Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Klamath Basin Weather

Today
A 20% chance of rain after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. South wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Overnight, a 10% chance of rain or showers, cloudy with a low near 45. South wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

 

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Around the State of Oregon

Portland Man Charged with Assaulting Federal Law Enforcement Officer Near Local ICE Office

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man made his first appearance in federal court today after assaulting a federal officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Tomas Plancarte-Benson, 37, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on the evening of September 27, 2025, federal officers attempted to clear the driveway at the ICE facility. Plancarte-Benson was among a group of agitators blocking the driveway. Federal officials gave repeated verbal commands to “move” or “clear the driveway.” Rather than move when directed, Plancarte-Benson shoved a federal officer and retreated into the crowd. Federal officers subsequently found Plancarte-Benson near the ICE facility and arrested him for assaulting a federal officer.

“Violence at the ICE building or any other federal building will not be tolerated. If you assault a federal law enforcement officer, you will be arrested and prosecuted,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon has charged 27 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

Plancarte-Benson 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 eight 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.

 

As Portland protesters turn into nightly rioters, the Secretary of Defense has granted authorization for 200 members of the Oregon National Guard to undertake federal duties for a duration of 60 days, which includes safeguarding federal property in light of ongoing or potential protests.  Portland police have refused to intervene during these protests for months.

President Donald Trump announced Saturday morning that he plans to send troops to Portland, Oregon, amid ongoing anti-ICE protests in the blue city.

“At the request of Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, I am directing Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland, and any of our ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists,” Trump posted to Truth Social on Saturday morning.

“I am also authorizing Full Force, if necessary. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.

More DOJ officers along with the National Guard will be sent to protect the ICE facilities in Portland and perhaps Eugene, as well as the U.S. Federal Court House in Portland.

This decision has elicited the usual leftwing reaction and response from Governor Tina Kotek, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, and Attorney General Dan Rayfield, who convened a virtual press conference to address a preliminary injunction that has been filed against President Trump and his directive to federalize the troops under the Title 10 designation.

Attorney General Rayfield announced intentions to submit a temporary restraining order within the next 24 hours to halt the deployment. Governor Kotek disclosed that she became aware of the Title 10 invocation through an assistant to the president, who referenced her discussions with the president the previous day. She anticipated a follow-up today but received formal notification through alternative channels.

 

Oregon lawmakers will convene in Salem from September 29 to October 1 to conduct committee hearings regarding the effects of federal budget reductions.

As reported by the Oregon Legislative Information System, the discussions will center on vital state programs such as healthcare and food assistance. House Speaker Julie Fahey voiced her concerns about the possible repercussions, including rising healthcare expenses and threats to rural hospitals.

“It is essential for legislators, the public, and the media to comprehend the wave of cuts and rollbacks that are forthcoming,” Fahey stated.

Senate President Rob Wagner highlighted the significance of these hearings for the decision-making process in the upcoming legislative session. Key issues to be addressed include the effects on state agencies, emergency management, and education. The discussions will also encompass housing, workforce development, and consumer protection. For complete agendas and streaming details, please visit the Oregon Legislative Information System’s website (OLIS).

 

Bear Camp Road Closed Due To Moon Complex

Oregon health officials have submitted personally sensitive information regarding certain Medicaid patients to the federal government as part of a spending investigation — a decision that comes after months of intense discussion concerning privacy and the potential misuse of health data by federal authorities.

Earlier this month, the Oregon Health Authority provided the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services with a report that included data on every adult who accessed emergency Medicaid services from April to June.

This information encompassed Medicaid identification numbers, dates of birth, and Medicaid eligibility categories associated with citizenship status — however, it did not include immigration status, patient names, or addresses.

State officials had been reluctant to release the data since CMS made the request in June, expressing concerns about how federal officials might utilize the information and emphasizing the privacy issues for Oregon’s immigrant communities. Nevertheless, the state health authority ultimately acquiesced under legal pressure to prevent the loss of federal funding for the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program that offers health coverage to 1.4 million low-income individuals and people with disabilities.

 

Artificial intelligence is currently being employed in the training of 988 Oregon phone operators, who work on the suicide and crisis intervention line.

Anyone can reach out simply to converse when they are feeling sad, lonely, or angry. The objective of the Portland-based nonprofit, Lines for Life, is to avert substance abuse and suicide. They manage a range of crisis lines throughout the state, including various county lines.

At present, the nonprofit is leveraging artificial intelligence to assist operators in better preparing for the diverse crisis situations they may face. This is facilitated through ReflexAI.

Sam Dorison, the CEO and co-founder of ReflexAI, stated that the AI system also aids in pinpointing strengths and opportunities for improvement in interactions.

