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.
TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2026
Klamath Basin Weather
Fire Weather Watch in effect on Wednesday 11AM-11PM
Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
Wednesday
A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 91.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 91.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 89.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 88.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
Kingsley Field’s combat airfield operators enhanced their skills through training exercises conducted at Siskiyou County and Butte Valley airports.
A notable component of Kingsley Field Airbase in Klamath Falls is the 270th Combat Airfield Operations Squadron (CAOS), which consists of over 100 military and civilian personnel dedicated to providing air traffic control and airfield operations that support the 173rd Fighter Wing and Klamath Falls Regional Airport.
This self-sufficient team includes air traffic controllers, radar airfield and weather systems specialists, airfield managers, and essential support airmen, all of whom specialize in delivering comprehensive command and control support for combat airpower across diverse weather conditions, terrains, and contested environments.
During the recent exercise, which concluded on Thursday, crews focused on maintaining communication, directing aircraft movements, preparing runways, and ensuring the operational readiness of deployable facilities.
Air traffic controllers effectively managed the safe sequencing of arriving and departing aircraft, while airfield personnel worked diligently to keep runways and taxiways clear and capable of accommodating various aircraft types.
The Klamath County Fire District 4 officially annexed Long Lake Ranch during a meeting of the Klamath County Commissioners on Tuesday.
This annexation followed a petition submitted by property owners David King, Holly King, and Laurie Piepenbrink. The approximately 1,450-acre ranch, located between Klamath Falls and Round Lake, is situated about 15 minutes from the nearest fire station of the district.
In the event of a fire, the district will respond to incidents regardless of the property’s status within the district; however, properties that do not contribute taxes to the service are classified as “unprotected areas.”
Consequently, these properties fall outside the established fire protection boundaries, and their owners are charged at the state fire marshal’s rates for firefighting services.
Loveless Fire burns nearly 250 acres in Klamath County
Loveless Fire Fully Lined, Evacuation Orders Lifted as Fire Danger Remains High
All evacuation notices issued over the weekend for the Loveless Fire north of Beatty have now been lifted. The fire prompted several evacuation alerts, including a Level 3 “Go Now” order for Zone KLA-1221, but residents were allowed to return home Monday afternoon.
The wildfire has burned an estimated 247 acres and is now 100% lined. Firefighters remain on scene completing mop-up operations, with about half of that work finished. Seventy-two personnel, including two hand crews and three engines, have been assigned to the fire.
The Oregon Department of Forestry lists the Loveless Fire as human-caused, although the exact cause has not been released. Fire suppression costs are currently estimated at approximately $250,000.
The South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership continues to ask the public to avoid the fire area while crews finish securing the perimeter.
A second wildfire, the Fisher Fire, started Saturday north of Bonanza near Highway 140. That blaze burned about five acres and has since been contained.
Fire officials say wildfire activity remains intense across the region. The national fire preparedness level is currently at Level 5—the highest possible level—meaning firefighting resources are stretched thin nationwide. The Northwest is also at Level 5, while Southern Oregon remains at Level 4.
According to Brian Nieuwenhuis with the National Weather Service in Medford, smoky conditions and poor air quality are expected during the morning hours throughout the week. Northwest winds pushed smoke south and east across the region Monday, and smoke conditions may continue to change from day to day.
Forecasters are also watching for thunderstorms. The greatest chance for lightning is expected Wednesday, mainly around Crater Lake and across northern Klamath and Lake counties. The moisture fueling the storms is associated with Tropical Storm Elida off the Baja California coast.
Looking ahead, drier and windier weather is expected from Thursday through Saturday, creating conditions that could allow any new fires to spread more rapidly.
To sign up for alerts in Klamath County, go to https://www.klamathcounty.org/AlertCenter.aspx
The Esplanade and Wall St. Intersection Changes
The City of Klamath Falls will install an all-way stop at the intersection of Esplanade Avenue and Wall Street to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians, and students traveling through the area.
The change comes in response to safety concerns raised by the public, including Klamath Union High School staff, students, and parents. In addition to improving traffic safety, the all-way stop will help address visibility challenges that can make certain turning movements at the intersection more difficult.
The City hired a consultant to conduct a traffic study, and that study confirmed that the intersection met warrants for an all-way stop. Installation of the new stop signs and pavement markings is scheduled to begin July 21st, with the intersection expected to operate as an all-way stop upon completion.
