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.

 

 

 

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

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Around the State of Oregon

A federal judge has ruled in favor of Oregon and several other states, effectively blocking a federal directive aimed at halting Medicare and Medicaid funding for providers of gender-affirming care for minors.

The directive, issued by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., faced opposition from Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, who emphasized that families should have the autonomy to make personal health care decisions in consultation with their doctors.

This ruling marks the second unsuccessful attempt by the federal government to enforce such a regulation, with the judge reaffirming the validity of the original decision.

 

Teen Arrested for Criminally Negligent Homicide after Rollover Car Crash Kills Passenger, then sparked the East Evans Creek Fire

ROGUE RIVER, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies arrested a 17-year-old driver Friday, September 18 following a vehicle crash that killed his passenger and sparked the 15,000-acre East Evans Creek Fire.

The 18-year-old male passenger in the involved 2002 Ford Ranger died July 18 at a local hospital from injuries sustained in the crash.

The suspect, a 17-year-old male, is charged with criminally negligent homicide, reckless driving, and second-degree criminal mischief. JCSO deputies lodged the suspect in the Jackson County Juvenile Detention facility. In accordance with Oregon law, we are not releasing the driver’s name because he is a juvenile.

Friday, July 10 at 2:39 PM, ECSO dispatch received a call for a rollover motor vehicle crash in the 18,000 block of East Evans Creek Road in rural Rogue River. An Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Type 6 engine with a two-person crew was on patrol in the area and was on scene within approximately 30 seconds. The crew rendered aid, while simultaneously engaging in suppression efforts on the fire. They immediately ordered additional air and ground resources from ODF dispatch, initiating a full response to the incident. Within minutes the fire had spread to dry vegetation in the area leading to evacuation of nearby residences and eventually growing to more than 15,000 acres.

Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team investigators responded to the scene shortly after the crash. The preliminary investigation determined the suspect’s truck left a nearby licensed cannabis production location at a high rate of speed before crashing into the power pole. Investigators also determined the driver did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the crash.  Analysis of physical and digital evidence was completed last week, which confirmed speed was the primary contributing factor in the crash.

The STAR Team is a specialized unit dedicated to investigating fatal and complex serious injury collisions. The team operates through a collaborative interagency agreement between JCSO, Medford Police Department, Ashland Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

This case remains under investigation. The victim’s name will not be released at this time. Any further information will be released by the District Attorney’s Office.

 

LAKEVIEW, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management is helping scarred rangeland recover from wildfire. Crews are preparing to seed burned areas and treat invasive grasses from the air, helping restore vegetation, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce future wildfire risk across southeastern Oregon.

“Post-fire restoration is about giving native vegetation the best opportunity to recover,” said Oliver Liu, natural resources specialist at the BLM Lakeview Field Office. “By establishing desirable plants and reducing invasive annual grasses, we can help restore healthy, resilient landscapes, and improve habitat for wildlife.”

Aerial seeding projects at Bowman and Tucker Hill will support post-fire rehabilitation efforts. Aircraft will distribute a mix of native grasses and forbs across the project areas to help reestablish vegetation following the 2024 Bowman Well and Tucker Hill Fires. The work is part of the Burned Area Emergency Stabilization and Restoration effort.

The aerial herbicide treatments help control invasive annual grasses that can compete with native vegetation, increase fuel loads, and contribute to more frequent wildfires. The projects will use imazapic, a pre-emergent herbicide that prevents the germination of winter annual grasses.

Together, the seeding and herbicide treatments are intended to support the recovery of burned landscapes while reducing conditions that allow invasive annual grasses to spread.

BLM will post maps identifying treatment areas along the main roads entering the project areas.

For public and applicator safety, BLM asks people and pets to avoid camping or traveling through treatment areas while aerial applications are underway.

For more information, visit the BLM Oregon/Washington Weeds and Invasives Program webpage or contact the BLM Lakeview District Office at 541-947-2177.

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning consumers to carefully review health insurance coverage offered through “self-funded” limited-partner plans or other unlicensed entities.

