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Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
A 60% chance of showers with thunderstorms before 2pm, then showers likely with a high near 70. Calm west wind around 6 mph. Overnight, A chance of showers and thunderstorms with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
Bly Mountain Man Arrested For Arson
On Friday, September 5th at around 1:00 PM, deputies and fire crews were dispatched to the vicinity of Hummingbird Lane and Bunting Road on Bly Mountain in response to a reported brush fire.
Fire crews from Klamath County Fire District 5 and the Oregon Department of Forestry promptly initiated suppression efforts and successfully halted the fire’s forward progression before it could reach nearby homes. The next day during a follow-up investigation, deputies apprehended the suspect, Henry J. Garza, a 37-year-old resident of Bly Mountain.
The suspect was arrested without any incidents and taken to the Klamath County Jail. He was charged with multiple offenses, including three counts of Arson I, two counts of Reckless Endangering, as well as Menacing and Coercion. There were no reported injuries, and fire crews effectively contained the situation.
Umpqua Bank has officially undergone a rebranding to become Columbia Bank, representing a significant advancement in the company’s initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and broaden its regional presence.
Although the name has been altered, customers are not required to take immediate action—your account numbers, debit cards, checks, and online login details will all remain unchanged. Nevertheless, if you utilize financial software such as QuickBooks or accounting applications that identify your bank by its name, you may need to manually update it to reflect “Columbia Bank”.
For any inquiries or support, customers are advised to reach out to Columbia Bank’s customer service. This rebranding follows the merger in 2023 between Umpqua Bank and Columbia Bank, resulting in the formation of one of the largest regional banks in the Pacific Northwest.
Oregon Community Foundation Invests Another $120,000 in Disaster Readiness and Recovery
Grants Mark Five-Year Anniversary of Labor Day Fires with Focus on Preparedness
Five years after the Labor Day megafires devastated parts of Oregon, 11 nonprofits are receiving new funding to help communities continue to recover and prepare for future disasters including Klamath County. Oregon Community Foundation today announced $120,000 in new grants from its Disaster Readiness and Response Fund.
The fund is an initiative that emerged from the 2020 wildfires. It provides rapid-response grants for immediate recovery and supports preparedness programs that help build more resilient communities. As a collective giving fund, anyone can contribute to it. An earlier fund to support wildfire recovery after the 2020 fires distributed $10.8 million over several years.
The Labor Day fires that began on September 7, 2020 were fueled by high winds and dry conditions that resulted in 1.2 million acres burned, more than 4,000 homes destroyed and 11 deaths. The fires displaced thousands of Oregonians and left widespread destruction across the state.
The new grants support collaborative, community-based organizations that coordinate resources and services for long-term readiness and resilience in seven Oregon counties affected by the 2020 wildfires: Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Linn and Marion.
Part of the funds will go to the United Way of The Klamath Basin and The United Way of Jackson County, each receiving $10,000 in funding.
The Klamath Basin Oktoberfest is set to return on Saturday, Sept. 20th.
This event, organized by the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA), will occur on Saturday, September 20th from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Bill Collier Ice Arena located in the Running Y Resort in Klamath Falls.
The community is encouraged to attend and partake in craft beers, traditional German cuisine, live entertainment, and enjoyable activities for the entire family.
Tickets for individuals aged 21 and over are priced at $25 if purchased in advance and $30 at the entrance. General admission for non-drinkers is $10, applicable both in advance and at the door. Children aged 12 and under can enter free of charge!
Visiting Crater Lake National Park and other nearby scenic locations in the upcoming week may be affected by the Cycle Oregon 2025 Rally event features a week-long biking experience beginning on Sept. 7h and concluding on September 12th, involving cycling to various destinations with designated basecamps for participants.
Anticipate increased cyclist traffic around the Rogue River-Siskiyou and Umpqua National Forests, particularly in the communities of Union Creek and Butte Falls.
