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 KFLS News/Talk 1450AM / 102.5FM, The Herald and News, and BasinLife.com, and powered by Mick Insurance. Call them at 541-882-6476.
Monday, July 14, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather – expect 90s all week.
Today
Patchy smoke after 2pm. Sunny, with a steady temperature around 95. Northwest wind around 10 mph. Overnight, continued smoky skies, low near 60. Northwest winds 6-16 mph.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
Elk Fire Update, Monday, 12PM – 2,699 Acres – 22% Containment
Total Size: 2,699 acres
Total Containment: 22%
Cause: Under Investigation
No road closures, currently
Fire Restrictions: ODF:www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pag
es/restrictions.aspx
SCOFMP: www.scofmp.org
Resources on the fire:
Hand Crews: 24
Engines: 43
Water Tenders: 13
Heavy Equipment: 23
Helicopters: 7
Total Personnel: 813
BONANZA, Ore. – Fire crews continue working to strengthen the fireline and expanding mop-up into the interior of the fire. Ignition of unburned fuels near the perimeter of the fire continue to ignite, blowing embers outside the control line.
Firefighters have been able to quickly address these spot fires, getting them lined and extinguishing all heat. Firefighters will be using strategic firing operations as conditions allow to reduce the unburned fuels within the fire perimeter.
Crews and resources from the Elk Fire supported initial attack efforts in the local area overnight. Today’s weather will continue to test fire control lines, with high temperatures, reduced humidity and increasing afternoon winds.
Today, efforts will focus on extending hoselays, getting water to more areas of the fire and tightening the fireline to the fire’s edge. Firefighters will also be patrolling in the southwestern part of the fire monitoring for any heat or flames.
The size of the fire has been reduced based on better mapping of the fire perimeter and information gathering from firefighters.
The Klamath County Sheriff has implemented evacuations around the fire. For the latest evacuation information, please visit: https://protect.genasys.com/search
A temporary flight restriction remains in place Federal Aviation Administration – Graphic TFRs.
The American Red Cross shelter is open at:
Living Springs Church
31897 Mission Street
Bonanza, OR 97623
Recreational use advisory issued for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge in Klamath County, due to the microcystin above recreational use values for human exposure.
People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the wetland where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.
Due to the high level of microcystin and uncertainty about accumulation of toxins in fish, consuming fish caught at Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge is not recommended at this time.
OHA encourages people to visit Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.
Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.
Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. People who do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source.
Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.
Dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.
Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.
Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.
Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.
A remarkable and inspiring artwork has been officially installed at the Southside Bypass Roundabout (the intersection of Homedale Rd and OR 140).
This magnificent sculpture has been a long-held aspiration, in development since the autumn of 2019, and it is genuinely delightful to witness it materialize into such a vibrant reality. This beautification initiative was a partnership involving Healthy Klamath, the Oregon Department of Transportation, Diversified Contractors Inc, Klamath County, the City of Klamath Falls, and Sky Lakes, with the project managed from conception to completion by Healthy Klamath Project Manager Kelsey Mueller Wendt.
The focal point of the installation is a majestic eagle, skillfully designed and crafted by the esteemed artist Stefan Savides. It stands proudly atop a 10-foot pedestal, marking his largest work to date. Surrounding this impressive sculpture, the carefully curated landscape design by Four Seasons Landscaping enhances the overall artistry and elegance of the installation.
This beautiful addition truly embodies Klamath’s commitment to improving its public spaces and enriching the local art scene, transforming the roundabout into a genuine landmark of beauty and pride for our community.
CITY STREET WORK THIS WEEK
KLAMATH FALLS, OR – July 11, 2025. Beginning July 14, 2025, work will be performed as follows:
Asphalt Crews:
Asphalt crews will be working from 3 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. July 14 through July 17, 2025 as follows:
Monday 7-14-2025: Grind and pave Pine between 9th and 10th road will be closed detours will be in place.
Tuesday 7-15-2025: Grind and pave Pine Street between 10th and 11th Pine Street will be closed at 11th detours will be in place.