Oregonians should exercise caution before enrolling in a limited partner plan. Companies may offer plans that refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” to avoid Oregon consumer-protection regulations. Many limited partner plans cover only preventive care, such as check-ups and annual health screenings. The plans tempt consumers with promises of low premium costs. However, consumers often end up with higher out-of-pocket costs due to uncovered medical bills. With open enrollment rapidly approaching, it is important to know what the difference is between these plans and standard plans. Open enrollment, which begins Nov. 1 and goes through Jan. 15, is for those who do not get insurance through their job, Medicare, or the Oregon Health Plan.

DFR warned of these plans back in April. They are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being unexpectedly responsible for unpaid medical bills. Individual health plans that comply with the ACA are available only through a licensed insurance agent or through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Consumers should pay close attention to ensure that they are on the “.gov” website as there are other websites with similar web addresses that offer non-ACA-compliant plans.

“Consumers should remember the adage that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical.”

Red flags to look for include:

• A salesperson marketing limited partner plans or other “ERISA plans” directly to consumers
• A salesperson claiming they do not need a license because their product is not insurance or is exempt from regulation
• A salesperson offering to sign you up outside open enrollment and without eligibility for a special enrollment period
• A health insurance plan seeming abnormally cheap or referencing “stop-loss” insurance
• A group issuing coverage with minimal requests about an applicant’s health
• A company attempting to quickly collect a large amount of premium
• A company delaying or denying claims and making excuses for failure to pay

Before providing an insurance sales agent with any payment or personal information, DFR encourages consumers to request the agent’s full name and National Producer Number. Consumers can verify the agent’s licensure status by visiting DFR’s check a license webpage.

DFR urges Oregonians to be careful when choosing a company to purchase health care coverage from. Organizations and health plans that DFR and other state regulators have identified as having marketed limited partner or self-funded coverage include:

• Socios Buenos, LP aka Vista Health
• Affordable Benefit Choices LLC
• LP Management Services, LLC
• Aither Healthcare Competitive Health
• NXT Level Health
• Multiplan PHCS Network
• Verdegard Administrators, LLC fka Hawaii Mainland Administrators, LLC
• Pioneer Health/Innovative Healthcare Solutions
• ClearShare Health and Clearwater Benefits LLC
• Emergency Management Alliance
• Premier Health Solutions
• Strategic Limited Partners, LP
• The Vitamin Patch, LLC

Consumers who believe they may have been deceived or have questions can contact our consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

 

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Eugene, Oregon man has pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

David Paul Williams, 46, pleaded guilty to defrauding several Newport, Oregon, property owners, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, Williams defrauded the owners of vacant lots in Newport through his companies TreeNada Co and Treenada Construction.  In November 2020, Williams entered into agreements with owners of vacant lots in Newport to build townhomes on their lots. Between 2020 and 2022, Williams was paid over $850,000 by the owners to build the townhomes, which were never built.

Williams sent email updates to owners with progress on the project that were false and misled the victims to elicit additional money. Williams instead used the fraudulently obtained funds to pay for other projects, to pay a church he had previously defrauded, and for other pre-existing debt. The total loss to investors caused by Williams exceeded $850,000.   

On June 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a 10-count indictment charging Williams with wire fraud.

Williams faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 22, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Williams has agreed to pay restitution in full to the victims.

FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Rykken is prosecuting the case.

 

A developing El Niño is anticipated to significantly impact weather patterns across the United States this fall and winter, leading to a higher probability of above-average temperatures in many regions and increased precipitation in substantial areas of the South, as indicated by a seasonal outlook published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center.

Meteorologists have confirmed that El Niño conditions are well-established and are projected to intensify as the year progresses. The Climate Prediction Center forecasts a greater than 90% likelihood that this phenomenon will reach “very strong” status during the fall and winter of 2026-27, with a 75% chance of it matching or surpassing some of the most intense El Niño events recorded since 1950.

 

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative Andrea Salinas have proposed a bill aimed at transferring 18,626 acres of federal forestland to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, a federally recognized tribe located in western Oregon.

This initiative has raised concerns among conservation groups regarding the potential for increased logging and its effects on wildlife habitats. This legislation is part of a broader movement among tribes nationwide to reclaim ancestral lands, a process that has been infrequent in Oregon, where tribes currently possess only a small portion of their original territories. The bill has garnered support from all seven Democrats in Oregon’s congressional delegation, who argue that it addresses historical injustices and will enable the tribe to manage the land sustainably while enhancing economic opportunities in the area.

Notable supporters include U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Val Hoyle, Maxine Dexter, and Janelle Bynum.

