Klamath Basin News, Monday, 10/20/25- Klamath River Restoration Funds Cut By Fed; KWUA Hires New Water Resources Project Mgr; Immigration Rights Group Suing ICE; KF Scarecrow Row is Saturday

The latest and most comprehensive coverage of local News, Sports, Business, and Community News stories in the Klamath Basin, Southern Oregon and around the state of Oregon from Wynne Broadcasting’s KFLS News/Talk 1450AM / 102.5FM, The Herald and News, and BasinLife.com, and powered by Mick Insurance. Call them at 541-882-6476.

 

Monday, October 20, 2025

Klamath Basin Weather

Today
Sunny, with a high near 62. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Overnight, clear with a low near 32 degrees.

Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 67. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Overnight low near 35.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.
Thursday
Partly sunny, with a high near 67.
Friday
A chance of rain after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59.
Saturday
Rain likely. Snow level near 5800 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.
 

Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines


Today, City Water Division crews will be performing preventative maintenance on the water system in the area around West Oregon and California Avenues.

During this time, some customers may experience reduced water pressure, but normal pressure will be restored once the work is completed.  The work may cause some discolored water, which is temporary and is not harmful.

Please check tap water for discoloration prior to starting laundry. If water is cloudy, run ONLY cold-water faucets until the water clears.

See the map below for areas affected, which are highlighted in yellow. Water Division Staff would like to thank citizens in advance for their patience during this maintenance downtime.

If you would like more information, please call the Water Division at (541) 883-5388 or the City Public Works Department at (541) 883-5363.

 

The Klamath Falls Police Department is pleased to introduce our newest police officer, Ryan Settle.

Ryan was born and raised in Klamath Falls and played football, basketball, track, and golf at Henley High School. Ryan joined the Army National Guard at 17 and is currently serving as a Scout Platoon Leader.

Ryan deployed to Kuwait and Jordan for a year. Ryan graduated from Western Oregon University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He spent some time living in Georgia, Happy Valley, and Hermiston but found his way back to Klamath Falls. Ryan was employed as a Sheriff Deputy at Klamath County Sheriff’s Office for two and a half years, and has now joined the city police department here.

 

Klamath Water Users Association announced the hiring of Wyatt Kane as its new Water Resources Project Manager, effective November 3rd.

In this role, Mr. Kane will support KWUA’s mission to ensure reliable water use across the Klamath Basin by managing key water resource projects, coordinating with member districts, and advancing technical and engineering initiatives that benefit Basin agriculture and the broader community. 

Raised in the agricultural community of Northern California, Mr. Kane brings a background in agricultural engineering and hands-on project experience. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering, focusing on irrigation practices, water conveyance systems, and groundwater management.

Kane’s professional background includes working on reservoir development and canal restoration projects alongside his father, a general contractor, as well as engineering support for the California Strawberry Commission and JP Donovan Construction. This combination of technical training and field experience provides a solid foundation for his work at KWUA.

 

The Klamath National Forest is planning to conduct prescribed fire operations this fall and winter, pending all required approvals and as weather conditions allow.

These prescribed burns are used to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from wildfires. The Klamath has many projects ready to go for burning to capitalize on ideal burn conditions, which are different for each project. Not all projects listed will be completed this fall and winter.

Prescribed burns planned for the Klamath National Forest include the Goosenest Ranger District for the Cedar Mountain Underburn, 10 miles southeast of Macdoel, up to 600 acres and the First Creek Underburn, north of Highway 97 near Grass Lake totalling 225 acres.

 

Those interested in learning about the work happening to address homelessness in Klamath County can share their thoughts about homelessness at a Town Hall meeting Thursday, Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Oregon Tech College Union Auditorium.

The Klamath Basin Faith-based Council, a workgroup associated with the Healthy Klamath Network, is sponsoring the event to learn more about what is being done for the homeless and to learn about the needs of agencies serving homeless people.

Speakers have been invited from the Gospel Mission, Klamath Lake Community Action Services, Thrive Church’s Warming Shelter and the Veterans Administration. After short presentations, the floor will be open for comments and to learn more about other resources.

