Events Coming Up

Freedom Friday is happening this Friday in downtown Klamath Falls! The celebration of America’s 250th birthday isn’t over yet. In place of Third Thursday this month, it’s Freedom Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Stroll Main Street, check out local vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and bring the whole family out for a fun evening downtown.

Beat the heat Saturday morning at the Klamath Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Browse fresh produce, delicious food, handmade crafts, and unique local goods. Plus, kids and adults alike can enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride. It’s one of the best ways to spend a summer morning in the Basin.

This Saturday, the Ross Ragland Theater’s Little Sprouts presents Snow White and the Seven Endings—a hilarious twist on the classic fairy tale. Performances are at 2, 3, 5, and 6 p.m., and tickets are just $5. Come out for some family-friendly laughs while supporting these talented young performers at the Ragland.

 

Around the State of Oregon

The U.S. Department of Justice has issued letters to Secretaries of State nationwide, requesting details on the management of voter registration lists, with a warning of potential prosecution for non-compliance by Monday

Oregon’s Secretary of State, Tobias Read, confirmed receipt of the letter, emphasizing that county clerks actively manage voter rolls, routinely eliminating names that do not belong. He also noted that each ballot is equipped with unique bar codes, and signatures are verified to ensure that individuals are permitted to vote only once.

 

 

Almost 87 percent of Oregon is currently experiencing at least a Moderate Drought, despite recent rainfall.

According to NOAA, the Pacific Northwest has recorded its highest temperatures in the past five years since record-keeping began 130 years ago. The insufficient snowpack accumulated during winter is expected to negatively impact river levels as the region transitions from summer to fall.

Governor Kotek has issued drought declarations for nineteen counties in Oregon, while requests from Curry and Union counties are still under consideration.

Three Providence Hospital locations become latest measles exposure sites

Three new measles exposure locations have been identified, and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Multnomah and Clackamas county public health officials are urging people to talk to a health care provider about their risks if they believe they were exposed. 

People might have been exposed if they were at the following locations at these dates and times:  

• Providence Immediate Care—Happy Valley, 16180 SE Sunnyside Road, Suite 102, Happy Valley, between 7:42 a.m. and 10:22 a.m. Thursday, July 9.
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, emergency department, 1500 Division St., Oregon City, between 12:18 a.m. and 5:56 a.m. Friday, July 10. 
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, emergency department, 1500 Division St., Oregon City, between 10:04 a.m. and 2:57 p.m. Saturday, July 11.
• Providence Portland Medical Center, emergency department, 4805 NE Glisan St., Portland, between 1:39 p.m. and 4:57 p.m. Saturday, July 11.
• Providence Portland Medical Center, emergency department, 4805 NE Glisan St., Portland, between 7:32 p.m. and 9:46 p.m. Sunday, July 12.

People who were at these locations during these dates and time periods should immediately contact their health care provider and let them know they may have been exposed to someone who has measles. The health care provider can determine your risk for measles based on your vaccination record, age, or laboratory evidence of prior infection.  

Families without a primary care provider can establish care at any of Multnomah County’s seven primary care clinics or nine student health centers (based at high schools but open to anyone ages 5-18) by calling 503-988-5558 to make a new patient appointment. Clackamas County residents can schedule an appointment with a Clackamas County Health Center. 

Facts about measles

Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. The virus particles also can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left the area. 

Measles typically starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure to a person with measles. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication. 

Measles can be dangerous, especially among children younger than 5, adults older than 20, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. In developed countries in recent years, one to three of every 1,000 measles cases has been fatal.  The measles vaccine is highly effective at providing protection, as two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing the virus. The risk of severe disease from measles for people who are up to date on their vaccines is very low. 

What to do if you suspect measles in your household  

Public health officials urge people experiencing symptoms of measles not to arrive unannounced at a medical office if they:  

1. Have a measles-like rash, or
2. Have been exposed to measles within the previous 21 days, AND have any other symptom of measles (such as fever, cough or red eyes). 

Whenever possible, individuals planning to seek medical care should first call your health care provider or urgent care center by telephone to create an entry plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms. 

Learn more about measles at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.

 

 

COOS COUNTY, Ore. – On Monday, July 13, 2026, at 10:07 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on US 101 near milepost 240 in Coos County, approximately one mile south of Coos Bay.     

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound blue Chevrolet Venture van, operated by Taylor Anthony Harris (29) of Coos Bay, drifted off the roadway into the median separating the northbound and southbound lanes. The vehicle overcorrected, traveled across both northbound lanes, and left the roadway. It went down an embankment, rolled, and came to rest on its roof. 

A juvenile passenger in the Chevrolet was transported to an area hospital and later pronounced deceased.   

The operator of the Chevrolet (Harris) was transported to an area hospital with reported serious injuries.   

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation. 

Prior to the arrival of medical services, a passerby performed CPR on the juvenile until first responders arrived. The Oregon State Police acknowledges the actions of the passerby and recognizes that motor vehicle crashes involving children are especially traumatic for all involved.     

