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.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, with a high near 46. North northwest wind 5 to 9 mph. Overnight, clear, with a low around 18. North wind 6 to 8 mph.
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
Pacific Power Shares Winter Heating Tips to Help Customers Stay Warm and Save Money
As cold temperatures linger across the region, Pacific Power is reminding customers of a few simple adjustments they can make at home that can help them stay warm while also reducing their energy bill.
“With households using more electricity to stay comfortable during winter months, adopting energy-efficient heating practices benefits everyone,” said Ryan Flynn, president of Pacific Power. “Even small changes support the grid and can lead to significant savings on your monthly bill.”
To help customers get started, Pacific Power recommends taking these practical steps to help keep their energy costs in check this winter.
Tips for staying warm and energy-efficient:
- 68° degrees is great – Setting the thermostat at 68°F when you’re home and awake is recommended.
- Keep warm air in – Close window coverings at night to reduce drafts, and seal air leaks with caulking and weatherstripping around doors and windows.
- Clean and tune – Clean or replace furnace filters monthly during the heating season. Routine maintenance helps improve airflow and ensures your system isn’t working harder than necessary.
- Use space heaters sparingly – and safely – Portable heaters require a lot of electricity and should be used only as needed. Running a typical 1,500-watt unit for eight hours a day over a month can add about $30 to a winter bill.
- Use appliances during off-peak hours – Using appliances like ovens, dishwashers and laundry machines during off-peak hours helps reduce strain on the grid and can help customers manage their bill – an approach Pacific Power also highlights during extreme weather.
Pacific Power offers a range of energy assistance programs, including income-qualified
For more tips on how to save energy year-round, visit our Savings & Energy Choices webpage at PacificPower.net/
OHA Helping Rural Health Areas With New Federal Funding
Southern Oregon’s rural areas are set to benefit from a substantial $197.3 million Trump Administration Federal Healthcare investment.
Claire Pierce-Wrobel, the Director of Health Policy and Analytics at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), has confirmed that this funding is intended for regions classified as “frontier” or rural, specifically targeting communities such as Grants Pass and Klamath Falls.
Despite the significant financial influx, officials recognize that it will not resolve the systemic challenges confronting the region on its own. Pierce-Wrobel emphasized that this funding is essential for survival amid ongoing budget cuts. In response to the distinct geography of Southern Oregon, where some individuals travel nearly two hours for medical care, the OHA is focusing on flexible solutions rather than conventional brick-and-mortar investments.
Pierce-Wrobel underscored the importance of “scaling access points,” indicating that the funds could be allocated for initiatives such as “mobile clinics or school-based health services, allowing us to meet people where they are, instead of requiring them to visit a doctor in a specific office at a designated time.” She further noted that these investments are aimed at ensuring “people can access a doctor when they need it, particularly in cases where they may currently face longer wait times.”
Officials are also optimistic about enhancing telehealth infrastructure to better integrate rural systems and leverage AI-enabled technologies to alleviate administrative burdens on healthcare providers.
Klamath County Fire District 1 Selects New Fire Chief
After a competitive process, Klamath County Fire District 1 selected Brent Knutson as its new Fire Chief effective immediately.
Chief Knutson had been serving as the Interim Fire Chief since August while also juggling his role as the Operations Chief. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise and a desire to push the department forward while maintaining a shared sense of buy in with line staff. Prior to his role as Operations Chief, he had been the District’s Training Chief. He has 20+ years in the fire service having previously served with Ashland Fire & Rescue.
“KCFD1 has a strong tradition of meeting the needs of the citizens and visitors of Klamath County,” Chief Knutson said. “We also a maintain a strong sense of family and are continually looking for ways to improve the services we provide. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the organization and serve alongside such dedicated professionals.”
Under the guidance of Chief Knutson, KCFD1 will continue to respond with speed and precision while treating all of our customers with the utmost respect and compassion while maintaining our core values of customer service, integrity, teamwork, sense of family, and fiscal responsibility.
The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, which operates the BottleDrop network, has allocated $75,000 to assist 12 nonprofits in Oregon that are tackling food insecurity, including the Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank.
As stated in a news release, OBRC initiated the fundraising campaign on October 30 with a $30,000 contribution from its Emergency Fund and urged BottleDrop customers to contribute their beverage container refund values until the end of the year.
Customers contributed $21,360, which was matched by OBRC’s Emergency Fund until January 1, 2026, with additional funds provided to achieve the total of $75,000. Customers had two options for donating: online by utilizing funds from a personal Green Bag account or in person by bringing redeemable beverage containers to any full-service BottleDrop Redemption Center. Throughout the campaign, a total of 124,876 containers were donated in person, and 177 BottleDrop customers made online donations.
The Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank received $6,250. Executive Director Lori Garrard remarked that the timing of this donation was crucial, as some residents are facing the difficult choice between heating their homes and providing food for their families this winter.
Peking Acrobats Perform Tonight at Ragland Theater
This year marks the 40th anniversary of The Peking Acrobats’ performances, and tonight, Friday, January 23, the ensemble will present their fabulous show at the Ross Ragland Theater.
The Peking Acrobats are scheduled to perform in over 50 cities until April. Watch as they execute audacious feats atop a precarious stack of chairs and showcase their technical skills in various disciplines such as trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. They challenge the boundaries of human capability, defying gravity with astonishing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control.
The Peking Acrobats have appeared on numerous television programs, including Nickelodeon’s “Unfabulous,” “Ellen’s Really Big Show,” “The Wayne Brady Show,” “That’s Incredible,” ABC’s “Wide World of Sports,” and NBC’s “Ring In The New Year Holiday Special.”
The Peking Acrobats will perform at the Ross Ragland stage tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at ragland.org/event/peking-acrobats/. Discounts are offered for students, seniors, and military personnel.
Annual Healthy Klamath Winter Activities Challenge Runs Through March
Are you seeking a reason to venture outdoors or to forge new friendships? The Annual Winter Klamath Activities Challenge, which continues through March 18, presents an opportunity to engage in a variety of activities — including walking, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, ice skating, swimming, pickleball, birdwatching, and more — all designed to promote both physical and mental well-being.
In addition to motivating individuals to engage in activities independently or with others, the Wellness Center provides monthly programs.
Learn more here: https://www.healthyklamath.com/klamath-winter-activities-challenge25 or call 541-274-2770
SCAM ALERT FROM KCSD
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office is notifying the public regarding several ongoing phone scams where individuals are posing as representatives of the agency.
Scammers are utilizing the official phone number, along with other unrecognized numbers, creating the illusion that the calls are originating directly from KCSO. This spoofing has complicated efforts to trace the source of the calls and to take appropriate action through law enforcement channels.
These deceitful callers are making false and distressing assertions, including:
• That you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest due to a failure to appear
• That a family member or friend has been detained and requires bail money
• That the Sheriff’s Office is soliciting funds from local businesses for training purposes These calls do not originate from us. The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office will never ask for money or sensitive information over the phone.
If you receive one of these calls:
• Hang up immediately
• Do not disclose any personal or financial information
• If you have any concerns about a call you receive, you may contact our office directly from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 541-883-5130
Oregon State Fire Marshal Fire Safety Recommendations For Winter
In light of the below-freezing overnight temperatures and the recent home fires associated with heating, the Oregon State Fire Marshal wishes to remind residents of Oregon about the critical importance of fire safety.
Safety Recommendations include:
Ensure that combustible materials, such as paper, curtains, bedding, or furniture, are kept at least three feet away from all heating devices, including fireplaces, wood stoves, and pellet stoves.
Always connect space and portable heaters directly to a wall outlet, avoiding the use of extension cords or power strips.
Have heating devices and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
Position space heaters out of foot traffic areas and never obstruct an exit.
Remember to switch off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of heating equipment fires (46%) occur during the three-month period from December to February. In the first two weeks of 2026, the Oregon State Fire Marshal reported three fire-related fatalities.
For additional home heating safety tips, please visit the OSFM’s website.
Eagle Ridge New Tech students build shed, showcase skills at Build My Future event
Students from Eagle Ridge New Tech High School gained real-world construction experience while showcasing their skills to the community during the KFalls Build My Future event, held Friday, Jan. 16 at the John Hancock Event Center.
Under the guidance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Construction and Advanced Mathematics instructor David Parker, Eagle Ridge students spent the day building a full-scale shed on site, giving event attendees a hands-on look at what students in the construction program are capable of accomplishing.
“This was all student-driven,” Parker said. “The students designed the shed themselves, and now they’re in the process of building it from the ground up.”
Before construction began, students created detailed drawings that outlined the shed’s dimensions, framing angles and roof design. The detailed plans guided the build throughout the day and helped students translate classroom math concepts into real-world applications.
The project began with students constructing the floor and framing the walls before assembling the structure at the event, which is a non-profit youth trades experience aimed at engaging the next generation of builders and contractors, with students from other high schools in the Klamath Basin assisting Eagle Ridge in their work throughout the day.
