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.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 45. South southeast wind 3 to 7 mph. Overnight mostly cloudy with a low near 28 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
Rejeana Jackson, newly appointed KCC Board of Education member for Zone 5, wants to see her children grow up in Klamath Falls and not have to move away for their professional careers.
A Klamath Falls native and a 1998 Klamath Union graduate, the former Rejeana Robey, said many of her high school colleagues left to find work elsewhere.
“A lot of them didn’t come back,” she said.
She would like to see more economic development in the basin to keep young people here and, she said, KCC plays a big role in preparing students for the jobs that are available.
Jackson replaces Trustee Linda Dill who resigned in December. She will fill out the remainder of her 2025-26 term before having to run for the post again.
Klamath Falls has a hometown contender on Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners: Master Distiller,” as longtime fan and self-taught distiller DeeDee Pope steps into the national spotlight.
For years, Pope watched the competition series, which pits experienced distillers against one another in head-to-head challenges to craft spirits under pressure. This season, the viewer became the competitor.
“It was actually from watching the show that I started distilling in the first place,” Pope said. “Being on the show was an absolute blast, and I loved it.”
Pope’s path to the show began with a chance encounter in April 2023 at the Cattle Country Music Festival in Gonzales, Texas, where she met series hosts and judges Mark Ramsey and Eric “Digger” Manes. After sampling Pope’s homemade spirits, the pair encouraged her to apply. Out of roughly 30,000 applicants, Pope was selected as one of 30 contestants to appear on the show.
“Master Distiller,” a Discovery Channel competition series, features three distillers per episode tasked with creating spirits such as vodka, whiskey, rum or gin. Judges evaluate each entry on technique, flavor and presentation, naming one competitor the winner and awarding the title of master distiller. The judging panel includes moonshining veterans Ramsey, Manes and Tim Smith, along with Danielle Parton and other prominent figures in the moonshining world, all known from Discovery’s “Moonshiners” franchise.
Pope competes on the eighth season premiere titled Ultimate Vodka Showdown. The challenge focuses on producing a clean, balanced spirit — a category known for its technical difficulty and unforgiving margins.
“Coming from the Klamath Basin, I usually brew brandies and grain-based spirits,” Pope said. “I’d only ever done a couple runs of vodka when I was practicing for the competition.”
Her appearance marks a rare moment of national television exposure for a Klamath Falls distiller, putting a local craftsperson in front of a wide audience of spirits enthusiasts and reality TV fans alike.
“I’m just grateful I got the chance to do something I love on a show I’ve admired for years,” Pope said. “Getting to bring a piece of home with me — to represent Klamath Falls on a national stage — meant everything. I couldn’t stop smiling the whole time I was there.”
Find out if Pope has what it takes to be a master distiller when the season eight premiere airs on Jan. 27 on the Discovery Channel and Hulu. Check local listings for times.
Klamath Falls police arrest suspect in deadly alleyway attack
Earlier this month, Klamath Falls Police Department (KFPD) asked the public to identify a man who reportedly assaulted another man in an alleyway. The incident happened by Ewauna Apartments, 219 South 11th Street, Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Joe Dane, 55, of Klamath Falls was assaulted with a bat-like object and was taken to a hospital.
Due to head trauma and facial injuries, he was then life flighted to St. Charles Medical Center where he was put on life support. Ultimately he was taken off life support and his cause of death would be from the assault.
Thursday, January 22nd, Jorge Eluis Deleon was arrested by KFPD on 6 charges which include attempted murder, first degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, and second degree murder.
“During the investigation a picture of the suspect was sent out to the media requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect,” Detective Hagerman said. “On January, 21, 2026, we received a tip who positively identified the suspect as Jorge Deleon,” Hagerman said. More details to come.
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.
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
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.”
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.
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 and IRS begin processing e-filed returns; First state refunds expected February 17
Salem, OR—As Oregon and the IRS begin processing electronically-filed tax year 2025 returns today, the Department of Revenue expects the first Oregon taxpayers to receive their refunds—including their share of the state’s $1.41 billion kicker—as soon as February 17.
The department announced earlier this month that taxpayers who choose to file paper returns face a significantly longer wait. For paper filed returns, refunds will not start being issued until early April.
To help taxpayers avoid missteps that could further delay their refund, the department is opening 2026 tax season with a series of best practices suggestions.
File a return to claim your kicker
The kicker is a refundable creditthat will either increase a taxpayer’s Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe. It is not sent to taxpayers separately as a check.
Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year.
