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Thursday, October 15, 2026
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, high near 75 degrees. Overnight, clear in the basin, low near 38 degrees.
Today’s News Headlines
NEWS BULLETIN, 5:00PM
BEND, OREGON SCHOOL SHOOTING
A shooting tragedy has occurred at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, which has left some children among the victims, according to police reports this afternoon.
The identity of the suspected shooter, who was fatally shot, has not been disclosed, and it remains unclear who was responsible for the shooting of the suspect. The suspect, now dead, was allegedly 15-17 years old.
Authorities believe at least four people are dead following a shooting at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, according to two law enforcement officials with knowledge of the case who spoke some news media outlets.
Some individuals have been taken to a hospital, although their current conditions are unknown at the time of this report.
Bend police confirmed that there was one suspect involved in the shooting, who was located inside the school. Indications are someone came into the school and shot the shooter dead.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death.
The initial report of a shooter emerged at 12:59 p.m. local time, indicating gunfire directed at a vehicle outside the school, followed by multiple 911 calls from within the premises just a minute later.
Officers arrived at the scene at 1:02 p.m., and the suspect was neutralized shortly thereafter, although the total number of victims and their conditions have not yet been confirmed. More details will be forthcoming.
Last Friday Klamath Falls Police Department officers responded to a report concerning a male who appeared to require medical assistance in the 2700 block of Broadmore Street.
Upon their arrival, they discovered a man with severe injuries alongside a deceased dog in the roadway. Evidence suggested that a vehicle had struck the man and subsequently fled the scene, although the vehicle itself was not found nearby. The investigation was subsequently handed over to detectives, who focused on identifying the vehicle and the individual responsible for the incident.
On October 14th, detectives executed a search warrant at 6802 Waggoner Street as part of their ongoing investigation. Prior to their arrival, the vehicle implicated in the hit-and-run had departed the residence and was tracked to another location on Juniper Way.
Following the search, 32-year-old Amanda Shotwell was arrested and taken to the Klamath County Jail, facing charges of felony hit-and-run and first-degree animal abuse. The investigation is still active, and further charges may be forthcoming.
Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to reach out to the Klamath Falls Police Department.
Oregon Tech cordially invites members of the media to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of the Kip Thomet Memorial Fieldhouse, a state-of-the-art indoor training facility designed to benefit Oregon Tech student-athletes for years to come.
This project, fully funded through generous donor contributions, honors the memory of Kip Thomet and encompasses 8,500 square feet of dedicated training space that will be accessible year-round, irrespective of weather conditions. The $4 million initiative was made possible by philanthropic efforts, prominently featuring a $1.2 million donation from Glen and Sherry Thomet, alongside support from various other contributors.
The ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, at 2 PM, and will take place at the Kip Thomet Memorial Fieldhouse located at 3201 Campus Drive, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, adjacent to the Athletics building entrance. Attendance is complimentary, and parking will be provided at no cost.
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation is organizing open houses in areas affected by wildfires to assist homeowners in addressing insurance-related issues, with one such event taking place in Klamath Falls.
In recent years, wildfires have increasingly impacted communities throughout Oregon, leaving many homeowners facing property damage and difficulties in obtaining or maintaining insurance coverage. Concerns regarding nonrenewals and limited insurance options have escalated for residents in high-risk zones. These open houses aim to equip homeowners with the knowledge necessary to navigate their insurance choices and effectively seek coverage.
Participants will receive personalized assistance from representatives of the Division of Financial Regulation, who will provide valuable resources on locating homeowners insurance and addressing situations where coverage has been terminated.
Additionally, attendees will gain insights into collaborating with insurance agents and companies, with opportunities to pose questions pertinent to their individual circumstances.
The inaugural open house is scheduled for October 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Medford Armory, located at 1701 South Pacific Highway.
The subsequent event will occur on October 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Student Union Auditorium of the Oregon Institute of Technology, situated at 3201 Campus Drive in Klamath Falls.
Klamath County voters will notice the absence of one election from this cycle’s ballot.
The contest for the Klamath County commissioner position 2 was effectively resolved during the May primary, where challenger Steve Bitzer achieved a decisive victory, garnering over 61% of the votes against three opponents, thus negating the necessity for a fall runoff.
Under Oregon election law candidates for nonpartisan roles, including county commissioner and sheriff, can secure their positions in primary elections by obtaining more than 50% of the vote.
While Bitzer’s win is not without precedent in Klamath County—where Commissioner Derrick DeGroot was re-elected in 2024 with over 54% of the vote, and both DeGroot and former Commissioner Donnie Boyd won their races outright four years prior—Bitzer’s achievement is notable as it represents the first instance in a decade where a newcomer has successfully ousted an incumbent commissioner.