 

MEDFORD, Ore. – The Jackson County Board of Commissioners presented a Lifesaving Award to FedEx driver Chris Matthews yesterday, for saving a young girl during a dog attack on December 6, 2024. 

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is proud to honor Chris for his extraordinary courage and life-saving actions on that day. Chris’ heroism and quick thinking saved the life of a three-year-old girl.

While delivering packages on Wagon Trail Road in Jacksonville around noon, Chris saw the girl being mauled by two Cane Corso dogs inside a pen. Without hesitation, he ran toward the danger, shouting to draw the dogs’ attention and calling for help. With the aid of nearby workers, he entered the enclosure, distracted the dogs, and pulled the critically injured child to safety so she could receive emergency medical care.

Without his intervention, the outcome could have been far more tragic. The girl has fully recovered and thanks to Chris, she is doing great. Chris’s heroism reflects the best values of courage, compassion, and responsibility. JCSO commends him for saving a life and setting an example for us all.

 

TWO HONDURANS UNLAWFULLY RESIDING IN OREGON ARRESTED FOR TRAFFICKING FENTANYL IN PORTLAND

PORTLAND, Ore.— Two Honduran nationals unlawfully residing in Oregon made their first appearances in federal court last week after being arrested for trafficking fentanyl in East Portland.

Omar Rodriguez-Salgado, 28, and Cesar Antonio Gutierrez-Doblado, 19, have been charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.  

According to court documents, on September 18, 2025, investigators observed Rodriguez-Salgado in an area active for drug distribution and attempted to stop his vehicle. After a short pursuit, investigators obtained consent from Rodriguez-Salgado to search his vehicle and seized approximately 274 gross grams of suspected fentanyl, including packaging. 

Gutierrez-Doblado was arrested after police developed probable cause to believe Gutierrez-Doblado was distributing fentanyl. A search of Gutierrez-Doblado’s person, vehicle, and residence resulted in seizures of more than 3 gross kilograms of suspected fentanyl, including packaging, and approximately $85,885 in cash proceeds from suspected fentanyl trafficking.

Both defendants made their first appearances in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.  Both defendants were ordered detained pending further court proceedings. Arraignments have been scheduled for October 22, 2025.

These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Portland Police Bureau, and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, which all participate in the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program (HIDTA). They are being prosecuted by Scott Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 100 times more powerful than morphine and 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is potentially enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

OSP FISH AND WILDLIFE ASKS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TO IDENTIFY SALMON POACHERS

The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help identifying the person or people responsible for dumping and wasting 16 salmon in Portland last month.

The salmon were dumped at Cathedral Park, located at the corner of North Crawford Street and North Pittsburgh Avenue. The fish had net marks and were likely dumped in the early morning hours of August 27, 2025.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 800-452-7888, *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number SP25-383919.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining a hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$400 Game Fish & Shellfish
$400 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining an Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

Rewards for Game Fish & Shellfish and Snagging/Attempting to Snag are sponsored, in part, by Northwest Steelheaders Association and Coastal Conservation Association.

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox

$1,000 Species listed as “threatened” or “endangered” under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
$10,000 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and $11,500 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and north of Highway 20

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (*677)

TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For more information, visit the Oregon State Police Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) web page.

 

JACKSON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WARNS RESIDENTS OF PHISHING EMAIL SCAM IMPERSONATING “JACKSON ALERTS”

JACKSON COUNTY, OREGON — Jackson County Emergency Management is alerting residents to a phishing email scam currently circulating in the community. The fraudulent emails appear to come from “Jackson Alerts,” Jackson County’s mass notification system for official emergency notifications. The email may claim that a recipient’s Jackson Alerts account will be deleted within 48 hours unless they click a link to confirm their information.

“These emails are not legitimate and were not sent by Jackson County Emergency Management,” said Delaney Richmond, Jackson County Emergency Manager. “We urge residents to remain vigilant and protect themselves by avoiding emails that come from suspicious sender email addresses and contain questionable links.”

Residents who receive one of these fraudulent messages should follow the phishing tips below:

• Do NOT click on any links or open attachments.
• Never share personal or financial information unless they can verify the request is legitimate.
• Verify the message by contacting Jackson County Emergency Management directly through official phone numbers or website, rather than using the contact details provided in the suspicious email.
• Report the email as a phishing attempt within their email inbox.

Jackson County Emergency Management is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating cybersecurity resources to protect residents. Updates will be shared as new information becomes available.

“We take the security of our residents seriously,” added Richmond. “Our priority is to ensure that our community can continue to trust the Jackson Alerts system for timely and accurate emergency notifications.”

