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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Light south southeast wind. Overnight, partly cloudy with a low of 29 degrees.
See Road Camera Views around the Klamath Basin:
Lake of the Woods
Doak Mtn.
Hiway 97 at Chemult
Hiway 140 at Bly
Hiway 97 at GreenSprings Dr.
Hiway 97 at LaPine
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
Record 1.17 million Oregonians expected to travel for Thanksgiving
Travel experts are predicting record levels of travel this Thanksgiving holiday in Oregon and nationwide.
AAA Oregon estimates about 82 million Americans, or 24% of the population, will travel 50 miles or more over the long holiday stretch, mainly to visit family. That’s a 2% increase over last year, and it’s a record, said spokesperson Marie Dodds.
“The busiest times are the Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings before Thanksgiving,” Dodds said, “and then again on Sunday and Monday afternoons and evenings after travelers return home.”
The vast majority of people, 90%, will drive to their destinations. About 7.5% percent will fly, and that’s also expected to be a record, bucking worries that the aftereffects of the government shutdown would hinder air travel. The remaining 2.5% of travelers will take a bus, a train or a cruise ship. Dodds said Thanksgiving cruises are more popular than ever.
“The numbers are pretty staggering,” said Dodds, “1.17 million Oregonians will go over the river and through the woods for turkey and trimmings this year.”
If you’re planning to drive to your destination, AAA recommends making sure your vehicle is ready to travel long distances. Last year, the company rescued 600,000 Americans on the roadside, including 6,500 Oregonians.
Dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires were the top issues.
Visit AAA.com/winterprep for tips and travel advice, including what to put in an emergency kit.
The Lomax Arena located at the Klamath County Event Center is currently closed for equine activities until further notice due to an outbreak of Equine herpesvirus (EHV-1).
This closure is temporary, and updates will be communicated through the appropriate channels, including social media. Several event centers in the Pacific Northwest have also announced closures or cancellations of events in response to the EHV-1 outbreak, prioritizing the safety and well-being of animals. This situation is having a significant impact on the regional equine community.
To obtain the most up-to-date information regarding the status of events or access to facilities, it is advisable to: Contact the KCEC office directly at +1 541-883-3796 or visit their official website’s event calendar.
Keep an eye on the official KCEC Facebook page for real-time updates and announcements, as temporary closures are frequently posted there first. Always confirm the status of events before traveling, and review biosecurity measures if you intend to attend any equine events in the area.
Another successful year of planning and developing trails in the Klamath Basin was commemorated at the annual meeting of the Klamath Trails Alliance.
“It was another fruitful season with over $260,000 allocated for new trails and enhancements to trailheads,” remarked Drew Honzel regarding this year’s accomplishments. He and others provided updates on a variety of projects, which included trail work at Spence Mountain, Moore Park, the High Lakes region, Fish Lake, Rye Spur, segments of the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Geo Trail. In total, KTA’s stewardship area encompasses 140 miles.
The organization boasts 148 members, an increase of 44 compared to 2024. The board members include Jeremy Morris, Mark Goodman, Heather Berg, and Luke Mountz. Board members Kevin Jones and John Bellon will retire on January 1.
Members collectively contributed 3,300 volunteer hours, setting a new record and reflecting an 81 percent increase in hours from 2024. In 2025, five miles of new trails were constructed, including an extension of the Geo Trail. A significant upgrade involved the installation of two vault toilets at Spence Mountain.
World Ballet Company presents ‘The Nutcracker’ at Ragland Theater
Sunday, November 30, 2025 • 2:00 pm (Matinee) & 6:00 pm
A Magical Holiday Adventure Awaits!
Celebrate the season with The Nutcracker—a festive, family-friendly ballet full of holiday magic, whimsical characters, and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music to sweep you up in the moment.
Featuring 40 international dancers, over 150 hand-crafted costumes, and enchanting sets, World Ballet Company’s beloved production is the perfect tradition to share with loved ones.
