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.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, with a high near 86 degrees. Overnight, clear with a low near 54. Light north wind 7-11 mph.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
Home school students and their families within the city school district will benefit from a new facility this year.
The Klamath Falls City School District announced these changes and the expansion of services on Thursday.
“We are excited to share that, beginning this school year, the Klamath Learning Center and Klamath Home Learning Academy will be moving to the Eagle Ridge New Tech High School campus,” states a news release.
This relocation of home education programs offers a permanent facility, replacing the previous modular classrooms. “Students will now have the opportunity to learn in one of the newest buildings in the district,” the release indicates. Comprehensive school counseling services will also be available to home learners, allowing students to ask questions and receive guidance regarding their future careers and educational pathways.
The announcement also included expanded meal options as a forthcoming enhancement, with aspirations to broaden transportation services for students in the program. While home school students will share the facility with Eagle Ridge, the two programs will be distinct, with home learning students situated in the north wing of the building.
Furthermore, additional evening sessions will be provided to “better meet the needs of the community,” according to the release. The city school district encourages families to update their 2025-26 ParentLIVE registrations by accessing the online “registration” tab at kfalls.k12.or.us.
Senator Ron Wyden made a visit to Crater Lake National Park yesterday and during this visit, Wyden engaged with the retired superintendent of the and park advocates to discuss the repercussions of the expected federal funding reductions to the National Park Service implemented by the Trump administration.
Earlier this year, it was reported that many employees from the U.S. National Park and Forest Service were laid off as part of Trump’s initiative to reduce federal expenditures. While in the area, the senator spoke about how visitors can continue to appreciate the National Park in Oregon and outlined strategic methods to support the park staff. Crater Lake has already experienced significant effects, including the sudden resignation of a new but already former superintendent who resigned five months into the job earlier this year.
Senator Wyden emphasized that Crater Lake is a natural asset, contributing to tourism and economic development in our area and some but few job opportunities for locals.
Advocates and park workers present at the event shared concerns about vacant positions and closed facilities due to these budget reductions. Wyden emphasized the importance of conferences like this to spread awareness and rally support for keeping national parks open, not just in Oregon but across the U.S.
He referred to Crater Lake as a “gem,” underscoring its significance and the need for ongoing protection efforts. The senator’s push is part of a broader effort by legislators nationwide to ensure the preservation of public lands.
Accompanying Wyden were Caitlyn Burford from the National Parks Conservation Association and Karen Walters from Friends of Crater Lake, both of whom provided valuable insights regarding the adverse effects on Crater Lake staff.
This summer signifies a significant milestone for a company that has established itself as a fundamental part of agriculture in Southern Oregon and Northern California — Basin Fertilizer and Chemical Co., LLC (BFC), a reputable name throughout the Klamath Basin, is proudly commemorating its 50th anniversary in business.
Established in 1975, BFC originated as a small enterprise initiated by Bob Gasser and Chris Moudry — both recent college graduates — along with their partner Jim Schuck. With merely two employees, a pull sprayer, and four anhydrous ammonia applicators, the company commenced operations on a single acre of land acquired from Chevron Oil.
From its inception, what the business lacked in size and resources, it compensated for with determination, vision, and a profound respect for the farmers in the region. The founders held the belief that success in agriculture is founded on trust, consistency, and a readiness to adapt. This conviction has shaped BFC’s identity — not merely as a supplier of products, but as a dedicated partner in the prosperity of Basin agriculture.
Throughout the last fifty years, BFC has evolved alongside the community it serves. The company has invested in advanced technology, expanded its facilities, and assembled a team with extensive agronomic knowledge while remaining faithful to its foundational values: healthy soils, healthy crops, and healthy communities.
Currently, BFC plays an essential role in the regional agricultural economy, providing comprehensive crop input and advisory services. The company offers a complete range of products and services, from tailored soil and plant health solutions to pest management and crop protection. By supplying both conventional and organic products, BFC guarantees that growers have the necessary resources to optimize the yield of every crop they cultivate while achieving their specific farming objectives.
Our congratulations from BasinLife.com and Wynne Broadcasting going out to Basin Fertilizer and Chemical Co, as they celebrate 50 years in business in the basin.
Efforts to enhance the trails within the Mountain Lakes Wilderness, located in the Fremont-Winema National Forest, are being undertaken by a crew consisting of 16 members.