As stated by Cycle Oregon, the event will host over 400 cyclists enjoying picturesque rides, with basecamps located in Prospect and Diamond Lake.
The Rally provides diverse daily routes on both paved and gravel roads, allowing riders to explore at a leisurely pace. Comprehensive on-course support will be offered by Cycle Oregon staff and volunteers, emphasizing the enjoyment of riding and fostering community connections.
PET READY FOR ADOPTION FROM KLAMATH ANIMAL SHELTER
This week’s pet is a dog named ” Parker “. Parker is a male, Labrador mix, around 5 months old. He is black with a tiny bit of white, he weighs about 35 pounds but still has growing to do.
If you are interested in adopting Parker the shelter is located at 4240 Washburn Way, Monday through Friday from 12:00 – 4:00, you can reach the shelter at 541-884-PETS (541-884-7387). 
Klamath County Foundation Garden Statue Design Contest!
- Entries must be submitted by Saturday, Nov. 1 at 5pm.
- Your design should celebrate libraries, reading, imagination, nature, and/or community.
- Dimensions: Designs should be up to 5 feet wide and between 4 feet and 8 feet tall.
- Materials: The statue will be outside, so it must be weather-resistant and affordable (think concrete, resin, repurposed metal scrap, etc.) The materials should contrast with the statue’s planned surroundings of plants and the tan brick of the downtown Klamath County Library.
- You only need to submit a design mock-up, not the finished statue! You don’t even have to have the ability to fabricate your idea, as long as you demonstrate your vision in your concept art well enough for someone to build it.
Win 2 Nights Lodging in Oakridge and enjoy “Oakridge Rocks The Park!”! Coming Oct 18th!
Click here to win 2 nights stay in Oakridge!
Click here for more info on the event.
Around the State of Oregon
A large number of individuals gathered at a Marion County Commission meeting last week to voice their opposition to a lawsuit initiated by the county following the receipt of ICE subpoenas requesting information regarding parolees.
Detractors assert that this case jeopardizes Oregon’s established sanctuary law and may instill fear among immigrant workers, whereas commissioners contend that they require legal clarity due to the conflicting demands of state and federal regulations.
Commissioner Danielle Bethell supported the action, stating that only the judiciary has the authority to determine which laws should be adhered to, although opponents argue that it squanders local tax funds and undermines protections approved by voters.
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man made his first appearance in federal court today after assaulting a federal officer during ongoing protest activity near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
Devin P. Montgomery, 49, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.
According to court documents, on the afternoon of September 4, 2025, Federal Protective Service (FPS) observed Montgomery operating an Unmanned Aircraft System, also commonly described as a “drone,” in a temporary flight restricted area near the ICE facility in Portland. The FPS advised Montgomery that flying a drone above or around the federal facility was prohibited due to the restriction imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Montgomery ignored FPS’s instructions and continued to operate the drone in the restricted area.
Federal officers approached Montgomery, who became belligerent with the officers and began cursing at them. After his arrest, Montgomery spit in an officer’s face.
Since June 13, 2025, a total of 26 defendants have been charged with federal offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, arson, possession of a destructive device, and depredation of government property.
Montgomery made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.
Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to 8 years in federal prison.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
President Trump has indicated that Portland may soon be another city to receive National Guard troops, referencing protests reoccurring outside the city’s ICE facility.
During a press briefing on Friday, Trump stated that Portland is facing “destruction” and promised to “stop that very easily,” although he did not provide specific details.
Mayor Keith Wilson countered this assertion, stating that Portland police are already effectively managing the demonstrations and upholding the city’s sanctuary status. Additionally, Oregon’s attorney general has cautioned that the state is prepared to contest federal overreach in court. Trump has previously deployed Guard troops to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., where these deployments have faced legal challenges but then allowed by the courts.
The Ashland Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into a homicide that occurred on Sunday.