 

Bonanza Jr/Sr High School is expanding their ag science program to include sheep, chickens, and more.

Over the past few years, the Bonanza school’s agriculture program has expanded into a multifaceted operation that blends science, business, and craftsmanship.

Students now manage a chicken flock, care for sheep, tend gardens of fruits and vegetables, and operate farm machinery—all while learning real-world lessons and building skills that sustain their rural community. After gathering the eggs from the chicken coop, students ran them through an egg washer, readying them for sale and use.

The school’s hens produce about 14 dozen eggs each week, which are sold locally at the Bonanza General Store and also used in the school cafeteria. The process connects students to farm-to-table practices and the fundamentals of small-business management. The sheep birthing pen is a creative project that utilizes metal from an old playground swing set as its base.

Local community members donated wood and other materials, and students will wrap the structure in lumber and add a metal roof to provide a safe, sturdy shelter for future lambing seasons.

 

Claiming the Klamath River restoration projects “no longer match its goals,” the Federal Department of the Interior has revoked $2.1 million for seven projects along the Klamath River in Northern California being done by the Mid Klamath Watershed Council (MKWC).

The work included wildfire prevention, habitat restoration, and surveys of Chinook salmon. The $2.1 million represents the council’s remaining unspent grant funds for the projects.

The funding cut, however, does not impact other ongoing restoration work. Dave Meurer, community affairs spokesman for RES (Resource Environmental Solutions), the restoration contractor for the Klamath River work, said the funding cut to MKWC will not affect work by RES, which is funded by the states of California and Oregon, and PacifiCorp, “so full speed ahead.”

Impacts of the funding cut, apparently limited to MKWC, which is based in Orleans, Calif., a community along the Klamath River, were explained by Carol Earnest, MKWC’s associate director, in a statement issued earlier this week. She said the termination of federal funds was announced on Sept. 23 and took effect immediately.

According to MKWC, the notice cited the same reason for all seven of the funding terminations, with Interior saying, “This award no longer effectuates the priorities of the United State Fish and Wildlife Service. Projects impacted include Chinook salmon monitoring, habitat restorations, collaborative resource stewardship, and wildfire prevention and fuels reductions.”

Earnest said the Chinook monitoring data is “crucial for understanding population dynamics for Fall Chinook in the Klamath and informs harvest guidelines for recreational and commercial fishing.” And, as a result, “We’re gonna certainly have to slow down this project work. And we may not be able to complete the projects.”

According to information on the MKWC website, “As a result of these abrupt grant terminations, we have had to make the difficult decision to reduce the scope of these projects that reflect the priorities of — and are responsive to the needs of — our region’s rural communities. As one of the largest employers in the Mid Klamath region, MKWC works closely with local contractors and partners to implement these projects. The ripple effects of this federal government decision could be significant with expected economic impacts to follow from the project shutdowns.

“For more than two decades, MKWC projects have earned broad support from residents in the rural communities that make up the Mid Klamath region. We also have a long history of bipartisan support for this work from local to federal elected officials. We believe that lasting rural prosperity depends on collaboration across communities, sectors, and political lines, guided by the shared values that unite our region and its people.”

For more about the Mid Klamath Watershed Council visit their website awww.mkwc.or  
– Thanks to LEE JUILLERAT, The Herald and News

 
 

A local branch of an international organization that supports women has opened the application period for local women who want to better their circumstances.

For women seeking financial assistance with higher education or professional training, Soroptimist International of Klamath Falls is accepting applications for awards of up to $10,000.  The news release from Soroptimist said the funds can be used to offset costs associated with their efforts such as books, tuition, childcare and transportation.  The awards are intended specifically for women who are the primary wage earners for their families.
 
Awards are also available at a regional level. For more information and to apply, visit the Soroptimist International of America website at soroptimist.org or contact Cheryl Matchett at 541-892-2819. Applications are due by November 15th. 

 

 

With falling temperatures, local youth are in need of winter apparel in the Klamath Basin.