Wednesday 7-16-2025: Grind and pave Pine between 6th and 7th Street traffic control will be in place.
Thursday 7-17-2025: Utility cuts Industrial area and downtown area
Paint Crews:
Paint crews will be working from 3 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. July 15 through July 18, 2025 as
follows:
Tuesday 7-15-2025 through Thursday 7-18-2025: Painting Crosswalks and legends on Washburn from 3 a.m. till 7 a.m. then painting crosswalks curbs and legends around Klamath union high school and Roosevelt Elementary School.
Signs and Sweeping Crews:
Signs and sweeping crews will be working from 6 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. July 14 through July 18, 2025 fixing signs and sweeping citywide as needed.
All work is weather-dependent. Please use caution while traveling in work zones.
Around the State of Oregon
Marble Complex INCIDENT UPDATE 7-14-2025
– Summit Fire and Jacket Fire
Summit Fire: 705 acres – 35% containment
Fire Information Email: 2025.MarbleComplex@
Triple-digit temperatures will blanket southern Oregon Monday as an Extreme Heat Warning continues for Medford and the Rogue Valley. Residents across Jackson County should expect 104°F heat by late afternoon, with dangerous conditions set to last through 8 p.m. Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service, the warning covers Medford, Grants Pass, and communities along the I-5 corridor, as well as Highway 62 and local roadways. The NWS urges everyone to drink plenty of fluids, avoid strenuous activities during peak heat, and check on neighbors without air conditioning. Haze will add to the discomfort, especially for those with respiratory sensitivities.
Monday will bring widespread haze and heat, with highs near 104°F in Medford, Ashland, and Central Point. North-northwest winds will remain light, but humidity will keep overnight relief minimal. Monday night, temperatures only dip to the mid-60s. Tuesday brings more heat, with Medford forecast to reach 101°F before the warning expires that evening.
Local agencies warn drivers to take extra precautions—hot pavement can damage tires and threaten pets and children left in vehicles. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes. With cooling centers open throughout Jackson County, residents are urged to plan ahead, stay indoors during the hottest hours, and limit travel on major routes like I-5 and Hwy 62.
Orleans Complex Update for July 14
Fire Information: 707-532-5747
Butler Fire: 8,156 acres; 0% containment
Red Fire: 116 acres; 50% containment
Email: 2025.OrleansComplex@firenet.gov
Fire activity for the Orleans Complex fire is expected to remain active.
SMOKE
Fire activity has lead to an increase in smoke production. West of the Butler Fire, smoke continues to impact
drainages during the afternoon and evening. This includes areas along State Hwy 96 from Orleans down to
Hoopa, where conditions will deteriorate to UNHEALTHY levels by mid-afternoon and beginning to improve
to MODERATE conditions by the late evening and overnight.
- Butler Fire: Fire reached the outer edges of the Butler Flats and Nordheimer communities July 13, but structure protection measures put in place by firefighters earlier in the week held. Helicopters provided support through much of the day, both around Butler Flats and along the Salmon River Road corridor to keep the fire west of the Salmon River.
- Red Fire: Containment of the Red Fire stayed at 50 percent as crews continued to construct direct control line in order to keep the fire within the smallest possible footprint.
- Butler Fire: Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation orders for the following zones impacted by the Butler Fire: SIS-1703, SIS-1704 (Butler Creek, Lewis Creek, Bloomer Mine residents and Nordheimer Campground), SIS-1707-A and SIS-1803-A.
- Butler Fire: The road between Butler Flat and Nordheimer Campground remains closed as rocks and burning debris continued to fall into the roadway. Nordheimer and Oak Bottom campgrounds are also closed.
- Extreme heat continues today with highs forecast at 105 degrees. Winds will slightly pick up out of the northwest with occasional gusts up to 25 miles an hour.
