Monday, October 6, 2025

Klamath Basin Weather

Today
Sunny, with a high near 68. Northeast wind 10 to 14 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. Clear with a low near 37 degrees, gusty winds 7-15 mph.

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Around the State of Oregon

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deploying any National Guard units to Oregon, including any members of the California National Guard.

A federal judge on Sunday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deploying any National Guard units to Oregon as Oregon and California had sought the temporary restraining order after the president sent guard members from California to Oregon earlier in the day.

On Saturday, the same judge temporarily blocked the administration from deploying Oregon National Guard troops to Portland.

A Pentagon spokesperson said in a statement that about 200 federalized members of the California National Guard who had been on duty around Los Angeles were being reassigned to Portland. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said about 100 arrived Saturday and around 100 more were en route Sunday. Kotek said there had been no formal communication with the federal government about the deployment.

But in a memo written by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth yesterday submitted to the court, said up to 400 Texas National Guard personnel were being activated for deployment to Oregon, Illinois and possibly elsewhere.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott authorized the call-up for Hegseth. “You can either fully enforce protection for federal employees or get out of the way and let Texas Guard do it,” he wrote.

The events in Oregon come a day after Illinois’ governor made a similar announcement about troops in his state being activated.

Oregon Kotek said the latest move by federal officials is an attempt to circumvent Saturday’s court ruling that blocked deployment of Oregon’s guard members.

“The facts on the ground in Oregon haven’t changed,” Kotek said during a news conference Sunday. “There’s no need for military intervention in Oregon. There’s no insurrection in Portland, there’s no threat to national security.”

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield stood with Kotek and is seeking an amended temporary restraining order against the deployment of any National Guard troops to Portland.

“What was unlawful yesterday is unlawful today,” Rayfield said. “The judge’s order was not some minor procedural point for the president to work around, like my 14-year-old does when he doesn’t like my answers.”

Rayfield added that Oregon “will absolutely not be a party to the president’s attempt to normalize the use of the United States military in our American cities.”

Portland’s violent protests are confined to about 5 city blocks near the U.S. Federal Building and ICE headquarters, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland.

Antifa and others have continued nightly protests as the government tries to protect federal property and employees after Trump called the city “war-ravaged.”

U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, appointed by Trump during his first term, issued the order pending further arguments in a lawsuit brought by the state and city. She said the relatively small protests did not justify the use of federalized forces and allowing the deployment could harm Oregon’s state sovereignty.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said Sunday that he saw federal agents engaged in what he described as unjustified use of force and indiscriminately spraying pepper spray and impact munitions during a protest outside the ICE facility.

“This is an aggressive approach trying to inflame the situation that has otherwise been peaceful,” Wilson said.

 

Meantime, as protests continue outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in South Portland, officials said two people were arrested on Sunday night.

Just before 8:20 p.m., while Portland police were monitoring the scene at the federal ICE building, and after gathering evidence, police said they arrested one person for harassment, two more for assault and disorderly conduct charges.

In total, local law officials said they have made 36 arrests in the area. The tension seems to be intensifying as now federal agents are beginning to use pepper bullets and smoke on the protesters outside the ICE building.

Last week’s federal government shutdown moved quickly in our state and stopped Oregon’s nearly 30,000 federal workers from coming into offices, and now the chance of furloughs, layoffs, delayed paychecks and an uncertain near future looms this week as we wait to see if Democrats will vote to open the government or keep it closed.

After Congress failed to reach a short-term funding agreement last Wednesday, roughly one-third of Oregon’s federal work force were sent home without pay, while another third — including airport screeners, border protection agents, VA medical staff, and others — must remain on the job but will not see paychecks until the shutdown ends.

The final third, such as employees of the U.S. Postal Service and Bonneville Power Administration, are not impacted by the shutdown, because their agencies operate with independent funding streams. 