 

An historic 2.5 million acres have burned in the state of Oregon this year, prompting the state to seek solutions for funding the aftermath.

Lawmakers are convening in Salem to address urgent financial requests from both the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Oregon Department of Forestry. By using the expenses from the previous record-setting fire season in 2024 as a reference and adjusting for inflation, the Oregon Department of Forestry anticipates that the total cost for the 2026 fire season could reach approximately $350 million.

State officials are also cautioning residents that, despite the arrival of cooler weather, the fire season is far from over.

 

The Oregon Secretary of State has published an audit concerning the Oregon Health Authority, highlighting the pressing issue of duplicate IDs that have resulted in significant overpayments to coordinated care organizations.

The audit, which spans from 2020 to 2024, uncovered 645 instances of duplicate IDs, leading to an estimated $4.1 million in overpayments.

Secretary of State Tobias Read emphasized the urgency of addressing this problem, warning that failure to do so could jeopardize a vital program. He noted that while OHA has already recognized many duplicates and has taken steps to recoup or adjust some payments, the existence of overpayments poses a risk to federal funding, which constitutes two-thirds of Oregon’s Medicaid budget. A reduction or withdrawal of this funding would severely impact the state’s ability to provide care for its most vulnerable citizens.

Furthermore, enhancing worker training is essential to improve the system’s capability to identify potential duplicates effectively.

 

A recent poll commissioned by a state business organization indicates that Republican state Senator Christine Drazan is nearly even with Democratic Governor Tina Kotek in the race for Oregon’s governorship, as reported in a memo obtained by the media’s Oregonian/OregonLive.

The survey, which included 600 likely voters and was conducted by DHM Research, reveals that Drazan holds a slight advantage over Kotek, although this lead falls within the poll’s margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

These findings align closely with a June poll that was commissioned by Drazan’s campaign. Should the election take place today, 43% of respondents indicated they would vote for Drazan, while 41% expressed support for Kotek; additionally, 16% remained undecided, and 3% indicated they would back Green Party candidate Brett Smith.

 

An increase in bear sightings in Ashland during late August has prompted wildlife officials to warn that bears will likely venture into human-populated areas for additional reasons.

The scarcity of berries in the mountains, attributed to a low snowpack last winter and insufficient rainfall, has driven bears into local neighborhoods.

As September progresses into early December, bears will enter a phase known as Hyperphagia, characterized by extreme hunger as they prepare for winter hibernation.

During this period, bears consume approximately 20,000 calories daily, gaining two to four pounds each day, and their food intake increases tenfold compared to spring and summer.

This behavior leads them to seek out human food sources, which are easily accessible and calorie-dense, requiring minimal energy to obtain. Weslee Nehl, Animal Ambassador Supervisor with Wildlife Images, emphasizes the need for residents to eliminate potential food sources.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends securing food, garbage, and recycling, removing bird feeders, cleaning and storing grills, and ensuring that pet food is not left outdoors. Additionally, residents with backyard chickens should store chicken feed securely away from the coop.

 

 

Sept. 16, 2026, Redmond, Ore.—Heart of Oregon Corps has announced that an anonymous gift of $400,000 has closed the gap in funding needed for construction of Central Oregon’s first youth workforce development campus on 3.4 acres in Redmond, drawing to a close a major 5-year capital campaign for the visionary campus that began in 2021.

The landmark Legacy 25 campaign for Heart of Oregon Corps raised more than $8 million to ensure youth on the workforce track have an inspiring place to learn in support of our regional economy and their own bright futures. In total, more than 420 individuals, businesses and foundations have given to the campaign, which kicked off with a $2 million grant from the State of Oregon.

Community members are invited to join Heart of Oregon in celebrating this major regional accomplishment at the Grand Opening of the campus at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30. For Grand Opening details and to RSVP, please visit hoccampus.org. Heart of Oregon Corps will also celebrate at the family-friendly Endless Summer Nights street fair this Saturday, from 3-6:30 p.m. on Sept. 19 at the Bend Park and Float.

The campaign pushed through many challenges including COVID disruptions, complex site partition and purchase, the loss of a potential $1 million appropriation from the federal government in 2025, rising construction costs, and headwinds from an array of economic challenges facing community partners. Despite these barriers, community members rallied together to ensure this powerful resource for youth and our economy was completed on-time, within 2% of budget, and without costly debt.