For more information or to confirm the legitimacy of a Jackson Alerts email, contact jacksonem@jacksoncountyor.gov or 541-774-6790

 

HOWARD PRAIRIE RESORT MARINA ACHIEVES DISTINGUISHED MARINE BOARD CLEAN MARINA CERTIFICATION

After more than a decade of low water and other natural events, Jackson County Parks approached the Marine Board with a novel idea to relocate the Howard Prairie marina to a nearby area of the reservoir with historically deeper water levels. The goal was to keep recreational boating open longer and to appeal to a wide range of boat types on the reservoir. In its original location, Howard Prairie Resort Marina docks could be high-and-dry in low-water years, after only a few months of summer. Since 2019, Jackson County Parks applied for and received grants from the Marine Board using a multi-phase approach to relocate the marina. Jackson County received grants for technical assistance, design and engineering, and construction to replace and relocate the short-term tie-up docks, purchase a new gangway and marina docks.

The project was completed in 2023, and Jackson County continued its path to excellence by implementing marina moorage rules for customers, which included requiring current motorboat registration, insurance and boat seaworthiness.

Howard Prairie Resort Marina is now complete, with new aquatic invasive species and oil spill prevention signage, a dump station to dispose of onboard portable toilet waste, and a land-side fuel station adjacent to the parking lot.

“Staff at the marina worked hard on implementing the standards and were able to do it in just one year,” said Glenn Dolphin, Clean Marina Coordinator. “Given the fact that Jackson County Parks is short-staffed and had a big winter of snow to dig out from to be ready for a very busy summer season, what they accomplished is very impressive.” Dolphin adds, “The marina scored 95% of the certification checklist, which is phenomenal for a new Clean Marina.”

Howard Prairie follows Joseph Stewart Resort Marina on Lost Creek Lake, which is also a Certified Clean Marina. Joseph Stewart Resort Marina passed its recertification on the same day, with flying colors.

“Clean water and boating go hand in hand. We are proud to be good stewards of our waterbodies by keeping them in quality condition by minimizing impacts of our boating facilities,” says Steve Lambert, Jackson County Roads and Parks Director. 

“Our team worked hard to achieve this status, which shows our dedication to our guests and the environment,” adds Andy Austill, Jackson County Parks Manager.

This voluntary program educates facility managers on how to protect and improve local water quality by promoting the use of environmentally sensitive practices at marinas. The program provides the tools, supplies, and consultation. Facilities earn certification regulations and clean marina practices, complying with existing environmental regulations, and committing to a cleaner marine environment to help protect Oregon’s waterways.

Howard Prairie Resort Marina also adheres to all applicable state environmental laws, which include using a heavy-duty hard-shell black plastic for dock flotation and encapsulation. Marina staff also have an emergency response plan and a new oil spill containment kit in the event of any spill-related incident.

The Oregon State Marine Board recognizes the hard work by Howard Prairie Resort Marina staff of achieving a record-setting Clean Marina certification process. Boaters can feel confident about mooring in the marina and have comfort in knowing the facility owners are going above and beyond to protect water quality on the reservoir.

Learn about the other 63 Marine Board-Certified Clean Marinas in Oregon.

 

ANNUAL OREGON BEACH CLEAN-UP PROJECT

Portland, Ore., September 30, 2025 – From September 20 through September 28, families, community organizations, and individuals across Oregon and Southwest Washington came together for the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, in partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union. The statewide effort, and centerpiece of Fall with SOLVE, aligned with three significant environmental dates: International Coastal Cleanup Day (September 20), National Public Lands Day (September 27), and World Rivers Day (September 28).

This year, approximately 822 volunteers across 14 counties participated in 77 events, from the Oregon Coast to inland rivers and urban neighborhoods. Together, they collected an estimated 9,784 pounds of litter and marine debris (equivalent to the weight of three school buses) while restoring habitats and preparing green spaces for the months ahead. Volunteers cleared approximately 743,420 square feet of invasive plants (covering an area the size of 13 basketball courts), mulched and maintained plants and trees, ensuring green spaces are prepared for the months ahead.

“This year’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup showed the strength of community partnerships: From expanding established programs like Pick It Up, Bend! to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with community groups like Loco por la Aventura,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “For nearly four decades, this cleanup has been at the heart of our work, uniting thousands of volunteers to protect the places we love. It remains one of the most important opportunities we have each year to care for our rivers, beaches, and neighborhoods, and to ensure they remain healthy for generations to come.”

A Season of Highlights
The Beach & Riverside Cleanup showcased the variety of projects and partnerships that fuel SOLVE’s mission across the region. Examples included:

Inaugural Pick It Up, Bend!, September 20, Downtown Bend

As part of this year’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup, SOLVE expanded its Pick It Up! series with the inaugural Pick It Up, Bend! The community-powered cleanup brought together residents, local businesses, and volunteers for a hands-on morning of removing litter and beautifying public spaces against the backdrop of the scenic Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater with the support of Old Mill District, Lithia Motors Green Cars, and Jackstraw (managed by Killian Pacific). SOLVE is already looking forward to bringing back this community-powered cleanup next September and expanding the Pick It Up! series further.