𝙇𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀𝙎 𝙈𝙊𝙍𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀
Crews increase containment across fires, continue mopping up hot spots within fire perimetersJACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 14, 2025) https://www.facebook.com/ODFSouthwest/videos/756888327022653
— Firefighting crews continue mopping-up within fire perimeters, resulting in increased containment of fires across the Grizzly Complex. Nightshift crews are using handheld infrared cameras to identify hot spots so that day shift can cool and extinguish them. Personnel working on these fires are facing dry fuels and adverse weather conditions, but must mitigate a number of hazards, including difficult terrain, rolling debris, and standing dead trees, or snags. Crews continue to fall snags to allow firefighters to safely access areas of the fire.
The large number of dead fir trees across the region pose a danger to firefighters and can increase the potential for fire spread. ODF Complex Incident Management Team 3 is in command of a group of lightning fires dubbed the Grizzly Complex that started on Monday, July 7.
The ODF Southwest Oregon District continues suppression efforts on additional fires within the district. Incident resources remain available to respond to new fire starts within the complex.Level 2 – Be Set evacuation notices remain for zones JAC-542, JAC-543, JAC-546, JAC-558 and JAC-559. Zone JAC-536 remains at a Level 1 – Be Ready. More information on current evacuations can be found at: https://protect.genasys.com/.
One lane of Interstate 5 is closed to protect firefighters between mile markers 8.5 and 10.5 on southbound lanes only. Visit tripcheck.com for up-to-date traffic information. If conditions change and there are any threats to homes, communities or roads, information will be provided as timely and accurately as possible. As a reminder, drone use around fires is illegal, and incredibly dangerous to pilots working on incidents; if you fly, we can’t. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement. High temperatures, low humidity, wind, and dry fuels naturally increase fire danger.
While resources remain engaged on these lightning-caused incidents, residents and visitors can help to prevent new fires from starting by following all current fire regulations, found here: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/.
For fire local information anytime, visit the district’s Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or website, www.swofire.com.
This will be the last morning update for the incident, unless conditions change. The team will continue to provide evening updates. Current status of the fires under ODF CIMT3 Incident Management:All Fires are 100% lined and in various stages of mop up. Crews are focusing on removing snags, strengthening lines and extinguishing hot spots along fire perimeters.
SALEM, Ore. – On Saturday evening, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized their Blue Incident Management Team and three structural task forces to the Highland Fire in Crook County south of Prineville. One task force was sent earlier on Saturday through Immediate Response.
The wind-driven Highland Fire sparked on Saturday afternoon, and levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuations are in place for those living near the fire.
The Immediate Response task force arrived Saturday evening, and the incident management team and two additional task forces will arrive on Sunday morning before being briefed to begin work protecting structures.
“Fire conditions are affecting much of the state with little relief in the forecast,” said State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “We are asking all Oregonians to be aware of the conditions and do everything they can to prevent sparking a wildfire.”
A conflagration was invoked by Governor Kotek on Saturday evening, allowing the state fire marshal to mobilize structural protection resources.
Follow the Crook County Sheriff’s Office for the latest evacuation information. See the evacuation map here.
This is the fifth time the Emergency Conflagration Act has been invoked in 2025.
DEA OPERATION OVERDRIVE TARGETS FENTANYL TRAFFICKERS ON THE YAKAMA NATION INDIAN RESERVATION, THIRTEEN CHARGED, THOUSANDS OF POUNDS OF DRUGS SEIZED
Yakima, Wash. – Thirteen people are charged following the return of 12 indictments alleging more than a dozen charges against these defendants for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana on the Yakama Nation Reservation.
The arrests follow a long-term joint federal, local, and tribal investigation that began in late 2024, concluding in June 2025, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Indian Affairs. The investigation targeted violent individuals and armed drug traffickers on the Yakama Nation and in the Yakima Valley with the goal to disrupt drug distributors operation both on and off the reservation.