Heather Berg, a former ranger from the Klamath Ranger District who has continued her involvement in trail improvement initiatives post-retirement, stated that the Siskiyou Mountain Club (SMC) is collaborating with the High Desert Trail Riders, who are providing pack support for the project.
The crew commenced their activities on Tuesday, August 12, by trekking along the Varney Creek Trail. With assistance from the High Desert group, the team hiked to Harriette Lake, one of the most frequented locations in the wilderness area, where they set up a base camp.
During a reconnaissance trip earlier this summer, over 300 trees were discovered obstructing the trails. In addition to the crew stationed at Harriette, there are also volunteer teams from SMC and the Klamath Trails Alliance working on the Clover Creek and Mountain Lakes Trails.
The trail maintenance work was intended to be financed and executed by SMC under the RAC Agreement (Resource Advisory Committee West Zone Trail Maintenance Project), which was approved in 2024. However, this agreement is currently under review by the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency). Berg mentioned that SMC has secured financial backing from the trail community to support the project.
Klamath County Library is set to launch the big wheels next week with the summer series Big Truck Expo, Aug. 27 at the downtown Klamath Falls.
Children and families are invited to prepare for an enjoyable experience at the Klamath Downtown Library branch at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Fire trucks, police vehicles, ambulances, and more will open their doors and rev their engines, allowing local youth to interact with the various big-truck services they provide throughout the county.
Library staff encourage everyone to bring their curiosity along with a pair of ear plugs — these trucks are known for their loud sounds. The Big Truck Expo is a complimentary event taking place at the Klamath County Downtown Library, situated at 126 S. Third St. in Klamath Falls.
A complimentary lunch for youth will also be available following the event. For further details, please reach out to library staff at (541) 882-8894.
KF CITY STREET WORK-WEEK OF AUGUST 18, 2025
KLAMATH FALLS, OR – Beginning August 18, 2025, work will be
performed as follows:
Asphalt Crews:
Asphalt crews will be working from 6 A.M. until 4:30 P.M. August 19 through August 22, 2025, as follows: Grind and pave 6th street from Bridge down to Commercial Street. Lanes will be limited to 1 lane of traffic.
Signs and Sweeping Crews:
Crews will be working from 6 A.M. until 4:30 P.M. August 18 through August 22: Fixing
signs and sweeping citywide as needed.
All work is weather-dependent. Please use caution while traveling in work zones.
Klamath County Road Crews will have work crews at the following locations, so 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.
Chip Seal Crew
August 18th – August 21st: Airway Dr.; Cottage Ave./North of 6th St.; Hope St./6th to
Bristol; Amberview; Crosby Ave./Maywood to Altamont; Hilyard Ave./Maywood to
Summers; Onyx Ave./Washburn to Crest St.
4:00 AM – Early Morning Broom Crew
August 19th – August 22nd: Airway Dr.; Cottage Ave./North of 6th St.; Hope St./6th to
Bristol; Amberview; Crosby Ave./Maywood to Altamont; Hilyard Ave./Maywood to
Summers; Onyx Ave./Washburn to Crest St.
Seven Mile Rd. – Shoulder Work
August 22nd: Expect daytime travel lane closures with Flaggers.
Dehlinger Lane – Paving & Shoulder Work
August 15th – August 22nd – Road is open to local residents and emergency services
only, expect delays.
Madison & Patterson – Sidewalk Work
August 18 – August 22nd: Expect daytime travel lane closures with Flaggers.
Homedale Shoulder Widening – Homedale Road south between Southside Bypass
(OR140) and Brett Way:
August 18 – August 22nd: Crews will be working in roadway on Homedale South –
potential lane restrictions, follow signs.
See the following link for a map of roads to be chip sealed for the 2025 season, or log onto the
Klamath County Public Works website at http://www.klamathcounty.org/734/Maps.
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.
EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO IN THE BASIN
Third Thursday, Downtown Klamath Falls, coming Aug 21st, 6-9PM
The Klamath County Museum in partnership with the Historic Shaw Library, sharing their Booth for upcoming events. The museum will have their mobile gift shop items available.
Experience History at Fort Klamath
Fort Klamath Museum is open for the season from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday through Monday until Labor Day.
Historic Baldwin Hotel Museum
Baldwin Hotel Museum is open for the season. The historic museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday until Labor Day.
Klamath County Museum
Klamath County Museum is open from 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Tuesday through Saturday, year around.