Windermere Real Estate’s Coats for Kids Drive is now accepting new and gently used coats, boots, gloves, hats, and scarves for children through Oct. 26. Donations can be dropped off at any Southern Oregon Windermere office. In-person drop-offs are accepted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at locations in Ashland, Medford, Jacksonville, Eagle Point, Shady Cove, and Klamath Falls. As principal broker Devin Zupan noted, every donation helps provide comfort for kids during winter.
 

 

Klamath County Public Works Department announced the following roadwork project to be undertaken next week:

Silver Lake Road, milepost 5-9 — Road construction, expect daytime travel lane closures Monday, Oct. 20 through Friday, Oct. 24. Flaggers will be present.

 

MEETINGS in the Klamath Basin

MONDAY, OCT. 20 — Klamath Falls City Council meeting, 7 p.m., Council Chambers, 55 Klamath Ave. Agenda: go.boarddocs.com/or/cokf/Board.nsf/Public.

TUESDAY, OCT. 21 —

Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee meeting, 8:30-10 a.m., room 214, Government Center, 305 Main St., Klamath Falls.

Council of Governments meeting, 6-7 p.m., room 219 Government Center, 305 Main St., Klamath Falls.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 22 —

BOCC Executive Session, 2-2:30 p.m., room 214, Government Center, 305 Main St., Klamath Falls.

BOCC Legal and Human Resources meeting, 2:30-3 p.m., room 214, Government Center, 305 Main St., Klamath Falls.

BOCC Work Session, 3-5 p.m., room 214, Government Center, 305 Main St., Klamath Falls.

Roads Advisory Committee meeting, 3-5 p.m., Government Center Public Works conference room, Klamath Falls.

Basin Transit Service Transportation District Board of Directors meeting, 4:15 p.m., 1130 Adams St. Join virtually: tinyurl.com/BasinTransit

Langell Valley Irrigation District budget meeting, 6 p.m., 9787 E. Langell Valley Rd. Bonanza.

 

EVENTS in the Klamath Basin

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 22— Klamath Tree League Arboretum Autumn Spruce-Up work day, noon, bring work gloves

Oct. 22- Klamath IDEA Talks! Featuring local strategist and entrepreneur Marcio Nunes (moved from Oct. 15), 2229 N Eldorado Ave., Klamath Falls

 

Scarecrow Row in Downtown Klamath Falls is almost here!  Festivities start this Saturday, October 25th at 10:00 AM. 

The Children’s Costume Parade (10:00am starts at 9th & Main, downtown Klamath Falls.) Then the Trick or Treating begins immediately following the parade.  Visit participating downtown businesses for some spooky treats! Each business will have goodies for all the little ghouls and goblins.

Along with pumpkin painting, a scarecrow display and the last Farmers Market of the season, it’s a great time to bring your family and friends for a morning full of fun, festivities, and fall spirit!

 

Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services is teaming up with the Klamath Basin Senior Center for a double dose of Halloween fun this year!

Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services  Sensory Friendly Hour: Museum Monster Mash is October 24th | 5:00 – 6:00 PM  at the Klamath County Museum – 1451 Main Street.

This sensory-friendly Halloween celebration is designed for individuals and families seeking a more accessible event experience. Costumes welcome! RSVP Required: Call 541-882-1000 to reserve your spot.

Then on Halloween, October 31st  swing by the Trunk or Treat event at the Klamath County Museum, and after that head on over to the Senior Center for even more Halloween excitement! Two great events, one spooky night — don’t miss out! Klamath Basin Senior Center at 2045 Arthur Street is set for an evening of Halloween fun – perfect for all ages!

With a Not-So-Scary Haunted House and Trunk or Treat Fun plus a Fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner from 4–7 PM

Bring the whole family for spooky (but not too spooky!) fun, sweet treats, and a delicious dinner — all while supporting a great cause! $10 for Adults – $5 for Kids.

 

 

Several major roads within Crater Lake National Park—including the North Entrance Road, East Rim Drive, and West Rim Drive are now closed.

As a result, Cleetwood Cove Trail, the sole access point to the lake, will also be closed. Additionally, the trail is scheduled to remain inaccessible from 2026 to 2029 due to an extensive reconstruction project, during which concession boat tours will be suspended. Not all park roads will be impacted; Highway 62 and the road to Rim Village will remain open.
 