Motorists are encouraged to use extra caution during the transition period as drivers become accustomed to the new traffic pattern.
The City appreciates the community members who brought these concerns forward and remains committed to making transportation improvements that enhance safety for everyone who lives, works, and travels in Klamath Falls.
Ross Ragland Theater welcomes Francine Marseille as new executive director
The Ross Ragland Theater has a new executive director. She’s Francine Marseille with more than 40 years-experience in public relations, social media, talent and special event production, and management.
Ms. Marseille’s ability to initiate and maintain relationships in multiple media markets have successfully placed multitudes of clientele with national publications and programming. In addition, Marseille’s career has included extensive Television Broadcast News production & planning in major markets.
Marseille has worked with such entertainment giants as DreamWorks; Hallmark Entertainment; Paramount Home Video; ShowTime Networks Original Pictures, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Viacom, Vista Multimedia of Canada; and Western Publishing. She has successfully managed the careers of several well-known film and TV talent, along with majormusic artists. Marseille continues to book and manage multiple concerts across the US.
KWUA SAYS New ESA Rule Marks Significant Shift in Federal “Harm” Policy
After years of advocacy by the Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA), the Family Farm Alliance, and dozens of allied agricultural and water organizations, the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Commerce have finalized a rule rescinding the federal regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act.
While the change may sound technical, it represents one of the most consequential ESA policy reforms in decades.
“This rule is about restoring a clear connection between ESA regulation and actual impacts to listed species,” said Elizabeth Nielsen, KWUA Executive Director. “It provides an opportunity for future decisions to be based on the law Congress wrote and on sound science.”
For more than 40 years, federal regulations interpreted “harm” to include certain habitat modifications that could indirectly kill or injure protected species. Supporters of the new rule argued that interpretation expanded ESA implementation beyond Congress’s intent, creating uncertainty for landowners, water managers, and federal water projects throughout the West.
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 decision in Loper Bright v. Raimondo, the agencies concluded the regulation could no longer be justified. They determined that the ESA’s statutory definition of “take” provides the appropriate legal standard and declined to adopt a replacement definition.
“Importantly, the rule does not change the ESA itself, nor does it reopen existing biological opinions, incidental take statements, or permits issued under the previous regulation,” Ms. Nielsen said. “Instead, it changes how the agencies will interpret and apply the law moving forward.”
For the Klamath Project, the rule could eventually lead to a closer connection between ESA decisions and demonstrable impacts to listed species, rather than speculative or highly attenuated habitat effects.
That issue has been particularly relevant in the Klamath Basin. In comments submitted by the Alliance-led coalition in 2025, supporters pointed to ESA restrictions affecting Klamath Project irrigators that were tied to Southern Resident killer whales hundreds of miles away through a chain of assumptions involving Klamath River Chinook salmon and ocean food availability. The coalition argued this stretched the concept of “harm” well beyond what Congress intended when it enacted the ESA.
KWUA leadership and its legal team played a leading role throughout the rulemaking process. Executive Director Nielsen joined more than 40 agricultural, water, local government, and business organizations in urging the Services to require objectively discernible physical impacts to listed species rather than relying on speculative ecological effects.
“ESA claims based on harm-by-habitat modification legal theories have led to expensive litigation for water users—litigation that has not provided actual benefits for protected species in their habitats. This change lets the word ‘harm’ speak for itself and discourages that type of wasteful litigation.” said Brittany Johnson of Somach Simmons & Dunn, KWUA’s general counsel.
Although the practical effects of the rule will depend on how future ESA consultations and court decisions unfold, KWUA believes the action is an important step toward a more predictable regulatory framework—one made possible through years of coordinated advocacy by western water users, agricultural organizations, and local communities.
“For years, Klamath Project water users have operated under regulatory assumptions that reached far beyond direct impacts to listed species,” said KWUA Board Member Tricia Walker. “This reform is an important step toward a more balanced and predictable process.”
Read the final rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/14/2026-14195/rescinding-the-definition-of-harm-under-the-endangered-species-act
About Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA)
Since 1953, the KWUA is a 501(c)(4) non-profit corporation representing the interests of Klamath Project farmers and ranchers. KWUA members include rural and suburban irrigation districts, public agencies, and private
Klamath Music Festival Is July 24 & 25
WATERSHED ROW
330 S. 7th St
Klamath Falls, OR
FRIDAY VIP: 5-8pm (Sold Out)
SATURDAY MAIN EVENT: 1-9pm (Tix Available)
Make it a weekend and stay at Running Y Resort. Relax after a full day of live music with comfortable accommodations, great dining, and all the beauty Southern Oregon has to offer—just minutes from the festival. Use promo code KLAMATHMUSIC to save on your stay.