“We couldn’t be more grateful for the ways in which community members have shown up in support of Heart of Oregon, our youth participants, and the future of our programs,” said Laura Handy, Executive Director of Heart of Oregon. “We set out to build a central campus because our community’s need for a stronger workforce pipeline outpaced our capacity in aging and borrowed facilities—and the community understood this. Thank you to everyone who saw the vision and stepped up alongside us to make it reality, it has been an honor to work together.”

The anonymous donor behind the finish-line campus gift called Heart of Oregon a vital connector between young people and future employers. In its 26 years, Heart of Oregon has hired more than 5,000 youth ages 16-24 across Central Oregon with certifications, GED support, and paid job skills training. Young people apply skills learned in their communities doing land conservation such as wildfire fuels mitigation; building affordable housing with partners such as Habitat for Humanity; earning certifications in childcare; and maintaining beloved outdoor spaces at Smith Rock and other regional landmarks.

Located in central Redmond at HWY 126 & SE 9th St., the new campus will enhance job training and youth services across the region and is uniquely suited to the organization. The 3.4-acre campus includes a new 6,600-square-foot campus center with classrooms; a 14,000-square-foot training warehouse for hands-on workshops and trainings; and six equipment bays totaling 10,000-square-feet for housing large equipment inventory such as wood chippers and trailers. $420,000 of support from Oregon State renewable energy grants and Energy Trust of Oregon incentives equipped the campus with a renewable energy resilient system, including 88 solar panels, 12 EV chargers, and battery storage, that will save the organization an estimated $320,000 in power costs over the life of the equipment.  

Heart of Oregon worked closely with BBT Architects, R&H Construction, Compass Commercial, Redpoint Construction Management, and FM Civic. The land was purchased through a special off-market agreement with Opportunity Foundation in 2025. The trauma-informed design of the Campus Center Building features youth-centered elements where young people feel a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and inspired to learn. The newly constructed, solar-powered campus building includes classrooms and offices, confidential meeting spaces, and laundry and shower facilities requested by youth.

“Being born and raised in Redmond, I’ve seen firsthand the impact Heart of Oregon Corps has on young people and our community,” said Leanna Aper, Development Director for Heart of Oregon. “It is incredibly meaningful to see so many funders, businesses, and community partners come together to make this campus possible. Our team is deeply grateful to have a space that will support the important work we do and help prepare young people for their futures for generations to come.”

As Heart of Oregon turns the page on a new chapter, additional funds contributed to the campaign will be dedicated to facility maintenance, fleet EV upgrades, and youth programming in the new space. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to email development@heartoforegon.org or attend the grand opening and ribbon cutting on Sept. 30. 

Heart of Oregon is proud to recognize foundation and corporate campus donors at the following levels. Thank you for your support of the Legacy 25 Campaign.  

• Legacy Leader ($75,000+): BASX, The Bend Foundation, Collins Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, Hayden Homes, Joseph & Elizabeth Hoffart Charitable Foundation, JTMF Foundation, Marie Lamfrom Foundation, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Max & Marie Anna Richter Family Fund of OCF, PGE Foundation, Roundhouse Foundation, Tykeson Family Foundation, and Wells Fargo Foundation. 

• Trailblazer & $25K Club ($25,000+): Aperion Management Group, BBT Architects, Clark Foundation, Crevier Foundation, The Darhl and Donald Guinn Family Fund, First Interstate Bank, Les Schwab, Mike’s Fence Center, Pahlisch Homes, R&H Construction, and The Rosendin Foundation 

• Gold ($10,000+): Budget Blinds, Clabough Foundation, Compass Commercial, Eddie Williamson Foundation, Healy Foundation, Johnson Brothers Appliances, Mid Oregon Credit Union, Pacific Catalyst, Taylor NW, and US Bank.  