Lumber for the shed was sponsored by J&P Wholesale, allowing Parker and his students to take on a large-scale project they otherwise would not have been able to complete.
“They sponsored all of the lumber so we could build this,” Parker said. “Once the shed is finished and sold, we’ll be able to pay them back. That support made this possible.”
Eagle Ridge participated in last year’s event as visitors, but this year Parker requested a dedicated space so students could actively build and demonstrate construction skills. Event organizers and Klamath Community College Director of Apprenticeship Programs Mark Griffith agreed, providing a work area where students could use tools, explain techniques and interact with peers from other schools.
Eagle Ridge senior Rose Purkhiser, who serves as the student leader within the class, said the experience was both challenging and rewarding.
“It was definitely chaotic at times,” Purkhiser said. “Some students hadn’t framed walls or floors before, so I helped teach them how to do that. But it was a really good learning experience for all of us.”
The shed will be transported back to Eagle Ridge New Tech High School, where students will continue working on it during class time over the coming weeks. Once completed, it will be sold, with proceeds supporting the construction program.
“It was fun trying to build something this size in such a short amount of time,” Purkhiser said. “We got a lot done in one day, and I’m really proud of what we accomplished.”
“This is why they’re in my class,” Parker said. “They enjoy building, working with their hands and teaching others.”
Diversified Contractors Inc. of Klamath Falls is currently preparing the site for the Childcare Learning Center at Klamath Community College, having been awarded the general contractor bid by the KCC Board of Education in early December.
On December 23, DCI commenced site preparation for KCC’s 11th campus building. This nearly 29,000-square-foot center, with a budget of $18.5 million, located near the college’s north entrance, will offer early childhood education and care for as many as 140 children.
Additionally, it will house KCC’s Early Childhood Education and Paraeducator degree programs. The project was designed by Pivot Architecture of Eugene, while ZCS Engineering of Klamath Falls developed the engineering plans.
Clint Willhite, the project manager for DCI, stated that approximately 20 DCI workers will be present on-site during the construction phase. Furthermore, several subcontractors, predominantly local, will be engaged for tasks such as electrical work, plumbing, and paving.
County school district seeks Crystal Apple nominations
Awards honors staff who make a difference for students and their communities
The Crystal Apple is given each year to eight KCSD staff who inspire and help students of all backgrounds and abilities. The winners receive their Crystal Apples during a gala at the Ross Ragland Theater on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
A nominee can be a teacher, a counselor, a nurse or classified employee who has been with the district for at least three years. Community members are welcome and encouraged to submit nominations.
“This is an excellent opportunity for people to recognize and thank those special educators who make a positive impact on the lives of our students,” said KCSD Superintendent Glen Szymoniak.
To be nominated, a staff member must:
- Work for the Klamath County School District for at least three years
- Inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities
- Play an active and useful role in the community as well as the school
You can fill out and submit the nomination form online —https://forms.gle/fErKeopuTWGNLazr5 – –– or print and fill out the form and submit it directly to Stephanie Bland, Klamath County School District, 2845 Greensprings Drive, Klamath Falls, OR 9760; blands@kcsd.k12.or.us. Links to the online nomination form are available on the KCSD website at www.kcsd.k12.or.us. All nominations are due no later than Sunday, Feb. 7, 2026.
Klamath Water Users Association calls new water framework ‘a path forward’ for Basin
In what the Klamath Water Users Association is calling “a major step toward securing the future of the entire Klamath Basin,” the Bureau of Reclamation has completed a reassessment of how the Endangered Species Act is applied to the Klamath Project.
“Following bipartisan federal legislation in early 2025 and updated guidance from the Department of the Interior, this reassessment takes a detailed look at over 150 water supply contracts and analyzes where Reclamation does and does not have discretion over water deliveries under existing contracts,” the KWUA stated in a news release.
KWUA called the action a necessary step to defining Reclamation’s authority in the Klamath Project before Reclamation develops an operation plan to deliver water to farms and national wildlife refuges. “Most importantly, it ensures water is managed to support farms, wildlife, refuges, and local communities while staying fully compliant with federal law,” KWUA explained.
“We are very grateful for the hard work by the Bureau of Reclamation and all of Secretary Burgum’s team,” KWUA President Scott Seus said.
This development aligns the approach to ESA consultation for Klamath Project operations with other well-established federal water projects in the West, marking yet another step towards correcting the unpredictable supply of water that Project irrigators have been navigating for nearly 30 years.
KWUA and irrigators throughout the Project recognize the interconnected needs of agriculture, fish, wildlife, national wildlife refuges, and rural communities. “We applaud Reclamation’s efforts to provide greater transparency, stability, and predictability in the Basin,” KWUA stated.
