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Thursday, September 10, 2026
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, with a high near 85. Overnight, clear, low near 47.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 78. West southwest winds 9 to 14 mph in the afternoon, could gust to 20 mph.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 64. West winds 12 to 17 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 61.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 68.
Today’s News Headlines
Klamath County Fire District 1 responded early Thursday morning to a commercial kitchen fire at Wong’s Cafe, 421 Main Street in Klamath Falls.
At approximately 2:20 a.m., Klamath County Fire District 1 was dispatched following a report of heavy smoke in the area. While crews were responding, a Klamath Falls Police Department officer provided an additional report of heavy smoke coming from the building.
Crews arrived approximately five minutes later, at 2:25 a.m., and encountered a working fire with heavy smoke and embers coming from the roof of the structure. Based on conditions, crews initiated an aggressive offensive strategy and began interior operations.
The fire was quickly brought under control, limiting the fire to the involved restaurant. Wong’s Cafe sustained significant fire and smoke damage; however, there was limited fire damage to adjoining buildings or businesses. businesses.
Klamath County Fire District 1 responded with one command officer, four engines, one ambulance, and a total of 15 personnel. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
George Nurse Way adjacent to Veterans Park will be closed to vehicular traffic tomorrow, on Friday, September 11, 2026, to facilitate the annual Patriot Day Ceremony organized by the Veterans Advisory Council.
This closure will take effect from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., with the ceremony commencing at 10:00 a.m. Motorists are advised to anticipate the presence of traffic control devices and signage indicating the road closure, and they are encouraged to seek alternative routes during this period.
The traffic management plan specifies that marina parking is reserved exclusively for marina users and should not be obstructed or utilized for event parking. Drivers are urged to exercise caution while navigating the area and to adhere to all posted traffic control signs and instructions from event staff.
For any inquiries or concerns related to the event, please contact Ron Johnson, Commander of VFW Post 1383.
A 21-year-old man from Eugene lost his life in a two-vehicle accident in Klamath County on Saturday evening.
At around 8:50 p.m., the Oregon State Police were called to the scene of the fatal crash on Highway 97, near milepost 200.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Elias Keyin Sorenson, driving a black Honda two-door sedan, was heading northbound when, for reasons yet to be determined, he veered into the southbound lane and collided head-on with a white Volvo semi-truck, which was being driven by 64-year-old Jose Luis Sotelo-Monge from Tulare, California.
Sorenson was pronounced dead at the scene, while Sotelo-Monge suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The investigation caused Highway 97 to be closed for approximately five hours, with assistance from the Chemult Rural Fire Protection District, Crescent Fire District, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Recent rainfall, lower temperatures, and shorter daylight hours have contributed to a reduction in fire risk in the higher elevations of the Klamath National Forest, leading to the lifting of fire restrictions in certain wilderness areas.
As of September 8, 2026, campfires are now allowed in the Marble Mountain Wilderness, Trinity Alps Wilderness, Russian Wilderness, and Siskiyou Wilderness, provided that individuals possess a valid California Campfire Permit.
Despite the allowance for campfires in these designated wilderness areas, it is crucial to remain vigilant, as fire season is still ongoing and restrictions continue to apply throughout the remainder of the Klamath National Forest. Taking a few extra minutes to properly extinguish a campfire can significantly reduce the risk of wildfires, underscoring the importance of responsible fire management.
Klamath IDEA is excited to announce the kickoff of the IDEA Talks! series on September 16, featuring two accomplished entrepreneurs who began their journeys in Klamath County.
The event will highlight Trevor Mauch, who returns to share his insights and experiences, alongside a surprise guest entrepreneur with local ties whose achievements have gained international recognition. This season’s IDEA Talks! will be hosted at Watershed Row in downtown Klamath Falls, marking a new partnership for the series.
Trevor Mauch, a Klamath Falls native, and son of the late Harry Mauch, cultivated his entrepreneurial spirit through his family’s local businesses.
After earning degrees in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the Oregon Institute of Technology, he founded Carrot.com, a successful software company based in Roseburg that has emerged as a leading marketing platform for real estate professionals.
Under Mauch’s guidance, Carrot has been recognized multiple times on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America, assisting countless entrepreneurs in expanding their ventures across North America.