PET READY FOR ADOPTION FROM KLAMATH ANIMAL SHELTER
This week’s pet is a kitty named ” Brutus “.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy coming to Ross Ragland Theater, September 18, 2025, 7:30 PM
Tickets Here: https://app.arts-people.com/
Together for over 32 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy — famously named after an autograph by blues legend Albert Collins — has appeared in concert venues across the world, sold millions of records, and had their music appear in hundreds of movies and television shows.
With sold out concerts from the Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center, appearances with many of the country’s finest symphony orchestras, and television appearances ranging from Dancing with the Stars to Superbowl XXXIII, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy continues its decades long mission to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music — America’s original musical art form — and bring joy to audiences around the world.
Lake County Round-Up Aug. 28-31st
Oakridger Rocks The Park!
Click here for more info, click here!
Around the State of Oregon
Four Year Old Girl Killed Following Vicious Rottweiler-Pit Bull Dog Attack in Josephine County
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the death of a 4-year-old girl following a dog attack that occurred on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities responded to a 911 call reporting a dog attack on the 1800 block of Laurel Road. Law enforcement, along with AMR and the Illinois Valley Fire District, arrived on the scene and attempted lifesaving measures; however, the child was sadly pronounced dead at the location.
The dog involved, identified as a mix of Cane Corso, Rottweiler, and Pit Bull, has been taken into custody by Josephine County Animal Control. The name of the child will not be disclosed. The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is currently available.
Oregon now one of the least favorable states for relocation
Oregon, with its sanctuary state status, growing homeless problem, growing high cost of housing and living, high income taxes, drug addiction problems, and a public education system facing pour student performance, funding, and staffing, has just been labeled as one of the least favorable states for relocation.
ConsumerAffairs has recently conducted a ranking of the best and worst states for moving. The findings indicate that Oregon, California, Louisiana, and New Mexico are among the least desirable states to relocate to.
Conversely, the top states for moving are Utah, New Hampshire, Idaho, and Virginia.
Hey Governor Kotek and state legislature, what are you going to do about that?
Coos County Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Attempting To Sexually Eploit a Minor
EUGENE, Ore.—A North Bend, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for sexually exploiting an Oregon child using the social media application Facebook Messenger.
Chistopher Jay Young, 40, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and 15 years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, on January 20, 2024, Young, using Facebook Messenger, persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, record the conduct, and send it to him.
On April 11, 2024, federal and state law enforcement officers from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oregon State Police, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office executed federal search warrants on Young’s home and vehicles. Young was arrested and investigators seized his devices.
During a search of Young’s devices, investigators learned that Young used the minor’s social media account to communicate and request the child sexual abuse material and that Young had the minor’s Facebook login credentials saved in his phone.
On April 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count indictment charging Young with attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and attempting to coerce or entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual conduct.
On May 6, 2025, Young pleaded guilty to attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from HSI. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Grants Pass Man Indicted for Months-long Burglary Series
Grants Pass, OR. – Between September 2024 and January 2025, the Grants Pass Police Department began investigating several commercial burglaries occurring within the city.
Not only were the businesses burglarized, but items valued between $100 and $1000 were taken, and property was intentionally damaged, in some cases adding up to more than $1000. The following businesses were victims of the burglary series:
- Bi Mart (Victimized twice)
- Cash Connection (Victimized twice)
- Highland Market
- Rogue Fly Shop
- Batteries Plus Bulb
- M Street Market
- Lucky Duck on Redwood Ave.
- Farmers Building Supply
- Don’s Bike Center
- Fields Home Improvement (in Josephine County)
During the months-long investigation, Anthony Boyd Mooney, a 33-year-old male of Grants Pass, was identified as the suspect. Last week, a Grand Jury panel heard testimony and indicted Mooney on the following charges:
- 12 counts of Burglary in the Second Degree
- 5 counts of Theft in the First Degree
- 11 counts of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree
- 7 counts of Theft in the Second Degree
The whereabouts of Anthony Mooney are currently unknown, but he has several warrants for his arrest. Anyone with information on Mooney’s location should contact their local law enforcement agency to facilitate his arrest.
An Ashland man was arrested Thursday evening after reportedly chasing people with a pistol around a campground at Fall Creek Reservoir in Lane County.
According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), deputies responded to a campsite on Peninsula Road on the east side of Fall Creek Reservoir, northeast of Lowell, around 4:00 p.m.