Bitzer has expressed his commitment to engaging with the community and enhancing his understanding of the various opportunities and challenges that Klamath County faces, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of each department.
Klamath County Public Works Schedule This Week OF OCT. 12-16
Klamath County will have work crews at the following locations. Please use caution when in these areas and watch for flaggers. If you are able to avoid the work zones, please use an alternate route for your safety and the safety of Klamath County employees and our contractors.
CAMPBELL ROAD west of Ivory Pine Road Traffic is limited to one lane over County Bridge 1210-4 (North Fork Sprague River). Matney Way between Wong Road and Hill Road. Traffic is limited to one lane over County Bridge 904-2 (Lost River), with a 10-ton weight limit in effect. No semi-trucks are permitted.
BRIDGE OPEN: East Langell Valley Road between Jones Road and Bunn Way is now open to traffic. While crews will continue to work on intermittent cleanup and shouldering, the route will be open for travel with intermittent lane closures.
NIGHT WORK: Homedale Road between Sturdivant Avenue and Bartlett Avenue. The City of Klamath Falls will be conducting night work from 9pm to 7am. Please contact the City with any questions regarding this project at (541) 883-5363. Expect lane closures, delays, and active work zones.
RIVERSIDE DRIVE at the intersection with Lewis Street – Utility Work Starting Monday October 12, 2026, through Wednesday October 14, 2026.
Expect lane closures and delays for utility crossings. In general, flagging stations will be set up at the end of the work zone and delays will be 0 to 20 minutes for the motoring public. Our goal is to minimize the delay to the motoring public. Other minor work is occurring throughout the County, but we are only listing the major items in this announcement. There may be adjustments of work schedules due to weather or other items outside of the County’s control (breakdown of equipment, material/resource availability, etc.)
Please do not contact the County if you do not see work occurring, it could be finished already or will be rescheduled. Klamath County Public Works and the Board of County Commissioners appreciate the motoring publics’ patience during the repair season for our local roads and bridges. If you have any questions regarding work, please contact the Public Works Department at (541) 883-4696.
KCC launches first artist-in-residence program in Klamath Falls
Klamath Community College launched its first Artist-in-Residence Program to support community building and creative engagement for artists and students in the Klamath Basin.
The two-month residency is open to artists of any medium who live in the Klamath Basin. Participating artists receive a stipend, display space and access to KCC’s campus facilities, including art and design labs.
Jennifer Hill is the current Artist in Residence for 2026-27. Hill is a studio artist and traveling instructor based in Klamath Falls.
She has taught in colleges and art centers across the country for more than 20 years. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including a 2019 solo exhibit in Georgetown, Texas and the 2023 Hokkaido International Exhibition in Sapporo, Japan.
Hill has attended art residencies in places like Missoula, Montana and Rome, Italy. In Oregon, she has taught workshops statewide including at Mt. Hood Community College and Sitka Center for Art & Ecology on the Oregon Coast.
An opening reception for Hill will be held Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the KCC Conference Center. The reception is open to the public.
The program is funded by the Klamath County Cultural Coalition Grant and the KCC Art on Campus Committee. Artists interested in applying for future openings can learn more and submit an application through Klamath Community College’s website.
Around the State of Oregon
GAS PRICES IN OREGON TODAY
2-year-old drowns in Illinois River in Cave Junction
CAVE JUNCTION, Ore. – A 2-year-old boy drowned in the Illinois River behind his family’s home outside Cave Junction on Oct. 14.
Deputies were called to the 100 block of Burch Drive at 10:48 a.m. for a missing child. Family members found the boy unconscious in the river before deputies arrived.
Deputies and family members performed CPR on the child until an ambulance from American Medical Response arrived. The boy was taken to a local hospital where he died.
Detectives from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office investigated the scene. A Medicolegal Death Investigator from the District Attorney’s Office also responded. According to the sheriff’s office, there is no evidence of foul play. The family has been notified, and names will not be released out of respect to the family.
West Fork Evans Creek Fire estimated at 75 to 80 acres
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – The West Fork Evans Creek Fire is now estimated at 75 to 80 acres.Â
Although the fire has reached the ridgetop, where steep terrain and limited water access continues to challenge fire crews, two Type 1 helicopters are continuing water drops. One helicopter is working ahead of the fire, while another is working on the lower portion.Â
The fire is moving away from the East Evans Creek burn scar, going parallel to it. A dozer is on scene and actively working on the fire.Â
Updated on October 15, 2026 at 5:55 p.m.