“In late 2024, escalating drug-related activity—including opioid trafficking, overdose fatalities, and an alarming number of homicides—prompted the DEA to select the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation for a 120-day drug initiative under DEA Operation Overdrive,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The fentanyl powder and pills that we took off the streets could have yielded about 250-thousand lethal doses, enough to kill everyone living in Yakima County. Enough to kill every member of the Yakama Nation more than eight times over. “
Operation Overdrive is a national, multi-phased program, which targets hot spots where drugs and violent crime are prevalent. The DEA utilizes its full range of data, intelligence, operational resources, and partnerships to combat drug-related violent crime and overdose deaths. The goals of Operation Overdrive are to decrease overdose rates in target areas, decrease gun violence rates, increase community engagement, and remove the drug networks that are causing harm to our communities.
“Fentanyl continues to be one of the most dangerous substances threatening our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie Van Marter. “Thanks to the hard work and tireless dedication of our tribal, state and federal law enforcement partners, working side by side with members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Yakima, offenders have been removed from our communities and families are safer today.”
To date, agents have seized 7,100 pounds of marijuana, 336 pounds of methamphetamine, nearly 25 pounds of cocaine, 7 pounds of fentanyl power, 4,704 fentanyl laced pills, $22,512 in drug proceeds, and 12 firearms.
According to unsealed charging documents, the following individuals have been charged in connection with the investigation. The United States anticipates bringing additional charges against other individuals identified during this investigation.
Angel Navarro Aleman, age 55, charged with Distribution of 50 Grams and More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine (three counts)
Jose Francisco Aguirre, age 56, pleaded guilty to Distribution of 50 Grams and More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine; sentencing in July 2025.
Jose Caudillo-Ascencio, age 23 charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Mixture or Substance Containing Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Jesus Caudillo, age 31, charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Johnny Thomas Axtell, age 54, charged with Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine; Distribution of Fentanyl
Israel Nicolas Castaneda, age 37, charged with Distribution of Fentanyl; Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl
Samantha Rasberry-Besa, age 31, charged with Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Lonzell Hawk Lucei, age 37, charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Hollis Marion Woodward, age 70, pleaded guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm, sentencing in September 2025.
Miguel Angel Alvarado-Munoz, age 45, charged with Alien in United States After Deportation
Ira Charles Pete, age 39, charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Edgar Jovnni Nunez Bocanegra, age 29, charged with Drug User in Possession of a Firearm; Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime
Fernando Gonzalez, age 38, charged with Possession with the Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation along with Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, ATF, Yakima Police Department, Wapato Police Department, Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department, and the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sweet Home Economic Development Group (SHEDG) Board of Directors, which is responsible for overseeing the Oregon Jamboree, has announced today that the 2025 festival will mark the 34th and final year of the music festival that takes place annually in Sweet Home.
Established in 1992 as a project aimed at economic development for Sweet Home, the festival was initiated to assist a rural community that had experienced significant layoffs and mill closures. Over the past 34 years, the festival has proudly supported and fulfilled its mission of promoting rural economic development and contributing to our community, generating millions in economic activity for our local area. In a statement, the board expressed that “despite the extensive support from the community and volunteers, the financial realities of operating a music festival no longer align with our mission to foster rural economic development in the Willamette Valley. While our Board of Directors has made the challenging decision that 2025 will be the final year of the Oregon Jamboree, we eagerly anticipate celebrating our rich history and enjoying some excellent country music with everyone at this year’s festival.
For further details regarding the implications for 2026, including information on ticket refunds for 2026, please visit www.OregonJamboree.com.
Nineteen hundred acres of public land located in western Oregon are now available for logging.
The Bureau of Land Management is currently accepting bids for the timber harvest, which amounts to a total of 54 million board feet distributed across five project areas. The most significant of these is the Blue Elk Timber Sale situated in Coos County, along with one project near Oakland in Douglas County, another in Marion County just outside Molalla, and two additional projects in Lane County close to Veneta and Marcola.
Describing it as a “disaster of a year”, farmers in Oregon report that the cherry crop is underperforming this season.
Two years prior, Oregon cherry growers were optimistic that an above-average yield and innovative marketing strategies would put an end to a series of detrimental seasons primarily caused by snow and heat that severely impacted the delicate crop. However, the cherry market collapsed that year, resulting in significant losses for Oregon cherry farmers, who subsequently received federal assistance.