LCSO says the victims reportedly fled the area after a strange man with a pistol had menaced them; deputies located the victims then responded to the area of the incident.
Deputies responded with an armored rescue vehicle and a drone operator. When deputies arrived at the area they found two people, one of whom matched the suspect description. LCSO says both were detained without incident.
After and additional investigation into the matter, deputies arrested 50-year-old Randy Kurtis Bounds for:
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon
- Three counts of Menacing
The second individual, identified as 33-year-old Amber Nicole Tyrone, was also arrested for a Eugene Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear – Criminal Trespass in the 2nd Degree.
Both were lodged at the Lane County Jail.
House Bill Helps To Remove House Squatters More Quickly
A new state law designed to address the growing issue of squatting in Oregon has been introduced. House Bill 3522, which was signed into law earlier this year, aims to provide law enforcement and property owners with essential clarity and authority in managing illegal occupants.
This legislation will come into effect in January 2026. The new law grants police the ability to take more immediate action in evicting individuals who are unlawfully occupying a property, eliminating the need for the protracted legal procedures that were previously required to differentiate between a squatter and a tenant.
This legislation represents a notable change in Oregon’s approach to illegal occupancy—striking a balance between the rights of property owners and due process, while also addressing loopholes that have permitted squatters to exploit legal ambiguities. As the law is set to be implemented in 2026, homeowners throughout the state are optimistic about achieving quicker resolutions and experiencing fewer legal complications in the future.
Legacy Mount Hood Nurses Vote Overwhelmingly to Authorize Strike After 21 Months of Failed Contract Talks. Frontline nurses at Legacy Mount Hood are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association
Portland, Ore. – More than two years after forming their union and after 21 months of bargaining, 400 registered nurses (RNs) at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, citing Legacy Health’s refusal to make meaningful investments in recruiting and retaining frontline caregivers, patient care, and fair wages and benefits.
“Mount Hood nurses have been more than patient. After nearly two years at the bargaining table, Legacy executives still refuse to address critical issues like fair pay and caps on insurance premiums—changes we need to recruit and retain the skilled nurses our patients rely on,” said Lille Charron, a nurse at Legacy Mount Hood and ONA vice-chair of the bargaining team. “We don’t want to strike, but if management continues to slow-roll negotiations, we are united and ready to act.”
Nurses at Legacy Mount Hood are demanding:
- A voice in decision-making about patient care and workplace conditions
- Fair compensation that is competitive with other health systems to recruit and retain more nurses
- Quality, affordable healthcare
- Protections against shifts being unilaterally shortened by management
- Appropriate compensation for RNs who work during times of crisis including inclement weather.
“We’re the ones at the bedside every day — we know our patients best,” Charron said. “We formed our union to speak up for the people we care for. A fair contract will help recruit and retain the nurses our community depends on, so every patient gets the safe, quality care they deserve.”
The vote does not set a strike date. Nurses are hoping upcoming mediation sessions on August 22 and 28 will result in a fair agreement and avert a strike. If a deal is not reached, nurses say they are prepared to act—and they have the support of RNs and frontline caregivers across the Legacy system.
Alaska Airlines is introducing seven new nonstop routes throughout California and the Pacific Northwest.
The airline will commence flights connecting Hollywood Burbank Airport with the Oregon cities of Eugene and Redmond. Additionally, a new route will be established between Burbank and Pasco, Washington. Further new routes will feature flights from Boise, Idaho to Ontario, California, along with connections from Spokane, Washington to Orange County, California.
The new routes from Alaska Airlines are set to launch in late October.
Eyes on SNAP Program Targets Fraud and Abuse
Oregon’s Department of Human Services is striving to reduce the frequency of miscalculations regarding the food stamp benefits that enrollees are entitled to receive.
This initiative aims to align with new federal regulations and prevent further financial pressure on the state’s largest agency.
Governor Tina Kotek provided insights into this initiative during an analysis of the Republican “Big Beautiful Bill.” According to the report, over 740,000 Oregonians participating in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, “will experience some modifications to their benefits.”
The state’s analysis recommended the implementation of “immediate executive level oversight” to minimize the instances of SNAP offices throughout the state either overpaying or underpaying benefits to enrolled Oregonians. The human services department has already begun to form a team to address this issue, as stated.
