burning across the state and extreme weather events affecting communities, residents are reminded to prepare for potential power outages.

These events can damage electrical equipment or force utilities to adjust system settings, which may lead to more frequent or longer outages.

In some high-risk areas, utilities may implement public safety power shutoffs (PSPS), a safety measure designed to help protect people and communities in high fire-risk areas by proactively shutting off electricity. Utilities may also de-energize lines to protect equipment or to support firefighting efforts.

Be prepared in advance

Prepare your home and businesses in the event a wildfire or weather incident leads to a power outage.

• Be two weeks ready – Gather food, medical supplies, batteries, pet supplies, among other things, needed by family members during an outage or evacuation for up to two weeks. Learn more about what supplies to consider.
• For individuals with a medical condition that requires power, contact your electricity service provider in advance of an outage to register a Medical Certificate. This certification provides added benefits and helps the utility ensure they meet your needs in the event of an outage.
• Update your utility account on your service provider’s website to make sure they have your current contact information and can send you notifications. If uncertain which electric utility serves your area, visit https://www.oregon.gov/energy/energy-oregon/pages/find-your-utility.aspx.
• Keep cell phones fully charged in anticipation of an outage. Consider a car-charger for cell phones and other electronic devices.
• Plan for livestock water needs in the event well pumps lose power.
• Have a plan to relocate to an alternative location for power needs, or if you can, consider a backup generator.

During a power outage

• Avoid downed power lines, including anything near downed lines, at all costs.
• Stay clear of fire personnel and utility crews working to restore service in your community.
• Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns for emergency lighting. Do not use candles or other potential fire hazards.
• Turn off lights and unplug electric appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer to help avoid a surge to the system when service is restored. After turning off all the lights, turn one light on to know when power has been restored.
• Use generators safely – Do not run the generator inside the home or garage or anywhere near a window or vent, as these spaces can capture deadly levels of carbon monoxide. Learn more about proper use of a generatorto avoid hazardous conditions.
• Check on elderly neighbors or individuals with special needs who might need additional assistance.
• Call your electricity service provider to report an outage; do not call 911.

Natural gas tips

• If required to evacuate, no need to shut off natural gas.
• If natural gas appliances do not operate properly once electricity is restored, call your natural gas service provider.
• If natural gas service is shut off, do not turn on yourself. Call your natural gas service provider to restore service.
• If you smell natural gas, evacuate immediately and call 911.

Stay informed and Be Prepared

• The best preparation is to not start a fire in the first place. Visit Keep Oregon Green’s website to learn more about how you can prevent wildfires.
• 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.
• Visit Oregon Alert to find your local alert system. Provide current contact details and sign up for wildfire alerts.
• Before traveling visit Trip Check for details on road closures and conditions.
• Check air quality in Oregon.
• Visit State of Oregon Fires Dashboard
• Be 2 Weeks Ready by preparing an emergency plan and enough supplies to sustain your household for at least two weeks after a disaster.

A motorcyclist tragically lost his life after colliding with a guardrail on Highway 140 near milepost 6 on Saturday.

Oregon State Police reported that Brian Jay Moore, 54, from Eagle Point, was riding a black Yamaha motorcycle westbound when he veered off the roadway and struck the guardrail.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene at 7:05 p.m., but unfortunately, Moore was pronounced dead at the site of the accident.

The cause of the motorcycle leaving the road remains under investigation, although witnesses indicated that the motorcycle was traveling at high speeds prior to the incident. The highway was closed for approximately three hours to facilitate the investigation.

Firefighters are currently engaged in combating over 100 new wildfires ignited by lightning strikes throughout Oregon.

According to fire officials, there have been 140 new wildfire reports in the state since Wednesday, following the occurrence of thunderclouds that generated thousands of lightning strikes with minimal rainfall.

Approximately 11,000 residents in western Oregon have received evacuation warnings, while around 1,200 individuals have been instructed to evacuate immediately.

Additionally, these wildfires are generating a significant amount of unhealthy smoke, creating a haze that envelops much of the state.

A property owner ignited a brush fire in Redmond on Sunday afternoon while shooting at an exploding target, as reported by fire officials.