This year may present similar difficulties for those cultivating Oregon’s fourth most valuable fruit, following wine grapes, blueberries, and pears. Numerous cherry farmers commenced the summer harvest last month facing a labor shortage, as farmworkers postponed their travel to Oregon due to concerns over immigration enforcement. For instance, Chandler mentioned that he had only half of his usual workforce of 120 in June. Nevertheless, even those who began with a full staff encountered tough market conditions, with cherries yielding minimal profit, if any.
Farmers are concerned that this season could have enduring effects on the viability of Oregon’s sweet cherry industry.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION RESULTS IN NEW BENEFITS FOR OREGON NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS
SALEM, Ore. – This legislative session, the Oregon legislature and Gov. Tina Kotek continue to show their support for the Oregon Military Department through ongoing efforts to provide benefits to help strengthen the Oregon Army National Guard.
Two specific initiatives for recruiting and retention support went into effect on July 1, 2025. The first is a $5,000 bonus for a three-year extension for Guard members who have completed their initial enlistment and have not completed 17 years of service. The second is the Enlistment Enhancement Program. This is an agency-funded program where current Guard members and retirees can receive $2,000 payments for any recruitment leads that result in an enlistment into the Oregon Army National Guard.
In addition to these benefits, the Oregon National Guard offers State Tuition Assistance, which provides tuition assistance for serving Guard members enrolled in an eligible Oregon postsecondary institution and now offers instate tuition rates to Oregon Guard members who live out of state.
Kloss, 173rd Fighter Wing weapons, load live 20mm bullets into an F-15C Eagle at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon, July 25, 2024. Additional precautions must be taken when loading live ammunition into the aircraft, making this training essential to ensuring that weapons Airmen are prepared and mission ready. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar)
“The Oregon National Guard is on track to increase strength by 2% by the end of the fiscal year, but were still more than 1,200 members short of reaching full strength,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar, Director of Public Affairs for the Oregon Military Department.
The Oregon National Guard is authorized to have approximately 8,100 service members, consisting of 2,300 Air and 5,800 Army National Guard members.
“These initiatives assist with the Adjutant General’s goal to make the Oregon National Guard the Service of Choice for Oregonians,” Bomar said.
The approved legislative actions for the Oregon Military Department this session were met with nearly unanimous bipartisan support. Some of those highlights include:
- SB 807 – One-time General Fund of $2.5 million towards Retention Bonus Program:
- Allows the Adjutant General to pay a bonus to a member of the Oregon National Guard who re-enlists or extends their service
- SB 798 – In-state tuition rates apply to Oregon National Guard service members who live out of the state of Oregon.
- SB 808 – Provides hiring and promotion preference in public employment for current and former Oregon National Guard members
- Adds 5 points to current and former state service members’ scores during interviews and 10 points for disabled veterans
- Provides equity for Oregon National Guard members who did not meet the previous statutory definitions to receive the preference
- SB 5505 & SB 5506 – Authorization for three Capital Construction Projects for the Oregon National Guard
- Southern Oregon Field Maintenance Shop – $6.6 million
- Klamath Falls Readiness Center – $2.0 million
- Albany Armory Service Life Extension Project – $7 million
- SB 5533 – Solution to a long-term funding issue for OMD IT Division and the Portland Air National Guard (PANG) base
Complimentary summer meals are provided for children in need throughout the state, including at camps and various programs.
The Summer Food Service Program is an initiative by the Oregon Department of Education aimed at addressing the gap that students encounter when free school meals are not accessible. Foster children, those receiving SNAP benefits, and participants in other programs are eligible for complimentary meals at registered summer programs.
To find a list of locations, please visit the Oregon Department of Education website. CLICK HERE
Oregon’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), is making updates to its food package today to improve nutrition and broaden choices for families throughout the state.
