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Monday, August 17, 2026
Klamath Basin Weather
TODAY
Cloudy but sunshine arrives in the afternoon. Overnight, mostly clear, low of 54.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
…FOR THE VERY LATEST UPDATES ON THE WRIGHTS SPRING FIRE, ALSO SEE OUR BasinLife Facebook Page.
The Wrights Spring Fire is estimated to be 51% contained as of Monday afternoon. It has burned about 53,941 acres.
Crews continued making good progress in the south and lower west portions of the fire, securing the line and increasing the depth of their mop-up operations. Firefighters also addressed a spot fire that started outside the containment line near Hildebrand Road.
In the Swan Lake Point area, firefighters addressed flare-ups and improved containment lines. Equipment crews worked through the fire’s interior from the north, moving into the Swan Lake Point area to prepare for constructing line on the western side of the fire.
Today, crews will continue securing and increasing mop-up depth around the north half of the fire and along the southeast and southern portions. On the southwest side, crews will continue building direct line to the north. In the Swan Lake Point area, firefighters will continue constructing direct line southeast to close off the west side of the fire.
Updated on August 17, 2026 at 5:00pm
WRIGHTS SPRING FIRE – EVACUATION LEVEL UPDATE
LEVEL 1 – BE READY
LEVEL 2 – BE SET
LEVEL 3 – GO NOW
Cliff Bentz to host town hall in Klamath Falls, discussing fires
U.S. Congressman Cliff Bentz will be in Klamath Falls on Thursday for a Town Hall meeting to discuss the fire issues in the county and our state. The meeting will be held for the public at the Klamath County Fairgrounds beginning at 10AM, at Hall #2.
Area residents are invited to attend and discuss issues with Congresssman Bentz and other representatives, federal agencies, county commissioners. Bentz says he wants to focus on the Wrights Spring firefighting efforts and and Wildfire Recovery Assistance Programs in Klamath County.
Klamath County Fire District 1 Responds to a Structure Fire
Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) responded to a reported structure fire on Lincoln Street in Klamath Falls. Several bystanders reported that approximately half of the residence was on fire as the department arrived.
While responding, KCFD1 crews were advised that it was unknown whether the homeowner was still inside the residence. Crews arrived on scene within four minutes and immediately began applying water to the exterior of the structure to slow the spread of the fire.
The first-arriving Captain completed a 360-degree assessment of the residence and identified the presence of a basement. Identifying basements and other structural features early in an incident is critical to both firefighter and occupant safety and assists the Incident Commander in developing an effective strategy for the incident.
Firefighters then made an aggressive interior attack and extinguished the fire while additional crews conducted a search of the residence for occupants. The search confirmed that no one was inside the home. During the operation, firefighters located a dog at the rear of the residence. The dog was safely removed and released to the Klamath Falls Police Department.
KCFD1 responded to the incident with 16 total personnel. Klamath County Fire District 1 would like to thank Klamath 9-1-1, the Klamath Falls Police Department, Avista Utilities, and Pacific Power for their excellent coordination and prompt response to the incident.
KCFD1 also reminds the community of the importance of immediately calling 9-1-1 when a fire is discovered and providing dispatchers with as much information as possible regarding the location of the fire and whether anyone may still be inside the structure.
Donations Needed for Wrights Spring Fire Victims
The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is asking the public for animal supplies and gas cards as the Klamath County Event Center and Fairgrounds houses 713 animals.
Grass hay, dog food, cat food, chicken feed and pig feed are some of the supplies being asked for as more animals are expected to arrive. Small food and water bowls, no matter the size, are also encouraged. Donations don’t need to be brand new and all donations will find a purpose.
Equipment like bungee cords and stackable wire cages are being asked for by the community for cages and security for animals. Gas cards are also being sought after as community members have been using their own vehicles and money toward assisting with animal evacuations and helping others.
As for food, donate to the Klamath Lake Food Bank. As for animal donations, the Chamber of Commerce asks those donating to enter the Klamath County Fairgrounds through Gate 3 on the Senior Center side. Donations will be available from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Gas card donations can be made at Ezell Suty Fuel, 2360 S. 6th Street.