Firefighters responded to multiple reports of trees ablaze in the 10400 block of Northwest Oak Lane, where the fire was spreading rapidly. The blaze expanded to approximately five acres, posing a threat to nearby residential homes, prompting authorities to elevate the situation to a third alarm.

In response, two helicopters and an airplane were deployed to assist in extinguishing the flames. Investigators determined that the fire was triggered when a .223 rifle round struck the exploding target, leading to a swift ignition of the surrounding area.

The property owner, whose identity remains undisclosed, has been cited for reckless endangerment and reckless burning by Redmond Fire & Rescue.

Two men from Siskiyou County are facing serious kidnapping charges after allegedly holding two U.S. Forest Service employees hostage at gunpoint for a duration of 15 hours.

Joseph Charles Henrichsen, aged 49, and his 23-year-old counterpart, Phoenix Henrichsen, are accused of seizing the federal workers while they were conducting fieldwork near Gumboot Lake Campground.

According to court documents, the suspects restrained the employees and transported them to a secluded trailer. Both individuals are currently in custody, and if found guilty, they could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment along with a potential fine of $250,000.

The investigation was spearheaded by the FBI, with assistance from various agencies including the U.S. Forest Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and local law enforcement.

Over the weekend, the Emergency Conflagration Act was activated in response to the Akawa Butte and Brewer fires affecting Deschutes and Jefferson counties.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal has deployed its Red Incident Management Team along with several task forces to collaborate with wildland partners in safeguarding nearby communities and essential infrastructure.

Challenging firefighting conditions arose on Friday due to hot, dry weather and strong, unpredictable winds, leading to significant growth of the fires and increased threats to surrounding areas.

Consequently, the sheriff’s offices in Deschutes and Jefferson counties have issued evacuation notices categorized as levels 1, 2, and 3. Residents seeking evacuation details are advised to consult their local sheriff’s office.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Red Incident Management Team will operate in unified command with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Team 2. This marks the fifth invocation of the Emergency Conflagration Act in 2026.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal is providing updates on incidents where resources are allocated through osfminfo.org, and Oregonians are encouraged to register for emergency alerts at oralert.gov.

Oregon’s fire protection resources are currently stretched thin due to widespread wildfires, prompting the Oregon State Fire Marshal to deploy five task forces from California and two from Washington.

This strategic move aims to safeguard communities and critical infrastructure amid extreme fire conditions. Recently, thunderstorms in the region resulted in thousands of lightning strikes, igniting multiple wildfires. The additional personnel and equipment will bolster the efforts of the state fire marshal and be on standby for any new incidents that may arise. These resources were mobilized through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.

The California task forces will be allocated based on incident priorities, focusing on community defense, structure triage, and the protection of vital infrastructure, while the Washington teams are currently assisting Oregon crews in Wheeler County with the Rowe Creek Complex.

Multiple juveniles arrested for the Grants Pass water bead attacks

GRANTS PASS, Ore. – Police arrested three juveniles and are referring charges against two others after a girl was attacked with gel beads.

According to the Grants Pass Police Department, the investigation led to multiple arrests. Officers took a 16-year-old boy, a 15-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy to the Juvenile Justice Center.

All three face charges of assault, disorderly conduct and criminal conspiracy. Police are also referring charges against a 16-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy to the Juvenile Department for the same offenses.

The department said it won’t release any more information about the juveniles because of their ages.

Evacuations downgraded for the Waldo Fire & Ridge Vista Fire

You can find your evacuation zone using this link.

JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. – ODF says firefighters are making good progress on both the Waldo Fire and Ridge Vista Fire as aggressive suppression efforts continue.

The Waldo Fire is now estimated at 15 to 20 acres. Firefighters have boxed in the fire with retardant, and fire behavior is less active than it was earlier this evening. Crews will continue strengthening control lines and working to secure the fire.

The Ridge Vista Fire is currently estimated at 10 to 12 acres and remains the more active of the two incidents. ODF says additional retardant drops are planned as firefighters continue working to slow the fire’s spread.

According to Genasys Protect, JCU-516 has downgraded to normal status and zones JCU-522, JCU-514, JCU-513, JCU-512, JCU-523 have downgraded to level 1 (BE READY) Evacuations.