The event will also feature a surprise guest, a globally acclaimed creative entrepreneur whose innovative approach has transformed the realms of sports, art, and branding. What started as a personal creative endeavor has blossomed into the world’s first sports art house, achieving over $80 million in sales within four years and collaborating with prominent athletes, entertainers, and major brands. His groundbreaking work has redefined industry standards by turning sports equipment into collectible art, fostering a new wave of creativity and self-expression.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, at 5:30 PM at Watershed Row, located at 330 South 7th Street.
The Tule Lake Butte Valley Fair begins today, September 10th, running through the weekend. Today the fair will be open 10AM-11PM.
The fair will continue on Friday, September 11th, with hours extending from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and on Saturday, September 12th, it will maintain the same hours.
The event will conclude on Sunday, September 13th, with a schedule from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., offering free admission for that day.
Admission fees include a general entry charge of $5.00 for individuals aged six and older, while children aged five and under can enter at no cost. Additionally, a season admission pass, valid for all four days of the fair, is available for $10.00.
Gate Admission and Parking Fees
General Admission (ages 6 and over)$5.00
Children (5 and under) Free
Season Admission Pass (good for all 4 days) $10.00
General Parking Free
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.
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John Denver Tribute Show Concert Coming To Ragland!
Ted Vigil is America’s premier John Denver tribute artist and he’s coming to the Ross Ragland theater on Saturday, October 3rd!
Ted’s show embodies the late great music icon in look as well as voice with an unforgettable performance. He has performed with John Denver’s own lead guitarist, Steve Weisberg, who described Vigil’s performance as “uncanny”.
Ted has performed at John Denver’s own “Windstar Foundation” in Aspen, CO, John Denver’s former home. Performing throughout the country, Ted Vigil has wowed sellout crowds from coast to coast and everywhere in between.
For this wonderful and exciting show, expect to hear John Denver’s most beloved hits, like “Take Me Home, Country Roads’, ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’, ‘Annie’s Song’, ‘Rocky Mountain High’, ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’, ‘Sunshine on My Shoulders’, and many more.
You will definitely not want to miss this performance. Without question, this is the closest you will ever see, or hear, to the great John Denver. Sat, Oct 3rd, 2026 at 7:00 pm. Click to buy tickets for the show at https://www.ragland.org/
Around the State of Oregon
Wild Horses In Peril: Riddle Mountain Rescue Operation Halted
BURNS, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management’s plans to rescue horses on Riddle Mountain have been postponed due to a temporary restraining order related to ongoing litigation. After a record dry winter and a fire season that consumed 70% of the herd management area, the herd’s health is under immediate threat from severe food and water shortages.
“It’s our responsibility to manage and protect these herds,” said Don Rotell, Burns District Manager. “When fire and severe drought shrinks water sources and reduces forage, it’s the horses and other plants and animals that pay a price.”
“We want healthy horses on healthy rangelands,” Rotell continued. “Unfortunately, the practical implication of this delay is that it may not be possible to round up these horses before late fall storms make roads in the area impassable.”
The rescue operation was planned to start September 9. The BLM will provide any additional updates online.
Rescuing these horses from the range was also part of the BLM’s post-fire emergency stabilization and rehabilitation plan for the land. When a severe wildfire burns hot enough to destroy vegetation and alter soil structure, recovery doesn’t happen on its own. Without quick action, winter storms can wash away topsoil, invasive weeds can take hold, and damage can last for decades. Resting the land ensures it can continue to provide habitat for the herd, other wildlife and support additional land uses. During this rest period, cattle will not be grazing on these lands, allowing the rangeland to recover without added pressure to its limited forage and water resources.
Public safety and animal welfare remain top priorities. The Wild Horse and Burro Program is committed to the humane and sustainable management of wild horse populations and their habitats. These drive-trap gather operations are guided by the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program, which sets handling standards that prioritize the care and well-being of the animals. Through collaborative efforts, the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program seeks to maintain healthy herds on healthy rangelands now and for future generations.
Third Suspect Arrested in Glenwood Motel 6 Shooting Investigation
EUGENE, Ore. — A third suspect wanted in connection with an August robbery and shooting at the Motel 6 in Glenwood was arrested Thursday morning after Eugene police served a search warrant at a Creswell apartment.
The Eugene Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit, SWAT team, Crisis Negotiation Team, Explosive Disposal Team and Drone Team served the warrant around 5:30 a.m. Sept. 10 at an apartment in the 300 block of Second Street in Creswell.
Police said the search warrant was obtained as part of an investigation into suspected narcotics and firearms-related crimes.