Both police and paramedics responded to a report regarding an individual lying on the ground near ‘A’ Street and North 2nd Street. As per the authorities, the victim, who has been identified as 40-year-old Matthew Mark Vandersande, was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect, who was observed fleeing towards North Pioneer Street, has not yet been identified. The Jackson County Major Assault/Death Investigation Unit is actively engaged in the investigation. This unit comprises personnel from various local and state agencies. They suspect that the shooting was a targeted attack rather than a random occurrence.
Authorities are requesting public assistance in gathering more leads. Anyone possessing information or surveillance footage from the vicinity between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM is encouraged to reach out to Detective Sergeant Rick Spence at 541-552-2172 or the Ashland Police Department Tip Line at 541-552-2333.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Washington Governor Bob Ferguson have announced the establishment of a new West Coast Health Alliance aimed at ensuring that residents are safeguarded by scientific evidence rather than political influence.
This alliance signifies a coordinated regional effort to counteract the Trump Administration’s undermining of the U.S. CDC’s credibility and scientific integrity.
Since its inception, the CDC has played a crucial role in safeguarding Americans from diseases. However, according to Kotek, recent changes in leadership, diminished transparency, and the exclusion of long-respected advisory bodies have weakened the agency’s ability to prepare the nation for the respiratory virus season and other public health issues. In the absence of clear, evidence-based vaccine guidance, manufacturers are left without dependable information for production planning, healthcare providers find it challenging to deliver consistent care plans, and families are confronted with uncertainty regarding access and coverage.
These three western states continue their political disapproval of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his decision to dismiss all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Five individuals have been apprehended in Jackson County as part of a coordinated operation against child exploitation, spearheaded by the Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET).
These arrests stem from a thorough investigation aimed at combating the online distribution of child sexual abuse material.
The suspects, whose ages vary with the youngest being merely 19 years old, are confronted with a total of 39 felony charges for promoting child sexual abuse, which includes 30 counts in the first degree and nine in the second degree. Investigators report that search warrants executed at various locations uncovered over 800 images of child sexual abuse material. Notably, one suspect was discovered to possess nearly 700 illicit images on their own.
The arrests took place in Medford, Ashland, White City, and Eagle Point. Additionally, one suspect is currently detained in Missouri and is awaiting extradition to Oregon to face charges associated with this investigation.
An Oregon City couple, who failed to call 911 when their newborn ceased eating, experienced difficulty breathing, and subsequently passed away, were sentenced on Monday to just 30 days in jail as part of a deal that mandates they seek regular medical care for their surviving children.
Blair and Taylor Edwards belong to the Followers of Christ Church, a secluded sect that adheres to a literal interpretation of the Scriptures, which assert that the sick should be anointed by elders and that faith will provide healing.
Members of this group subscribe to the belief that death, when it occurs, is the will of God. For decades, child fatalities have been a persistent issue among Followers of Christ members
A prominent advocate for the movement to abolish vote by mail in Oregon asserts that it is gaining momentum, while detractors argue that it still has a considerable distance to cover.
Initiative 37 has reportedly collected a minimum of 25,000 signatures since July 25, according to chief petitioner Ben Edtl, a Republican political consultant based in Tualatin.
To qualify for the November 2026 ballot, the initiative requires over 156,000 verified signatures by July 2, as stated by the Oregon Secretary of State. Supporters have raised nearly $9,000 to date but have expended close to $12,000.
Oregon initiated trials of a vote-by-mail system in the 1980s, eventually becoming the first state in the nation to officially implement the system. Since that time, seven additional states and Washington D.C. have adopted similar measures.
Spirit Airlines will cease operations at Portland International Airport following October 3, as confirmed by both the company and the Port of Portland on Thursday.
The weak low-cost airline, which had previously reduced its flight offerings at PDX over the past year, according to the Port of Portland, will also terminate services at ten additional locations. This decision follows the company’s second bankruptcy filing within the last year. Some of its challenges have arisen from the difficult recovery from reduced travel during the COVID-19 pandemic years.