The agency added that by grounding Project operations in well-established legal frameworks used in other parts of the West, the reassessment helps reduce uncertainty and conflict, allowing stakeholders to focus on collaborative, long-term solutions instead of ongoing legal disputes.
“This reassessment is critical for the families who farm and ranch here. Stability determines whether we can plant crops, grow food, keep people employed, and pass our operations to the next generation,” said Gary Derry, KWUA board member. “Reliable water supplies also support the wildlife refuges and waterfowl that depend on them, ensuring the Klamath Basin remains a healthy, vibrant landscape for agriculture, wildlife, and the communities that call it home.”
KWUA said the milestone reflects its ongoing dedication through consistent engagement with the Department of the Interior, including Reclamation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as the National Marine Fisheries Service within the Department of Commerce, at the local, regional, and national levels. In addition to numerous meetings, KWUA made two trips to Washington, D.C., last year to meet with key leadership and ensure water users’ perspectives were considered throughout the process.
“KWUA’s and our consultants’ continuous coordination at the policy level in Washington, D.C., combined with ongoing communication with agency staff who understand how the Project operates, has delivered real and tangible results,” said Elizabeth Nielsen, executive director of KWUA. “We look forward to the next step: making these actions long-lasting through reconsultation for the Klamath Project.”
In October 2025, Reclamation sent a letter to KWUA communicating its intent to reinitiate consultation under the ESA following the completion of this reassessment. Formal reconsultation with the fisheries services is expected soon.
“Completing a robust and enduring ESA consultation is the final administrative step to ensure the Klamath Basin has a predictable, sustainable, and scientifically sound framework for water management that protects both agricultural and ecological interests,” KWUA stated.
Moving forward, KWUA said it remains committed to working with Reclamation, federal agencies, and local partners to implement the reassessment and forthcoming reconsultation. “Now, more than ever in recent history, the Klamath Basin is positioned to achieve long-term stability, balance the needs of agriculture and wildlife, and ensure a bright future for our rural communities and economies,” the agency concluded.
The Oregon Health Authority is providing several recommendations for prioritizing your health in the upcoming year.
This list encompasses quitting tobacco, receiving vaccinations for diseases such as RSV, influenza, and COVID-19, improving your diet, reducing alcohol consumption, and attending to your mental well-being.
The OHA indicates that these choices can significantly influence your lifespan and overall quality of life. As per state statistics, flu cases are increasing due to the emergence of a new variant. Additional resources for maintaining your health this year can be found at oregon.gov/OHA
A new RV park has officially opened its doors near Klamath Falls at the former Reames Golf Course site. The Volcanic Legacy RV Resort commenced operations on Monday, situated adjacent to The Growler Guys Taphouse.
This expansive property was previously the site of the Reames Golf Course and Country Club. The park boasts 70 pet-friendly sites, offering long-term accommodations for stays of up to a month.
Lauren Pochatko, the manager of both The Growler Guys and Volcanic Legacy RV Resort, expressed her hope that this development will attract more visitors to the region. She noted that the location will provide an excellent stop for travelers, particularly those en route to Upper Klamath Lake, Lake of the Woods, or Crater Lake National Park.
Additionally, she highlighted the park’s proximity to The Growler Guys Taphouse, which provides distinctive amenities. The former golf cart paths have been repurposed as walking trails throughout the property.
Furthermore, The Growler Guys are planning to introduce pickleball courts by this summer.
Call for Artists: Healthy Klamath and Klamath Falls Downtown Association Launch Wings Walk!
Healthy Klamath is currently accepting proposals for three mural installations of the Wings Walk Collective starting now until March 10th, 2026.
The Wing Walk Collective aims to promote healthy movement and a blend of interactive art in the downtown corridor. This partnership between the Klamath Falls Downtown Association and Healthy Klamath is in its first stages of turning blank slates downtown into interactive wall art. The goal of this is to foster cultural identity, promote physical activity, and engage the public in interactive art installations.
In phase 1, the project will transform parts of main street with the installation of 3-5 “wings” murals to encourage locals and visitors alike to walk, explore, and engage in our downtown corridor in a fresh and playful way. We’re hoping to accomplish this through wings, feathers, and creatures alike, all renditions welcoming and fostering Klamath Falls culture. Each selected artist will have the opportunity to determine the theme and how to accomplish this in their own unique style.