The revised WIC food package incorporates the most recent nutrition science and is in accordance with globally recognized healthy dietary patterns. This represents the third revision of WIC foods in the program’s 50-year commitment to enhancing family and child health. The previous update to the WIC foods occurred in 2009, which introduced enhancements such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
The current update builds upon that advancement by increasing access to nutritious foods for families across Oregon. There will be more fruits and vegetables, now including fresh-cut herbs. A broader selection of protein and plant-based options will be available, featuring fish choices for all children and adults; a greater variety of cheese types, including sliced, string, and shredded; new yogurt brands with lower added sugar; new plant-based milk options; and new nut and seed butters.
Expanded choices for whole-grain bread will include 100% whole wheat buns, bagels, pita, and naan, along with new gluten-free, whole-grain bread options. WIC now provides a dozen whole grains, including quinoa, teff, corn masa flour, and barley, among others.
Oregon’s construction sector experienced a swift recovery following the recession caused by the pandemic, reaching unprecedented levels due to significant public projects, industrial growth, and long-planned housing developments.
However, much of this construction work has now been finalized, leading the state’s construction industry to enter a downturn. Although construction employment remains elevated compared to historical averages — still surpassing pre-pandemic figures — there has been a 4% decrease in job numbers over the past year, as reported by the latest data from the Oregon Employment Department.
This decline is contributing to a wider downturn in the state’s labor market. Oregon is significantly lagging behind Governor Tina Kotek’s objective of constructing 36,000 new homes annually to satisfy the accumulated housing demand.
SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board voted unanimously today to appoint Kaitlin Lovell as Director of the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL). Lovell will begin her four-year term in early August 2025.
Lovell brings more than two decades of experience in environmental policy, restoration, and natural resource law. Since 2007, she has led habitat protection and restoration initiatives for the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, where her work has focused on environmental regulation, permitting, land use, and innovative financing strategies for large-scale environmental projects. She also played a key role in developing a publicly owned mitigation bank in Portland.
Earlier in her career, Lovell served as salmon policy coordinator and counsel for Trout Unlimited. She helped shape science-based state and federal policies and contributed to Oregon’s first recovery plans for salmon and steelhead populations in the Oregon Coast, Lower Columbia, and Willamette regions. She also worked as assistant university counsel at Cornell University.
Lovell holds a J.D. from Cornell Law School with a concentration in public law and a B.S. in environmental science from Bucknell University. She has served on several DSL advisory bodies, including the Elliott State Research Forest Board of Directors and a committee reviewing Oregon’s wetland and waterway permitting rules.
Lovell will begin her tenure by visiting communities across Oregon to hear directly from the people and partners DSL serves. As director, she plans to deepen the agency’s understanding of local needs and opportunities while strengthening relationships with Tribal Nations, local governments, and community partners and groups.
“The work of the Department of State Lands matters to every corner of Oregon,” Lovell said. “I’m committed to listening, learning, and building trust across the state so we can steward Oregon’s lands and waters together.”
“Kaitlin is a proven leader who understands how much healthy lands and waters contribute to a thriving Oregon,” Governor Tina Kotek said, chair of the State Land Board. “Her long commitment to public service makes her well prepared to lead DSL at a time when stewardship and long-term sustainability must guide our work. I know she will work hard to ensure DSL’s programs and services reflect the needs and values of all Oregonians.”
By Oregon law, the State Land Board appoints the DSL director to a four-year term. The director leads the agency in managing lands to benefit schools, protects waterways and wetlands, and oversees South Slough Reserve and the Elliott State Research Forest.
Vicki Walker, who served as DSL director from 2018 until her retirement on June 30, announced her intent to step down in December 2024.
Until Lovell begins her role in August, Deputy Director Bill Ryan will serve as interim director.
The Oregon State Fair is set to commence on August 22nd. This year, there will be a total of 11 concerts. Featured artists include the All American Rejects, Wynonna Judd, Cheap Trick, and the Beach Boys.
Attendance to the concerts is complimentary with general admission to the fair; however, reserved seating and VIP Plus Suite Seats can be purchased. Tickets are available for purchase on the Oregon State Fair’s official website. The fair will take place from August 22nd until September 1st.
Buy tickets and learn more at: https://oregonstatefair.org/
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