Oregon’s SNAP administrative error rate for 2024 stands at 14.06%, which is the eighth highest in the country. This rate must be reduced to below 6% to avoid incurring additional costs under the new federal guidelines, as indicated in the analysis. Failing to achieve this would result in Oregon being responsible for 75% of the administrative expenses associated with operating SNAP in the state, amounting to approximately $500 million every two years.
Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his spouse, Penny Knight, have contributed $2 billion to the Oregon Health and Science University, marking a record-breaking philanthropic initiative in their ongoing efforts to transform care for cancer patients.
This announcement was made during a press conference held at the Knight Cancer Center at OHSU. The purpose of the donation is to enhance diagnostics and improve access to clinical trials at OHSU, while also simplifying the process for patients and their families by providing additional resources and therapies.
The Knights, along with their foundation, have a long history of supporting OHSU, including the establishment of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. Additionally, the couple is involved in another initiative aimed at funding research known as the Knight Cancer Challenge, which commenced in 2013, where they pledged to match donations in a bid to raise $500 million for OHSU.
Parking fees are set to rise at Oregon State Parks this year. Beginning on October 1st, parking fees will be implemented at 21 state parks where they were previously exempt.
This list includes popular destinations such as Beverly Beach, Face Rock, Sunset Bay, Bullards Beach, Harris Beach, and Valley of the Rogue State Parks. Oregon Parks and Recreation indicates that these new fees are essential to address a 14% budget deficit and to sustain current service levels. Furthermore, overnight camping fees will increase next summer at the 29 most frequented parks throughout Oregon.
This encompasses Alfred A. Loeb, Cape Blanco, Humbug Mountain, and Umpqua Lighthouse State Parks. Beverly Beach, Bullards Beach, Sunset Bay, Harris Beach, and Valley of the Rogue State Parks will experience increases in both parking and camping fees. For additional details, please visit the Oregon State Parks website.
More Oregon Gas Taxes and DMV Fees Coming Your Way
Governor Tina Kotek has unveiled a proposal aimed at tackling the transportation crisis, which over the years serving in the Oregon legislature, she is partly responsible for creating.
The funding strategy encompasses an increased gas tax and DMV fees to avert layoffs and sustain services. The proposal seeks to ensure sufficient funding for the State Highway Trust Fund during the 2025-2027 biennium without diminishing emergency funding for other critical issues, such as wildfire suppression.
The revenue sources include a $0.06 increase in the gas tax (raising the total to $0.46), an additional $42 for vehicle registration, a rise in title fees, and a 0.1% increase in payroll tax.
A detailed examination of the revenue sources is available here. Half of the revenue generated from these measures will be allocated to preventing layoffs within the Oregon Department of Transportation. The remaining state highway funds will be distributed to counties and cities across the state according to the traditional 50/30/20 allocation.
Should additional revenues not be secured during a special session, layoffs are scheduled to commence on September 15, with a subsequent wave anticipated in January 2026.
The deadline for applications to the EBT Nutrition Program for Kids is September 3rd.
Families that meet the eligibility criteria can receive 120 dollars per child to assist with food expenses during periods when school nutrition programs are not in operation. Most qualifying school children received their benefits on May 22nd; however, families that did not automatically receive benefits can apply to determine their eligibility.
To learn more:
- Call 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328). The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
- Visit sebt.oregon.gov.
Oregon officials anticipate that President Donald Trump’s budget reconciliation bill will create a $1 billion deficit in the current state budget and may potentially have a more significant effect — possibly nearly $6 billion — in the 2027-29 budget.
According to a preliminary analysis released by the left-leaning Department of Administrative Services on Monday, the majority of these federal cuts will adversely affect food assistance for low-income Oregonians, as well as their medical insurance benefits.
The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which aids Oregonians in affording food, is projected to provide $1.7 billion less than previously expected through 2029.
Additionally, the state’s Medicaid program is anticipated to experience an almost $5 billion decrease in federal funding, based on the calculations from the administrative services agency. The Oregonian/OregonLive in Portland has extensively reported on the potential impacts on Oregonians enrolled in the state health plan, hospitals, and other aspects of the state health care system. Furthermore, the Oregon Department of Transportation is also expecting to lose hundreds of millions in federal grants allocated for the Interstate 5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project.
OREGON STATE AGENCIES REMIND EVERYONE TO BE INFORMED AND PREPARED
Salem, Ore. – As Oregon heads into its peak wildfire months of August and September, Oregon’s public safety services and natural resource agencies want to remind Oregonians to practice wildfire prevention, prepare their home and a go-bag for evacuation and know where to sign up for alerts.