About the Company: Based in Los Angeles, and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, the World Ballet Company presents the most beloved and iconic ballets of our time in cities nationwide.
Make this year’s holiday one to remember. BUY TICKETS, CLICK HERE
For more Ragland Events, Click here: https://ragland.org/
Food supplies have once again become abundant at the local food bank. The Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank is being consistently restocked due to the tremendous backing from the community, local businesses, and state funding.
Executive Director Lori Garrard stated that this is made possible by the fantastic communities that the nonprofit serves. The 1-Ton Fundraiser received local backing from sponsors who contributed 1-ton bundles of food at a cost of $500 each. According to Garrard, these sponsorships generated approximately $90,000, which is more than double their initial target.
In addition, they received $136,000 in emergency funds from the state during the federal government shutdown. However, similar to many food resource organizations, the Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank still faces challenges. For further details on how and when to donate, as well as how to obtain food assistance, please visit klamathfoodbank.org.
Klamath County is currently inviting applicants to join several of its advisory bodies that have upcoming or existing vacancies.
Citizens who are interested in volunteering for these positions are required to submit their applications online by December 1. The application form is accessible on the website klamathcounty.org in the newsflash section.
Available positions include those on the BUDGET COMMITTEE, the DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE, the ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT REVIEW PANEL, the ELECTED OFFICIALS COMPENSATION BOARD, the FAIR BOARD, the KLAMATH HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, the LAW LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE, the SPENCE MOUNTAIN MAINTENANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, and the TOURISM GRANT REVIEW PANEL.
Once again, applications will be accepted until December 1st.
Downtown Klamath Falls to Host Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at
Klamath Commons
The Klamath Falls Downtown Association (KFDA) invites the community to gather for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the Klamath Commons, located at the corner of 11th and Main Street.
Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., with the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree at 6:00p.m.
Families can enjoy hot cocoa, festive entertainment, a special visit from Santa and our Klamath County Princesses, who will be available for greetings and photos.
Before the tree is lit, the Mayor of Klamath Falls and the KFDA President will offer welcoming remarks, sharing wishes of blessings, good health, and a holiday season filled with time together, new memories, and meaningful traditions.
The event is free and open to all.
For more information, please contact Jenn at the Klamath Falls Downtown Association
at info@downtownklamathfalls.org or 541-539-6212
The Klamath Falls City Council recently convened for a work session aimed at addressing the rising concerns regarding blight, vacant buildings, and nuisance properties in various neighborhoods.
Blight — a challenge encountered by communities across the nation — can lead to decreased property values, weaken local economies, and diminish neighborhood pride.
It encompasses not only abandoned structures and neglected land but also smaller indicators of decline such as overgrown yards, uncollected refuse, damaged sidewalks, and insufficient lighting.
Fundamentally, a blighted property is one that has deteriorated to such an extent that it no longer fulfills a positive social, economic, or residential function. To handle the increasing caseload, the city depends on a single code-enforcement officer, Stephanie Myers, who is currently responsible for 157 active properties.
Among these, 109 are governed by the International Property Maintenance Code, a standard issued by the International Code Council that establishes minimum requirements for the condition of existing buildings and their surrounding areas.
“The IPMC addresses the state of windows and roofs — the overall habitability of a dwelling,” Myers stated. Myers noted that an additional 48 cases pertain to overgrown vegetation, damaged fences, rutted parking lots, and other yard-related issues.
One of the city’s most concerning properties — which Myers referred to as the “bane of my existence” — is located at 221 Main St., a four-story building situated in the center of downtown that has been condemned by Klamath County Fire District 1.
How can a community unite to tackle the issue of homelessness? Christine Hess, the director of United Way, is urging the residents of Klamath County to contribute to the solution.
In celebration of the 150th screening of “No Place to Grow Old,” a documentary focusing on seniors facing homelessness for the first time, United Way convened community leaders to deliberate on the matter at a local level. Addressing the panel in front of an audience on Thursday evening, Hess remarked, “They represent various organizations, and no single organization can resolve the challenges our community faces. We must collaborate and work together.”
