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 BasinLife.com, KFLS News/Talk 1450AM/102.5FM, The Herald and News, and powered by Mick Insurance. Call them at 541-882-6476.
Monday, April 27, 2026
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Partly sunny and 56 degrees. Overnight, mostly clear with a low near 32.
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
Klamath County Public Works — Major Work Week of April 27, 2026
Klamath County will have work crews at the following locations. Please use caution when in these areas and watch for flaggers. If you are able to avoid the work zones, please use an alternate route for your safety and the safety of Klamath County employees and our contractors.
Matney Way between Wong Road and Hill Road – Traffic is limited to one lane over County Bridge 904-2 (Lost River), with a 10-ton weight limit in effect. No semi-trucks are permitted.
ROAD CLOSED: East Langell Valley Road between Jones Road and Bunn Way – Starting Monday April 20, 2026, at 7:00am through Friday September 11, 2026.
Austin Street (between Laverne Avenue and Bristol Avenue) – Utility Work
Expect daytime travel lane closures with Flaggers.
In general, flagging stations will be set up at the end of the work zone and delays will be 0 to 20 minutes at a time for the motoring public. Our goal is to minimize the delay to the motoring public. Other minor work is occurring throughout the County, but we are only listing the major items in this announcement. There may be adjustments of work schedules due to weather or other items outside of the County’s control (breakdown of equipment, material/resource availability, etc.)
Klamath County Public Works and the Board of County Commissioners appreciate the motoring publics’ patience during the repair season for our local roads and bridges. If you have any questions regarding work, please contact the Public Works Department at (541) 883-4696.
The United Way of the Klamath Basin held its annual recognition luncheon on Tuesday at the Klamath Basin Senior Citizens Center, honoring 19 individuals whose dedication and compassion have been vital to the community.
These honorees, nominated by their peers and community members, embody the essential support system for local nonprofits, schools, and families throughout Klamath County. Their contributions, which include mentoring students, stocking food pantries, delivering meals, organizing fundraisers, and providing assistance during crises, highlight the importance of volunteerism in fostering human connection and resilience in the community.
Among those celebrated was Carla Baker, a postmaster and fire captain from Chiloquin, who received the prestigious Volunteer of the Year award for her exceptional commitment to serving others.
Klamath Basin landowners are being urged to reassess their agricultural plans to determine if they can set aside land and participate in programs offered by the Klamath Project Drought Response Agency (KPDRA).
Scott White, the general manager of the Klamath Drainage District (KDD), highlighted the concerning snowpack levels in the Cascades and the Bureau of Reclamation’s allocation of just 221,000 acre-feet of water for the Klamath Irrigation Project, which has led to $19.1 million being earmarked for the 2026 KPDRA initiative.
During a recent KDD board meeting, Elizabeth Nielsen, executive director of the Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA), projected that between 40,000 and 50,000 acres may need to be idled within the Klamath Project.
The “No Irrigation Program” is designed for these idled acres, which will not receive irrigation water from November 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026, and is expected to offer compensation of $300 to $350 per acre, depending on the total acreage enrolled.
The 25th annual Living Well Health Fair will be held Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Linman Hall/Exhibit Hall 1 at the Klamath County Fairgrounds, 3531 South Sixth Street.
The free event offers health screenings, educational exhibits and interactive activities. Free cholesterol and blood glucose screenings will be available, and people should fast 8-12 hours before testing for the most accurate results. Cascades East Family Medicine doctors and Sky Lakes Primary Care Providers will interpret results at no charge.
“The Living Well Health Fair is all about making health approachable, engaging and accessible for everyone,” Bennett said. “It’s an opportunity for our community to explore local resources, connect with care teams and take simple, meaningful steps toward better health—reflecting our mission to inspire human potential through wellness.”
Healthy Klamath will present an inflatable lung model to highlight respiratory health concerns like the effects of smoking, lung disease and air quality on lung function. People can walk through the exhibit to learn about lung health.
OHSU Knight Cancer Institute will bring an inflatable colon to educate the community on colorectal health. The exhibit covers the importance of screenings for colon cancer, recognizing symptoms and understanding prevention strategies.
Community partners will offer demonstrations and resources covering mental health, physical health, aging and substance use disorders. Food trucks will be on-site for lunch.
For more information, visit Sky Lakes’ website or follow updates on social media.