“As Oregonians and visitors enjoy the beauty of an Oregon summer, we have to remember that we are still in the middle of wildfire season,” Governor Kotek said. “Ignition risks present a real threat to our parks, forests and coastal areas – and it’s on us to act responsibly, doing our part to prevent wildfires wherever we recreate.”
According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center’s predictive services, the Pacific Northwest area is anticipated to be at elevated risk of significant fires from August to October. With fire crews responding to new fire starts every day, now is the time for Oregonians to be prepared for wildfires and help prevent future ignitions.
How can people help prevent wildfires?
The Oregon Department of Forestry is urging the public to actively practice wildfire prevention as the state continues to put out new fires every day. Additional human-caused fires on the landscape will draw the firefighting efforts away from the lightning-caused fires and put extra strain on ground and aviation resources, which are already spread thin. YOU can help prevent wildfires by:
- Checking and following your local fire regulations. The majority of the state is either in high or extreme fire danger right now, meaning even the smallest of sparks could start the next large wildfire.
- Debris burning may be prohibited where you live.
- Check local restrictions or contact your local ODF office.
- Return to check on your burn site if you burned earlier in the year.
- Make sure your car has been recently serviced to avoid faulty parts throwing sparks.
- Don’t drag tow chains.
- Avoid parking vehicles on tall, dry grass.
- Recreate responsibly. Where campfires are allowed, make sure your campfire is DEAD OUT before leaving it by drowning it with water, stirring it with a shovel and repeating that process until it is cold to the touch. If there is heat coming off it, there are still embers that could reignite.
Take Simple Steps Now to Protect Your Home from Wildfire
The Oregon State Fire Marshalreminds Oregonians that summer is not the safest time to tackle large landscaping or defensible space projects. Hot, dry conditions increase the risk of starting a fire with tools or equipment. But there are still small, safe steps you can take now to reduce wildfire risk around your home. The Oregon State Fire Marshal encourages everyone to plan ahead and do light cleanup tasks that protect your property without increasing fire danger.
Here are a few easy tasks to reduce risk in the first five feet around your home:
- Clear leaves, pine needles, and other debris from your roof, gutters, and under decks.
- Cut back plants and bushes that are touching your home or growing under roof eaves. Give trees and shrubs space from each other and from structures.
- Remove dead plants and wood mulch. Use nonflammable materials like rocks or gravel near your home. Avoid bark mulch or dry grasses right next to buildings.
- Move firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable items at least five feet away from your home.
- Cover attic vents, soffit vents, and spaces under decks with 1/8-inch metal mesh to block embers.
Avoid using power tools or equipment that could spark a fire, especially during the heat of the day. Summer is a good time to plan defensible space projects so you’re ready to work safely once wildfire season ends.
For more tips or help with defensible space, visit www.oregondefensiblespace.org or https://preventwildfires.
How can I prepare myself in case I need to evacuate?
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) urges everyone to prepare for wildfires and other emergencies by knowing evacuation levels, staying informed, having a plan, and having a go-kit ready.
Evacuation Levels
- Oregon follows a three-level evacuation notification system, each structured around safety threat level.
- Oregonians should become familiar with “Be Ready, Be Set, Go!” evacuation levels to make informed decisions when receiving evacuation notices.
- OEM urges people to evacuate whenever they feel unsafe, conditions can change rapidly; individuals should always make the best decision for their safety.
- Following evacuation, people should not return to the area until public safety officials state it is safe.
- Stay informed sign up to receive evacuation at, ORAlert.gov remember to update information if need be.
- Find the websites for your county emergency management, sheriff’s office, or tribal police and follow them on social media.
What actions should you take if an unsolicited box containing a QR code is delivered to your home? Under no circumstances should you scan it, as warned by the FBI.
This scam represents the latest iteration of a practice referred to as “brushing.” Typically, a brushing scam entails sending an unsolicited package to an individual, followed by the perpetrator writing a fraudulent review in that person’s name to enhance their online reputation and sales. The FBI has indicated that receiving an unsolicited package serves as a warning that your identity may be compromised.
The latest variant of this scam is termed “quishing,” which also involves an unsolicited package; however, this particular box contains a QR code. When scanned, the recipient is prompted to enter personal or financial information. In certain instances, scanning the QR code may inadvertently install malicious software designed to extract data from your device.