According to Genasys Protect and Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, level 2 (BE SET) Evacuations have been issued for JCU-522, JCU-514, JCU-516, JCU-513, JCU-512, and JCU-523.

Many Oregonians may already be volunteering in ways that could help them meet SNAP work or activity rules

Salem, OR. —Helping in a community garden. Volunteering at a food pantry. Assisting in a child’s classroom. Many Oregonians may already be volunteering in ways that could help them meet federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work and activity rules.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is encouraging anyone who has questions about SNAP work or activity rules to contact the agency to discuss options. Depending on a person’s circumstances, volunteer activities may help them meet work requirements while giving back to their communities, building skills and confidence that may support future employment, and strengthening local communities.

How volunteering may help

Ways people might volunteer include, but are not limited to:

• Helping in a community or school garden
• Helping in a classroom or school library
• Volunteering at a food pantry or community meal site
• Helping at an animal shelter
• Assisting at a senior center or community center
• Supporting nonprofit organizations through office, event or maintenance work
• Participating in community service projects
• Coaching youth sports or helping with after-school programs
• Organizing or staffing community events such as festivals, charity runs, or cultural celebrations
• Helping at local parks with clean‑ups, trail maintenance, or habitat restoration
• Mentoring or tutoring students

What to do if you have questions

Contact ODHS if you’re volunteering and would like to learn how your volunteer hours can count for SNAP. ODHS staff can explain how to document your hours.

You may also learn more about how volunteering counts toward SNAP work and activity rules, documenting volunteer hours and submitting proof to ODHS at Oregon.gov/snapworkrules or Oregon.gov/snapnormastrabajo. in English and Spanish.

People may choose volunteer opportunities in their communities that fit their interests and schedule. ODHS does not match people with volunteer opportunities, but staff can explain how volunteer activities count toward SNAP work or activity rules. Many communities have websites or social media groups that collect and post local volunteer opportunities.

About SNAP work or activity rules

As of July 2025, federal changes expanded SNAP work or activity rules, increasing the number of Oregonians who need to meet these requirements to continue receiving food benefits. Adults ages 18 to 64 without a child under age 14 in their SNAP household are required to complete 80 hours of work or volunteering each month unless they qualify for an exemption or live in a waived area. (More information about exemptions and waived areas can be found at Oregon.gov/snapworkrules.) For each month these hours are not met, a counting month notice is sent out. ODHS encourages anyone who receives a SNAP counting month notice to reach out to the work or activity rules team (ABAWD Team) at 1-833-947-1694 or SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

How ODHS can help

People who contact ODHS may:

• Review the list of exemptions and explore if any apply to them.
• Complete the Report of Exemptions, Paid or Unpaid Work, or Good Cause form to report volunteer hours, work activities or possible exemptions. This form is available in English, Spanish, and several other languages.
• Let ODHS know they are volunteering and provide proof of any volunteer activities they already participate in.
• Learn how to document volunteer hours and submit proof to ODHS. SNAP participants are responsible for submitting proof of their volunteer hours.
• Be connected with WorkSource Oregon and other employment and training resources.

New program supports children experiencing homelessness

A new program between Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Morrison Child and Family Services and Path Home is embedding behavioral health support for infants and young children in a family shelter. The pilot is the first and only one of its kind in Multnomah County. 

“OHA is committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of housing status, has access to the emotional and developmental support they need to thrive,” said Ebony Clarke, OHA behavioral health director. “This partnership reflects our belief that behavioral health care must meet families where they are, especially in moments of crisis.” 

OHA supported the pilot with $286,000 in funding to Morrison Child and Family Services, part of a larger $2 million state effort to boost mental health services across 12 counties.  

Morrison’s Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) Program is using the funds to support the pilot in Multnomah County with Path Home and mental health services across Washington County. Path Home partners with Morrison Child and Family Services to deliver trauma-informed, critical mental health care to low-income and unhoused families.  

This innovative collaboration expands access to behavioral care by addressing a gap in services for families with infants and young children navigating homelessness. Program services include referrals for mental health treatment and in-person parenting classes. Families who participate can receive free childcare during classes. 