The Klamath Tribes are set to undertake the first large-scale reintroduction of Chinook salmon in their ancestral territory, a significant initiative supported by a recent allocation of $6 million from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and NOAA Fisheries.
This funding aims to address the urgent need for the critically endangered spring-run Chinook salmon. The Tribes plan to create up to 40 remote incubation sites in cold-water streams located above Upper Klamath Lake, while also enhancing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Klamath Fish Hatchery near Chiloquin by adding four raceways and improving water efficiency.
Klamath Tribes Chairman William Ray Jr. emphasized that these funds will benefit not only the Tribes but the broader ecosystem, as the proposed streamside incubation system will feature secure tanks, spawning gravel, and necessary plumbing equipment.
Students from Henley High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs achieved remarkable success at the SkillsUSA Oregon State Conference held on April 10 and 11, securing six state titles and qualifying several teams for national competition.
A total of 45 students represented various fields, including health occupations, engineering, Junior ROTC, and construction. The Hornets excelled in their endeavors, earning six state championships and finishing in the top three in 12 out of 14 competitions.
Eleven students are set to compete at the national SkillsUSA conference in Atlanta this June, where the organization focuses on enhancing leadership, teamwork, and technical skills through practical competitions and industry-related experiences.
Among the state titles won by Henley were Community Service, Mobile Robotics, Job Interview, Electrical Construction Wiring, Engineering Technology Design, and Commercial Drones, with several teams achieving multiple top placements in events such as commercial drones and job interviews.
Southern Oregon voters gearing up for the May 19 primary election must adhere to the state’s 21-day registration deadline, which falls on April 28.
This deadline is crucial for new residents registering to vote and for current voters wishing to change their political party affiliation. Oregon’s closed party primary system means that a voter’s registered party dictates the candidates they can choose on their primary ballot.
In this system, registered Democrats can only vote for Democratic candidates, while Republicans are limited to Republican candidates.
County Clerk Chris Walker clarified that non-affiliated voters or those from minor parties can only participate in nonpartisan races and measures during the primary, although they are not entirely excluded from the voting process.
Changing party affiliation before the April 28 deadline is a straightforward task; Oregon Representative Emily McIntire noted that the online process takes less than a minute. She advocates for this requirement, emphasizing that it fosters accountability within the electoral system.
John Watt, President and CEO of JWA Public Affairs, added that both major parties have maintained control over primary races for years and are reluctant to relinquish that power.
Student teams are gearing up to ignite the grills for the Klamath County School District’s second annual Iron Chef: Battle of the Schools on May 1st.
This barbecue competition will be held in Linman Hall at the Klamath County Fairgrounds, starting at 8 a.m., with teams setting up their barbecue stations outdoors.
Participants will demonstrate their culinary talents by preparing beef short ribs for the main course and pork tenderloin for the appetizer, with both meats generously supplied by Diamond S. For the first time, the event will open its doors to the public, allowing attendees to purchase tickets at the entrance and indulge in a complete tasting experience featuring appetizers, entrées with two sides, and desserts—all crafted by the student chefs.
Abbey Road Brings Iconic Beatles Tribute Band to Klamath Falls, Wednesday, April 29th!
Experience the timeless sound of the world’s most legendary band when Abbey Road – Number Ones and More arrives at the Ross Ragland Theatre on Wednesday, the 29th at 7:00 pm.
This nationally celebrated Beatles tribute show promises an unforgettable evening of music, memories, and meticulously crafted performance.
From the moment the lights go down, audiences are transported across the Beatles’ evolution — from the early Ed Sullivan broadcasts to the technicolor dream of Sgt. Pepper and the introspective artistry of Abbey Road. With three full costume changes, authentic vintage instruments, and note-perfect renditions, Abbey Road recreates the Beatles’ most iconic eras with uncanny precision.
The setlist features a powerhouse collection of the Beatles’ biggest chart-toppers from both sides of the Atlantic — including classics like Hey Jude, Come Together, Can’t Buy Me Love, and Eleanor Rigby. Plus, die-hard fans will be delighted by a few unexpected deep cuts that rarely surface in tribute shows.
Having performed over 2,200 shows worldwide, Abbey Road has earned critical acclaim for its musical accuracy and captivating stage presence. The Los Angeles Times calls it “a show that delivers,” while the O.C. Register praises it as “smart and loads of fun.”