The apartment was identified as belonging to 45-year-old Michael Wayne Wesley. Police said 26-year-old Alexandra Mae Dahneke-Krusei was also known to be staying at the apartment.
According to Eugene police, Wesley is a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Detectives with the Eugene Police Violent Crimes Unit had identified Dahneke-Krusei as a third suspect in the Aug. 13 robbery and shooting at the Motel 6 in Glenwood.
SWAT officers took both Wesley and Dahneke-Krusei into custody before investigators searched the apartment. Police said they found two handguns, body armor, ammunition and methamphetamine inside.
Wesley was booked into the Lane County Jail on two counts of felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of body armor and unlawful possession of methamphetamine.
Dahneke-Krusei was booked on the same firearm, body armor and methamphetamine charges. She also faces charges of first-degree robbery and first-degree assault.
The investigation into the Motel 6 robbery and shooting remains ongoing.
The Grants Pass Police Department received a report of stolen gold from a local resident through a scam.
Because of the value, the case was turned over to the Grants Pass Police Major Crimes Unit. Through a lengthy and complex investigation, Jing Chen, a 35-year-old male from California, was arrested for Conspiracy to Commit Theft.
The loss to the victim is more than $200,000 in gold.
The investigation is still active. No further information will be provided at this time.
We would like to remind citizens to be cautious when receiving suspicious phone calls, texts, or emails. It is important to take additional steps to verify the messages’ contents before responding or taking action. Should you receive a fraudulent message, please report it to the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-450-6260.
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.
Oregon National Guard, U.S. Navy Break Ground on $12 Million Machine Gun Range in Boardman
SALEM – The Oregon Heritage Commission has released an update to the statewide Oregon Heritage Plan.
The statewide Oregon Heritage Plan is a call to action for heritage preservation efforts across the state to unite around common goals. The Oregon Heritage Commission invites individuals and organizations to discuss the goals and strategies in this Plan, consider how they align with organization missions and priorities, and join the Commission in this work.
The structure of the plan includes:
- 5 focus areas that guided its development and will serve as a lens for carrying out the goals and strategies:
- Tribal engagement and relationship building
- Healthy and thriving communities
- Collaborations and partnerships
- Ethical practices and accountability
- Future thinking
- 4 goals that identify long-term desired outcomes for heritage efforts across the state:
- Engage More Voices – Engage excluded and marginalized voices to expand the narrative of history told and preserved in Oregon.
- Increase Access to Heritage – Increase access to heritage resources for the communities you serve.
- Build Heritage Networks – Work together at all levels to advocate for sustainable funding and to increase awareness of the value of heritage.
- Develop Healthy Organizations – Apply practices and standards in sustainable, scalable, and ethical ways to increase organizational health.
- Strategies for each goal that lay out a path forward for Oregon Heritage, state agencies and service organizations, and heritage organizations to achieve the goals.
“The Heritage Commission encourages the heritage preservation community, locally, regionally, and statewide, to consider this plan as a tool to help them in their work,” says Heritage Commission Coordinator, Katie Henry. “Each step forward will result in more stories told, more people served, and more sustainable heritage organizations.”
Oregon’s heritage preservation community is any individual, organization, or entity that understands the value of and works towards documenting, preserving, and sharing Oregon’s heritage resources. These resources include places, buildings, structures, archeological sites, archives, collections, traditional beliefs and practices, culturally significant natural resources, and much more.
Those engaged in this work include but are not limited to Tribal, federal, state, and local governments; local landmark commissions; museums; archives; libraries; historical societies; educational institutions; advocacy groups; Oregon Main Street organizations; building, design, finance, and real estate professionals; and any other individuals and organizations engaged in this work.
Oregon Heritage conducted engagement with the public, heritage organizations, and other key parties to inform the Plan from August to November 2025. Engagement activities included a public survey, discussion groups, and a questionnaire for heritage groups. The 2024 Oregon Heritage Vitality Study also provided critical information to help inform the update to the Oregon Heritage Plan.
Access the Oregon Heritage Plan online at oregonheritage.org in English and Spanish. Printed copies can be requested by emailing heritage.info@oprd.oregon.gov or calling 503-877-8834.
About the Oregon Heritage Commission (OHC)
The Heritage Commission’s nine Governor appointed members represent a diversity of cultural, geographic, and institutional interests.
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 last week 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.
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