TONIGHT AT THE RAGLAND

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 at the Ross Ragland Theatre tonight, 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. 

This week’s pet ready for adoption at The Klamath Animal Shelter is a dog named ” Cheeky “

 

Around the State of Oregon

Tuition at Oregon’s seven public universities will increase again this fall, marking the twelfth consecutive year that the state’s four-year institutions have raised admission costs for new students.

This ongoing trend of relying on tuition hikes to fund university operations, coupled with insufficient state investment, has positioned Oregon’s public universities as the most expensive in the western United States, as reported by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Over the past decade, resident undergraduate tuition increases have outpaced inflation for six of those years, averaging an annual rise of 4.3%, which translates to approximately $430 more each year. Additionally, any proposed tuition increase of 5% or more requires approval from the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission.

Security Fence Planned for Eugene Federal Building

The federal government is preparing to install temporary security fencing around the Eugene Federal Building, and city officials say there is little they can do to stop it because the property falls under federal jurisdiction.

According to the City of Eugene, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has notified officials of its plans to install the fencing. Because the federal government is exempt from local and state land-use regulations on property it owns, the city cannot enforce local fence codes or block the project.

City officials say their involvement is limited to reviewing and processing a Right-of-Way Use Permit to ensure nearby public streets and sidewalks remain safe and accessible during installation.

That permit would allow contractors to temporarily use public streets or sidewalks for construction-related work, such as closing traffic lanes to deliver materials or complete installation.

Last week, the city received an application from GSA’s contractor requesting temporary lane closures on Pearl Street and 7th Avenue during the fencing project. Officials say the application is currently under review, and the permit will be issued if all requirements are met.

The city emphasized that Right-of-Way permits are approved or denied based solely on whether the applicant meets permit requirements, regardless of who submits the request.

According to GSA, part of the fence will extend along the northern section of the Pearl Street sidewalk next to the federal building. However, the city says that section of sidewalk is on federal property, where Eugene holds no easement and has no legal authority to prevent its closure.

To maintain pedestrian access, the city plans to convert a nearby parking strip into a continuous walkway before the fencing is installed. That work is expected to begin Monday, April 27.

City officials described Pearl Street as a key route connecting downtown Eugene to the riverfront and market district and said they are committed to ensuring the alternate pedestrian path is in place before the sidewalk closure begins.

Former U.S. Postal Service Employee Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing Mail

EUGENE, Ore.—A Burns, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for repeatedly stealing mail while working as a U.S. Postal Service employee at the Hines, Oregon Post Office.

Patrick Wright, 44, was sentenced to 45 days in federal prison and two years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay over $2000 in restitution.

According to court documents, from January 2024 through June 2024, while working as a U.S. Postal Service employee, Wright opened mail and stole the contents, including money and gift cards.

On April 17, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a one-count indictment charging Wright with theft of mail by a postal employee.

Wright pleaded guilty today to Count One.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Sweet.

 

FEMA has allocated nearly $10 million in funding to Oregon for long-term initiatives aimed at enhancing community resilience to disasters.

This funding is part of a larger announcement of over $137 million for more than 50 projects across the nation. Under the leadership of newly appointed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, FEMA is actively working to reduce the backlog of funding requests, continuing to provide resources to states despite the ongoing 69-day lapse in appropriations, the longest in U.S. history.

Specifically, over $4.1 million will be directed to Consumers Power Inc. in Oregon to improve infrastructure that mitigates power outages during wildfires, while nearly $3.4 million will be invested in Douglas County, Oregon, to enhance 911 systems for better communication among first responders.

 

Oregonians will soon have the ability to take legal action against private companies that sell or misuse data obtained from license plate-reading cameras, thanks to a new state law.

Senate Bill 1516, which was signed by Governor Tina Kotek on March 31, took effect immediately due to an emergency provision included by lawmakers.

This 16-page legislation is part of a broader public safety package that garnered bipartisan support, yet it is particularly notable for its stringent regulations on the use of automated license plate reading technology and the street cameras associated with it.

While law enforcement has utilized this technology to disrupt criminal activities, its deployment has faced heightened scrutiny, especially in light of intensified federal immigration enforcement efforts.

 

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has finally achieved profitability after enduring years of financial losses, yet the pressure to generate revenue continues to escalate within the state’s sole academic medical center.

Following a staggering loss of over $130 million in the previous fiscal year, OHSU reported a $65 million operating gain in the last nine months, placing the institution approximately $103 million ahead of its budget.

This financial turnaround is attributed to an increase in complex cases requiring specialized care, which yield higher reimbursements and align with OHSU’s core competencies that many other Oregon hospitals lack. However, the institution faced significant financial challenges during and after the pandemic, including rising labor costs due to wage increases and staffing shortages, inflation-driven supply price hikes, and discharge delays that restricted patient admissions.

Additionally, OHSU has navigated various controversies, including leadership changes and ongoing discussions regarding its primate research center.

 

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 atwww.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.

 

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%).

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