“Every night feels like a homecoming,” shares Chris Paul Overall, who steps into the shoes of Paul McCartney. “There’s an energy in the crowd — people singing, dancing, dressed up — it’s a full-on celebration of everything the Beatles stood for.”
This family-friendly performance is suitable for all ages and is expected to sell out quickly. Beatles fans, don’t miss your chance to relive the magic — one night only in Klamath Falls
Abbey Road- Tribute to the Beatles comes to the Ross Ragland Theatre on Wednesday, April 29 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $30- $45 and may be purchased by phone at 541.884.5483, at the Theatre Box Office or online at www.ragland.org. The show is appropriate for all ages.
Registration is now open for this year’s Dirty Pelican Bike Paddle Run and Fun Run, scheduled for Saturday, May 16, at Moore Park.
This annual event invites participants to engage in a thrilling competition that combines biking, paddling, and running, taking them through the scenic Moore Park and along Upper Klamath Lake.
Competitors can choose to participate individually or as part of a three-person team, starting with a 7.5-mile mountain biking segment on the Link River and Moore Park trails, followed by a 2-mile paddle on Upper Klamath Lake, and concluding with a 3.5-mile trail run in Moore Park.
Additionally, a 5k Fun Run will take place on the same day, beginning around 9:15 am, making the event accessible to all ages. The Dirty Pelican Bike, Paddle, Run Race in Klamath Falls was designed to foster community spirit and encourage outdoor activity while also serving as a fundraiser to support local families.
This week’s pet ready for adoption at The Klamath Animal Shelter is a dog named ” Cheeky “
Cheeky is a 4 year old female Golden doodle, she is light blonde colored, and she weighs about 50 pounds.
They said that she is house trained, has lived with children as young as 1 year old, and another dog, she has never been around cats. 
Around the State of Oregon
Oregon’s minimum wage is set to increase by 50 cents per hour on July 1, reflecting an annual adjustment for the state’s lowest-paid workers linked to inflation.
The minimum wage varies across the state to accommodate differences in living costs, with the Portland area seeing a rise to $16.80 per hour. In much of the Willamette Valley, the standard minimum wage will increase to $15.55, while rural and eastern Oregon will see a new minimum of $14.55.
This annual increase, mandated by state lawmakers since 2016, is based on a 3.3% inflation rate calculated from a specific segment of the federal Consumer Price Index.
State Senator Christine Drazan is leading the Republican primary for Oregon governor, as indicated by the first public poll released in this race.
The survey, which sampled 515 likely Republican voters, shows Drazan with 31.1% support, significantly ahead of state Representative Ed Diehl at 15.6% and former Trail Blazer Chris Dudley at 14.8%.
Approximately 30% of respondents remain undecided, but when pressed to make a choice, Drazan’s support increased by 5.8%, while Dudley and Diehl gained 3.3% and 2%, respectively. However, both Dudley and Diehl’s campaigns have expressed skepticism about the poll’s implications, asserting that it does not reflect a shift in momentum favoring their candidacies. Christine Drazan originally hails from Klamath Falls.
May is Wildfire Awareness Month
SALEM, Ore. –After an uncharacteristically warm winter, Oregon is experiencing various levels of drought and a record-low snowpack.
May and June rainfall, or lack thereof, determines whether the state faces an early start to fire season. If the spring drying trend persists, the combination of these conditions sets the stage for extremely active and challenging wildfires this summer. Keep Oregon Green, in partnership with federal, state, tribal and local fire and emergency response agencies will be spreading the word about the steps we all can take to prevent the start of careless, unwanted wildfires this summer.
Emergency response agencies encourage all Oregonians to take steps now to create defensible space around homes and outbuildings and become familiar with evacuation procedures.
Each year, over 70% of Oregon’s wildfires are started by people. Many are a result of escaped campfires and debris burn piles or overheated equipment and vehicles casting sparks or catching fire. During the 2025 fire season, the Oregon Department of Forestry reported that people were directly responsible for sparking 740 wildfires that burned over 20,000 acres. Any spark can gain traction in dry vegetation, spread quickly and impact lives, personal property, and the many benefits provided by Oregon’s scenic natural areas.
Before heading outdoors this summer, be sure to contact the agency or landowner who manages the land at your destination for an update on current fire restrictions or bans. Everyone should be familiar with these restrictions before building open fires or using equipment that could ignite a wildfire.