Additionally, the company has stated that it will no longer pursue the launch of new services in Macon, Georgia, which were anticipated to commence on October 16.
Public invited to visit September 11 Memorial at the Oregon Public Safety Academy
SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) invites the public to visit the September 11 Memorial at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem this Thursday, Sept. 11, to commemorate the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks.
The academy hosts a permanent display of artifacts from the attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people, including 343 firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers and 55 military personnel. In addition to the lives lost in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, thousands of first responders have succumbed to illness as a result of their heroic rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero.
Guests are welcome to view the memorial to honor the victims and all whose lives were impacted by the attacks. The gates of the academy, located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy. SE in Salem, will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for drop-in viewing. The memorial is located in the lobby of the academy; guests should follow the signs for the main entrance.
Artifacts displayed at the 9/11 Memorial include:
- A floor beam from either 5 or 6 World Trade Center, both of which sustained heavy damage in the September 11 attacks as the towers fell.
- A beam from the base of 1 World Trade Center, also known as the North Tower.
- A strap used to support mechanical systems in the towers
- A smaller floor beam from above the 50th floor of one of the Twin Towers
- A piece of aluminum used in the outer “skin” of one of the towers
- A piece of limestone facade from the outer wall of the Pentagon, taken from near where the aircraft impacted the building
The artifacts are accompanied by a video tribute to the first responders and victims, a painting by artist Ricardo Salazar which depicts the attacks on the World Trade Center, and the flags of New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania, which are displayed in memory of the lives lost in each of those states.
In addition to the 9/11 Memorial, the Oregon Public Safety Academy campus is home to memorials honoring the state’s fallen law enforcement officers and fire service professionals. The Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial honors 199 officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860s, and the Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial honors 182 fire service personnel who have died in the line of duty since 1881. DPSST holds annual memorial ceremonies to honor the officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
Blue Fire Update, South of Ashland in Klamath National Forest
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Structure Protection Continues
Blue Fire: 3,543 acres; 18% containment
Email: 2025.Blue@firenet.gov
Personnel on the fire: 778
Online Fire Info: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/caknf-blue-fire-klamath-national-forest
Firefighters expect additional containment on the Blue Fire today. Infrared (IR) imagery captured from
recent drone flights is expected to validate successful work by firefighters, establishing containment lines
and suppressing the fire. Yesterday, firefighters continued improving containment, digging hand and dozer
lines, moving west along the northern area of the fire.
Firefighters based out of spike camps that are nearer to the south part of the fire also continued to make
gains, increasing containment in the area of the fire referred to as the horseshoe. On the westside,
firefighters completed scouting lines west toward the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in case contingency lines
are needed in the future.
With yesterday’s rainfall and today’s expected rain, fire behavior analysts believe the fire will smolder, a
low-temperature fire condition that can go undetected for a long time. While the precipitation may dampen
the fire, there will likely be opportunities for it to grow as the weather returns to warmer and drier
conditions. Heavy fuels, such as trees and stumps, will continue to burn. Firefighters continue to look
ahead and plan to for the possibility of fire growth, creating contingency lines and establishing defensible
areas to protect homes, businesses, natural and cultural resources and infrastructure.
A virtual community meeting for the Blue and the Dillon fires will take place Wednesday at 6 p.m. and
will be livestreamed on the Klamath National Forest Facebook page.
• Evacuation Orders are in effect for Zones SIS-1007-A, SIS-1117 and SIS-1118-B.
• Evacuation Warnings are in effect for Zones SIS-1007-B, SIS-1118-A, SIS-1118-C, and SIS-1233-A.
• The latest evacuation information can be found at https://protect.genasys.com
• Klamath National Forest Closure Order for the Blue Fire: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-
publication/caknf-blue-fire-klamath-national-forest/blue-fire-closure-order-08-31-2025
• Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Services for fire-related resources and general safety information.