Evacuations for people in need, are located at Chiloquin Elementary and Living Springs Church in Bonanza.
The Klamath Karavan is stepping up to help families affected by the Wright Spring Fire, and they need your help! Donations of bottled water, Powerade, Gatorade, light jackets, sweaters, socks, pet food—and lots of prayers are greatly appreciated. You can drop off donations at Starvn Marvn’s, 1822 Austin Street in Klamath Falls. Every donation, big or small, can make a difference for our neighbors who are going through a difficult time. ❤️
On Friday, three counties along with ten prominent western water and agricultural organizations submitted “friend of the court” briefs to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, backing a petition from the Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA) filed on August 3.
KWUA is seeking a review by an eleven-member panel of judges regarding a recent Ninth Circuit ruling that pertains to the Endangered Species Act and its implications for water deliveries within the Klamath Project.
The association argues that a June 17 decision, which resulted in a 2-1 split from a three-judge panel, warrants examination by a larger group to ensure consistency in the Court’s rulings. The petition for rehearing en banc, crafted by KWUA Counsel Brittany Johnson of Somach, Simmons & Dunn under the guidance of the KWUA Board of Directors, references court rules that permit a broader review by a greater number of judges.
Central to the case is the legal question of when the ESA necessitates the Bureau of Reclamation to limit water deliveries, despite existing commitments in long-term Klamath Project contracts. KWUA maintains that once Reclamation established its irrigation contracts—some of which have been in effect for over a century—its obligations became non-negotiable unless the contracts explicitly allowed for modifications to water delivery commitments.
This interpretation is significant, as federal courts have determined that ESA consultation requirements typically apply only when a federal agency possesses the discretion to act in favor of listed species.
The Klamath County Commissioners have approved a $10,000 sponsorship for the Ross Ragland Theater following budget challenges faced during the theater’s ballot measure initiative.
This funding will be utilized to host country music artist Coffey Anderson in Klamath Falls, with the performance set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 18. Anderson is recognized for his Christian and patriotic music.
Ticket prices for the event will range from $35 to $100.
Chiloquin Visions in Progress (CVIP) is pleased to announce that Chiloquin Learns After School (CLAS) is gearing up to welcome students for another enriching year filled with learning, creativity, and community engagement.
The free after-school program is now open for registrations for the 2026–2027 school year and invites families, community members, and local businesses to contribute to making this year’s initiative exceptional. CLAS caters to students from kindergarten through sixth grade, offering a secure and nurturing environment where children can continue their educational journey beyond regular school hours.
Participants engage in interactive activities designed to enhance academic skills, foster creativity, promote healthy lifestyles, and build friendships, all while enjoying a nutritious meal in the afternoon. Following a successful 2025–2026 school year marked by increased participation, organizers are eager to accommodate even more students when the program commences in late September or early October.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to register promptly, as spaces are limited. Registration forms can be accessed online or at the CVIP office located in the Chiloquin Community Center.
Klamath Falls Gospel Mission Annual YARD SALE, Friday August 28th & Saturday August 29th
@ 9:00 AM ~ 3:00 PM
Back to School Yard Sale! Great Prices & Great Goods! …For a Great Cause!
All proceeds support Klamath Falls Gospel Mission, 1931 Mission Ave., Klamath Falls, OR 97601
John Denver Tribute Show Concert Coming To Ragland!
Ted Vigil is America’s premier John Denver tribute artist and he’s coming to the Ross Ragland theater on Saturday, October 3rd!
Ted’s show embodies the late great music icon in look as well as voice with an unforgettable performance. He has performed with John Denver’s own lead guitarist, Steve Weisberg, who described Vigil’s performance as “uncanny”.
Ted has performed at John Denver’s own “Windstar Foundation” in Aspen, CO, John Denver’s former home. Performing throughout the country, Ted Vigil has wowed sellout crowds from coast to coast and everywhere in between.
For this wonderful and exciting show, expect to hear John Denver’s most beloved hits, like “Take Me Home, Country Roads’, ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’, ‘Annie’s Song’, ‘Rocky Mountain High’, ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’, ‘Sunshine on My Shoulders’, and many more.