One Spark Changes Everything
Keep Oregon Green has been fighting wildfire with publicity since 1941. This season, the Association is unveiling a new campaign theme: ‘One Spark Changes Everything’. It highlights how everyday choices can either spark a negative or positive outcome. The campaign calls on the public to recognize risky outdoor behaviors that can lead to wildfires and predict the effects of their actions. Campaign artwork, PSAs, and additional wildfire safety tips can be found at keeporegongreen.org and various social media platforms.
Coming soon: More Wildfire Awareness Month tips
During May, a new wildfire prevention topic will be shared each week to help homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts learn how to prevent their outdoor activities from sparking the next wildfire.
For more information, visit the websites for Keep Oregon Green at www.keeporegongreen.org, the Oregon Department of Forestry at www.oregon.gov/odf, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal at https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/education/pages/prevent-wildfires.aspx.
A federal judge in Eugene conducted oral arguments last week regarding a lawsuit that seeks to halt ICE operations in schools, hospitals, and churches.
The lawsuit, brought forth by church leaders and school staff from Oregon, Florida, and California, contends that these immigration enforcement actions breach government policy.
The plaintiffs’ attorneys have presented over 60 instances from individuals across 18 states who have been affected by these immigration raids. An emergency motion has been filed to pause the enforcement actions until the trial concludes. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration has requested the dismissal of the case. Although Federal Judge Ann Aiken did not indicate her forthcoming decision on the motions, she assured that a ruling would be issued soon.
HIT & RUN – INTERSTATE 84 – HOOD RIVER COUNTY
HOOD RIVER COUNTY, Ore. (27 April 2026) – On Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 5:58 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Interstate 84 near milepost 66 in Hood River County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a person, Huner Clay Miller (24) of Hermiston, was walking in the travel lane for an unknown reason when he was struck by an unknown vehicle traveling westbound in the slow lane on I-84 near Hood River. A black Harley-Davidson motorcycle was found several miles east of the crash; however, it is unknown if Miller was associated with the motorcycle.
Miller was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The highway was impacted for approximately 2.5 hours for the on-scene investigation.
Investigators are asking any witnesses or anyone with information to contact OSP Dispatch at 800-442-2068, or by calling *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-135374.
Oregon has emerged as the second most affected state for imposter scams, with residents reporting 1,224 incidents per million people residents, a significant rise in the latest numbers released through 2024.
The financial impact on Oregonians has also escalated sharply, with total losses from these scams increasing by 54% which represents the fifth-largest rise among all states examined.
On average, each victim in Oregon in 2024 has lost approximately $2,602 to fraudulent schemes.
Oregon’s school districts will no longer have the option to shorten the academic year as a means to reduce expenses, prevent layoffs, or address budget deficits, following a new directive from Governor Tina Kotek.
During the State Board of Education’s monthly meeting, Kotek proposed temporary regulations mandating that schools which have already reduced school days this year must restore them by the 2027-28 academic year.
Additionally, she urged the board to revise state guidelines on instructional time, prohibiting districts from decreasing instructional hours or counting teacher professional development and parent-teacher conferences as part of instructional time.
According to a recent analysis by ECONorthwest, commissioned by the advocacy group Stand for Children, Oregon has one of the shortest school years in the nation, and the state also faces high rates of chronic absenteeism among students, as highlighted by a recent study from the University of Oregon.
In late March, over 13,000 residents of Oregon lost their food assistance benefits due to the implementation of new federal work requirements, as reported by the Oregon Department of Human Services.
The federal legislation HR1 has broadened the work rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), increasing the number of adults who must adhere to time limits. Individuals who fail to comply with these requirements and do not qualify for an exemption are limited to receiving SNAP benefits for only three months within a three-year timeframe.
However, those who lost their benefits can regain eligibility by fulfilling the work requirements, which typically involve completing approximately 80 hours of approved activities each month, such as paid employment, job searching, training programs, or volunteering.
If individuals meet the necessary hours for at least 30 days, they may become eligible for SNAP again. Additionally, individuals may regain access to SNAP if they qualify for an exemption based on their personal circumstances, which can include health issues, caregiving duties, or other life situations.
ODHS is encouraging people to reach out as soon as possible if they have questions about their benefits or work rules. Many people may not realize they can regain SNAP after benefits stop, or may not know the steps to take.