Missing child alert – Stella Rose Dolton still missing and is believed to be in danger
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Stella Rose Dolton, age 15 who went missing from Klamath Falls on July 16, 2026. Is believed to be in danger.
ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Stella Rose Dolton and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Stella.
Stella is suspected to be in Klamath Falls area.
Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
Child Legal Name: Stella Dolton, Child Preferred Name: Clay Dolton
Pronouns: she/they
Age: 15
Height: 5’2
Weight: 147 pounds
Hair color: brown hair/shoulder length
Eye color: greenish/blue
Specific Identifying Characteristics: green pants with a black shirt
Law enforcement agency name and report #: Klamath Falls Police Department 202607160050
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2095475
Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Klamath Falls/Medford Area
Wildfire smoke from the East Evans Creek Fire is affecting several communities in southern Oregon including the Klamath Basin.
Smoky skies still persist in the Klamath Basin from the East Evans Creek wildfire burning over the hill in Jackson County. The East Evans Creek Fire has increased to 15,705 acres with 17% containment as of today.
According to Jackson County Public Health, the concentration of smoke can fluctuate rapidly due to varying weather conditions, including changes in wind direction and the volume of smoke generated by the fire. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor local air quality using resources such as airnow.gov. The smoke produced by wildfires contains a variety of air pollutants that pose health risks, potentially causing irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
Additionally, exposure can lead to inflammation, disrupt immune function, worsen existing heart and lung conditions, and heighten the risk of respiratory infections. Certain groups, including the elderly, children, individuals with chronic health issues like asthma and diabetes, outdoor workers, and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds who may have limited access to healthcare, are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of wildfire smoke.
Free worker safety, health trainings arriving in rural Oregon communities including Klamath Falls in August
Free worker safety and health training workshops will be available thanks to a partnership between the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) and the Oregon Employment Department.
The training workshops – designed for those in the workforce and people seeking work – will show people how to protect themselves at work from the four hazards that pose the greatest risk of death in the construction industry: falls, caught in or between, struck-by, and electrocution. In addition to the “focus four” training, the workshops will address heat-illness prevention, workers’ rights and whistleblower protections, and information for workers and employers in small businesses. The four-hour workshops will feature certificates of completion and continuing education credits.
The training workshops – presented by Oregon OSHA staff members – will be held at WorkSource Oregon centers including August 11th, in Klamath Falls.
To register for a training workshop and location, go to: https://dcbs.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Z8yoLuhb8kh4DI
Those who want more information about the workshops and locations may contact Greig Lowell, consultation and outreach manager for Oregon OSHA: greig.k.lowell@dcbs.oregon.gov or 971-352-1181. The training workshops stem from a $200,000 grant that Oregon OSHA secured in September 2025 to increase workplace safety and health training in rural communities.
July Activities for Kids & Teens at the Library
Events for Children Under 12:
- Don’t Miss This! Summer Reading Special Event: Storybook Carnival – Wednesday, July 22nd at 10:30am (All ages, primarily for younger folks)
- Don’t Miss This! Community Storytime with Special Guest Tammy Card – Thursday, July 23rd at 5pm (All ages, primarily for younger folks)
- Don’t Miss This! Summer Reading Special Guest: Hands-On Critters – Wednesday, July 29th and 30th at 10:30am (All ages, primarily for younger folks. One date per family, please!)
Don’t Miss The Klamath Art Gallery’s 80 Years Celebration!
Around the State of Oregon
On Saturday morning, the Emergency Conflagration Act was activated in response to the Akawa Butte and Brewer fires affecting Deschutes and Jefferson counties.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal has deployed its Red Incident Management Team along with several task forces to collaborate with wildland partners in safeguarding nearby communities and essential infrastructure.
Challenging firefighting conditions arose on Friday due to hot, dry weather and strong, unpredictable winds, leading to significant growth of the fires and increased threats to surrounding areas. Consequently, the sheriff’s offices in Deschutes and Jefferson counties have issued evacuation notices categorized as levels 1, 2, and 3. Residents seeking evacuation details are advised to consult their local sheriff’s office.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Red Incident Management Team will operate in unified command with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Team 2. This marks the fifth invocation of the Emergency Conflagration Act in 2026.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal is providing updates on incidents where resources are allocated through osfminfo.org, and Oregonians are encouraged to register for emergency alerts at oralert.gov.