Art locations for this phase include the new Healthy Klamath office at 500 Main Street, the Sky Lakes Wellness Center at 128 S 11th Street, and the Oregon Tech ABA Clinic at 200 Commercial Street Collective Request for Proposals(Please note that art for this location should tie Oregon Tech to Downtown, preferably through Owl wings).
Key Details:
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RFP Opens: January 12, 2026
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Application Deadline: March 10, 2026
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Applicants Selected: March 20, 2026
Selected artists will each receive a stipend and support for reimbursable materials and will be responsible for creating original mural designs that reflect their unique artistic voice while drawing inspiration from Klamath Falls’ vibrant ecosystems and culture. The resulting artworks will serve as both community landmarks and interactive photo opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
All interested artists are encouraged to visithttps://www.healthyklamath.
ABBEY ROAD COMING TO RAGLAND THEATER, APRIL 29, 2026
The Beatles tribute band, Abbey Road, makes it’s way to Klamath Falls, April 29th.
With their tight harmonies, flawless note for note renditions of Beatles hits, custom–tailored costumes, vintage instruments, Liverpudlian dialect and precise attention to every detail, Abbey Road is proud to present the “Number Ones….and More” production. The show features virtually every number one single the band achieved in the United Kingdom or United States. For tickets: https://ragland.org/
MODOC ART GALLERY
“THE ART OF” Myra Hamaker-Schelb & Lexis Washburn, now thru Feb. 28th.
The Klamath County Museum will be showcasing their art during the Klamath County Museum open hours.
Join us for the Art Reception: January 17th in the Main Lobby from 1:00 P.M.- 3:00 P.M.
Admission to the gallery is free during regular museum hours, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
KLAMATH ART GALLERY
The Klamath Art Gallery Presents: Small Works & Miniatures – “Where Art Lives”
- January 4-25, 2026
The gallery is open Wednesday – Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Klamath Art Association Facebook
Around the State of Oregon
Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Was 5.2% in December
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in both November and December. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.5% in November and 4.4% in December.
In December, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment dropped by 2,200 jobs, following a gain of 800 jobs, as revised, in November. December’s gains were largest in professional and business services (+1,100 jobs) and government (+500). Losses were largest in construction (-2,500 jobs); retail trade (-900); and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-900).
Professional and business services added 1,900 jobs during the last two months of 2025, recovering some of the jobs it lost during the first half of the year. Each of its three component industries rose between October and December, with administrative and waste services growing the fastest (+900 jobs, or 0.9%).
Construction cut 3,000 jobs during the last two months of 2025, following relatively strong growth during July through October. At 113,900 jobs in December, it is close to its spring level, and slightly below its three-year average of 116,900 jobs during 2022 through 2024.
Holiday hiring in retail trade was 1,200 jobs below the normal seasonal pattern during the last two months of the year. Since early 2023, retail trade has trended downward. It employed 199,200 in December, which was 11,300 jobs, or 5.4%, below three years prior.
Transportation, warehousing, and utilities cut 1,400 jobs during November and December, following growth of a similar amount during the summer. It employed 78,200 in December, which was close to its three-year average of 78,500 jobs during 2022 through 2024.
The Oregon Department of Human Services has indicated that it requires $114.6 million from the state’s general fund to address deficiencies in its budget for the 2025-27 period, which have arisen due to reductions and other modifications to federal food assistance, which often has involved fraudulent claims and scams.
This long-anticipated funding request follows the actions of Oregon lawmakers in 2025, who established a two-year budget just days prior to President Donald Trump enacting a significant tax and spending law in July.
This legislation fundamentally altered the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by introducing work requirements, restricting benefits for noncitizens, implementing additional eligibility checks for program participants, and increasing the administrative cost burden on states. As a result, lawmakers found themselves in a rush to address unexpected budgetary changes that impact the one in six Oregonians who depend on SNAP.
The funding request from the department has garnered support from Governor Tina Kotek, who on Tuesday reflected on the outcomes of her 60-day food emergency during the government shutdown, which left many Oregonians without access to their SNAP benefits.
She allocated $5 million to Oregon’s statewide food bank network and $1 million to the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon. Additionally, the state received a $6 million match from the Oregon Disaster Funders Network.
Oregon hospitals fall short in meeting national standards for preventing some health care-associated infection measures
OHA continues support for
Oregon hospitals made gains in lowering the number of health care-
But hospitals around the state fell short of meeting national standards—and when
The Healthcare-Associated Infections Program at OHA’s Public Health Division annually publishes the hospital HAI data for 61 individual hospitals in Oregon. The HAI Program’s interactive data dashboard provides statewide summaries and facility-specific data of Oregon hospital performance on nine HAI metrics, with comparable national benchmarks.