For full details about SNAP work rules, exemptions and how to report activities, visit:
- English: gov/snapworkrules
- Spanish: Oregon.gov/odhs/es/alimentos/Pages/limites-tiempo
People can also contact the ODHS ABAWD team:
- Call: 1-833-947-1694
- Email: ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov
For more information about SNAP benefits:
- Online: oregon.gov
- Call: 1-800-699-9075
Mushroom collection season now open on Klamath National Forest
(Yreka, CA, April 22, 2026) — The Klamath National Forest invites the public to enjoy mushroom collecting on the forest, where a variety of edible mushrooms — including morels, chanterelles, shaggy mane, puffballs, boletes and oyster mushrooms — can be found throughout Siskiyou County.
When mushroom collecting, make sure you know before you go. Some mushrooms can be dangerous. Never collect a mushroom you aren’t sure is safe.
Permits Required for Mushroom Collecting
You may collect up to one gallon of mushrooms per day for personal use without a permit, with a yearly limit of five gallons. To help protect forest resources and support sustainable harvesting, a permit is required for any commercial collecting or for personal collection exceeding the five-gallon annual limit.
$20 Permit: Collect up to 8 gallons over four consecutive days.
$50 Permit: Collect up to 20 gallons over 30 consecutive days; additional days may be purchased for $5 per day.
$100 Seasonal Permit: Collect up to 40 gallons during the season.
Permits are available at Forest Service offices in Yreka (1711 South Main Street), Happy Camp (63822 Highway 96), Macdoel (37805 Highway 97), and Fort Jones (11263 N. Highway 3). Please note that permits are now issued at the Supervisor’s Office in Yreka.
Each permit includes specific conditions and restrictions designed to promote responsible and sustainable harvesting. Permit holders are responsible for reviewing and complying with these guidelines.
For more information about mushroom harvesting, camping, or fire restrictions, contact your local ranger district or visit www.fs.usda.gov/r05/klamath/offices.
Columbia Bank, a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System (Nasdaq: COLB), today announced it has been recognized by Crisil Coalition Greenwich with two regional Best Bank Awards for excellence in middle market banking.
More than 500 banks worldwide were evaluated across small business and middle market categories, with only 47 banks receiving honors.
Crisil Coalition Greenwich recognized Columbia Bank in the following middle market banking categories for the U.S. West region:
- Best Bank – Satisfaction in Cash Management for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)
- Best Bank – Satisfaction with Relationship Manager for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)
Source: Coalition Greenwich Voice of Client – 2025 U.S. Commercial Banking Study
Best Bank Awards are based on extensive client feedback. The 2026 middle market recognitions draw from more than 11,000 interviews with U.S.-based businesses generating $10 million to $500 million in annual sales.
“Columbia Bank’s recognition by Crisil Coalition Greenwich as a 2026 Best Bank is especially meaningful since it’s the result of customer testimonials. It reflects the priority we place on supporting middle market companies, as well as the dedication and expertise our bankers bring to the table every day for our customers,” said Tory Nixon, Columbia Bank President. “It’s a privilege to support so many outstanding middle market enterprises across the West, and we will continue to earn their trust and confidence.”
Additional 2026 Accolades
The Coalition Greenwich awards add to a growing list of honors Columbia Bank has received this year, including:
- Forbes: America’s Best Banks
- Global Finance: Best Bank for Small and Midsize Enterprises, West
- Global Finance: Best Trade Finance Partner, West
About Columbia Bank
Columbia Bank is the largest bank headquartered in the Northwest and one of the largest banks headquartered in the West with offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Columbia Bank combines the resources, sophistication, and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver superior, personalized service
SALEM, Oregon — The Office of the Governor, in partnership with the Oregon Arts Commission, is proud to relaunch Art in the Governor’s Office. This program brings the works of some of Oregon’s most distinguished artists to the state Capitol to be displayed in the Governor’s Gallery (formerly the Reception Room).
This longstanding tradition, which began in 1975 and celebrates the diverse creativity of Oregon’s professional visual artists, returns this year after a pause due to the pandemic and the restoration of the Capitol building. It will feature a series of three exhibitions of renowned practitioners of photography and painting.
The 2026 series begins with an exhibition by Harrison Branch, an accomplished photographer and Oregon State University Professor Emeritus. Branch’s “Palladotypes: Unpublished Images” will be on display April 24 through July 16.