OSP was assisted by Coos Central Fire & Rescue, Greenacres Fire & Rescue, Bay Cities Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.    

 

Guzzlers help wildlife in Gilchrist State Forest /Team of volunteers maintain these low-tech watering stations 

With only an average yearly rainfall of 10 inches, wildlife in the Gilchrist State Forest can get easily stressed during the hot dry summers of central Oregon.  But thanks to some old school technology that has been used since the 1960s wildlife can use 11 artificial watering holes called guzzlers in the 72,000-acre state forest managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF).

“The entire Gilchrist has no perennial water source, meaning no rivers, streams, lakes, or ponds” said Vanessa Petro, ODF’s Lead State Forest Wildlife Biologist. “Providing important habitat features like these guzzlers benefits a wide range of species including the Crescent mule deer herd, American badger, Rocky Mountain elk, and many small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.”

Guzzlers are typically constructed of common metal roofing material just a foot or two off the ground that is the collector of rain, snow, or condensation. The water flows from the collector into a gutting system that takes it to an underground holding tank or tanks. From there a float system like in your toilet keeps a nearby downhill watering trough filled.

Though simple in design the guzzlers do require regular maintenance.

“We inventoried and examined all 11,” said Petro. “Three of them need to be rebuilt later this summer when more supplies are available while several others had either muck in the tanks, plumbing issues, or the apron needed to be repaired.”

The group of volunteers from the Oregon Hunter’s Association, Walker Range Fire Protection Association, and ODF wildlife staff got busy in the field fixing those issues.

“We also were able to enroll all the guzzlers on Gilchrist into the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Adopt a Guzzler Program,” said Petro. “This helps pay for materials by tracking volunteer time and mileage the state can use as grant funding match.

Although ODF led this round of maintenance and the guzzler enrollment paperwork, it’s the volunteers who make the guzzlers effective year-round.

“The Walker Range FPA volunteers use their firefighting tanker trucks to fill up the guzzler tanks several times each summer when they are not being used to fight wildfires,” said Petro.  “There just isn’t enough rainfall or condensation to keep those tanks filled and in use. The OHA volunteers fix things on the spot when they see something that needs to be repaired and are also key in educating other hunters on ethics with guzzlers, including the reminder of the recommended 300-foot spacing for setting up tree stands.”

Most Oregon residents associate the lush Clatsop and Tillamook State Forests as their state forests; but Gilchrist and Sun Pass State Forests in eastern Oregon are different and unique.

“ODF actively manages these state forestlands under forest management plans to provide economic, environmental, and social benefits to Oregonians,” said Petro. “Wildlife plays a big part of all three of those management goals. So, it is critical to have diverse and healthy wildlife populations in all our state forests. One small way to aid that in the Gilchrist is through the guzzlers. Just as important is to have folks actively participate in maintaining and improving their state forests. We thank all the volunteers who help do that.”

For more on Oregon’s state forests see: Oregon Department of Forestry : State forests : Forest resources : State of Oregon.

 

Task Force Busts Rural Black-Market Marijuana Grow outside Applegate Area

JACKSONVILLE, Ore. – Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant Thursday, July 9 at a black-market cannabis grow in the 100 block of Hogan Road near rural Applegate outside of Jacksonville. IMET detectives seized approximately 1,300 marijuana plants, 1/2 lb. of psilocybin mushrooms, and 3 ½ lbs. of THC extract.

There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Oregon State Police (OSP). Oregon Water Resources Department and Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene to conduct investigations.

While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, OSP, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

A U.S. Navy officer, Commander Gabriel Edwards, who is currently missing and presumed dead in the Arabian Sea, hails from Oakland, Oregon.

He disappeared following an emergency water landing of the helicopter he was aboard. The Navy has conducted extensive search operations, deploying multiple ships and aircraft to cover over 14,000 square miles in the search effort.

Commander Edwards is survived by his wife, Rebecca, and their two children.

 

Rural communities throughout Oregon are poised to enhance their health care services with the allocation of $97 million in new federal funding from the Trump Administration.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is distributing these funds to support 136 initiatives across all counties in the state. These investments aim to improve health care access in rural areas by expanding services, bolstering the health care workforce, promoting the use of technology such as telehealth, and encouraging regional collaborations for sustainable improvements.

State officials emphasize that these projects will aid in the recruitment and retention of health care professionals in rural regions while facilitating access to vital medical services in proximity to residents. The funded programs will tackle a diverse array of health care needs, encompassing maternal and child health, behavioral health, substance use treatment and recovery, services for the elderly, chronic disease prevention and management, emergency medical services, and other community health priorities.

 

Oregon Health Plan members can now access assistance for purchasing groceries through a new Medicaid benefit aimed at enhancing health outcomes and reducing hospitalizations.

Beginning this month, individuals with specific serious medical conditions who face food insecurity can apply for up to six months of nutrition benefits via two newly established programs. One program focuses on providing support for fruits and vegetables, while the other covers essential pantry items, including meat, fish, dairy, bread, cooking oils, canned goods, and spices. These grocery benefits represent the latest expansion of Oregon’s health-related social needs initiative, which seeks to broaden Medicaid’s coverage beyond conventional medical services.