Homelessness is an escalating humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by a shortage of accessible and affordable housing. Research in Oregon indicates that over the next two decades, there is a need for more than 550,000 new homes to support the existing and future population.
Achieving stable housing is a challenge for individuals across all demographics, yet seniors aged 55 and older constitute one of the fastest-growing groups now encountering homelessness.
Theresa Edwards, director of the Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center, noted that in the past year alone, the number of seniors served at their facility has increased by over 30%.
On Friday, November 14, 2025, units from Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) were dispatched to a fire at a residential structure located on Martin Street.
The first engine crew to arrive successfully gained access and conducted a swift and aggressive search and rescue operation, finding and extricating an unresponsive victim from the fire-affected area.
The victim was quickly transported by ambulance to Sky Lakes Medical Center. KCFD1 personnel employed aggressive fire attack strategies, allowing for the removal of the victim in less than 75 seconds following their initial entry. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Oregon State Fire Marshal. All members of KCFD1 extend their thoughts and support to the victim and her family during this challenging time.
Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?
Here are resources that can help:
211Info: Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon.
Oregon Food Bank: Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Mapto find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you.
Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit theADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area.
Basin residents now have an additional option for urgent care with the opening of SkyCare at Sky Lakes Medical Center.
Recognizing that health issues can arise unexpectedly, SkyCare Immediate Care is designed to provide timely assistance for minor injuries and sudden illnesses, welcoming all individuals, regardless of their current patient status with Sky Lakes. This initiative aims to enhance community health by increasing access to care.
SkyCare operates daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is conveniently located on the second floor of the Collaborative Health Center, directly across the parking lot from Sky Lakes Medical Center. For inquiries, please call 541-274-3150.
Quota Christmas & Craft Bazaar Coming Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 6 & 7
Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th is the annual Quota Christmas and Craft Bazaar at the Klamath County Fairgrounds.
This event brings in vendors from near and far. You definitely don’t want to miss this festively creative event! Be sure to buy your Treasure Hunt Raffle Tickets at the door. All monies from this raffle go directly into our community through Quota supported organizations. Also, don’t forget to visit Santa on Sunday from 12-2pm.
See you there!!!
LOCAL MEETINGS
TUESDAY, NOV. 25 —
BOCC business meeting, 1-2 p.m., room 219, Government Center, 305 Main St., Klamath Falls.
BOCC finance meeting, 2:30-3 p.m.,room 214, Government Center, 305 Main St., Klamath Falls.
BOCC administrative meeting, 3-5 p.m., room 214, Government Center, 305 Main St., Klamath Falls.
THURSDAY, NOV. 27 —
County offices closed in observance of Thanksgiving.
FRIDAY, NOV. 28 —
County offices closed in observance of Thanksgiving.
LOCAL EVENTS
SUNDAY, NOV. 23
Multicultural Friendsgiving, 2 p.m., RSVP for location (See page 12 for details)
“Molly of Denali: Crater Lake Adventures, 2-4 p.m., Ross Ragland Theater
Trivia, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Chicken and Cheers, Klamath Falls
THURSDAY, NOV. 27
Linkville Lopers’ 5K Turkey Trot, 9 a.m., Moore Park
Around the State of Oregon
As the holiday season approaches, Pacific Power is urging customers to remain alert regarding fraudulent communications from scammers impersonating utility representatives.
This type of activity tends to escalate during this period. Customers can safeguard themselves against these schemes by being mindful of the following information:
Scammers frequently claim that your service is set to be interrupted within the next 30 to 60 minutes.
Pacific Power will never reach out to any customer demanding immediate payment to prevent service disconnection on the same day.
Be wary of anyone who contacts you insisting on immediate payment.
Fraudsters may instruct you to buy a prepaid card and provide them with the card details over the phone. Pacific Power does not require customers to make payments through the purchase of a prepaid card. You and other customers have the freedom to choose your preferred payment methods.