Oregon’s fire protection resources are currently stretched thin due to widespread wildfires, prompting the Oregon State Fire Marshal to deploy five task forces from California and two from Washington.
This strategic move aims to safeguard communities and critical infrastructure amid extreme fire conditions. Recently, thunderstorms in the region resulted in thousands of lightning strikes, igniting multiple wildfires. The additional personnel and equipment will bolster the efforts of the state fire marshal and be on standby for any new incidents that may arise. These resources were mobilized through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.
The California task forces will be allocated based on incident priorities, focusing on community defense, structure triage, and the protection of vital infrastructure, while the Washington teams are currently assisting Oregon crews in Wheeler County with the Rowe Creek Complex.
Fatal Crash – Highway 140 – Jackson County
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. (20 July 2026) – On Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 7:05 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Highway 140 near milepost 6 in Jackson County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a black Yamaha motorcycle, operated by Brian Jay Moore (54) of Eagle Point, was traveling westbound on Hwy. 140 near milepost 6 when the motorcycle left the roadway for an unknown reason and struck the guardrail.
The operator of the Yamaha (Moore) was declared deceased at the scene.
Witnesses reported the motorcycle was being ridden at high speeds immediately prior to the crash.
The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Fire, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Multiple juveniles arrested for the Grants Pass water bead attacks
GRANTS PASS, Ore. – Police arrested three juveniles and are referring charges against two others after a girl was attacked with gel beads.
According to the Grants Pass Police Department, the investigation led to multiple arrests. Officers took a 16-year-old boy, a 15-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy to the Juvenile Justice Center.
All three face charges of assault, disorderly conduct and criminal conspiracy. Police are also referring charges against a 16-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy to the Juvenile Department for the same offenses.
The department said it won’t release any more information about the juveniles because of their ages.
Evacuations downgraded for the Waldo Fire & Ridge Vista Fire
You can find your evacuation zone using this link.
JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. – ODF says firefighters are making good progress on both the Waldo Fire and Ridge Vista Fire as aggressive suppression efforts continue.
The Waldo Fire is now estimated at 15 to 20 acres. Firefighters have boxed in the fire with retardant, and fire behavior is less active than it was earlier this evening. Crews will continue strengthening control lines and working to secure the fire.
The Ridge Vista Fire is currently estimated at 10 to 12 acres and remains the more active of the two incidents. ODF says additional retardant drops are planned as firefighters continue working to slow the fire’s spread.
According to Genasys Protect, JCU-516 has downgraded to normal status and zones JCU-522, JCU-514, JCU-513, JCU-512, JCU-523 have downgraded to level 1 (BE READY) Evacuations.
According to Genasys Protect and Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, level 2 (BE SET) Evacuations have been issued for JCU-522, JCU-514, JCU-516, JCU-513, JCU-512, and JCU-523.
Many Oregonians may already be volunteering in ways that could help them meet SNAP work or activity rules
Salem, OR. —Helping in a community garden. Volunteering at a food pantry. Assisting in a child’s classroom. Many Oregonians may already be volunteering in ways that could help them meet federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work and activity rules.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is encouraging anyone who has questions about SNAP work or activity rules to contact the agency to discuss options. Depending on a person’s circumstances, volunteer activities may help them meet work requirements while giving back to their communities, building skills and confidence that may support future employment, and strengthening local communities.
How volunteering may help
Ways people might volunteer include, but are not limited to:
- Helping in a community or school garden
- Helping in a classroom or school library
- Volunteering at a food pantry or community meal site
- Helping at an animal shelter
- Assisting at a senior center or community center
- Supporting nonprofit organizations through office, event or maintenance work
- Participating in community service projects
- Coaching youth sports or helping with after-school programs
- Organizing or staffing community events such as festivals, charity runs, or cultural celebrations
- Helping at local parks with clean‑ups, trail maintenance, or habitat restoration
- Mentoring or tutoring students
What to do if you have questions
Contact ODHS if you’re volunteering and would like to learn how your volunteer hours can count for SNAP. ODHS staff can explain how to document your hours.