“Children are at the greatest risk for experiencing homelessness during the first year of life yet families with infants experiencing homelessness rarely receive the mental health support they need to thrive,” said Sarah Heal, Morrison’s program director. “Consultation is a powerful strategy as it encompasses a wide array of services to parents, families, and early childhood providers across the environments where infants and young children live, learn, and grow.”  

At Path Home, Morrison’s bilingual mental health consultant works with families who have children ages 0-5.  

“Working with families who are experiencing severe trauma can create a high-stress environment, so we’re striving to provide a space for the staff to get meaningful support, manage stress, and avoid burnout,” said Yadira Ramirez Ochoa, Morrison mental health consultant.   

To learn more about the new pilot program, visit Morrison’s IECMHC Program website. 

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Remains at 5.2% in June

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in June. That was unchanged from 5.2% in May, and also matched the 5.2% rate one year ago. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2% in June, which changed little from the prior month as well.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, Oregon employers cut 600 jobs from nonfarm payrolls in June. That follows a revised gain of 2,500 jobs in May.

June’s gains were largest in private health care and social assistance (+2,000 jobs). Losses were largest in manufacturing (-1,700 jobs).

Total nonfarm payroll employment declined by 8,500 jobs between June 2025 and June 2026. That’s a loss of 0.4%. Both the private and public sectors lost jobs over the past year. Private-sector employment fell by 5,400 jobs (-0.3%), and government employment declined by 3,100 jobs (-1.0%).

Private health care and social assistance continues to lead job growth in Oregon. The sector added 14,000 jobs over the past year, a gain of 4.5%. Over the past year, growth within the sector was strongest in social assistance (8.6%) and nursing and residential care facilities (5.3 %). Ambulatory health care services (2.6 %) and hospitals (0.5%) also added jobs, but at slower rates.

Manufacturing employment continues to decline in Oregon. Manufacturers lost 10,000 jobs over the past year, a decline of 5.6%. Within manufacturing, employment in durable goods fell by 5,800 jobs (-4.6%). Nondurable goods manufacturing lost 4,200 jobs (-7.7%).

Biologists are raising concerns regarding a significant increase in whale fatalities along the West Coast.

According to the Center for Biological Diversity, 2026 is projected to be among the most lethal years for whales in this region, which extends from California to Alaska.

To date, at least 51 whale deaths have been reported this year, and if this trend persists, 2026 could potentially rank as the second deadliest year for West Coast whales, following 2019, which recorded 122 whale deaths.

Seeking Resource Advisory Committee members to serve Siskiyou County

Check out Oregon State Parks with your library card

Borrow an Oregon State Parks parking permit for free at 82 libraries statewide.

(SALEM, Ore.) – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD) and the State Library of Oregon are partnering to offer free state parks parking permits to Oregon public libraries. There are currently 200 parking permits available at 82 libraries across the state.

“Oregon’s state parks are for everyone,” said OPRD deputy director JR Collier. “As we assess ways to manage our budget responsibly, we also want to uplift equitable access to our parks.”

Each participating library received up to four parking permits. These are the physical hang tags you check out from the library and put in your car. The permit covers parking in all Oregon State Parks day-use areas for one vehicle. Go to the Oregon State Parks websiteto find participating libraries. All you need to participate is your library card.

“Libraries help make life more affordable for Oregonians. This program leverages the existing borrowing system to help connects folks of all income levels with the beauty and splendor of Oregon’s State Parks,” said Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian.

Both OPRD and the State Library contributed 100 parking permits to the program to distribute to libraries. The agencies determined how many passes each library would receive based on interest from the library, its proximity to a park charging a day use fee, and the size of the population it serves. The State Library purchased permits with Library Services and Technology Act funds from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

OPRD first distributed parking permits to 28 libraries as part of a year-long pilot program starting in August 2024. Those passes were checked out more than 2,100 times. At the pilot’s conclusion, OPRD evaluated how to best move the program forward in the context of its changing fees. In 2027, OPRD and the State Library will continue to explore options for an expanded long-term program that will serve even more libraries and people in Oregon.

Learn more about the OPRD Library Pass Program.

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