If you receive such a call, request the caller to provide your account number and verify it against the number on your bill. Employees of Pacific Power’s customer service will always possess your accurate account number. Scammers have increasingly utilized text messages as a method to target victims. Pacific Power will not request payment via text message.
The company encourages customers to establish their online billing profile at Pay My Bill (on PacificPower.net), where they can pay bills and review their statements. Scammers may employ a sophisticated and misleading tactic that causes caller ID systems to display the call as originating from Pacific Power when it is not.
If you receive a suspicious or concerning call, hang up and contact our customer service line directly at 1-888-221-7070. Pacific Power requests that customers report any information regarding scam calls received, including the phone number from which the call was made and any details that may assist in tracking down the fraudsters.
Portland Man Charged with Violent Threats Against Federal Law Enforcement Officers
A Portland, Oregon, man made his initial appearance today after allegedly making violent threats at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in South Portland.
John Paul Cupp, 45, has been charged by criminal complaint with Threats Made Against a Federal Law Enforcement Officer.
“Threats of violence against the brave members of law enforcement and their families will not be tolerated, said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding those accountable who threaten and intimidate those who protect our communities, and we will continue to prosecute criminal threats of violence to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Threats to law enforcement personnel have absolutely no place in our community,” said Acting Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Portland Special Agent in Charge Matt Torres. “Attempts to intimidate those sworn to protect the American people and uphold our Constitution degrade efforts to keep all of us safe. The FBI will use all investigative means available to us to seek out and arrest anyone using violent rhetoric to express themselves.”
According to court documents, on October 14, 2025, Cupp began yelling insults at law enforcement officers as they were approaching a crowd. Cupp threatened to kill law enforcement officers and sexually assault their wives.
On November 3, 2025, Cupp posted a video online reiterating the same threats to federal agents and their wives. On November 13, 2025, Cupp continued posting violent threats online to officers and their family.
Cupp is a prolific producer of online content and regularly posts aggressive rhetoric, calls for war against the United States, antisemitic threats, and threats of violence.
Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 40 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed near ICE facilities, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.
Cupp made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
The FBI is investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Portland Woman Charged with Assaulting a Federal Officer
A Portland, Oregon, woman made her initial appearance today after allegedly assaulting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Tigard, Oregon.
Summer Shepherd, 37, has been charged by criminal complaint with Assaulting a Federal Officer.
According to court documents, on November 23, 2025, ICE officers were in Tigard executing an arrest of an individual. Shepherd drove up to where the officers were making the arrest and pushed an officer in the chest, causing the officer to stumble back. The officer walked back to his vehicle and closed the door. Shepherd proceeded to strike the vehicle with her hands, denting the car. Shepherd yanked the door open and when the officer put his hand out to prevent Shepherd from coming inside, she slammed the door hitting the officer’s left arm. With the help of additional officers, Shepherd was apprehended.
Shepherd made her first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. She was ordered released pending further court proceedings.
Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
A video that is currently circulating on a social media platform has led to an internal investigation involving two dispatch staff members from Modoc County.
On Thursday, Modoc County Sheriff William Dowdy issued a public statement via Facebook, notifying residents about the staff’s alleged dissemination of an “inappropriate” video.
In his statement, Dowdy remarked, “The Modoc County Sheriff’s Office is aware of an inappropriate video circulating on social media involving two of our dispatch personnel. As the sheriff, I understand that some members of the public may have already seen this video and I sincerely apologize for the concern it has caused.”
The specifics of the video were not detailed in his statement.
Sheriff Dowdy further indicated that his office would refrain from releasing the video due to its “inappropriate nature” and in consideration of the individuals involved. An internal investigation is currently being conducted in collaboration with Modoc County Human Resources. No further information will be disclosed at this time.
Portland International Airport may finally be on the path to recovery from its prolonged case of long COVID.