Personal income taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using the “What’s My Kicker?calculator available on Revenue Online. To use the calculator, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2024 and 2025.
File electronically, request direct deposit
On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. Those who file paper returns will experience a significantly longer wait in 2026 due to processing delays.
In the closing months of 2025, the IRS was late providing necessary tax forms and information to the Oregon Department of Revenue. As a result, the state’s processing of paper-filed Oregon personal income tax returns can’t begin until the end of March.
Taxpayers should file just once unless they need to make a change to their return. They should choose to either file electronically or by paper. Doing both will delay processing of their return.
Gather all tax records before filing
In a kicker year, taxpayers can be in a hurry to file their return so they can get their refund as soon as possible. The department warns taxpayers not to get in too much of a hurry. They should make sure they have all necessary records—including Form W-2s from their employers and Form 1099s reporting other income—needed to file a complete and accurate tax return to avoid errors.
Getting in a hurry can cause taxpayers to file before they have all the information necessary to report all of their income. If income reported on a return doesn’t match the income reported by employers, the return, and any corresponding refund, will be delayed.
Revenue Online
Revenue Online is the state’s internet tax portal and is the best way to communicate with the department.
Taxpayers with a Revenue Online account should make sure their information is current before they file. They should check their username, password, and address; and verify any estimated tax payments they’ve made.
Those who don’t have a Revenue Online account can create one. They can simply go to Revenue Online, click “Sign Up” in the box at the top right and follow the prompts.
Download Form 1099-G
The department reminds taxpayers that it no longer mails Form 1099-G to taxpayers. The form reports the amount of refunds, credits, or other offsets of personal income, statewide transit individual tax, TriMet transit self-employment tax, or Lane transit self-employment tax paid during the previous year.
Only those who itemized deductions on their tax year 2024 federal income tax return will need a Form 1099-G to file their tax year 2025 return. Those taxpayers can view and download their Form 1099-G through Revenue Online.
Taxpayers who received unemployment insurance or Paid Leave Oregon benefits in 2025 will receive a separate 1099-G by January 31 from the Oregon Employment Department.
The Portland Police apprehended four individuals during protests that ensued downtown, after the deadly shooting in Minneapolis by an ICE agent.
Two individuals were detained for reportedly obstructing a police vehicle. Among them, a 77-year-old man was transported to a hospital due to an unrelated medical condition. Additionally, two individuals were arrested outside the ICE facility; one was accused of attempting to remove plywood from the building, while the other was charged with allegedly hurling a glass candle at federal officers.
Almost every county in Oregon is set to receive federal funding through two recently approved spending packages by Congress ans signed into law by President Trump.
Over $100 million will be allocated to 54 community-initiated projects in Oregon, with several located in Southern Oregon. The projects receiving funding in this region encompass the installation of a water line, enhancements to the Curry County Jail, and maintenance of the jetty at the Port of Bandon.
Oregon Congressman Cliff Bentz interrogated health insurance executives this week regarding the profits companies generate by postponing payments on medical claims, contending that this practice may incentivize the denial of care.
During a congressional hearing, Bentz concentrated on what he referred to as the industry’s “float” — the interest that insurers accrue after receiving premiums but prior to disbursing claims. He asserted that under Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs, this interest would instead be advantageous to patients.
Bentz subsequently shifted his focus to claim denials, referencing a 19 percent denial rate at one particular company — a statistic he claimed represented approximately $50 billion in denied claims. He urged executives to reveal the amount of interest their companies earn while claims are pending, even when those claims are eventually approved.
The congressman recognized the insurers’ rationales for claim reviews but emphasized the necessity for transparency to ascertain whether delays are being employed as a profit-making strategy. He requested that each company present at the hearing submit written responses outlining the interest accrued during delays in claim processing.
The Oregon Department of Human Services, along with the Oregon Health Authority, has indicated a requirement for an additional $340 million in state funding and 475 more personnel by June 2027.
This is necessary to meet the new obligations imposed by the extensive 2025 tax and budget-cutting legislation proposed by Republicans. The primary reason for this need is the requirement for more personnel to enforce complex work requirements for Oregonians aged 18 to 64 who receive federal food assistance, known as SNAP, or coverage through the Oregon Health Plan.
This information comes from Dave Baden, the deputy director of the state human services agency, among others. Furthermore, Oregon must significantly enhance its eligibility accuracy rates to prevent incurring a federal penalty of nearly half a billion dollars in the 2027-29 period, along with the possibility of additional substantial penalties thereafter.
Officials have also warned that failing to upgrade its computer systems to comply with new eligibility regulations could result in Oregon violating federal Medicaid timelines and requirements.