For Oregon families, the shutdown could be disruptive in ways both obvious and subtle. Social Security and Medicare checks are expected to continue, but anyone needing a passport, a tax issue resolved, or help from agencies such as the IRS or Veterans Administration may encounter significant delays.

Nutrition assistance programs like WIC will remain funded only through mid-October, according to the Oregon Health Authority, while SNAP benefits could stretch about a month into the closure before interruptions occur. 

What stays open, what closes in Oregon Stays open: Airports and air travel – TSA screeners, air traffic controllers, and FAA safety staff will continue working without pay. The military and VA hospitals – Active duty personnel (including the National Guard troops expected to be deployed to Portland) as well as in-hospital medical care, and veterans’ health services will remain operational.

U.S. Postal Service – Mail delivery and post office operations are funded separately.

Weather reports – The National Weather Service will continue to provide forecasts and warning information. Bonneville Power Administration – Maintains the Northwest’s electrical grid with its own funding. Social Security and Medicare benefits – Checks will continue to be issued.

Likely disrupted or closed: Passport processing – Expect major delays, especially for expedited applications. Federal agency customer service – IRS, Veterans Administration, and Social Security offices will scale back, leaving many inquiries unanswered.

WIC benefits – Will continue through mid-October, but could lapse if the shutdown drags on. SNAP (food stamps) – Benefits will continue for several weeks but may run out if the impasse lasts.

Federal science and regulatory agencies – Workers at EPA, NOAA, USGS, Fish and Wildlife, and the Forest Service face furloughs. Stay tuned.

 

Springfield Special Education Teacher Honored as Oregon’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year

In a surprise announcement Friday, Springfield Public Schools special education teacher Sally Golden was named and celebrated as Oregon’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year.

Golden has been a special education teacher in the district for 20 years and has coordinated the Community Transition Program (CTP) for the past 14 years. She facilitates, writes and implements Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for young adult students with disabilities in the Springfield School District, with a focus on serving students in the four main areas of transition: employment skills, independent living, community participation and post-secondary education.

Prior to CTP, she taught special education at Springfield High School for six years and was a treatment team member for two years at Jasper Mountain Center, a residential home and day treatment program for children with significant trauma histories.

“Mrs. Golden embodies the profound influence that dedicated educators have on their students’ success,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “Her ability to build authentic partnerships with families and the Springfield community ensures that her students are supported with the resources they need and that they are valued as vital, contributing members of our society.”

“Mrs. Golden exemplifies the very best of Oregon education,” said Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education. “In a field too often overlooked, she has reimagined transitional special education by seeing her students not as ‘at-risk’ but as ‘at-hope’—radiating belief in their potential and purpose. With her expertise, humility, and gift for storytelling, Mrs. Golden is a trailblazer and a powerful advocate for inclusive, student-centered practices. We are proud to honor her as Oregon’s Teacher of the Year, knowing she will inspire educators and communities across the state.” 

“I continue to see each and every student as a unique individual worthy of respect, capable of growing, and open to influence,” Golden said in her application. 

Springfield’s Community Transition Program supports students with disabilities who complete high school with a modified diploma or certificate of completion and are eligible to continue receiving district special education transition services through the school year in which they turn 21 years of age. Through hands-on, community-based activities – such as work experience, cooking, shopping, city bus training, and recreation – students build independence and life skills. CTP staff also connect students with adult service agencies to ensure a smooth transition beyond district services. 

The Oregon Teacher of the Year program is sponsored by the Oregon Department of Education in partnership with the Oregon Lottery. Golden was celebrated as a Regional Teacher of the Year in September and will receive a $10,000 cash award as the 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year. A matching $5,000 is also awarded to the Community Transition Program.

“Mrs. Golden goes beyond offering what you find in a traditional classroom, helping students build the skills and connections to be successful in the real world,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We celebrate her leadership as an educator who is making sure these young adults have the opportunity to thrive in their community.” 

The Oregon Teacher of the Year is selected after an extensive application process. Nominees from schools throughout Oregon submitted packets of information including testimonials and letters of support from administrators, students and colleagues. From the written material, applicants were assessed on leadership, instructional expertise, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, professional development and vision.