According to preliminary data, nearly 1.7 million travelers passed through PDX last month. This figure is only a few thousand short of the number of passengers who traveled through Portland in October 2019 — marking the smallest discrepancy of any month since the onset of the pandemic.
The recovery of air travel at PDX has been significantly slower compared to the national trend.
The Port of Portland, which manages the airport, attributes this to the limited number of connecting flights available to enhance passenger numbers, as well as a decline in business travel.
Many companies are reducing their travel expenditures, opting for more cost-effective virtual meetings, while Portland continues to experience an economic downturn that has persisted much longer than in other metropolitan areas.
Hospital expenses are escalating in Oregon.
The Oregon Health Authority has set a growth target of 3.4 percent. St. Charles Health System, located in Bend, experienced a 23 percent increase in costs related to serving individuals with commercial insurance. Similarly, the Corvallis Clinic observed a nearly 9 percent rise in those costs.
Moda Health’s Medicare Advantage plans increased by over 15 percent, while UHC Company’s plans saw an increase of more than 6 percent. Additionally, commercial insurance plans provided by Pacific Source have risen by over 7 percent.
Oregon Education Department facing backlog of complaints against schools that continues to grow each month
Students and families hoping the Oregon Department of Education will help them resolve discrimination issues and violations of state education laws at schools are facing major waits as the agency tries to handle a growing backlog of cases, according to state education officials. The influx in reports and the lack of staff and contractors to investigate has many Oregonians waiting months for cases to be resolved, state education officials told the Senate Interim Education Committee on Tuesday.
In 2019, the state education department attempted to make it easier for students and families to report discrimination, retaliation or violations of state education and restraint policies and laws in schools. The response to a new reporting portal on the agency’s website was overwhelming in the years that followed, and complaints submitted to its Complaint & Appeals Resolution Unit grew by 270% between 2019 and 2024, from 85 complaints to more than 300.
The unit investigates an average of 13% of complaints each year. It’s currently reviewing 66 open cases, and resolutions in more than half are overdue. Emily Nazarov, a government and legal affairs officer for the Oregon Department of Education, said staffing is the major barrier to speedy investigations and resolutions.
“Our backlog built up over 7 years. We will not resolve it overnight,” Nazarov said. “Our focus is on capacity and making sure we have the people we need to do the work.”
In 2024, the Legislature approved funding for 14 new Complaint & Appeals Resolution Unit employees and allocated an additional $150,000 per two-year budget cycle so the education agency could hire two contract investigators to help with the case backlog. But reporting from The Oregonian earlier this month found that the positions have gone unfilled for more than 18 months, and the education department did not advertise it until Sept. 4, a week after the newspaper asked the education department why hiring was taking so long.
Beyond staffing shortages, cases accepted for investigation are increasingly complex, said Stacey Guise, a manager in the unit. They often require interviews with multiple people and relate to systemic issues, rather than one-off incidents, which leads to longer investigative times.
Critics are sounding the alarm regarding a federal prohibition on numerous hemp products that was covertly included in the funding bill which concluded the unprecedented government shutdown last week.
They argue that this will impose stringent restrictions on hemp products from Oregon and throughout the country, encompassing a wide range of items from CBD gummies, beverages, and oils utilized for alleviating pain, anxiety, and sleeplessness to hemp-derived construction materials like insulation. They contend that this will inflict a severe impact not only on consumers but also on farmers, manufacturers, and retailers, as well as on the economies of states such as Oregon, where the value of hemp production in 2023 reached $126 million.
A significant portion of this is employed in the production of goods containing the non-psychoactive compound cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, which some research indicates may assist with chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and addiction.
As those passengers aboard that day will tell you this is unfathomable, the former pilot of Alaska Airlines, who attempted to crash a plane with over 80 passengers aboard two years ago, is set to be released on probation.
A federal judge in Portland sentenced Joseph Emerson to time served along with probation. Additionally, Emerson was fined only 100 dollars, waived his right to appeal, and will be under supervised release for a duration of three years.
