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Monday, September 22, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, with a high near 78. North northwest wind 3 to 5 mph. Overnight, clear, with a low around 44. North northeast wind around 7 mph.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
On September 23rd, the southbound travel lane of 7th Street will be closed between Walnut Avenue and Oak Avenue (across from the Post Office).
Flaggers will be guiding motorists through the open
lane. This will take place from 7:00 AM until noon. Any questions can be directed to Sean Allen at
541-591-5471.
Cascade Comprehensive Care Appoints Dr. Kimberly Terry as Chief Medical Officer
Cascade Comprehensive Care (CCC), owner and operator of Cascade Health Alliance (CHA), is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kimberly Terry, M.D., MBA, as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Terry brings over 20 years of clinical and executive leadership experience in pediatric neurosurgery, healthcare policy, and quality improvement to her new role. Dr. Terry succeeds Dr. David Shute as CMO.
Dr. Terry is an accomplished healthcare executive known for driving innovation, improving patient outcomes, and leading multidisciplinary teams across healthcare institutions. Most recently, she served as Staff Surgeon at Banner University Medical Center and previously held leadership roles at Aetna Health and CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital, where she served as Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery.
Dr. David Shute, who has served as CCC’s CMO for the past seven years, will be retiring. CCC extends its gratitude to Dr. Shute for his years of service and exceptional leadership in advancing coordinated care for CHA members.
Township Fire Burning 285 Acres overnight with 0% containment
KLAMATH FALLS, OR – The Township Fire, which ignited yesterday afternoon at approximately 5:07 p.m., is burning in the Klamath Hills, south of Klamath Falls off Lower Klamath Lake Road.
As of this morning, the fire is estimated at 285 acres, with 0% containment. Driven by strong winds and challenging terrain, firefighting efforts were hindered by rocky and steep conditions, limiting access for crews.
This morning, command of the incident has transition to the South-Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP) Type 3 Incident Management Team.
Overnight, fire activity slowed due to cooler temperatures and increased relative humidity. Ground crews made progress by constructing containment lines using both dozers and hand tools around much of the fire perimeter.
Today’s operational objectives include securing existing containment lines and constructing additional lines in areas inaccessible overnight.
At this time, no evacuations are in place. However, the public is urged to avoid the fire area unless necessary, to ensure both firefighters and public safety.
A reminder to all residents: Klamath and Lake counties remain in active fire season. All outdoor burning is prohibited.
Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
KWUA Announces the 2025 Fall Harvest Tour
KWUA will host the 18th Annual Fall Harvest Tour on October 1, 2025. This tour offers a unique window into the region’s vibrant agricultural community and the many harvest activities occurring during this time of year. This immersive day-long event takes participants into the heart of the Klamath Basin, where local farmers, water managers, agribusiness representatives, and educators come together to demonstrate the intersection of agriculture and environmental stewardship.
The tour bus is open to all—we welcome community members, students, elected officials, and anyone with an interest in learning more about irrigated agriculture.
Space is limited, so reserve your spot today. This tour provides first-hand exposure to the people, processes, and places that make agriculture possible in our Basin.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, there is no cost to attend the tour or enjoy lunch. Seating is limited to 56 participants, so don’t wait—sign up now to secure your seat!
Klamath County Fire District 1
Board of Directors Regular Meeting Agenda
4:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Central Fire Station
143 N. Broad Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601
Virtual Attendance Information:
Please register to join the meeting from a computer, tablet or smartphone
by contacting our administrative office at 541-885-2056 by Monday, September 22, 2025
Coffee With A Cop
The Klamath Falls Police Department invites community members to join officers for Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 7:30AM-9:30AM at B.S. Coffee Co., 417 N Spring St., Klamath Falls.
Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative that brings police officers and the community members they
serve together—over coffee—to discuss issues, ask questions, and learn more about each other. The
goal is simple: Conversations that Strengthen Community.
There is no agenda or formal presentation. The event is designed to create an open, welcoming
environment where residents and officers can connect in a casual, friendly setting. Whether you want
to ask a question, voice a concern, or simply get to know the officers who serve Klamath Falls, this is
the place to do it.The Klamath Falls Police Department values strong community partnerships and believes open dialogue is key to building trust and understanding. All are welcome to attend.
For more information, please contact the Klamath Falls Police Department at (541)-883-5336.
FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN NEWS
Summer was a blitz full of fun adventures, quality time spent outdoors, and meaningful educational activities. As school begins and the chill of fall air sets in, I am reminded how your generosity and support make this year-round enrichment and intentional 1:1 time possible. Because of your support, Friends are able to provide 3-4 hours a week of direct support to every youth in our program throughout every season of the year. -Warmly, Amanda Squibb
The Pacific Power Foundation awards more than $300,000 in grants to expand access to STEM education across the communities it serves. In the most recent grant cycle, Friends of the Children–Klamath Basin was honored to be selected as a recipient, receiving $3,500 to support our ongoing youth mentoring. Thank you, Pacific Power, for helping power the next generation of STEM leaders!
The Klamath County Association of Realtors gave back to Friends Of The Children, in a big way! They elected to support youth mentoring in the Basin by donating proceeds from their Spring Into Your Dream Home, Tour of Homes event to Friends of the Children–Klamath Basin.
The Klamath Art Gallery Presents “Color in Motion” featuring 4 artists starting
October 5th with an opening day reception from noon to 4pm.
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
Blue and Log Fire Update
Monday, Sept. 22, 2025
Fire Information: 707-387-4472
Email: 2025.Blue@firenet.gov
Blue Fire: 3,713 acres; 68% containment
Log Fire: 1,170 acres, 83% containment
- Evacuation Warnings remain in effect for Zones SIS-1007-A, SIS-1117, SIS-1118-A, SIS-1118-B, 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
An Oregon high school principal is likely to face charges for the production and distribution of child sexual-abuse material following his arrest by sheriff’s deputies.
Jeremy Peter Williams is alleged to have possessed images depicting minors in sexually explicit situations, in addition to distributing child sex-abuse material, according to a statement from the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.
Williams serves as the principal of Rainier Junior/Senior High School; the school district indicated that he was already on paid administrative leave at the time of his arrest due to an unrelated matter.
Investigators traced Williams after receiving a notification from a social-media platform indicating that images with “hash matches” linked to child sexual-abuse material were being transmitted from an account belonging to a Longview, Washington, resident, officials reported.
Hashes are a form of file metadata that produce a unique code for each image created; investigators can match these hashes against a database of known hashes to ascertain whether a file is related to child abuse images.
The Trump administration initiated legal action last week against the state of Oregon and Secretary of State Tobias Read, seeking to compel them to provide comprehensive information regarding each voter in the state.
The lawsuit, lodged in federal district court in Eugene, requires Read and his elections division to clarify how they maintain the accuracy of the state’s voter rolls – and mandates the release of information pertaining to every registered voter in Oregon, which includes full date of birth and either the driver’s license number or a partial Social Security number.
This lawsuit reiterates many of the same legal arguments and facts that have been utilized by President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice and Read’s legal team during a contentious exchange of assertions and rebuttals concerning voter legitimacy and privacy over the last two months.
According to the U.S. Constitution, states are obligated to “safeguard American elections in compliance with Federal laws that protect Americans’ voting rights and guard against dilution by illegal voting, discrimination, fraud, and other forms of malfeasance and Error,” as stated in the lawsuit, which cites an executive order issued by Trump in March.
Another Weak Oregon Jobs Report
In August, Oregon experienced a seasonally adjusted increase in nonfarm payroll employment, adding 6,900 jobs, following a revised increase of 100 jobs in July.
The most significant gains in August were observed in health care and social assistance (+2,500 jobs); leisure and hospitality (+1,500); government (+1,100); and other services (+1,000). The largest losses occurred in wholesale trade, which saw a decrease of 1,100 jobs. The health care and social assistance sector continued its rapid growth over the past several years, adding 11,600 jobs, or 3.8%, in the last 12 months.
Nursing and residential care facilities contributed 400 jobs in August and 3,900 jobs, or 6.8%, since August 2024. Although hospitals did not add any jobs in August, they were the second fastest-growing component of health care over the past year, with an increase of 2,900 jobs, or 4.6%. Social assistance (+2,400 jobs, or 3.0%) and ambulatory health care services (+2,300 jobs, or 2.2%) exhibited slower growth rates over the year.
Since last August, most of its published component industries reported increases between 2% and 4%.
Oregon’s unemployment rate stood at 5.0% in August, compared to a revised rate of 4.9% in July, having gradually increased over the past year from 4.2% in August 2024. The state’s unemployment rate of 5.0% was 1.4 percentage points higher than the recent low of 3.6% recorded in spring 2023. In comparison, the U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2% in July and rose to 4.3% in August.
The Salem-Keizer School District is set to implement weapons detection systems across all 12 of its middle schools, following its distinction as the first district in the state to introduce this technology in all of its high schools last year.