Visitors planning trips this weekend are advised to prepare for potentially snowy and icy driving conditions. Limited services are available at this time due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Steel Information Center operates daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the Rim Village Center and Sinnott Memorial Overlook are closed for the season.
 
Seasonal closures affecting amenities include the Crater Lake Lodge and dining room which will close tomorrow and Mazama Village Camper Store, and gas pumps. Other facilities already closed for the season are the Mazama Village Motor Inn, Mazama Campground, Annie Creek Restaurant, and gift shop.  
 
 
 

COMING TO THE RAGLAND THEATER IN OCTOBER

 

Paul Reiser Comedy Show

The Ross Ragland Theater 218 N 7th Street, Klamath Falls, OR, United States
Comedian, actor, television writer, author and musician Paul Reiser is one of Hollywood’s most prolific creatives.
 

Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary

Get ready to do the Time Warp again! Tickets are now on sale for the Ross Ragland Theater’s annual showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and this year’s event is extra special, marking the cult classic film’s 50th anniversary. For over a decade, the theater has hosted the interactive screening, and it’s become a beloved Halloween tradition in Klamath Falls. Expect a wild and rowdy night full of audience participation, dancing, and plenty of props, which will be provided for guests to toss during the movie. Fans are also encouraged to dress the part, with a costume contest featuring characters like Magenta, Columbia, and of course, Dr. Frank-N-Furter. So grab your corsets, fishnets, and glitter and prepare for a night of fun.
 
The show is set for Wednesday, October 30, and tickets are just $15, available now at ragland.org. Tickets are now available for the Ross Ragland Theater’s annual screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, celebrating its 50th anniversary.
 
For over ten years, this interactive event has been a popular Halloween tradition in Klamath Falls, featuring audience participation, dancing, props, and a costume contest with characters like Magenta, Columbia, and Dr. Frank-N-Furter. The show takes place Wednesday, October 30, and tickets are $15 at ragland.org.
 
 

The Linkville Players is excited to kick off the 15th season of its Little Linkville, Plays for Children series with an original work titled The Scarivore.

The show runs October 18, 19, 25 & 26. Saturday performances are at 1pm. Sunday performances are at 1pm and 3pm. General admission tickets are priced at just $3 each and are available in advance in person at Poppy on Main or at the door of the theater at 201 Main Street(on a first come, first serve basis) prior to each performance.
 
Just in time for the scares and thrills of Halloween, this silly 40 minute long show tells the story of a group of middle school kids who stumble across a magical pet shop filled with mythical creatures including mogwai, tribbles, phoenixes and a mysterious creature called ‘the scarivore.’ 
 
The show also features lots of silly pop culture references, a zany chase scene and a lot of heart.  
 

 

Dont Miss These Events Coming To The Klamath County Library

Details on how to participate are at each link.  Call the library at 541-882-8894 for more information.
 
 
 

Around the State of Oregon

Roughly 4,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers across Oregon and Southwest Washington ended their five-day strike as scheduled Sunday morning.

The strike, organized by the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, concluded at 7 a.m. Sunday, as the company announced it had returned to normal operations.

Meanwhile, negotiations continue, with bargaining scheduled for October 22 and 23, according to Kaiser.

 

Brian Keith Kapileo Nepaial, 38, of Aloha, has been charged by criminal complaint with pointing a laser at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Helicopter and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

According to court documents, on October 3, 2025, a CBP helicopter was struck by a green laser, causing it to abort its planned landing. The fligh crew observed an individual walking near a residence and disappearing.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified the residence and, on October 10, 2025, executed a federal search warrant at the residence. FBI special agents seized a laser from the bedroom of Kapileo Nepaial and found over 100 grams of methamphetamine and evidence of drug trafficking.

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 34 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed in connection with the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

 

Oregon immigration rights groups sue ICE alleging it is preventing access to lawyers

Two immigration rights group say feds began targeted immigration operations throughout Willamette Valley on Oct. 15th, and advocacy groups are now suing three federal immigration agencies. They allege ICE is purposefully denying people in detention centers access to their lawyers before transferring them out of state.

