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 Countertops by Topsecret. Call them at 541-850-8677.

 

 

 

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, with a high near 87.  Overnight, clear, low near 54.

Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 85. Light and variable wind becoming west 8 to 13 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 78. Light and variable wind becoming west 6 to 11 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday
A 30% chance of rain after 11am. Otherwise partly sunny, with a high near 60.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 62.

Cascade Comprehensive Care which operates Cascade Health Alliance, has announced a generous donation of $50,000 to the Ross Ragland Theater.

This contribution will help ensure that Klamath Falls continues to provide high-quality live entertainment for both its residents and visitors. A robust community thrives on strong social ties and shared cultural experiences, and a dynamic local arts scene is crucial for attracting and retaining the skilled workforce necessary for Klamath County’s growth.

By investing in local institutions such as the Ross Ragland Theater, CCC is promoting holistic wellness and reinforcing a solid foundation for the entire community.

Grant Kennon, CEO and president of CCC, emphasized the importance of cultural institutions in attracting healthcare providers to rural areas, stating that the Ross Ragland Theater plays a vital role in meeting the social needs of residents and drawing new individuals to the region.

Francine Marseille, Executive Director of the Ross Ragland Theater, expressed profound gratitude for CCC’s support, highlighting its significance in strengthening the community and promoting the arts. She noted that this partnership enables the theater to provide opportunities for joy, connection, and inspiration through the arts, making them accessible to all.

The collaboration between CCC and the Ross Ragland Theater exemplifies a shared commitment to enhancing the cultural landscape of Klamath County.

 

 

A new residence hall at Oregon Tech is approaching completion, set to offer hundreds of students a fresh living environment.

This three-building complex will accommodate 511 students, providing scenic views of Klamath Lake and the campus. Additionally, the design prioritizes earthquake resilience, ensuring safety for its residents.

The project incorporates advanced features such as snow-melt sensors, geothermal heating, private shower facilities, and community spaces that have been developed based on student input.

Play our You-Pick-Em Pro Football Contest from BasinLife.com!

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Around the State of Oregon

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) wishes to remind residents that despite changing weather conditions, the state remains in fire season.

Recent updates from several ODF districts indicate changes in fire danger levels and restrictions. Although rain has fallen, the fuels are still dry, and warmer weather is anticipated to return next week. Michael Curran, Chief of the ODF Fire Protection Division, noted that Oregon’s fire season typically extends until mid-October, emphasizing the unpredictability of weather patterns.

He highlighted that new fire incidents continue to occur across the state, and fire regulations are still enforced. It is crucial for individuals to understand that if they are responsible for igniting a wildfire in Oregon, they will be held accountable for the associated suppression costs. Therefore, it is essential to stay informed by regularly checking local fire restrictions and fire danger levels.

 

West Coast Game Park Safari owner sentenced to more than 7 years in prison

BANDON, Ore. — West Coast Game Park Safari owner Brian Tenney was sentenced Tuesday to 90 months in prison after pleading guilty to dozens of felony charges, most involving animal neglect.

Tenney will serve his sentence with the Oregon Department of Corrections, followed by three years of post-prison supervision. He was also ordered to pay more than $340,000 in restitution to several organizations.

The judge also imposed 15 years of probation related to Tenney possessing certain classes of animals.

The case stems from a May 2025 investigation in which law enforcement seized hundreds of animals from the safari park. Investigators said many of the animals had been neglected and left starving.

Prosecutors said the sentence was influenced by Tenney’s agreement to voluntarily surrender the animals, quickly accept the plea deal and pay restitution.

An Oregon Humane Society representative told the court that the case required resources from across Oregon and the country.

 

Teens on E-Bikes Cited for Reckless Behavior in Bend

BEND, Ore. — Bend police cited three juveniles Sunday after a large group of teens on e-bikes and e-motorcycles rode recklessly through the city.

Police said more than 30 riders gathered at the Mt. Bachelor Park & Ride before traveling through downtown and west Bend. Around 4:50 p.m., police received several reports of riders doing wheelies, ignoring traffic laws and taking over lanes.

Officers attempted to stop the group, but many riders fled. Police said failing to stop for an officer is a felony.

Three juveniles were later cited:

• A 14-year-old was cited for riding without a driver’s license.
• A 15-year-old riding an e-motorcycle capable of speeds over 50 mph was cited for not wearing a helmet, riding a moped on a sidewalk and not having a driver’s license. The vehicle was impounded.
• A 12-year-old riding an e-motorcycle capable of 34 mph was stopped while trying to access the Bend Parkway and referred to juvenile authorities for not having a driver’s license.

Police also recovered additional e-motorcycles that had been hidden at a residence after the homeowner requested their removal.

The Bend Police Department reminded residents that children 16 and younger are not legally allowed to ride e-bikes and that e-bikes cannot be ridden on sidewalks.

 

The Oregon Legislature has reallocated funds from various programs following the Oregon Department of Transportation’s announcement of a substantial funding shortfall for the 2025 to 2027 budget cycle, which includes a reduction of $42 million from the Connect Oregon program.

Despite this setback, the 2026 grant opportunity remains available, albeit with a reduced budget of $30 million. ODOT has reported receiving 35 applications for funding, which feature notable requests such as $5 million for the expansion of Medford Airport and $262,000 for the Port of Gold Beach.

A final review committee is scheduled to convene to evaluate and rank these grant applications, with the resulting rankings informing the Oregon Transportation Commission’s final decisions in December.

The Oregon Recreational Trails Program is currently inviting grant applications until November 16, with approximately $1.6 million in funding available for the 2026 grant cycle.

This program is accessible to a variety of entities, including local governments, park districts, state and federal agencies, tribal governments, public land managers, and nonprofit organizations. This federally funded initiative offers reimbursement to grantees post-expenditure, requiring a 20% match of the total project cost.

The grants aim to support the construction, expansion, or enhancement of public trails for both motorized and non-motorized activities. Eligible uses of the funds include the development of new trails, restoration or improvement of existing trails, construction of trailhead facilities, acquisition of trail maintenance equipment, land or easement purchases, safety and educational initiatives, accessibility assessments, and the establishment of water trails.

Prospective applicants must submit a letter of intent through oprdgrants.org by September 30, with full applications due by November 16. New applicants are required to create an online account. An optional webinar will be held on September 9 from 10 a.m. to noon to provide guidance on the program and the application process, with registration available via Zoom at tinyurl.com/ORTPregister.

A recording of the webinar will be made available on the program’s webpage shortly thereafter. For further details regarding the program, including the grant manual, application guidelines, and the program schedule, interested parties can visit the Recreational Trails Program webpage.