“With construction nearly completed, it’s so meaningful to be back in the Capitol – and restart the sharing of art in the Governor’s Office,” said Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson. “Oregonian artist Marie Watt so perfectly described the importance of art: ‘Art is a living, breathing part of our community. Art belongs to everyone, and it has the power to transform the way we see each other and ourselves.’ I encourage everyone who visits or works in the Capitol to stop by the Governor’s Office to view these beautiful pieces of art and photography.”
Featured Artist: Harrison Branch
Born in New York City and educated at the San Francisco Art Institute and Yale University, Harrison Branch has spent more than four decades at the forefront of photographic education and artistry. Joining Oregon State University faculty in 1972, Branch was instrumental in developing the university’s photography program.
Branch, who lives in Corvallis, is celebrated for his technical expertise with bellows cameras—large, intricate instruments that allow for extreme precision. His work deeply explores the “natural environment,” specifically focusing on the tonal relationships between silver and the superior platinum-palladium printing process.
“In the age of digital photography,” Branch said, “I prefer the traditional methods, which could also be called classical. To me this hands-on method brings the most joy and excitement. Watching an image materialize in the developing tray is still magical.”
His photographs, which often feature undeveloped natural areas, have been exhibited internationally, including at the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris and the George Eastman House.
Upcoming 2026 Exhibitions
Following the exhibition by Harrison Branch, the Governor’s Office will host two additional prominent Oregon artists:
Erik Sandgren (July 17 – Oct. 8): Sandgren’s work probes the figured landscape through the lenses of myth and history. He works in many media. His large-scale murals, paintings and prints are in private and public collections as diverse as the Maryhill Museum of Art and the Yale University Art Gallery.
Nancy Watterson Scharf (Oct. 9 – Dec. 31): Scharf is based in the Southern Oregon coast range, and her acrylic paintings provide a “voice for nature,” investigating the complex relationship between humans, animals and the ecosystems they share.
Public Access
The Governor’s Gallery is viewable most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitation information is available at 503-986-1388.
Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Was Unchanged at 5.2% in February
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in both February and January. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.4% in February and 4.3% in January.
In February, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 5,400 jobs, following a gain of 1,600 jobs, as revised, in January. February’s gains were largest in financial activities (+800 jobs). Losses were largest in transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-1,600 jobs); leisure and hospitality (-1,500); and professional and business services (-1,300).
Financial activities added 800 jobs in February, which was a rare monthly gain for the industry after persistent declines over the past three years. It employed 99,800 in February, which was down 1,100 jobs, or -1.1%, since February 2025.
Transportation, warehousing, and utilities employment was choppy in recent months, cutting 1,600 jobs in February following a gain of 1,500 in January. It employed 78,400 in February, which was 400 jobs, or 0.5%, above its year-ago level and close to its average employment throughout much of the past five years.
Leisure and hospitality cut 1,500 jobs in February following a gain of 1,200 in January. During the prior three years, it was remarkably steady, averaging just over 207,000 jobs.
Professional and business services continued its downtrend of the past three years, cutting 1,300 jobs in February and another 2,000 jobs in January. In the most recent 12 months, it cut 8,700 jobs, or 3.4%. Since February 2025, each of its three component industries contracted by more than 2%: administrative and waste services (-4,200 jobs, or -4.3%); professional and technical services (-3,200 jobs, or -2.9%); and management of companies and enterprises (-1,300 jobs, or -2.7%).
Safe Digging Month Reminds Oregonians to Contact 811 Before Digging
SALEM, Ore. – In recognition of National Safe Digging Month, the Oregon Utility Notification Center (OUNC), Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA), and Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) remind Oregonians to contact 811 before starting projects that involves digging.
Whether a professional contractor or do-it-yourselfer, all play an important role in preventing damage to underground utilities. Contacting Oregon 811 before you dig helps prevent serious injuries and avoid costly damage to essential utility services. There are three easy steps to safe digging in Oregon:
- Submit a locate request at least two business days before digging at Oregon811.com or by calling 811
- Wait for utility crews to mark the underground lines
- Dig carefully
After a locate request is submitted, the OUNC notifies the utility companies that provide service to the area. Utility crews then visit the site and mark the approximate location of the underground lines, pipes, and cables able to be located, at no cost to the homeowner or contractor.