The suit was brought against the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the ICE field office in Seattle, as well as the leaders of each agency, by  CLEAR Clinic, a Portland-based legal nonprofit that provides free immigration counsel, and Woodburn-based Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste — also known as PCUN, Oregon’s largest Latino labor union.

The groups are represented by Innovation Law Lab, a Portland-based legal nonprofit that specializes in immigrant and refugee cases.

Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem, Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, Cammilla Wamsley, director of ICE’s Seattle field office, and Pete Flores, acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection are named in the suit.

 

All Oregon Department of Forestry districts have terminated fire restrictions, marking the end of the 2025 Oregon fire season declaration.

Combined, lightning-and human-caused fire brought roughly 100 more fire starts on ODF-protected land compared to 2024 fire season. In response, the departments protection districts and division took on the challenge. Year to date, there have been 1,135 fires on ODF-protected lands resulting in 24,275 acres burned.

ODF Complex Incident Management Teams (CIMT) have been mobilized six times to wildfires this year. Statewide to date, regardless of jurisdiction, there have been 2,965 fires that have burned 338,740 acres.

 

After months of urging state lawmakers to pass a Transportation Bill, citing impending layoffs and road safety concerns, Governor Tina Kotek still has not signed House Bill 3991, more than two weeks after the Legislature passed it.

After failing to pass House Bill 2025 during the regular session, the Governor called a Special Session over Labor Day weekend to pass a scaled-down version of the bill. However, she was noticeably absent to defend her own legislation, and listen to the majority of Oregonians who opposed to it.

In delaying signing it, the governor is preventing Oregonians from collecting the signatures needed to refer the bill to the ballot for voter approval, which must be done within 90 days of the Legislatures’ adjournment on October 1st.   

“This is a calculated move to silence voters,” said Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr (R-Dundee). “Governor Kotek and the Democrat supermajority know Oregonians would reject this massive tax and fee hike if given the chance. She needs to stop hiding behind procedural delays and sign the bill now.”

 

HA will increase Oregon Medicaid insurer payments in 2026

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced it is working closely with multiple partners to make necessary adjusts to protect quality health care access for Medicaid members, despite increasing health care costs, federal changes, increased utilization, and changes to insurance contracts.

To help stabilize Oregon’s Medicaid system in the face of escalating costs and utilization, OHA will increase payments to Oregon Health Plan (OHP / Medicaid) insurers, also known as coordinated care organizations (CCOs), by an average of 10.2% in 2026. “These rates reflect OHA’s commitment to maintaining quality care for OHP members, while recognizing the financial strain facing CCOs statewide. The increase will also require the agency to take targeted policy steps to contain costs and ensure long-term program sustainability,” the agency stated.

“We’re investing more now to protect the stability of our Medicaid system, but that means we must be equally disciplined about controlling future costs,” said OHA Director Sejal Hathi, M.D., M.B.A. “Our focus is on safeguarding access to care today while keeping the program strong for years to come.”

 

Stabilizing the system through partnership

OHA previously announced that collectively, Oregon CCOs had a nearly break-even 2024, with all 16 CCOs having a small average net operating income of $129,000, resulting in a net operating margin of 0.001%. Total CCO expenditures per member grew by more than 10% between 2023 and 2024. Through June 30, 2025, CCOs collectively had a 0.02% profit margin this year. While these are averages there is variation between CCO experience.

The 2026 rate adjustment is designed to help CCOs manage these pressures and maintain provider networks, even as OHA works to balance program costs with available funding.

More than 1.4 million people in Oregon — including adults with lower incomes, children, older adults, and people with disabilities — receive coverage through OHP. OHA contracts with 16 CCOs across the state to coordinate physical, behavioral, and dental health care for members.

Cost containment

A large driver of recent OHP cost growth has been behavioral health care, demand for which grew following the pandemic.