OHA works to prevent infections because of the significant risk to patient safety. On a given day, one in every 31 patients in U.S. hospitals will get an infection in a hospital or health care setting. In 2024, Oregon hospitals reported 957 such injuries.
“No health care provider wants to see a hospital-associated infection in one of their patients,” said Dat Tran, M.D., MS, HAI Program medical director. “These data are intended to help hospitals and health care providers understand where they’re doing well and where they may need to step up their infection control efforts to prevent HAIs and keep patients safe.”
HAI Program staff use four methods to assess progress Oregon and individual health care facilities are making in reducing HAIs:
- Comparison to 2015 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HAI data used as a baseline to calculate a predicted number of HAIs.
- Comparison to national reduction goals set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to achieve 50% reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections and hospital-onset MRSA bloodstream infections; 30% reduction in hospital-onset Clostridium difficile infections and surgical site infections; and 25% reduction in catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
- Comparison to 2023 statewide data to calculate a percent change for 2024.
- Comparison between 2024 statewide data and 2024 data reported by hospitals nationwide.
Among the HAI Program’s observations in this year’s data:
- With the exception of hysterectomy procedures, Oregon hospitals performed worse than the 2015 baseline for the four other reportable surgical site infections, including those resulting from colon procedures, coronary artery bypass grafts, hip prosthesis and knee prosthesis. Oregon hospitals saw more surgical site infections in 2024 compared with 2023.
- In 2024, Oregon hospitals performed better than the 2015 baseline for catheter-associated urinary tract infections, Clostridioides difficile infections, and surgical site infections following hysterectomy procedures.
- While Oregon acute care hospitals performed better than the 2015 baseline in 2024 for central line-associated bloodstream infections and MRSA bloodstream infections, Oregon critical access hospitals performed worse than the 2015 baseline for both infections.
- Compared with hospitals nationwide, Oregon hospitals performed similarly in 2024 for most measures but performed worse for catheter-associated urinary tract infections, Clostridioides difficile infections and MRSA
bloodstream infections in critical access hospitals. - Oregon hospitals met the HHS target in 2024 for Clostridioides difficile infections in both acute care and critical access hospitals. No other HAI metric met the HHS target in 2024.
- Similar to 2023, catheter-associated urinary tract infections and MRSA
bloodstream infections in critical access hospitals continue to perform worse than the 2015 baseline and should be targeted for prevention.
New to the data dashboard is an “Antibiotic Stewardship” tab, which
To support Oregon facilities in improving their performance on these HAI metrics, OHA continues to:
- Conduct studies to assess and understand statewide and regional trends.
- Provide one-on-one infection control technical assistance to health care facilities statewide.
- Collaborating with CDC to
offer direct-to-provider infection control education to ensure all health care staff have the tools to prevent health care-associated infections.
There also are infection prevention strategies that families, friends and the public visiting these settings can follow. Visitors to health care settings should frequently
Click here to learn more about OHA’s HAI Program, the impacts of infection and prevention steps.
State Rep. Ed Diehl To Run For Oregon Governor
Oregon Representative Ed Diehl, a Republican from Scio has confirmed he will be running for governor this year.
Diehl is anticipated to launch his campaign on Wednesday evening at an event in Stayton, positioning himself within a Republican primary that will feature Sen. Christine Drazan of Canby and Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell, among others. OPB was the first to report Diehl’s intentions.
The victor of the primary election is likely to confront Democratic Governor Tina Kotek in November of 2026. Since his entry into the Legislature in January 2023, Diehl has emerged as a vocal opponent of progressive policies endorsed by Democrats, which he claims are detrimental to the residents and businesses of Oregon.
Overhaul of Oregon school funding formula, goals of public education has lawmakers at odds
There’s an ambitious effort underway at the Capitol to overhaul how the state determines funding levels for schools, but lawmakers are torn over the timing and larger questions about the goals of Oregon’s public education system.
Sen. Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro, and Rep. Ricki Ruiz, D-Gresham, co-chairs of the six-member Joint Public Education Appropriation Committee, are spearheading the overhaul of Oregon’s school funding process, including what schools must demonstrate to receive funding.
On Thursday, the two shared with the committee a proposal that would entirely do away with Oregon’s 27-year-old Quality Education Model, the 11-member Quality Education Commission that produces recommended school funding levels every two years, and the education appropriation committee the two lawmakers lead. Lawmakers would have one month to debate and pass the bill that has generational impact during the legislative session beginning Feb. 2.