In 2022, Oregon received federal approval to allocate Medicaid funds for various services, including housing assistance, medically tailored meals, nutrition education, and climate-related equipment, such as air conditioners and air filters, to protect individuals whose health is compromised by extreme weather conditions.

 

 

Biologists are raising concerns regarding a significant increase in whale fatalities along the West Coast.

According to the Center for Biological Diversity, 2026 is projected to be among the most lethal years for whales in this region, which extends from California to Alaska.

To date, at least 51 whale deaths have been reported this year, and if this trend persists, 2026 could potentially rank as the second deadliest year for West Coast whales, following 2019, which recorded 122 whale deaths.

 

Small Town Store Wins with Oregon Lottery Bonus

R & R Grocery and Sporting Goods at 940 SE Combs Road in Prineville sold the winning ticket in the June 6, 2026 drawing. The prize winner is from Prineville and wanted to remain anonymous. Store owners Debi and Dennis Morton took over the store four years ago and say it’s the biggest win they’ve experienced. “I’ve been telling regulars, it’s our turn,” said Debi Morton. “So now, I’m telling everyone we’re going to concentrate on Scratch-its because we’re due for a big win there. I really believe that I manifested this.” 

R & R Grocery, known by locals for its homemade fried chicken, has been an Oregon Lottery retailer since 2005. The Mortons say they shared some of the bonus money with the store’s nine employees, made a charity donation, and the rest is being saved for future business expenses.

“Our goal is to make sure when people come to our store, they are happy when they leave,” she said. “If that’s with $3.2 million, then so be it.”Oregon’s Game Megabucks has some of the most favorable big prize jackpot game odds in the world.

In April, two tickets matched the winning numbers and the $11.1 million Megabucks jackpot was split. The jackpot resets to $1 million after someone wins.  

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have one year from the date of a drawing to claim their prize. 

 

Nordic Veneer, a timber products manufacturer located in Roseburg, has announced the permanent closure of its facilities after 72 years of operation.

The company, which has been under the ownership of the Adams family since 1954, has encountered numerous challenges in recent years, including rising taxes, stringent environmental regulations, supply chain disruptions, and pricing pressures stemming from tariffs on Canadian lumber, alongside competition from foreign firms and private landowners.

Production at Nordic Veneer ceased on Thursday, leading to the layoffs of 26 mill workers and three office staff, many of whom had dedicated decades to the company. According to statements from Adams, most of these employees were affected by the closure on that day.

 

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has issued a warning regarding a newly identified fraud ring that enrolls individuals in life insurance policies without their awareness or consent.

This fraudulent activity primarily targets older adults and has been reported across several states, including Oregon. The scheme involves licensed insurance agents who initiate contact with victims through multiple telemarketing calls, during which personal information is solicited. This information is subsequently passed on to the participating insurance agents, who then reach out to the victims to gather any additional details necessary to finalize an application for a life insurance policy.

These applications are submitted without the victims’ knowledge, resulting in the issuance of one or more policies for which the agents receive commissions, despite the fact that the premiums have not yet been paid. The fraud typically comes to light when the insurance company seeks the initial premium payment.

The Division of Financial Regulation’s consumer advocates are available to assist with inquiries or to facilitate the filing of complaints. They can be contacted at 1-888-877-4894 or via email at DFR.InsuranceHelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for insurance-related assistance, and dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for help with financial services.

 

Check out Oregon State Parks with your library card

Borrow an Oregon State Parks parking permit for free at 82 libraries statewide.

(SALEM, Ore.) – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD) and the State Library of Oregon are partnering to offer free state parks parking permits to Oregon public libraries. There are currently 200 parking permits available at 82 libraries across the state.

“Oregon’s state parks are for everyone,” said OPRD deputy director JR Collier. “As we assess ways to manage our budget responsibly, we also want to uplift equitable access to our parks.”

Each participating library received up to four parking permits. These are the physical hang tags you check out from the library and put in your car. The permit covers parking in all Oregon State Parks day-use areas for one vehicle. Go to the Oregon State Parks websiteto find participating libraries. All you need to participate is your library card.

“Libraries help make life more affordable for Oregonians. This program leverages the existing borrowing system to help connects folks of all income levels with the beauty and splendor of Oregon’s State Parks,” said Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian.

Both OPRD and the State Library contributed 100 parking permits to the program to distribute to libraries. The agencies determined how many passes each library would receive based on interest from the library, its proximity to a park charging a day use fee, and the size of the population it serves. The State Library purchased permits with Library Services and Technology Act funds from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

OPRD first distributed parking permits to 28 libraries as part of a year-long pilot program starting in August 2024. Those passes were checked out more than 2,100 times. At the pilot’s conclusion, OPRD evaluated how to best move the program forward in the context of its changing fees. In 2027, OPRD and the State Library will continue to explore options for an expanded long-term program that will serve even more libraries and people in Oregon.

Learn more about the OPRD Library Pass Program.

Thanks for reading the the news on BasinLife.com from Wynne Broadcasting.