Oregon Division of Financial Regulation keeps pause on cancellations in place by extending wildfire emergency order another 30 days
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has extended the wildfire emergency order and bulletin a second time for 30 days to Oct. 29. The order was set to expire Sept. 29. The division initially issued the order in late July for people affected by the state’s wildfire situation and extended it 30 days in late August.
The ZIP codes listed in the bulletin remain covered.  As a reminder, this order requires all property and casualty insurance companies to take proactive measures to protect people in wildfire affected areas.
The order: • Suspends cancellations and nonrenewalsÂ
• Establishes a grace period for premium payments for all insurance policies issued, delivered, or covering a risk in the affected areas
• Extends deadlines for policyholders to report claims or submit other claims-related communications
• Requires all insurers to take all practicable steps to provide opportunities for policyholders to report claimsÂ
If your home or property was damaged by the wildfires, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to discuss your situation and learn next steps. If you still have concerns, the division’s consumer advocates are here to help. Call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.Â
Visit the DFR’s wildfire insurance resource page to view the order, bulletin, and more insurance information. ### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
U.S. Representative Cliff Bentz, among 17 congressional Republicans, has initiated an investigation into various environmental organizations, including two non-profits based in Oregon.
A press release from the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources has specifically targeted Oregon Wild and Cascadia Wildlands, along with 17 other groups, accusing them of employing “radical” tactics to exploit taxpayer funds. The committee’s letters to these organizations express concern over their use of legal provisions that allow for the recovery of legal fees, such as those found in the Endangered Species Act, the Equal Access to Justice Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.
Bentz articulated that the original intent of the Access to Justice Act was to enable financially disadvantaged individuals to pursue legal action, but he argues that the current interpretation permits affluent non-profits to shift litigation costs onto taxpayers, which he believes deviates from the law’s intended purpose. He emphasized that part of the investigation aims to assess whether revisions to this aspect of the law are necessary.
Oregon Secretary of State Encourages Voters to Verify Authenticity of Election MailÂ
As Oregon officials begin to send ballots out for the upcoming November election, the state’s top elections officer is encouraging voters to verify whether their election-related mail comes from an official source.Â
Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read’s office recommended in a recent press release that Oregonians look for an official election photo, consider that third-party groups creating fake mail often use outdated or incorrect data and make sure their registration is correct using the oregonvotes.gov website. The office said the most accurate and up-to-date voter registration information will be with people’s local election offices.Â
“We’re already getting reports about misleading mail going out to voters, so I want Oregonians to have the tools to be able to tell fact from fiction,” Read said in a statement. “The good news is, it’s pretty simple: If you receive something in the mail about voter registration or your ability to participate in the upcoming election, look for the official election mail logo to verify that it’s from an official source.”
A logo for official election mail will come with a note clarifying that it is authorized by the U.S. Postal Service, and it is used for materials such as ballots, voter registration cards and voter reply mail. It features the stars and stripes of the America flag and the words “Official Election Mail” and “Authorized by the U.S. Postal Service.” It comes in black or specific shades of blue or red.Â
Read’s office encouraged Oregon voters seeking more information about election-related mail to contact the Oregon Secretary of State’s Elections Division at ​elections.sos@sos.oregon.gov or by calling 1-866-673-VOTE. He also recommended people contact their local county clerks, who are listed on the secretary of state’s website. (SOURCE)
Oregon celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October
Oregon joins in the celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October. It’s a time to celebrate the contributions people with disabilities make in workplaces and recognize businesses that recruit and hire employees with disabilities.Â
This year’s theme of “celebrating value and talent” is reflected in Oregon throughout the year in the countless ways people with disabilities bring value to their jobs and communities.Â
“Our communities and economy are stronger when the talents and strengths of people with disabilities are part of the workforce,” said Allison Enriquez, Oregon’s Employment First Coordinator. “Working is also a cornerstone to people’s independence, well-being and community connection.”Â
In Oregon, the employment rate for working-age people with disabilities increased about 10 percentage points between 2015 and 2023, from about 37.8% to 47.7%, according to the Center for Research on Disability. Despite this progress, a substantial employment gap remains: in 2023, 47.7% of Oregonians with disabilities ages 18 to 64 were employed, compared with 79.7% of Oregonians without disabilities.Â
“This progress speaks to the strong supports Oregon put in place to help people with disabilities enter and stay in the workforce,” Enriquez said. “However, there is still work to do. Oregon is committed to ensuring employment supports remain strong so everyone has access to reach their potential and fully participate in their communities.”