You will definitely not want to miss this performance. Without question, this is the closest you will ever see, or hear, to the great John Denver. Sat, Oct 3rd, 2026 at 7:00 pm. Click to buy tickets for the show at https://www.ragland.org/
Around the State of Oregon
The state of Oregon has officially exceeded the number of measles cases recorded during its peak outbreak year two years prior.
As of the latest report from the Oregon Health Authority, the state has confirmed 45 measles cases since the beginning of 2026, which is 14 more than the total for all of 2024. In contrast, only one measles case was confirmed in Oregon in 2025.
It should be noted the measles increase in cases reflects a broader national trend, as Oregon, along with the rest of the country, faces a resurgence of measles amid many children who missed vaccines during the Covid 19 pandemic, and the millions of people with children who came over the border, who were not vaccinated.
The West Coast Health Alliance advises individuals to adhere to the 2026 Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics, citing the reliance on evidence-based vaccine guidance.
Additionally, the Alliance encourages pregnant individuals to follow a comparable immunization schedule recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This coalition comprises health officials from Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii.
The increasing liberal state of Oregon is collaborating with 21 attorneys general and the State of Pennsylvania in a legal action aimed at preventing the federal government from accessing commercial driver’s license records maintained by the states.
The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, a nonprofit organization, manages this database on behalf of the states, which includes sensitive information such as drivers’ Social Security numbers and other personal details.
The lawsuit asserts that the federal government is violating privacy laws and has bypassed essential legal procedures, including the necessary consultations with the states.
Oregon Guard senior leaders visit airmen fighting Grasshopper Fire
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)
TYGH VALLEY, Ore. — Oregon National Guard senior leaders flew from Salem to the Grasshopper Fire camp aboard an HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter with Golf Company, 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation, Aug. 17, 2026, to visit Air National Guard members supporting wildland firefighting operations, thanking the airmen for volunteering to fight one of the state’s largest active wildfires.
Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon’s adjutant general, led the visit alongside Brig. Gen. Jenifer E. Pardy, director of the Joint Staff; Chief Warrant Officer 5 Lenora Landwehr, command chief warrant officer; Chaplain (Col.) Jacob Scott, the state chaplain; and Chief Master Sgt. Brent Cavanias, command senior enlisted leader. Jonna Papaefthimiou, resilience officer for Gov. Tina Kotek’s office, also joined the visit to meet with the airmen on the governor’s behalf.
“This is a big deal for Oregonians, big deal for the Guard, to go out and see National Guardsmen out fighting fire, doing what we’re trained to do,” Gronewold told the group. “What we’re here to do is protect Oregonians and their property, and you guys are doing that.”
The Grasshopper Fire had burned more than 90,000 acres and was 47% contained as of Aug. 17. The fire camp supporting the response has grown to approximately 1,800 personnel, with about 1,550 directly engaged in firefighting operations.
Among the airmen Gronewold and the other leaders met with were Senior Airman Colby Shoals and Senior Airman Connor Carlson, both assigned to the 270th Air Traffic Control Squadron, nicknamed “Chaos,” out of the 173rd Fighter Wing. Shoals said the physically demanding work of wildland firefighting fits naturally with the team’s usual training.
“It’s right up our alley,” Shoals said. “What we do day to day at the base, we’re already working together out in the field, so it’s pretty much another day on the job for us.”
Carlson said the team has taken on some of the more physically demanding tasks on the fire line, including carrying water on their backs to perform wet mop-up work.
“We’ve been able to pick up a lot of those heavier tasks, like carrying a bladder pack on us, so we can do that wet mop-up where it’s easier rather than doing dry mop-up,” Carlson said.
Shoals said the mission mirrors the teamwork and mutual accountability the airmen already rely on in their day-to-day work.
“Everybody’s like a big family there, so everybody has each other’s backs,” Shoals said. “If somebody looks like they’re not doing so well or getting a little tired, everybody’s checking on each other.”