On Thursday, district officials announced that the systems, produced by Evolv Technology, a company based in Massachusetts, will incur an expense of approximately $1.2 million.
The financing for this initiative is sourced from a settlement with the vaping firm Juul, in addition to a capital bond approved in 2018, which allocated funds specifically for enhancements in safety and security.
According to the latest statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics, only around 6% of high schools across the nation utilized this technology during the 2021-2022 academic year. The majority of these institutions were large urban high schools catering to a significant number of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The Brookings-Harbor School District responded to community concerns regarding controversial personal remarks made by a relative of a district employee. The spouse of the now former principal at Brookings-Harbor High School is identified as the individual who posted these remarks.
The opinions shared by the family member of High School Principal Tristin Harkins on social media on September 13 did not reflect the values upheld by the district. She expressed her congratulations to the shooter of Charlie Kirk for his precision and inquired whether he would be conducting classes.
On September 15, the school board held an emergency meeting to address safety concerns. The board entered into an executive session in accordance with ORS 192.660(2)(o), concentrating on the safety of staff and the security of public facilities. The district is actively communicating with law enforcement regarding threatening messages aimed at school leadership.
The situation is being closely monitored to ensure the safety of the community. Brookings-Harbor High School Principal Tristin Harkins submitted his resignation on September 17.
Oregonians who possess EBT cards must take measures to prevent the theft of their card number and PIN.
According to the Oregon Attorney General’s Office, there has been a 50 percent rise in the amount of money stolen from EBT accounts. They suspect that a traveling group is installing skimmers on card devices in retail locations. These skimmers are frequently located in discount stores and small markets.
EBT cardholders are advised to utilize the app to activate their card solely when making a purchase and to deactivate it afterward. It is also important to inspect card devices for any overlay skimmers. Additionally, if the card device displays a yellow security sticker, ensure that it does not appear to be compromised.
Volunteers needed to improve Oregon and Washington’s natural spaces on Sept. 27
Get outside with your community while improving the natural beauty of Oregon and Washington’s public lands! On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Bureau of Land Management will be restoring hiking trails, pulling weeds at pollinator gardens, picking up trash on the beach, and enhancing natural habitats with the help of National Public Lands Day volunteers.
Held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day has helped volunteers restore America’s public lands since 1994.
Last year, the Bureau of Land Management hosted 132 events across the country. Over 9,000 volunteers got outside, contributing over 54,000 hours of service worth over $1.6 million towards the improvement of their favorite natural places.
“National Public Lands Day is one of our most important events,” said Morgan Rubanow, BLM Oregon/Washington volunteer program specialist. “Each year, volunteers leave these natural spaces healthier and more beautiful, all while getting outside and enjoying the great outdoors.”
At NPLD events, the BLM provides volunteers with tools, safety gear, and materials needed for each project.
Ready to get involved? Find a few of the events held in Oregon and Washington this year below:
- Pick up trash and remove vegetation at the Steward Pond Disc Golf Course in Eugene, Ore.
- Beautify the beaches at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in Newport, Ore.
- Restore habitats and remove fences in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument near Ashland, Ore.
- Improve trails at the Fishtrap Recreation Area in Sprague, Wash.
- Remove weeds from the pollinator gardens in the Wood River Wetlands near Klamath Falls, Ore.
- And many more!
Learn more and find the full list of NPLD events at blm.gov/national-public-lands-
Bend’s biggest little art show is returning to the High Desert Museum, and this year promises to be the most impressive yet. The 20-Dollar Art Show, presented by Bright Place Gallery, will feature more than 8,000 miniature masterpieces created by 350-plus artists.
Celebrating original artwork created by established and emerging artists, The 20-Dollar Art Show opens Saturday, October 4. For two weeks, visitors, art enthusiasts and fans can explore the exhibition, find their favorites and plan their shopping wish lists. Walls throughout the Museum will showcase rows of creative, colorful miniature art.
Then, an Extravaganza Kickoff event takes place on Friday, October 17 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm with music, food and drinks. For the low, low price of $20, each of the thousands of artworks will be available for sale. It will be the first time visitors can purchase their mini masterpieces, with all proceeds going to the artist. As in previous years, timed ticket entries will be available for 5:30 pm entry, 6:30 pm entry and 7:30 pm entry.
On Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, special Extravaganza events will keep rolling from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm! At least a thousand new works will go out each morning while artists create one-of-a-kind artwork on site. Tickets will be required for the morning sessions for non-Museum members. Those exclusively visiting The 20-Dollar Art Show to browse and buy Saturday and Sunday afternoons may do so without paying admission, as well as on Monday, October 20.