“I think the job of our committee is really to dig in and do a lot of this work and look at the issues,” Sollman explained, adding that Oregon’s system is outdated and that “no other state has a QEM-type model.”
Since 1999, the Quality Education Commission, staffed by the Oregon Department of Education, has researched best practices and determined how much money is needed for a successful public education system, with the main target of reaching a 90% statewide graduation rate. The commission gives its findings, presented as the Quality Education Model, to the education appropriation committee and governor every two years to guide budget decisions.
Notably, in the history of the model and commission, the Legislature has only fully funded schools to the recommended level once, when they passed in 2025 a record $11.4 billion for schools during the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
Under Sollman’s and Ruiz’s bill, the task of researching and determining how much money schools need would instead go to the Legislative Policy and Research Office, which would contract and work with a public or private firm that undertakes school finance analysis. As part of the analysis, researchers would have to hold panels with educators across the state about school needs.
The policy and research office would then present recommendations for school funding levels to the Legislature’s budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Committee every eight years. During intervening two-year budget cycles, the Department of Administrative Services would adjust the recommended spending levels to account for inflation and other costs.
The bill would also modify what the state’s “quality goals for public education” are, Sollman and Ruiz explained to lawmakers. It would define a “standard school district,” able to receive state and federal funding, as one where all teachers are licensed.
Schools would be expected not just to meet a 90% graduation rate but to hit goals and standards established in a 2024 education accountability law. That law requires school districts to set goals with the Oregon Department of Education for improving third grade reading scores, eighth grade math scores, ninth grade on-track rates, four- and five-year graduation rates, and regular attendance rates.
But lawmakers said the state education department is still working out some of the goals and standards discussed in the education accountability bill and how they’ll be reported.
Rep. Emily McIntire, R-Eagle Point, said schools have been begging lawmakers to stop passing legislative changes that cost them more time and money in reporting.
“I think that our schools are saying, ‘please stop. Please leave us alone. Please don’t do anything else. Please halt.’ And this, to me, is such a ginormous change, especially when we don’t have the overhaul of (the 2024 law) done yet,” she said. “It feels like one of these things that we’re going to do, and then we’re going to find out what actually is required.”
Rep. Susan McLain, D-Forest Grove and a 40-year teacher who has played a large role in state education policy in the Legislature, told her colleagues on the committee that “there’s a lot in this bill that shocked me.”
The group had been discussing for years doing away with the old school funding model and the commission in charge of it, she said, but she was not prepared to completely change what schools have to demonstrate in order to receive funding.
“This bill is not just about doing away with the quality education model, or doing away with the appropriation committee. It also has to do with responsibilities for other parts of our system, and it has standards for other parts of our system,” she said.
Ruiz said enforcing more nuanced targets and standards that schools need to demonstrate in receiving funding would bring greater public trust in the schools and in the Legislature’s ability to ensure schools are improving and meeting the Legislature’s expectations.
“I’m just sick and tired that we put so much money into the education system and we’re seeing little to no progress,” Ruiz said.
The committee ultimately agreed to advance the bill and debate it during the legislative session.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been in a committee where I’ve had to say: ‘OK, I’m going to give a courtesy yes,’ and think, ‘oh my gosh, what would happen if it passed?’ And that’s where I’m at,” McLain said.
The Oregon Future Farmers of America (FFA) association may face potential reductions in state funding amounting to $1.1 million, which could adversely affect opportunities for both students and agricultural educators.
The FFA provides students with hands-on learning experiences in agriculture. It is active in every county in Oregon except one. Due to a shortfall in the state budget, the department of education is suggesting a reduction in the program’s funding for the second half of the biennium. This includes $800,000 allocated directly to the association for workshops, membership dues, and other expenses.
Additionally, there is a risk of losing another $300,000 intended for agricultural teachers to create opportunities for underserved students during the summer. The program has stated that it has made significant efforts to eliminate barriers for families by utilizing state funding.
Oregon FFA CEO, Kjer Kizer, remarked, The program has indicated that it is formulating contingency plans should the funding not materialize. The upcoming short session will be crucial in deciding whether the funding will be cut. Kizer mentioned that a letter of support has been sent to Oregon’s Joint Ways and Means Committee, advocating for the FFA.
Colder overnight temperatures this week prompt home heating fire safety reminder from Oregon State Fire Marshall
SALEM, Ore. – With below freezing overnight temperatures and recent home fires related to heating, the Oregon State Fire Marshal would like to remind Oregonians about the importance of fire safety. Since January 1, the agency has investigated 10 home fires across the state from various causes.