Prosecutors had sought a minimum of one year in jail. At the time of the incident, Emerson was seated in the cockpit jump seat on a flight from Everett to San Francisco in 2023 when he attempted to shut down the engines of the jet. The flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Portland.
Emerson informed the police that he had not slept for 40 hours, was experiencing a nervous breakdown, and had consumed psychedelic mushrooms 48 hours prior to the flight.
More Convicted Criminals In Oregon Set To Be Freed Early
A ruling by the Oregon Supreme Court has prompted the Oregon Department of Corrections to reassess the sentences of more than ten thousand incarcerated adults.
This ruling indicates that time served must be considered in the sentencing, provided it is specified by the presiding judge. As a result, three percent of the sentences have been modified.
The Department of Corrections has informed county district attorneys and the victims of the crimes regarding the alterations in release dates.
Oregon wildlife officials have confirmed a new wave of wolf attacks on livestock throughout Eastern Oregon — contributing to what appears to be one of the state’s most active years for wolf depredation investigations.
In early November, two calves, each 7 months old, were killed in separate incidents on private ranchland located in Morrow County. Both attacks have been linked to the Madison Butte Pack, which the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) indicates has been accountable for a considerable number of recent depredations in the area.
Biologists conducted investigations into the two fatalities on November 5, estimating that one calf had died approximately two days earlier, while the other had succumbed within the last 24 hours.
These incidents are part of over a dozen attacks reported in recent weeks across Umatilla, Wallowa, Grant, Baker, and Morrow counties. The victims include calves as young as two months and, in certain instances, adult cows. Several of these attacks have led to injuries in animals that necessitated veterinary intervention or euthanasia.
Two Mexican Nationals Unlawfully Residing in the United States Arrested Transporting 72 Pounds of Methamphetamine
EUGENE, Ore.— Two Mexican nationals illegally in the U.S. have been charged with trafficking 72 pounds of methamphetamine.
Alejandra Diaz-Alcantar, 45, and Juan Alberto Alvarado-Gonzalez, 41, have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
According to court documents, an Oregon State Police K9 trooper stopped the white Chevrolet pickup on Interstate 5 in Lane County as part of an ongoing investigation. A search of the vehicle pursuant to a warrant revealed two duffel bags under the rear passenger seat. They contained 56 plastic bags and bindles of suspected methamphetamine, collectively weighing approximately 72 pounds.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New License Plate Honors Conservation Efforts at Oregon Zoo
Oregonians have a new license plate design option, and like many others, it honors conservation efforts in the state.
The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicles Services on Nov. 3 began offering an Oregon Zoo license plate, inspired by Portland’s nickname of Rose City and the zoo’s endangered Asian elephant population. Portland-based artist Jeremy Nichols designed the plate.
The Oregon Zoo license plate costs $40 when first ordered and at each registration renewal, in addition to regular title, registration and plate fees. About $35 from the surcharge will go to the Oregon Zoo Foundation to support conservation education, species recovery and animal well-being at the Oregon Zoo. Oregonians must pay the surcharge or redeem a pre-paid voucher to get the plate.
The zoo plate joins dozens of specialty registration plates, including Crater Lake, Oregon Ducks, Oregon State Beavers, pollinator paradise, salmon, Smokey Bear and wine country.
The plates are only available to passenger vehicles. The plates can be purchased at any Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicles Services office, by mail or online.
Willamette Pass Announces $500,000 And Counting In Capital Improvements For The 2025/26 Winter Season
Willamette Pass Community, we’re excited to share that this off-season, we are making key investments to elevate your experience on and off the mountain. Upgrades on the mountain include enhancements to our snowmaking system and a brand-new demo fleet.
Inside the lodge, you’ll find fresh updates, including new kitchen equipment, upgraded beer taps, and a water fountain, which help improve food and beverage offerings, enhance the atmosphere, and support sustainability. These projects are a continuation of a multi-year effort to strengthen the mountain we’re all proud to call home.