You may also learn more about how volunteering counts toward SNAP work and activity rules, documenting volunteer hours and submitting proof to ODHS at Oregon.gov/snapworkrules or Oregon.gov/snapnormastrabajo. in English and Spanish.
People may choose volunteer opportunities in their communities that fit their interests and schedule. ODHS does not match people with volunteer opportunities, but staff can explain how volunteer activities count toward SNAP work or activity rules. Many communities have websites or social media groups that collect and post local volunteer opportunities.
About SNAP work or activity rules
As of July 2025, federal changes expanded SNAP work or activity rules, increasing the number of Oregonians who need to meet these requirements to continue receiving food benefits. Adults ages 18 to 64 without a child under age 14 in their SNAP household are required to complete 80 hours of work or volunteering each month unless they qualify for an exemption or live in a waived area. (More information about exemptions and waived areas can be found at Oregon.gov/snapworkrules.) For each month these hours are not met, a counting month notice is sent out. ODHS encourages anyone who receives a SNAP counting month notice to reach out to the work or activity rules team (ABAWD Team) at 1-833-947-1694 or SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
How ODHS can help
People who contact ODHS may:
- Review the list of exemptions and explore if any apply to them.
- Complete the Report of Exemptions, Paid or Unpaid Work, or Good Cause form to report volunteer hours, work activities or possible exemptions. This form is available in English,Spanish, and several other languages.
- Let ODHS know they are volunteering and provide proof of any volunteer activities they already participate in.
- Learn how to document volunteer hours and submit proof to ODHS. SNAP participants are responsible for submitting proof of their volunteer hours.
- Be connected with WorkSource Oregon and other employment and training resources.
Murdock Trust announces grants to Oregon nonprofits
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust published its Winter & Spring 2026 Grants Report. The report announces:
- 152 grants to Pacific Northwest nonprofits totaling $34,368,234.
- This includes $11,871,886 through 52 grants to nonprofits serving the Oregon community.
- The report can be found here. A full list of Strategic Project grants can be found here.
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is a private, nonprofit foundation that has invested more than $1.5 billion in nonprofits serving the Pacific Northwest since 1975. For details, please visit our website murdocktrust.org.
Among those receiving grants in Southern Oregon include:
Mid Rogue Foundation $153,500 Grants Pass, OR New Staff – To increase housing for rural people with low income.
David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems $95,000 White City, OR Program Expansion – To expand mobility, foster independence, and promote physical and mental well-being for individuals with mobility challenges.
Lake District Health $396,000 Lakeview, OR New X-Ray Equipment – To improve diagnostic capabilities and patient health outcomes.
New program supports children experiencing homelessness
A new program between Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Morrison Child and Family Services and Path Home is embedding behavioral health support for infants and young children in a family shelter. The pilot is the first and only one of its kind in Multnomah County.
“OHA is committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of housing status, has access to the emotional and developmental support they need to thrive,” said Ebony Clarke, OHA behavioral health director. “This partnership reflects our belief that behavioral health care must meet families where they are, especially in moments of crisis.”
OHA supported the pilot with $286,000 in funding to Morrison Child and Family Services, part of a larger $2 million state effort to boost mental health services across 12 counties.
Morrison’s Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) Program is using the funds to support the pilot in Multnomah County with Path Home and mental health services across Washington County. Path Home partners with Morrison Child and Family Services to deliver trauma-informed, critical mental health care to low-income and unhoused families.
This innovative collaboration expands access to behavioral care by addressing a gap in services for families with infants and young children navigating homelessness. Program services include referrals for mental health treatment and in-person parenting classes. Families who participate can receive free childcare during classes.
“Children are at the greatest risk for experiencing homelessness during the first year of life yet families with infants experiencing homelessness rarely receive the mental health support they need to thrive,” said Sarah Heal, Morrison’s program director. “Consultation is a powerful strategy as it encompasses a wide array of services to parents, families, and early childhood providers across the environments where infants and young children live, learn, and grow.”
At Path Home, Morrison’s bilingual mental health consultant works with families who have children ages 0-5.
“Working with families who are experiencing severe trauma can create a high-stress environment, so we’re striving to provide a space for the staff to get meaningful support, manage stress, and avoid burnout,” said Yadira Ramirez Ochoa, Morrison mental health consultant.
To learn more about the new pilot program, visit Morrison’s IECMHC Program website.
Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Remains at 5.2% in June
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in June. That was unchanged from 5.2% in May, and also matched the 5.2% rate one year ago. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2% in June, which changed little from the prior month as well.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, Oregon employers cut 600 jobs from nonfarm payrolls in June. That follows a revised gain of 2,500 jobs in May.
June’s gains were largest in private health care and social assistance (+2,000 jobs). Losses were largest in manufacturing (-1,700 jobs).
Total nonfarm payroll employment declined by 8,500 jobs between June 2025 and June 2026. That’s a loss of 0.4%. Both the private and public sectors lost jobs over the past year. Private-sector employment fell by 5,400 jobs (-0.3%), and government employment declined by 3,100 jobs (-1.0%).
Private health care and social assistance continues to lead job growth in Oregon. The sector added 14,000 jobs over the past year, a gain of 4.5%. Over the past year, growth within the sector was strongest in social assistance (8.6%) and nursing and residential care facilities (5.3 %). Ambulatory health care services (2.6 %) and hospitals (0.5%) also added jobs, but at slower rates.
Manufacturing employment continues to decline in Oregon. Manufacturers lost 10,000 jobs over the past year, a decline of 5.6%. Within manufacturing, employment in durable goods fell by 5,800 jobs (-4.6%). Nondurable goods manufacturing lost 4,200 jobs (-7.7%).
Investigation Leads to Indictment for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment Tuesday charging Jonathann Uriel Ayala Garcia, 23, with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after his involvement in a transnational criminal organization (TCO).
According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating a Beaverton-based TCO involved in trafficking methamphetamine, firearms, and cocaine. In June 2026, investigators arrested Ayala Garcia after he arrived to sell narcotics. Investigators searched his vehicle and found approximately 16.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and 168.3 grams of heroin.
Ayala Garcia was arraigned in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge. He pleaded not guilty and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on September 15, 2026.
If convicted, Ayala Garcia faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, 5 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $10 million.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The DEA and ATF are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Hermann is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad.
Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison for Prohibited Possession of a Firearm
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national was sentenced to federal prison last Thursday for illegal possession of a firearm and illegal reentry.
Ramon Oscar Morales-Valencia, 47, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release. His sentence will run concurrent with his recent Marion County drug possession conviction.
“Illegal possession of firearms and narcotics by prohibited individuals fuels gun violence in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Combatting gun violence is a priority, and my office will pursue those who think they are above the law.”
“As if his illegal reentry into the United States was not enough, Morales-Valencia intentionally chose to further break our nation’s laws by illegally possessing a firearm and methamphetamine,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “The unlawful possession of firearms and narcotics by prohibited individuals poses a serious threat to the safety of our communities, and ATF will continue to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who endanger our citizens.”
According to court documents, Morales-Valencia was formally removed from the United States in 2010. On April 19, 2025, Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies initiated a traffic stop on an SUV Morales-Valencia was driving. He stopped the SUV and stepped from the vehicle, removing a Ruger 9mm pistol from his waistband and setting it on the driver’s seat. Deputies recovered the firearm as well as methamphetamine from the SUV.
Morales-Valencia pleaded guilty in state court to possession of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 29 months. On September 16, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Morales-Valencia with alien in possession of a firearm and illegal reentry.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms with the assistance of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney’s Office.
ODF uses tech to enhance wildfire response
As technology evolves, so does the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). ODF continues to adapt and integrate technological advancements into their work. During fire season, the agency uses several different types of tech for early detection, prevention, data collection and to support suppression efforts.
Wildfire Detection Cameras
ODF’s wildfire detection cameras play an integral role in the state’s early detection and response on fires. These cameras monitor thousands of acres of land.
The camera systems have software designed to notify the operator when smoke is on the landscape, however, the operator can also spot the smoke before the system notifies them. Using an augmented mapping system, the approximate location of the potential fire is sent to dispatchers, who then relay the information in real-time to responding resources.
The program now consists of 96 operational camera sites.
ODF and fire protection associations continue to work closely with our partners on the Oregon Wildfire Detection Camera Interoperability Committee to enhance relationships across the state and region with organizations that have similar reliance on early fire detection technology to keep fires small, to decrease fire costs and improve the quality of life for all Oregonians.
Multi-Mission Aircraft
The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) program has proved to be a critical tool in wildfire detection, disaster response, aerial ignitions, resource protection and the ability to deliver supplies.
The MMA program has transformed Oregon’s wildfire detection and response capabilities. Since its launch in 2020, the MMA has detected 149 fires, conducted 7 operational support missions, and completed 17 mapping missions.