“These fires come as a tragic reminder of the importance of home heating fire safety, the second leading cause of home fires every year in Oregon,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Following fire safety guidance and testing smoke alarms regularly are important steps every Oregonian can take this winter.”
The Oregon State Fire Marshal offers these tips:
- Keep things that burn, like paper, curtains, bedding, or furniture, at least three feet away from all heating equipment, including fireplaces, wood stoves, and pellet stoves.
- Always plug space and portable heaters directly into a wall outlet and never into an extension cord or power strip.
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
- Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic. Never block an exit.
- Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of heating equipment fires (46%) occurred in the three-month period from December through February.In the first two weeks of 2026, three fire-related deaths were reported to the Oregon State Fire Marshal.
For more home heating safety tips, visit the OSFM’s website.
Poor leadership with budgets continues from liberal Governor Tina Kotek, who has not been able to stabilize maintaining essential services at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
ODOT is still confronted with potential layoffs and service cutbacks, alongside an anticipated budget shortfall of $242 million. In advance of the February session, Kotek is appealing to legislators to reallocate funds from current transportation budgets to support core operations.
Additionally, the governor is seeking to repeal HB 3991 and establish a new direction moving forward. The governor indicated that she will convene with stakeholders, which include a bipartisan assembly of lawmakers and technical specialists, to formulate a new transportation funding and investment strategy for 2027. Meantime, road maintenance and projects won’t be getting anywhere. Stay tuned.
Oregon Health Authority statement: West Coast Health Alliance continues to endorse AAP-recommended child, adolescent immunization schedules
Last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) signed a decision memorandumto revise the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and significantly reduce the number of vaccinations routinely recommended for all U.S. children. Oregon parents may want to follow this highly recommended decision regarding vaccinations.
However, according to the West Coast Health Alliance, this decision may threaten an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases in children nationwide. Children getting sick from the diseases prevented by recommended immunizations leads to missed school for children, missed work for parents, and even hospitalization and death in some children.
The current American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule is based on established vaccine safety and effectiveness evidence. AAP recommendations consider:
- When children are most vulnerable to diseases;
- When vaccines work best with children’s immune systems;
- The safety of vaccinations being recommended;
- The risk of diseases in the United States;
- Our current access to health care and immunizations; and
- Cost effectiveness of implementing national recommendations for a particular vaccination.
While the first three concerns are similar across countries, the last three concerns may differ considerably between countries. The AAP-recommended immunization schedule serves as a starting point for discussions between families and their providers, as it always has. Parents should continue to make informed decisions about the vaccines that their children receive based on discussions with their child’s health care provider.
We do not expect these changes to affect insurer coverage for vaccines for this plan year. All child and adolescent immunizations recommended as of Dec. 31, 2025, will remain available and covered by public and private insurers however the changes create confusion and will put more children at risk of preventable diseases.
The West Coast Health Alliance will continue to review available vaccine science and ensure continued access to recommended vaccines. Each state is examining the impact of these federal changes on vaccine access in our respective states. WCHA and AAP continue to support these longstanding recommendations including informed parental decisions for the best protection of their children.
The West Coast Health Alliance was formed to ensure that public health recommendations are guided by science, effectiveness and safety at a time when CDC leadership changes, reduced transparency and the compromise of key advisory panels have called into question the federal government’s capacity to address the nation’s public health challenges.
Families in rural Oregon who are raising children frequently encounter limited opportunities for after-school activities that enhance social skills, academic achievement, and safety.
According to a survey conducted by the Afterschool Alliance, a national nonprofit organization, five out of six children in Oregon could gain from after-school programs but are unable to access them due to high costs or distance. For families residing outside urban centers, the closest program is often situated more than an hour away.
The survey revealed significant support for after-school programs from both Republican and Democratic parents. Some parents indicated that after-school activities enable them to work longer hours, increase their productivity, and alleviate concerns regarding their children’s wellbeing, as reported in the survey.
Be Prepared For Winter Driving
If you’re planning to drive the roads, 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.
VisitAAA.com/winterprepfor tips and travel advice, including what to put in an emergency kit.
Beginning in February, air travelers in the United States who do not possess a REAL ID will incur a fee of $45, as announced by the Transportation Security Administration on Monday.
Although the updated ID has been mandatory since May, passengers lacking it have previously been permitted to pass through security with additional screening and a cautionary notice.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, 94% of travelers are already compliant, and the new fee aims to motivate travelers to acquire the ID. REAL ID refers to a state-issued license or identification card that complies with federal standards and fulfills enhanced requirements established following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
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.
What’s new in 2026:
- 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.
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