Additionally, the federal legislation mandates that Oregon absorb $54 million in program administration costs that the federal government had previously agreed to cover. Moreover, the state is required to secure $105 million to fully leverage the Medicaid reimbursement it anticipates for the current two-year state budget, as stated by legislative budget specialists.
OHSU Hospital had consented to provide this funding to the state, expecting to receive a greater amount in return. However, the bill crafted by the Trump administration, known as H.R. 1, has restricted the amount Oregon can reimburse OHSU.
Oregon Gas Prices Still Much Higher Than The Nation’s
The decrease in gas prices is decelerating. According to Triple-A, the rise in crude oil prices is responsible for this trend.
Nationwide, the average cost for a gallon of gas remained stable last week at $2.82 a gallon for regular gas, a 5-year low thanks to the Trump Admistration. But in Oregon, thanks to new tax increases from Gov. Tina Kotek, the average price of regular is $3.33 a gallon.
Governor Kotek is allocating 25 million dollars to hospitals in Oregon to ensure the availability of maternity care, federal money that was given to Oregon for the state’s General Fund.
Kotek has instructed that these funds be drawn from the state’s General Fund. Fifteen million dollars will be designated to support the stabilization of maternity departments in rural hospitals. Ten million dollars will be allocated to larger hospitals.
This initiative arises as several hospitals have had to shut down their maternity departments due to insufficient resources.
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 hereto 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.
Congressman Cliff Bentz has put forward 16 students from Oregon for consideration for admission to esteemed United States service academies.
As stated by Bentz’s office, these nominations are determined by academic excellence, participation in extracurricular activities, and personal character. In a prepared statement, the congressman remarked, “I am privileged to nominate these exceptional young individuals from Oregon. Years of diligent effort, commitment, and focus on character development have rightfully earned these future leaders their well-deserved nominations.”
The nominations encompass students from Deschutes County, Jackson County, and various other areas throughout Oregon. The ultimate decision regarding academy admissions will be made by each individual academy in the upcoming spring.
January is recognized as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and the Oregon Department of Transportation is urging truck drivers to take an active role in combating this crime.
The Commerce and Compliance Division of ODOT states that traffickers often depend on transportation networks to recruit and transport victims, placing commercial drivers in a distinctive position to observe suspicious activities during their routine operations. As per ODOT, truck drivers often pass through areas where trafficking can occur openly.
To address this issue, the agency collaborates with organizations such as Truckers Against Trafficking to inform drivers about warning signs and the proper methods for reporting concerns safely. Indicators of trafficking may include individuals being dropped off or picked up by vehicles, the same person appearing at various locations, individuals who seem to be coached on what to say, or visible signs of physical or emotional distress.
ODOT advises drivers and the general public to refrain from intervening directly, and instead to report any suspicious activities to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. This hotline collaborates with law enforcement and victim service providers across the country and monitors reports that have resulted in rescues.
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 discounts, weatherization support and resources for customers managing high bills. For more information, visit PacificPower.net/Assistance or call 888-221-7070.
For more tips on how to save energy year-round, visit our Savings & Energy Choices webpage at PacificPower.net/WinterTips.
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.
Medford man jailed for assaulting police officer
Oscar Flores Jr. has been sentenced to 40 months in prison for assaulting a Medford police officer during a traffic stop. Flores, 25, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including Attempted Assault in the First Degree and Resisting Arrest.
The incident occurred on December 14, 2025, near Black Hawk Drive and Willow Brook Drive. The officer recognized Flores and his vehicle from a previous arrest for Driving While Suspended. Flores’ license was suspended by the Oregon DMV due to his status as a “Habitual Offender.”
During the traffic stop, Flores attempted to flee and became aggressive, leading to a physical altercation. The officer sustained a head injury when Flores fought back and attempted to disarm the officer. Fortunately, bystanders intervened, preventing a more serious outcome.
Deputy District Attorney Alicia Wilson highlighted the potential danger of the situation, saying it endangered not only the officer and Flores but also the public. “Fighting law enforcement and resisting arrest not only endangered the officers involved, but also the arrestee, and in this case, it also endangered members of the public who had to intervene to help the officer,” Wilson said.
Flores was on probation for other offenses at the time of the incident. The District Attorney’s Office expressed gratitude for the Medford Police Department’s professionalism and the bravery of the citizens who assisted during the incident.
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.
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.
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
This year Oregon State Parks will welcome millions of visitors, maintained nearly 1,000 miles of trails, hosted hundreds of events including mushroom hikes and star parties.
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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