“While OHA established directed behavioral health payments to help providers meet that need, demand continued to grow and CCOs have paid more than anticipated in recent years. To further contain costs, CCOs may negotiate lower payments with their contracted providers. At the same time, providers are looking to right-size their own finances. Today’s challenges mean everyone is being forced to make difficult decisions,” OHA detailed.

To offset higher CCO rates, OHA has been working in partnership with CCOs to evaluate a variety of cost-containing measures; these include:

– Offering additional funding if CCOs have behavioral health costs that exceed revenue in 2026, while also requiring CCOs to refund OHA if they have low behavioral health costs next year.

– Reducing funding for the CCO Quality Incentive Program, which offers an annual financial bonus for improving care quality. The program is one of many ways that OHA encourages quality improvement.

– Narrowing eligibility requirements for enhanced directed behavioral health payments to providers who offer team-based care, which better supports people with the most complex behavioral health conditions. Pending federal approval, this change could be effective Jan. 1, 2026.

– These changes are part of ongoing efforts to ensure that every public dollar continues to deliver maximum value for the people of Oregon.

OHA’s collaborative efforts with CCOs and partners have led to renewed contracts for 2026 in most regions. One CCO did decline service for a specific market, but OHA is working to confirm coverage through another CCO.

PacificSource notified OHA on Sept. 18 that it would not renew its CCO contract for Lane County. About 92,000 people living in Lane County currently have their Medicaid benefits managed by PacificSource, while another CCO, Trillium Community Health Plan, serves another 36,000 people in that county.

Based on OHA’s review of information provided by Trillium, with the interest to ensure clarity for providers and members and time for Trillium to take meaningful actions to expand their network, OHA is moving forward to allow the CCO to broaden coverage to all OHP members in Lane County for 2026.

To allow more than 90 days for the transition of members between CCOs, OHA is working with PacificSource on the potential to continue to serve as a CCO in the region until Feb. 1, 2026. This agreement is still in process and OHA is confirming details. Already included in the agreement is a mandatory “transition of care” period, where Trillium would be required to ensure that members have uninterrupted, appropriate access to services previously authorized by their former CCO and make accommodations for OHP members in specific care circumstances.  -story from our partner Herald&News

 

Oregon Army National Guard Col. Philip R. DeMontigny is officially pinned to the rank of Brigadier General with the assistance of his son Alek and daughter Grace, and joined by his wife, Dr. Amanda Bielawski, during his official promotion ceremony held at the Jackson Armory in Portland, Oregon, on October 19, 2025. DeMontigny currently serves as the Assistant Adjutant General – Army for the Oregon National Guard. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

THE OREGON NATIONAL GUARD GENERAL OFFICER PROMOTION CEREMONY FOR COL. PHILIP R. DEMONTIGNY 

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Army National Guard Col. Philip R. DeMontigny was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the Oregon National Guard during a ceremony held in his honor at the W.D. Jackson Armory in Portland, Oregon, on October 19, 2025.

The Presiding Officer for the ceremony was Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, described a long list of DeMontigny’s accomplishments with family, friends, co-workers, and other guests in attendance.

“Phil, your promotion to Brigadier General represents the culmination of nearly three decades of exceptional service, but it also marks the beginning of new responsibilities and opportunities,” Gronewold said. “You have earned this rank through your dedication, your courage, and your unwavering commitment to those you lead.”

DeMontigny currently serves as the Assistant Adjutant General – Army for the Oregon National Guard and has served in the Active Duty Army, Army Reserves, and Army National Guard. He began his military career when he enlisted as an infantryman in March of 1996, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York.

In his civilian career, DeMontigny retired in 2024 after 23 years serving with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He now works as the Agency Risk and Emergency Manager for the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services.

Brig. Gen. DeMontigny’s military education culminated with a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. War College in 2019, and he currently resides in Olympia, Washington.

 

Circular Action Alliance launched Oregon’s first RecycleOn Oregon drop-off center in Ashland, marking a national milestone.

Over 140 more locations will open statewide. The center accepts packaging not collected by regular recycling bins, such as stretchy plastics, lids, handles, buckets, pails, shredded paper, and aluminum foil, which require special handling. Located at 220 Water Street, it aims to make recycling simpler and more effective as part of the state’s new program started July 1st.
 