Meanwhile, employers must follow Oregon OSHA requirements to protect workers against the potential hazards of underground utilities. Those requirements include:
- Notifying OUNC of the proposed area of excavations at least two working days before starting an excavation.
- Estimating the location of utilities before opening or extending an excavation.
- Determining by safe and acceptable means the exact location of the estimated utility installations when excavation activities approach them.
- While excavations are open, underground installations must be protected, supported, or removed as necessary to safeguard employees.
Oregon OSHA offers employers free consultations – no fault, no citations, no penalties – to improve workplace health and safety programs and practices. It also offers free technical help with understanding and applying workplace safety rules.
Most utility line strikes happen during the warmer months, when construction and landscaping activity increases. National data shows that in 2024, an estimated 196,977 instances of damage occurred across the country, and 17 percent were caused by failing to contact 811.
For more information or to submit a locate request, visit Oregon811.com or call 811.
Oregonians have a wide array of choices when it comes to license plates. Options range from elephant-themed plates to those featuring the Ducks or Beavers, as well as designs showcasing bees and Smokey Bear.
Each of these unique plates comes with an additional fee, with proceeds supporting various causes such as zoos, colleges, and forest conservation.
Now, for the first time, golf enthusiasts in Oregon will have the opportunity to express their passion through a dedicated license plate. This new design will be available for order from the Department of Motor Vehicles starting Tuesday, April 28.
EARTH WEEK things to think about…
The forest needs a hand
Michael McCool, Office of Communications
April 21, 2026
In forests across the United States, recovery often begins with something small.
A seed.
Over time, forests grow, adapt and renew themselves through cycles shaped by fire, weather and insects. But in some cases, forests can be pushed beyond their ability to recover quickly on their own.
That is where management begins.
Inside one cold-storage facility at the Lucky Peak Nursery in Idaho, thousands of young trees sit in carefully organized boxes, waiting for the right conditions to be planted. Each one is a carefully grown product, representing months of planning and coordination between state and federal partners.
The work done at this Forest Service facility is just one example of similar, intentional planning underway in forests across the country, where partners are working together to reduce risk and improve forest conditions across the landscape.
Thousands of seedlings are stored in cold conditions at a Forest Service nursery in Idaho. These trees support coordinated forest management efforts across the country.
Where it begins
Wildfire remains one of the most visible forces shaping forest landscapes.
In the Boise National Forest, burned trees from a recent, devastating fire stand black and barren — charred remains of their former glory. They must be harvested quickly before they lose their value as lumber. Although wildfire can be part of a natural cycle, if left alone, these standing dead trees can pose safety risks to visitors and nearby communities.
A burned section of forest in Idaho shows the aftermath of wildfire. While fire can play a natural role, severe events can leave behind hazardous conditions that require active management.
The fire that raged across this forest is just one of many forces that can affect the health of a forest. Managing those risks requires coordination across boundaries that are invisible to the fire itself. In situations like this — and even before disaster strikes — the Forest Service works hand in hand with state and local partners.
For Dustin Miller, director of the Idaho Department of Lands, that cooperation is essential.
“About 95% of our acres border either the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management,” Miller said. “So, the relationship with the federal agencies matters.”
When the forest needs help
Across the region, that cooperation is formalized through an approach known as shared stewardship.
The model emphasizes collaboration between federal, state and local entities to identify risks, plan projects and carry out work more efficiently.
“Shared stewardship was an initiative rolled out by the Forest Service,” said Brian Davis, South Idaho shared stewardship coordinator. “It’s realizing that we need to do a better job and be a better partner with our neighbors.”
Much of that work focuses on reducing hazardous fuels — dense underbrush and unhealthy trees that can intensify wildfires and increase risk to nearby communities.
Thinning operations and the removal of unhealthy trees help reduce the amount of fuel on the landscape, lowering the potential for fires to grow more severe.
Jamie Barnes, director of the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, said the approach has evolved beyond an idea into measurable work on the ground. That work does not stop at ownership boundaries.
“Not just state land… not just local land… but also federal land — working across all jurisdictions of the landscape,” Barnes said.
Forest crews working across jurisdictional boundaries to reduce hazardous fuels, mark dead trees for removal. Shared stewardship allows coordinated planning and implementation across multiple partners.
Working together on the ground
In practice, shared stewardship allows partners to divide responsibilities based on capacity and expertise.
The Forest Service often leads planning and environmental analysis, while state partners assist with implementation, including timber removal and fuels reduction.