SVU Detectives Arrest Medford Man on Rape, Sex Abuse of Teen Girl; Detectives Believe Suspect Has More Victims
MEDFORD, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Special Victims Unit (SVU) detectives arrested a Medford man this morning at a business in the 500 block of the Medford Center.
The suspect, Evan James Sutherlin, 20, of Medford, is lodged in the Jackson County Jail. He is charged with first-degree rape, third-degree sexual abuse, and first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse.
The case started June 2nd, 2026, when JCSO deputies responded to a report of a then 19-year-old man sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl in the Jacksonville area. From there, SVU detectives took over the investigation leading to his arrest.
As SVU detectives continue their investigation, they believe Sutherlin may have more victims. Anyone with information about the pictured suspect is asked to call SVU Detective Jill Wenzel at 541-770-8928.
Governor Proclaims August as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon
Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed August 2026 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon, recognizing the vital work of emergency managers and the role they play in helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.
The proclamation supports a national campaign spearheaded by the International Association of Emergency Managers to increase public awareness and appreciation for the emergency management profession. In Oregon, the campaign is being led by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), in partnership with local, Tribal, regional, and state emergency management agencies.
“In Oregon, emergency management brings together state, local, tribal, and private partners to safeguard our communities long before disaster strikes. ,” OEM Director Erin McMahon, said. “We’re proud to spotlight the field of emergency management and the dedicated professionals who work every day to prepare for our worst day, protect lives, strengthen community resilience, and coordinate help when it’s needed most.”
OEM’s Role in Supporting Emergency Management Statewide
OEM plays a key leadership role in supporting and strengthening emergency management across the state. Through its Regional Emergency Management Coordinators Program, OEM employs specialized field staff to support all 36 counties and Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes. These coordinators provide on-the-ground guidance and technical assistance across all phases of emergency management—from preparedness to long-term recovery.
Additionally, OEM’s Tribal Liaison works closely with Tribal Nations to coordinate emergency management initiatives and ensure Tribal needs are represented in state planning and response efforts. The OEM Public Private Partnership Program Manager coordinates and collaborates with business and industry stakeholders across emergency preparedness, response and recovery operations, serving as a liaison between the private sector and local and state agencies. This collaboration is further reinforced by the Private Sector Security and Resilience Seminar Series, a recurring program of educational sessions designed to inform and engage private sector participants and better equip them to navigate crises effectively and recover swiftly.
OEM also manages the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC), which is activated during large-scale or multi-jurisdictional emergencies. The ECC serves as a central hub for coordination and communication among state agencies and emergency support partners, ensuring that local needs are met efficiently and effectively.
With responsibility for coordinating Oregon’s 18 Emergency Support Functions and supporting more than 50 local and Tribal emergency management offices, OEM works in partnership with emergency management leaders and professionals across state agencies who provide critical expertise, resources and support within their respective organizations. Together, these partners contribute to a resilient, collaborative and well-coordinated emergency management system across Oregon.
Authorities in Northern California have announced the resolution of a long-standing missing persons case, identifying human remains found in Shasta County as those of a man who vanished nearly 38 years ago.
James Homer Wright Jr., who was 20 at the time of his disappearance from Redding in 1988, was linked to remains discovered two years later on a small island in the Sacramento River, which had remained unidentified and classified as a John Doe case for decades.
The investigation was reignited in 2025 when Wright’s mother, Florence Moran, recognized a pair of Nike high-top shoes associated with the remains. This prompted collaboration between the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office and the Redding Police Department to pursue new leads and collect DNA samples from Wright’s family.
In March 2026, DNA testing confirmed the identity of the remains as belonging to Wright, and his family was informed of the identification in July, after which his remains were returned to them.
AJ McLean, a member of the Backstreet Boys, is set to perform in Medford in January of 2027.
The 48-year-old artist will present his Alexander James: The Better Man Tour at the Craterian Theater, located within The Collier Center for the Performing Arts, on Friday, January 15, 2027, at 7 p.m.
Known for his contributions as a singer, dancer, and founding member of the Backstreet Boys, McLean has also embarked on a solo career under the name Alexander James. Tickets for the event can be purchased at craterian.org.
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