Tickets for the Friday evening, Saturday morning and Sunday morning events go on sale at 12:00 pm Wednesday, September 24athighdesertmuseum.org/20-art-
“The 20-Dollar Art Show continues to grow every year with an awe-inspiring array of miniature art,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “This is a favorite exhibit, and it is an honor to host this beloved community event that supports local and emerging artists.”
The brainchild of Stuart Breidenstein and Abby Dubief of the former Bright Place Gallery, The 20-Dollar Art Show began in 2013 to help local artists sell their art while also making it affordable and accessible to the public. When the gallery closed in December 2019, the show had already grown beyond its walls. After a break during the pandemic, the show found a new home at the Museum. Since 2021, the Museum’s walls are packed with miniature artworks every fall.
“We are excited that so many artists are participating this year,” said Breidenstein. “We’re not only overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of work, but also by the quality. As the show grows, we’re continually inspired by the one-off gems these mostly unknown artists can create.”
Breidenstein and Dubief produce the show each year, helping to hang the art at the Museum, which can take days to complete. As artists themselves, both contribute pieces to the show. Other popular local artists featured in the 2025 exhibition include Sondra Holtzman, Janet Kilgore, Carrie Erickson, Jessie Zenor and Mike Wise. Participating artists range from age 8 to 80.
Each piece of art is a maximum of 36 square inches, making them truly miniature. The art ranges from watercolors and macrame to oil portraits and acrylic landscapes. Some include a touch of humor while others tell a story or carry a message. When all the art is on the Museum’s walls, the mini artworks do not seem so small anymore, said Dustin Cockerham, Senior Curator of Exhibitions and Collections at the Museum.
“We build temporary walls to help display all of these amazing miniatures,” said Cockerham. “This year, the exhibition will be on view for two weeks before the sale begins. It’s worth visiting and exploring all the art, not just so you can pick your favorites beforehand but to see the scale of the exhibition and the breadth of creativity.”
Window shopping in the days prior to the extravaganza is one of the best ways to view the exhibition and prepare for the sale. Browse the walls of art, experience all the inspiring styles, colors and themes, and find your favorite mini masterpieces. Viewing the exhibition before the October 17 Extravaganza is included with the price of admission.
The 20-Dollar Art Show is open through Monday, October 20 and is made possible by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and The Clabough Foundation.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM:
THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Visit Soda Springs Dam to see spawning salmon, fish passage improvements
TOKETEE, Ore. (SEPTEMBER 12, 2025) — Pacific Power, along with federal and state natural resource agencies, will host a public tour that will highlight state-of-the-art fish passage facilities and recent spawning habitat improvements at Soda Springs Dam and other locations on the North Umpqua River within the Umpqua National Forest, 60 miles east of Roseburg.
The Oct. 8 tour will showcase Pacific Power’s 194-megawatt hydroelectric project enhancements that produces enough renewable, emissions-free electricity to supply 80,000 average homes each year. The project was built in the 1940s and 50s but has undergone many substantial improvements since 2003 to balance efficient energy production with fish and wildlife conservation, recreation and other values.
“Protecting the river and its inhabitants isn’t just a responsibility for Pacific Power, it’s a commitment that drives our work. Every facility upgrade is about creating a thriving habitat for fish spawning,” said Rich Grost, principal aquatic scientist at Pacific Power. “It’s especially satisfying to see hundreds of wild Chinook salmon spawning upstream and downstream of the dam and to share that experience with our visitors.”
The tour begins at 1 p.m. and is expected to conclude by 4 p.m. It will begin with a presentation at the North Umpqua Implementation Center, about an hour east of Roseburg on Highway 138. Visitors should turn left at Milepost 57 (at the green “Control Center” sign) onto Toketee School Road and proceed down the paved road one-quarter mile to the parking lot in front of the gray and blue buildings.
After the presentation, guests will be transported to the project sites on buses. Carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking space. Visitors are asked to please wear sturdy boots or shoes and bring a hard hat if they have one. Hard hats are required to access the dam and will be provided to those who don’t have their own.
Space is limited and must be reserved by contacting Steve Albertelli (Pacific Power) at 541-776-6676 or Steve.Albertelli@PacifiCorp.
The Resource Coordination Committee sponsors the tour for the North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project. Members include PacifiCorp, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Oregon Department of Water Resources. Representatives of several of these agencies will be participating in the tour.
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