Upgraded snowmaking: These upgrades are all about earlier openings, later closes, and a more consistent snowpack. Check our socials, newsletters, and blog posts for more details to come.
The gear you need: Our refreshed rental fleet and brand-new demo gear puts you on the snow with equipment designed to help you progress faster, carve cleaner, and have more fun. We are stoked to have brands like Atomic, Elan, Telos, Blizzard, Nordica, Rossignol, Nitro, and Salomon.
Lodge experience: New kitchen equipment and beer taps help us deliver your food faster, while providing more quality and a bigger selection. Plus, our new water fountain with a built-in bottle filler is all about saving water.
On powder days or bluebirds, the goal is the same: to give you the best experience possible. These investments and your continuous support set us up for what’s next and the chance to keep building this mountain we are all proud of. Make sure you stay tuned for the latest updates by following our socials and signing up to receive newsletters. https://www.willamettepass.ski/a-half-million-dollar-investment-to-enhance-your-ski-days/
What to expect when visiting Oregon State Parks in 2026
As this year comes to a close, Oregon State Parks is looking back on 2025 and planning for the 2026 season.
This year Oregon State Parks welcomed millions of visitors, maintained nearly 1,000 miles of trails, hosted hundreds of events including mushroom hikes and star parties and finished dozens of projects from the restoration of the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse to repaving the campground at Silver Falls State Park.
State parks also updated many of its fees to reflect increasing costs and decreasing Oregon State Lottery funding. Depending on the fee, the last update was anywhere from seven to 15 years ago.
Staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors for the 2026 season with guided hikes, seasonal events and outdoor adventures. To help visitors enjoy the more than 250 state parks and know what to expect next year, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department gathered the upcoming updates in one place.
Winter 2025:
- Green Friday (Nov. 28): Parking fees will no longer be waived at parks requiring permits on Green Friday.
Beginning January 1, 2026:
- First Day Hike (Jan. 1): Guided hikes at select parks. Parking fees will no longer be waived at parks requiring permits for First Day Hikes.
- 12-month parking permits will increase from $30 to $60 for Oregon residents and to $75 for out-of-state residents due to the out-of-state surcharge.
- 24-month parking permits will not be sold in 2026. Existing permits will be honored until they expire.
- Oregon State Parks will no longer sell Oregon Pacific Coast Passports but will honor passports purchased in 2025 until they expire.
- Oregon State Parks will no longer honor Jackson County parking permits.
Winter/Spring 2026
- OPRD is considering updates to its Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy. The proposed changes would update the rules around cancellations, refunds, special access passes and rate ranges starting as soon as Feb. 2026. The proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system and maximize the availability of campsites for visitors by encouraging early cancellation. Public comment is expected to run from December 1 to January 15, 2026. Final approval is required by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.
- Additional parks will require a parking fee. The specific parks and implementation date is still being finalized.
- Implement fees to use dump stations at Oregon State Parks to support the cost of that service.
- State Parks Day (June 6), will continue to offer free parking for Oregon residents. Camping fees will no longer be waived on that day pending approval of the proposed Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy updates.
“The changes are critical to sustaining state park operations and services now and for the future. We appreciate visitors’ continued support as these necessary changes are implemented,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Director (OPRD) Director Lisa Sumption.
OPRD is projecting at $14 million budget shortfall this biennium due to decreasing lottery revenue, increasing costs and a long-standing need for more sustainable funding. OPRD does not receive general fund tax revenue for operations.
OPRD will continue to review and update fees and operations to keep providing high-quality visitor experiences and sustain parks now and in the future.
In addition to increasing fees, OPRD is also streamlining costs, planning to add more cabins and yurts to expand capacity and increase revenue and looking for new partnerships and sponsorships to help build a more sustainable funding future.
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:Thanks for reading the the news on BasinLife.com from Wynne Broadcasting.
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