• Silver ($5,000+): Autzen Foundation, Bank of America Foundation, Bradford White, Building Solutions, Madras Sanitary Services, Panchura Quas Family Foundation, PCC Structural, Scott’s Roofing, Severson Plumbing & Fire, Sherwin Williams, Sisters Community Foundation, Soar4 Foundation, WaFd Bank, and Woodhill Homes 
• Bronze ($2,500+): Bright Wood, Central Oregon Garage Door, Central Willamette Credit Union, Crooked River Sanitary, Deschutes Construction Corp, EC Electric, Mt. Bachelor, Parr Lumber, QXO, Redpoint Construction Management, Skanska, Solaire Homebuilders, SunWest Builders, TDS Telecom, and Technology Design Associates 

ABOUT HEART OF OREGON CORPS

Heart of Oregon Corps (HOC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and young adults through employment, job training, education, and service to Central Oregon communities.

 

Oregon is making significant strides in the reconstruction of housing lost during the wildfires of September 2020, which led to the evacuation of over 40,000 residents.

On September 7, 2020, multiple fires ignited across the state, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, ultimately consuming more than 1 million acres. Existing fires, such as Lionshead and Beachie Creek, intensified, while three new megafires—Archie Creek, Holiday Farm, and Riverside—devastated rural communities and the surrounding environment.

The Almeda Fire, which originated as a grass fire, resulted in the destruction of nearly 2,500 homes in Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, and urban areas of Jackson County. In response to this crisis, the Oregon Housing and Community Services received two rounds of funding, with the Oregon Legislature allocating over $150 million in August 2021 to aid in housing recovery efforts.

 

DFR warns investors about AI-powered investment scams

Salem – Artificial intelligence is making it easier for scammers to create convincing investment pitches, websites, videos, and messages, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning.

AI tools can be useful for learning about investing and financial products, but fraudsters are using technology to make investment scams look more legitimate and reach potential victims more easily.

“Artificial intelligence may make a scam look more sophisticated, but the warning signs of investment fraud remain familiar,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner and DFR Administrator TK Keen. “Consumers should slow down, independently verify who they are dealing with, and never let pressure or fear of missing out drive an investment decision. Always remember that if the investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

DFR is warning consumers about several common AI-related scams:

• Deepfakes and impersonation:Scammers can create realistic videos or audio of celebrities, public figures, financial professionals, friends, or family members promoting investments, including those promising unusually high or guaranteed returns.
• AI and cryptocurrency trading schemes:Fraudsters may advertise supposedly proprietary or guaranteed AI trading systems. Victims can be directed to fake platforms that display fabricated account balances or profits and then pressured to send additional money, often in cryptocurrency.
• AI voice and messaging scams:Voice-cloning technology can make calls or messages appear to come from someone the victim knows or trusts. Unsolicited investment recommendations should be independently verified.
• Romance scams:Fraudsters can use AI-generated images and chatbots to create convincing dating profiles and build relationships before persuading victims to invest in cryptocurrency, startups, or other purported opportunities.

Consumers should be particularly cautious about unsolicited investment offers, online advertisements featuring celebrities or public figures, unusual facial or body movements in videos, awkward or unnatural voice messages, requests for cryptocurrency payments, reluctance to meet or verify credentials, and websites that mimic legitimate financial firms.

DFR recommends that consumers:

• Pause before investing.Scammers often use urgency and fear of missing out to pressure victims into making quick decisions.
• Verify registration.Confirm that the person or company offering an investment is properly registered. Registration does not guarantee an investment is risk-free, but an unregistered seller is a significant warning sign.
• Research independently.Search for the investment company, the individual making the offer, and their contact information. Do not rely solely on information provided by the person pitching the investment.
• Do not rely on AI alone.AI tools can produce inaccurate, outdated, or fabricated information. Consumers should cross-check investment claims with reliable sources and consult a registered investment professional when appropriate.
• Verify unexpected communications.If a message, call, or video appears to come from a financial adviser, friend, or family member, contact that person through a trusted, independent method before acting.

Consumers who suspect they have been targeted by an AI investment scam should report the activity to DFR and appropriate authorities, including the Oregon Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission. Reporting suspected fraud can help regulators identify emerging scams and protect other consumers.

DFR also warns consumers to be cautious of anyone offering to recover money lost in an investment scam. Such offers can be another scam targeting victims who have already lost money. To report suspected investment fraud or if you have been a victim of a scam, contact DFR at 1-888-877-4894 or email dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY FOOD BANK

Our network of food banks and pantries provides free food and groceries across Oregon. No proof of income or documentation required.

https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/

If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help: 211Info:  Dial 2-1-1 or visit the 211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon. Oregon Food Bank:  Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Map to find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you. Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit the ADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area.