NDEAM webinar series — Partners who deliver employment services invite everyone to join a series of webinars in October to celebrate workplace successes and educate the community about resources and services available for job seekers with disabilities.Â
Webinars are scheduled Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom. For details on each session and accessibility information, go to Oregon’s NDEAM event web page.
- Oct. 13 – Oregon as a Model Employer: Promoting employment and career advancement for people with disabilities in state and local government
 - Oct. 20 – What is ableism and why it matters in the workplace
 - Oct. 27 – Technology in employment: How assistive technology and AI can support people with disabilities at work
 - Nov. 3 – Peer2Peer: An award-winning employment mentorship program for students with disabilities
These events are hosted by the Oregon’s Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Developmental Disabilities Services and Vocational Rehabilitation program, Oregon Commission for the Blind and the Oregon Department of Education.
Employment resources for people with disabilities
- Office of Developmental Disabilities Services has employment services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
 - Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with all kinds of disabilities find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
 - Oregon Commission for the Blind helps people with vision loss find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
 - Ticket to Work is a free federal program for people who are blind or have a disability and receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. People who are 18 to 64 years old and want to work may access this program to prepare for work and find a job.
 - Employed Persons with Disabilities is a Medicaid program that helps people with disabilities go to work while keeping their Medicaid coverage.
 - Oregon ABLE Savings Plan is a way people with disabilities can save for the future without the fear of losing needed government benefits.
 - Free benefits counseling is available to answer job seekers’ questions about how working may affect their benefits.
Information on these programs is available on the ODHS web page “Get Help Finding a Job.”
SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet for a planning retreat on Oct. 26 through 28. The retreat’s three-day itinerary will include an executive session, field tour and public meetings. The planning retreat offers the board and department leadership the opportunity to connect on their shared strategic plan.
The public can attend in-person at the Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites, 2525 Ashland Street, Ashland or observe via a livestream on the department’s YouTube page.
During this informal retreat, board members will focus on:
- Board member and executive team introductions
- Agency overview
- Vision for Oregon’s Forests
- Executive Session
- Executive Order 25-26 Climate Resilience Work Plan
- Board Work Plans
- Board discussion
View the agenda and retreat details.
The Executive Session will be closed to the public, except for members of the press who are permitted to attend by law. This Executive Session is held pursuant to ORS 192.660 (2)(f) to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection as well as pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with legal counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed.
This meeting will not have live public testimony, but written comments can be submitted before or up to two weeks after the meeting day by mail to the Board Support Office, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310 or email to boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. Please include the appropriate agenda item and topic with the submission.
Crater Lake’s damaged roof on historic building could face another winter unfixed
The famous Sager Building at Crater Lake National Park suffered a partial roof collapse last winter and the park’s estimated $800,000 annual budget is already being used on other projects. So Crater Lake National Park is turning to nonprofit partners to help pay for repairs to the historic building that’s apart of the Munson Valley Historic District.
The building holds the park’s superintendent’s office, along with various other roles. The park already has a contractor, quote and process ready to go, though the Park Service’s standard contracting procedures wouldn’t allow the repair to be complete in time before winter.Â
Crater Lake National Park Superintendent, Curt Dimmick, has asked three of the park’s nonprofits to split $41,000, allowing the project to begin sooner in the fall. “We won’t be able to do it before winter if we have to go through the NPS standard contracting procedures,” Dimmick said.Â
The collapsed section of the building is exposed to the elements, which could lead to further issues and more damage if the issue isn’t resolved. The project would begin in Spring of 2027 if the National Park can’t secure a plan with nonprofits, leading them to pursue federal funding.Â
FIND YOUR COMMUNITY FOOD BANK
Our network of food banks and pantries provides free food and groceries across Oregon. No proof of income or documentation required.
https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/
If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.
Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?
Here are resources that can help: 211Info:  Dial 2-1-1 or visit the 211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon. Oregon Food Bank: Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Map to find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you. Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit the ADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area.
Oregon Department of Human Services – Many Oregonians may qualify for SNAP work or activity rule exemptions without realizing it
Could you qualify for an exemption to SNAP work or activity rules? Contact us so we can talk about your situation and your options! Common reasons people might qualify include:- You’re pregnant.- You’re physically or mentally unable to work.- You’re already working enough hours to meet the requirement.- You’re participating in a qualifying education or training program.- You have moved to an exempt county or waived Tribal land.- You are responsible for caring for a child or another person, depending on their circumstances. Learn more about exemptions in this news release:https://apps.oregon.gov/…/many-oregonians-may-qualify…Or visit https://oregon.gov/snapworkrules to find information about SNAP work rules and more.
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