When timber is removed as part of these projects, it can help support additional restoration work, including site preparation and future planting efforts.
That work also plays a role in supporting local economies and sustaining forestry operations in rural communities. In addition, removing extra timber can help reduce wildfire risk.
In Montana, Gov. Greg Gianforte emphasized the importance of reducing that risk through active management.
“Our forests are choked with dead and dying timber — a tinderbox ready to burn,” Gianforte said. “By reducing those fuel loads, we’re significantly reducing wildfire risk.”
For those working on the ground, the partnerships built through shared stewardship often become second nature.
“We don’t really even realize we’re working with a different agency,” Barnes said. “We work so well together… we spend more time with our partners than we do with our own families.”
Contactors use logging machinery to clear a dead trees from the forest. Removing hazardous fuels helps reduce wildfire risk while supporting forest management efforts. Timber from these projects can also contribute to local economies.
The next forest
Restoration does not end with clearing damaged trees.
It begins again with planting.
At facilities like the Lucky Peak Nursery in Idaho, millions of seedlings are grown each year, carefully matched to the conditions where they will be planted.
“So, every year we grow millions of trees,” said Sara Wilson, nursery manager. “The purpose for those trees is to go out into the woods… and grow into nice big healthy trees for the future.”
Thousands of seedlings are stored in cold conditions at a Forest Service nursery in Idaho. These trees support coordinated forest management efforts across the country. (Forest Service photo by Michael McCool)
Those seedlings are prepared for specific elevations, soil types and climates, helping ensure the next generation of forest is well suited to the landscape.
The work extends across landscapes that do not follow property lines.
“Shared stewardship really gives us an opportunity for everybody that owns the forest,” Idaho Gov. Brad Little said. “Because the bugs, the fires — nobody knows where the lines are on the map.”
The results of these coordinated efforts are already visible across the landscape.
“We’ve been increasing capacity… we’ve been doing interagency work across the landscape… and we’ve been protecting watersheds,” Barnes said.
Shared stewardship brings federal, state and local partners into the same effort — coordinating work across boundaries to improve forest conditions and reduce risk.
Forests do not grow by accident.
They are shaped by planning, management and cooperation.
And with the right care, the cycle continues.
Learn more about our Shared Stewardship program.
Oregon champion Emma Keen to compete on Tuesday, April 28 at Poetry Out Loud National Competition in Washington, D.C.
Salem, Oregon — This week, Emma Keen, a junior at Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, will represent Oregon in the 2026 Poetry Out Loud National Competition in Washington, D.C. Her itinerary also includes a meeting with Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley and a tour of the Capitol.
Poetry Out Loud is a national recitation contest for high school students. Keen wowed judges in Salem for the state Poetry Out Loud title on March 7. She will compete in the national semifinals on Tuesday, April 28, in a group with the other Western states representatives starting at 2 p.m. PST. The competition will be live-streamed on the National Endowment for the Arts website. The link will be posted on the day of the competition.
Nine students will advance to the national finals, which will begin at 4 p.m. PST on Wednesday, April 29. It will also be live-streamed.
Closed captioning and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided for both the Poetry Out Loud National Semifinals and Finals.
Keen, who in addition to Poetry Out Loud is the student body president, in the drama club and an avid photographer, is excited to perform in the nation’s capital. For the competition, Keen selected “Low-Tide” by Edna St. Vincent Millay, “From One Who Stays” by Amy Lowell, and “I am Like a Leaf” by Yone Noguchi.
“My connection with the poems is strong — I feel like the poems are in my soul,” Keen said. “I’m looking forward to being in Washington D.C., seeing beautiful sights, taking good pictures and meeting new people!”
“The performing of poetry allows students to express themselves freely, create connections, and showcase the bright future of Oregon’s arts community,” said First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, who attended the Poetry Out Loud State Contest. “Congratulations to Emma Keen for representing Oregon in the national competition. Oregon is rooting for you!”
Poetry Out Loud is organized in Oregon by the Oregon Arts Commission in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts. Participants memorize and present poems, practicing public speaking skills while exploring the complexity of poetry.
A total of $50,000 in cash prizes and school or organizational stipends will be awarded at the national finals, including $20,000 for the Poetry Out Loud National Champion, and $10,000 and $5,000 for the second- and third-place finalists, respectively.
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