Dillion Fire Update- Tuesday, Sept. 9
The Dillon fire is currently estimated at 11,957 acres and is 57% contained.
Fire activity for the Dillon fire is
expected to decrease. The Blue fire is
currently estimated at 3,543 acres and
is 13% contained. Fire activity for the
Blue fire is expected to decrease.
LOG FIRE UPDATE – Tuesday Sept 9th
The Log Fire continues backing downslope toward Hancock Creek and near Lost Lake, with fire behavior
expected to moderate due to incoming rain. On Saturday, helicopters dropped water near Hancock Creek to slow the fire’s spread. Aviation is expected to help firefighters as conditions allow due to the incredibly rugged terrain where the fire is located. Fire activity is expected to remain low, with smoldering and creeping likely. Larger fuels such as stumps will continue to hold heat, while finer fuels may dry enough to support low-intensity fire movement.
Firefighters are working to clear the Wooly Creek Trail, which is 18 miles long, in the Marble Mountain
Wilderness. Wooly Creek Trail is the only ground access to the historic Wooly Creek cabins which were built in the early 20th century. One of these cabins, President Herbert Hoover reportedly used to recreate during his presidency.
One Wildfire Use Module has completed wrapping a historic cabin in Wooly Creek and is continuing structure
protection efforts on additional cabins. Work is expected to continue as weather and terrain allows.
Steep, rugged conditions and the incoming rain event pose challenges. Firefighters are also scouting natural
features that could help slow the fire and protect additional structures within the wilderness.
Closures:
Klamath National Forest Closure Order for the Log Fire: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/klamath/alerts/log-
fire-closure-order
The Bureau of Land Management sold 55.1 million board feet of timber across 2,281 public acres for $14,343,372 between nine timber sales in western Oregon during August. These sales will feed local mills and support about 770 jobs in western Oregon communities.
“The production of timber, lumber and other wood products from public lands is critical to our Nation’s well-being, including local job creation,” said Barry Bushue, BLM OR/WA state director. “Timber production also supports forest management and wildfire risk reduction projects can save American lives and communities.”
The Coos Bay District sold 3.2 million board feet of timber across 118 public acres in the Soup Bones CT timber sale to Morrell Logging, LLC, of Pleasant Hill for $229,195.
The Lakeview District sold 1.9 million board feet across 490 acres in the Bryant timber sale to Upland Forest Services, LLC, of Klamath Falls for $13,162.
The Northwest Oregon District in Salem sold 7.7 million board feet across 183 acres in the For Granite timber sale to Freres Lumber Co., Inc., of Lyons for $2,074,718; 7.3 million board feet across 167 public acres in the Riley Coyote timber sale to Hampton Tree Farms, LLC, of Salem for $2,321,169; and 6.7 million board feet across 160 public acres in the Deer Slide timber sale to Stella-Jones Corporation of Eugene for $3,078,509.
The Northwest Oregon District in Springfield sold 8.7 million board feet across 368 acres in the Dueling Elk timber sale to Freres Lumber Co., Inc., of Lyons for $1,312,313; and 5.5 million board feet across 193 public acres in the Shotgun Formation timber sale for $1,510,245 and 6.3 million board feet across 219 public acres in the Creat-Panther timber sale for $1,710,739 to Sierra Pacific Industries of Eugene.
The Roseburg District sold 7.8 million board feet across 383 acres in the Noble Steed timber sale to Sierra Pacific Industries of Eugene for $2,093,322.
In western Oregon, the BLM manages 2.4 million acres of some of the most productive forests in the world, and is committed to supplying a reliable, secure, and resilient domestic supply of timber. BLM forestry supports economic security, reduces risks from wildfire, conserves fish and wildlife habitat, and decreases costs of energy production. Local communities rely on jobs that come from BLM forests, and timber from public land feeds local industry.
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