The recent strategic investment in the new Twin Otter aircraft equipped with Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Sensor, Augmented Reality System, Night Vision Systems and an AI-backed mapping scanner demonstrates a commitment operational effectiveness.
The demand for this resource continues to grow year after year, and the agency is proud of its accomplishments and the lessons learned to bring to future missions.
Before you burn
The Before You Burn program offers an innovative online platform that simplifies and coordinates burns, improves overall coordination, and provides real-time information to ensure the safety of our communities.
Before You Burn provides Oregonians simple, clear guidance on burning regulations and prevention measures for their specific location. The public can sign up for free by visiting the beforeyouburn.net website.
Once on the site, or mobile phone application, residents are prompted to enter their address. They will be immediately informed on whether burning is allowed for their location. If burning is allowed, they will receive instructions or options on local regulations that must be followed, like registering a burn or filing for a permit.
This system empowers community members with the knowledge they need to comply with local regulations.
The Oregon Department of Forestry recently implemented use of a new software platform, called FireWeb, to replace a 20-year-old technology platform (known as FIRES) as the database that collects and reports ODF fire incident data and statistics internally. FireWeb is also used as an enhancement to the GIS features of the detection service and is used as a computer-aided dispatch to make resource deployment more efficient.
The FireWeb platform is an improvement from the previous system with web-based, innovative features that now allow ODF to integrate data with federal reporting platforms, and to analyze data in greater detail than ever before.
ODF’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program started in 2017 and has been growing ever since. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, help ODF to detect wildfire, as well as conduct operational mapping, and identify hot spots in dangerous terrain. Most importantly, UAS are used to provide situational awareness to our firefighters to keep them safe.
The maiden mission of ODF’s UAS Program was on the Eagle Creek Fire in Central Oregon. The agency used a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to gain real-time intelligence during periods of low visibility due to smoke. This mission gave the agency confidence in the capability and products that UAS can provide.
We expect the use of the program to continue growing and be integrated into more aspects of ODF’s work.
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.
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.
ODHS program waives tuition and fees for young people who have experienced homelessness
(Salem) – Young people in Oregon who have experienced homelessness and are pursuing higher education at eligible Oregon schools are eligible for the Oregon Department of Human Services, Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program Tuition and Fee Waiver Program.
“College can feel out of reach for young people who have experienced homelessness, and this program tells them that Oregon knows their future is worth investing in,” said Matthew Rasmussen (he/him), manager of the ODHS Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program.
“The tuition and fee waiver program means opportunity,” said Bell Cambridge (she/her), a recipient of the waiver and member of YEHP’s Youth Action Board. “It is an opportunity to pursue a meaningful future and a career that I never thought possible for myself or others like me. For a long time, I believed I wasn’t able or worthy enough to get the chance to pursue higher education. This program changes that. It grants youth who have been disproportionately disadvantaged a genuine chance to break the cycle. By providing access to stability and opportunity, it represents an investment in my future and a validation that my abilities and potential are not limited by my circumstances.”
Who can apply
Young people under the age of 25 who experienced unaccompanied homelessness for at least six months between ages 14 and 24, and received services when they were 16 or older from a Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program partner are eligible to apply.
There is no deadline to apply, but applicants must also have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA). They must also be enrolled in at least one course credit towards their undergraduate degree at an Oregon public university or community college and be in good academic standing.
How to apply
Visit the ODHS Resources for Youth Experiencing Homelessness webpage for more information about the waiver program and applications. Applications are available in English and Spanish.
Young people can also request help with the application from the ODHS Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program.
How it works
The waiver covers tuition for academic credit courses, mandatory enrollment fees, one-time fees, and course fees for students pursuing a two-year or four-year undergraduate degree at an Oregon public university or community college. It is a waiver of last resort, meaning it waives any tuition and fees remaining after all other federal, state and institutional grants and scholarships have been applied.
Some financial aid sources such as loans, the Chaffee Education and Training Grant, and non-tuition scholarships from sources outside of the college, will not reduce the amount of tuition and fees waived.
More information
More information can be found online at the ODHS Resources for Youth Experiencing Homelessness webpage:
- Program Information inEnglishandEspañol
- FAQs in English and Español
- Application in English and Español
The ODHS Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program Tuition and Fee Waiver Program is made possible by House Bill 4013 passed during the 2022 Session of the Oregon Legislature.
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