As the 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year, Golden will serve as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers. She will also receive year-long professional development and networking with other state Teachers of the Year through the Council of Chief State School Officers’ National Teacher of the Year program.

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting the Oregon Teacher of the Year website. —(SOURCE)

 

MAN UNLAWFULLY LIVING IN OREGON CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING FBI AGENTS AND DISTRIBUTING CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

PORTLAND, Ore.—A man made his first appearance in federal court today after assaulting two Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents following his arrest on federal drug distribution charges.

Ezequiel Ramos Hernandez, 28, has been charged by criminal complaint with multiple felony crimes including Assaulting Federal Agents and Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.

According to court documents, on October 1, 2025, the FBI, along with the Woodburn and Salem Police Departments, executed a search warrant at Ramos Hernandez’s Woodburn hotel room. Agents seized distributable quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.

FBI agents arrested Ramos Hernandez and began driving him to be lodged on federal drug distribution charges. During the transport, Ramos Hernandez managed to escape from the moving vehicle while handcuffed. Two FBI agents chased Ramos Hernandez who actively resisted and was observed kicking one of the FBI agents in the face multiple times.  Ultimately, FBI agents were able to subdue Ramos Hernandez with the assistance of multiple civilian witnesses. Ramos Hernandez later told an FBI agent that he tried to escape from agents because he thought he was being deported. 

Defendant Ramos-Hernandez made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was detained pending further court proceedings.

Assaulting 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.

 

Tillamook County, Ore. – On Friday, October 3, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 6, near milepost 32, in Tillamook County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Mazda 3, operated by Brissa Guadalupe Olivarez Garcia (27) of Vancouver (WA), entered the eastbound passing lane for unknown reasons and struck an eastbound Scion Xd, operated by Deanna Kay Bollinger (57) of Garibaldi, head-on.

The operator of the Scion (Bollinger) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Mazda (Olivarez Garcia) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

 

Coos County, Ore. – On Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 10:44 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 42, near milepost 27, in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Chevrolet 1500, operated by Heather Renee Leach (37) of Reedsport, lost control and spun into the westbound lane. The Chevrolet struck a westbound Ford F-350, operated by Nicholas Glenn Taylor (56) of Grants Pass, head-on.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Leach) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Ford (Taylor) and a passenger, Holly Helene Taylor (53) of Grants Pass, were injured and transported to an area hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately two hours. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

 

New Parking Fees at 21 Oregon State Parks

Beginning on October 1, visitors will be required to pay a parking fee at 21 Oregon State Parks where fees were previously exempted.

As stated by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), this modification is part of a strategy to tackle a 14% budget deficit, with the extra revenue aimed at sustaining current service levels throughout the state. Some of the parks impacted include: Farewell Bend Beverly Beach Face Rock Sunset Bay Bullards Beach Harris Beach Valley of the Rogue

The daily parking fee is established at $10 per vehicle for residents of Oregon and $12 for visitors from out of state.

OPRD indicates that this change will assist in funding maintenance, staffing, and visitor services as expenses continue to increase. For further information, including a comprehensive list of affected parks and options for annual passes, please visit the Oregon State Parks website at stateparks.oregon.gov.

 

The United States Postal Service has announced its official mailing deadlines for the 2025 holiday season, assisting customers in planning ahead to ensure timely delivery of their cards and packages.

For those sending items within the contiguous 48 states, the following send-by dates are recommended:

December 17 for USPS Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail (which includes holiday cards and small packages)

December 18 for Priority Mail

December 20 for Priority Mail Express, the quickest domestic shipping option offered by USPS.

USPS advises customers to ship early, use trackable services, and consider acquiring insurance for valuable items. Flat-rate boxes and shipping supplies can be obtained at local post offices and online at usps.com, where a comprehensive list of holiday deadlines, including those for international and military shipping, is also available.

 

 

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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