New partnership with Loco por la Aventura, Southeast Portland

On September 25, volunteers came together in Southeast Portland for Cleaner SE Together, a community cleanup hosted by SOLVE and Loco por la Aventura. Volunteers helped to tidy streets and shared spaces while strengthening community connections. The event honored Hispanic Heritage Month and highlighted the contributions of the Latino community in the Pacific Northwest. Loco por la Aventura is a nonprofit organization that promotes educational equity and outdoor engagement for the Latino community across the region. Through their new Basecamp Mountaineering Center, the organization provides gear sales and rentals, with all proceeds directly funding free outdoor programs, clinics, and adventures designed by and for the Latino community.

World Rivers Day Cleanup at Bonneville Lock and Dam, September 28, Cascade Locks
Volunteers joined U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Rangers to celebrate World Rivers Day and National Public Lands Day with a shoreline cleanup at Bonneville Lock and Dam. Together, they removed litter and fishing line from the Columbia River shoreline and invasive weeds from nearby areas, helping protect wildlife and water quality. Afterward, participants got rewarded with a ranger-led tour and underwater fish viewing, underscoring the connection between hands-on volunteer work and the health of our shared waterways.

From Source to Sea, Part of a Global Movement
The Beach & Riverside Cleanup connects local efforts to global initiatives. September 20 marked the 40th anniversary of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, uniting millions of volunteers worldwide to protect our oceans from harmful debris. Along the Oregon Coast, organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation, Friends of Netarts Bay, and watershed councils joined forces with local volunteers to advance these shared goals. At Siltcoos Beach, participants honored International Coastal Cleanup Day by removing marine debris near protected western snowy plover nesting sites, a critical habitat for these vulnerable birds.

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Volunteers
SOLVE expresses gratitude to the thousands of volunteers, community leaders, and partner organizations who made this year’s event possible. The 2025 Beach & Riverside Cleanup, in partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union, was proudly supported by Chevron, Clean Water Services, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., Knife River, KOIN, Malibu Rum, Metro, National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), Oregon Parks and Recreation, Tillamook, and Wells Fargo.

About SOLVE 

SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information.

 

Oregon joins in the celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October. It’s a time to celebrate the contributions people with disabilities make in workplaces and recognize businesses that support employees with disabilities.

This year’s theme of “celebrating value and talent” is reflected in Oregon throughout the year in the countless ways people with disabilities bring value to their jobs and communities.

In 2023, 47% of Oregon residents with disabilities ages 18 to 64 were employed, compared with 79.7% of people without disabilities — about a 33% gap (source). Several state employment programs work to help people with disabilities enter and stay in the workforce.

“Our communities and economy are stronger when people with disabilities are included,” said Allison Enriquez, Oregon’s Employment First Coordinator. “For too long, people with disabilities did not have equal access to good jobs with fair wages in their communities. Oregon is committed to building employment-related supports and connections so all have access to reach their potential and fully participate in their communities.”

NDEAM webinar series

Partners who deliver employment services invite everyone to join a series of webinars in October to celebrate workplace successes and educate the community about resources and services available for job seekers with disabilities.

Webinars are scheduled noon to 1:15 p.m. Oct. 7, 14 and 28 on Zoom. For details on each session and accessibility information, go to Oregon’s NDEAM event web page.

• 7 – Beyond the classroom: Celebrating work-based learning
• 14 – Building financial futures: work and save with Oregon ABLE and EPD
• 28 – Technology, artificial intelligence and employment

These events are hosted by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Developmental Disabilities Services and Vocational Rehabilitation program, Oregon Commission for the Blind and the Oregon Department of Education.

Employment resources for people with disabilities

Several state programs offer resources to support Oregon residents with disabilities in achieving, maintaining and advancing in employment.

• Office of Developmental Disabilities Serviceshas employment services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Vocational Rehabilitationhelps people with all kinds of disabilities find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
• Oregon Commission for the Blindhelps people with vision loss find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
• Ticket to Workis a free federal program for people who are blind or have a disability and receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. People who are 18 to 64 years old and want to work may access this program to prepare for work and find a job.
• Employed Persons with Disabilitiesis a Medicaid program that helps people with disabilities go to work while keeping their Medicaid coverage.
• Oregon ABLE Savings Planis a way people with disabilities can save for the future without the fear of losing needed government benefits.
• Free benefits counselingis available to answer job seekers’ questions about how working may affect their benefits.

Information on these programs is available on the ODHS web page “Get Help Finding a Job.”

 

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-show-info. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for ages 16 and younger. Timed entry tickets are first come, first served. Last year, all tickets sold within minutes.

“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.

 

 

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