The Oregon Department of Justice issued a critical alert to residents last week following yet another incident of an Oregonian falling prey to a “gold bar” scam.
According to officials, the Oregon woman was deceived out of tens of thousands of dollars after scammers persuaded her to convert her funds into gold, alleging that her bank accounts had been compromised.
This incident follows a case from last month in which a woman in her 60s from Eastern Oregon lost $600,000 to scammers after she adhered to their directives to purchase gold bars and transfer their ownership to them, as reported by state officials.
Officials from the Oregon Department of Justice stated that they, along with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, intervened in that situation after the woman’s sister contacted the state agency’s consumer protection hotline for assistance. Authorities were able to prevent the woman from relinquishing an additional $300,000 worth of gold bars, according to officials.
Oregon Guard Field Artillery Regiment Returns Home from Deployment to Middle East
HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. – Approximately 230 members of the Oregon Army National Guard 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment (FA) returned to Oregon, days ago after a yearlong deployment to the Middle East.
The 2-218th FA deployed to Iraq and Syria in support of OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE, to advise, assist, and enable partner forces to secure lasting defeat of terrorist elements across the Central Command Area of Responsibility. This mission helped protect regional stability while supporting overall U.S. national security.
While awaiting the return of their Soldiers, family and friends gathered in the Camp Withycombe gymnasium, making welcome home signs and connecting with other military families.
The Forest Grove Police Department and Clackamas Fire Department joined in the homecoming celebration, providing support for their return.
The Oregon National Guard command team greeted Soldiers when they arrived at Camp Withycombe to congratulate them on their hard work overseas.
“It’s an honor to welcome this group back,” said Sgt. Maj. Adrian Gonzales, command sergeant major for the 2-218th FA rear detachment. “They did an outstanding job out there.”
After a year of waiting, the Soldiers of the 2-218th FA collected their loved ones and bags, and went home.
“We couldn’t be more proud of what they accomplished,” said Gonzales.
SOME PARKS TO SEE UPDATES TO PARKING FEES AND SEASONAL CAMPING RATES
SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is updating some visitor fees at select parks as part of a broader, proactive effort to build a more resilient financial future for Oregon State Parks.
Starting Oct. 1, 2025, Oregon State Parks will no longer waive the parking fee at 21 additional day-use parks. The parking fee is currently $10 for in-state visitors and $12 out-of-state visitors.
The parking fee does not apply to visitors who walk, bike, use public transportation, have a valid hangtag from camping at an Oregon State Park or a 12 or 24-month parking permit. Currently, OPRD charges for parking at 25 parks and waives parking fees at over 225 parks across the state.
The 21 additional parks include some of the busiest parks in the system such as Harris Beach State Park, which experienced an estimated 2 million day-use visits last year. Visitor fees help pay for maintenance and operation.
Some overnight camping rates will also see updates for visits beginning May 1, 2026:
- Overnight rates at our 29 busiest parks will increase to the top of the current rate range from May 1 through September 30. This increase will apply year round on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (Top rate is $29 for tents and $52 for full hook-up RV)
- At all parks:
- Cabin and yurt prices will increase to the top of the rate range year round. (Top rates vary from $72 for rustic yurts to $129 for deluxe cabins/yurts)
- Boat moorage fees will increase from $15 to $20.
- Overnight parking, overflow camping and primitive camping fees will increase from about $10 to at least $15 per night.
The park system faces a projected 14% budget shortfall due to increasing costs, impacts from record visitation and a reduction in lottery funds for operations. These targeted fee adjustments, along with internal efforts to reduce costs, modernize procurement and explore new revenue, will help maintain current service levels and ensure the system remains strong and accessible now and in the future.
“State parks are some of the most beloved spaces in Oregon, but we have struggled as a state to sustainably fund them. We’re working to reimagine the future of Oregon State Parks as financially resilient system that will serve generations to come,” said Director Lisa Sumption.
State parks has three main sources of funding: a little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. It is not funded by general fund taxes.
For visitors looking to save on parking, there are annual and 24-month parking permits available for Oregon State Parks. The 12-month parking permit costs $30 and the 24-month permit costs $50. You can buy them online.
Oregon State Parks is also collecting feedback to help guide its effort to reimagine a stronger resilient park system. The surveyincludes priorities for new and existing experiences, services and amenities as well as views on public-private partnerships, sponsorships and other funding options.
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