Funded by packaging and paper brands, the initiative shifts costs away from consumers and government, making Oregon the first state to adopt this funding approach.
 

 

Income tax Information From The State of Oregon

Salem, OR—More than 2.1 million Oregonians have filed their tax year 2024 state personal income tax returns this year.  If you forget and file after the extension deadline, you could be subject to additional penalties,” said Megan Denison, Personal Tax and Compliance Division administrator with the Oregon Department of Revenue. “Our best advice for taxpayers is to get their returns in as soon as possible.
 
”In addition to filing sooner rather than later, the department offers the following information for taxpayers who still need to file their state return.
 
File electronically. E-filingis the fastest way for taxpayers to get their tax refund. Nearly 95 percent of those who have already filed this year, have filed electronically. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks. Taxpayers should file just once. Sending a paper return through the mail after e-filing will delay a refund.
 
Free filing options Revenue provides several options for taxpayers to e-file their returns for free. Oregon Free Fillable Forms performs basic calculations and is ideal for taxpayers who don’t need help preparing their returns and want the convenience of filing electronically. The IRS offers a similar option for filing federal taxes electronically.
 
New this year, taxpayers can file their federal return directly with the IRS using IRS Direct File and their Oregon return directly with the state through Direct File Oregon for free. Videos are available to show how to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. Information about all available free tax preparation software options is available on the Revenue website, along with a list of organizations providing free assistance.
 
Where’s my refund? tool and video Revenue has issued nearly 1.5 million refunds already this year, most within two weeks of filing. Taxpayers wondering about the refund on their tax year 2024 return, can use the Oregon Department of Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? tool to check its status and, if they want more information, watch a video outlining the refund timelines to better understand the process.
 
Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, see a list of approved tax preparation software products, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments. For questions not answered on our website, call 800-356-4222 toll-free (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 or email questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls.
 
Due to the number of calls Revenue receives during tax season, you may experience extended wait times. 

 

 

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.
 
 

A rare sky watching event is on the way this week — two comets visible in the same month and meteor showers from another one!

Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) and Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) are expected to brighten enough to be spotted with the naked eye around October 20–23, 2025.

Grab a spot under dark skies, take your binoculars if you have them, and don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime double comet show.

Though Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) has been in view for a few days, on Tuesday October 21st, it will be at its closest approach to Earth. While the comet is visible in the northern hemisphere, the best viewing time is after sunset, low in the northwestern sky. Binoculars or a camera with a night-sky setting will likely provide the best view, and a scenic foreground can help frame the comet. 

To view Comet Lemmon, look low in the northwestern sky. Start looking about 90 minutes after sunset.

The comet will appear as a faint, hazy ‘cloud’ or a more condensed, brighter spot near the center. It will have a greenish coma and a faint blue tail.

Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) can be found in the evening sky throughout October and is best spotted in the hours following sunset, before it sinks low on the south-southwest horizon. The comet will be positioned approximately 5 degrees to the upper left of the star Xi Serpentis in the eastern section of the constellation Serpens. A stargazing app on your mobile device can help you locate the comet if you’re unfamiliar with these stars.

Also… October 21–22, 2025, the night sky will come alive with bright streaks of light that are remnants of Halley’s Comet burning through Earth’s atmosphere.

The Orionids are one of the most captivating meteor showers of the year, producing up to 20 meteors per hour under dark, clear skies. These meteors are known for their speed and brilliance, often leaving glowing trails that linger for seconds.

 Best time to watch is after midnight, when the constellation Orion rises high in the sky.  They’ll be visible from both hemispheres, though the Northern Hemisphere will enjoy slightly better views.

 Tip: Find a dark, open spot away from city lights, bring a blanket or reclining chair, and let your eyes adjust for 20 minutes — no telescope needed!

Each flash of light connects us to Halley’s Comet, a timeless traveler that last passed near Earth in 1986 and will return in 2061. Until then, these fiery fragments remind us of our place in the vast, beautiful universe.

 
   

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