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Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Klamath Basin Weather

• Red Flag Warning in effect from June 26, 12:00 PM until June 26, 08:00 PM

Today’s Headlines

The City of Chiloquin issued an emergency mandate today regarding its water supply. 

On its website, the city says it has “very low” water levels due to major electrical problems at the city well house overnight. 

The post says all water use must be limited to urgent human consumption only until further notice. This means that, for now, residents should not water their yard, wash their laundry or any other non-urgent water uses. 

 

The City of Klamath Falls is proud to announce a special dedication ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park on Independence Day, July 4th, 2024.

This event will mark the official dedication of the new static F-15 Jet display, a tribute to our brave veterans and a symbol of our City’s unwavering patriotism. The F-15 display, generously donated by the United States Air Force, will serve as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by our military. It will also serve as a source of inspiration for future generations to honor and remember those who have served our country.

The dedication ceremony will be attended by City, County, and Oregon Air National Guard Officials, local Veterans, and members of the community. The event will begin at 12:30 PM at Veterans Memorial Park directly following the Independence Day Parade.

The City of Klamath Falls encourages everyone to attend this special ceremony and show their support for our military heroes. Let us all come together on this special day to remember, honor, and celebrate those who have served and continue to serve for our country’s freedom.

 

The South-Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership will be increasing the Fire Danger Level to “High” and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level II (Partial Hootowl) starting at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, June 27, 2024.

This increase will bring additional fire restrictions which include all private, county and state wildlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Klamath-Lake District and Walker Range Forest Patrol Association. It also applies to the Fremont-Winema National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lakeview District, Crater Lake National Park, and the Sheldon-Hart Mountain and Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complexes.

With the increase in fire danger, Public Use Restrictions will go into effect across the Fremont-Winema National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lakeview District restricting campfires to designated sites only.

Additionally, all lands protected by the ODF Klamath-Lake District will begin Public Regulated Use Closures.

As fire season progresses conditions will continue to be hot and dry. There is no predicted moisture in the forecast, so we ask the public to please continue to be vigilant and use caution this fire season.

It is the responsibility of all individuals in the SCOFMP area to know and comply with current restrictions that are in place. Failure to comply with fire precautionary requirements may result in the issuance of a violation notice.

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service announced it will invest $4.9 million in seven projects across Washington and Oregon in projects to be implemented in co-stewardship with Tribes to improve forest health, address Tribal priorities, and accomplish other shared restoration objectives on national forests and grasslands in the Pacific Northwest.

The funds are part of the $18 million USDA recently announced it will invest in Tribal Forest Protection Act projects nationally during fiscal year 2024, using funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service announced it will invest $4.9 million in seven projects across Washington and Oregon in projects to be implemented in co-stewardship with Tribes to improve forest health, address Tribal priorities, and accomplish other shared restoration objectives on national forests and grasslands in the Pacific Northwest.

Projects to receive funding in Washington and Oregon include work to increase Tribal involvement in forest planning, reducing wildfire risk, historical preservation, planning to support continued availability and harvest of culturally-significant forest products and First Foods, and implementation the national Native Seed Strategy.

The Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 authorizes tribes to engage in natural resource management and restoration that protects tribal lands and communities.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law offers funding that can be used to work directly with Tribes, using authorities provided in the Tribal Forest Protection Act, on watershed health, fuels reduction, and timber management projects, to promote co-stewardship objectives, and to plan future projects.

The Klamath Tribes will receive funding assist the tribe in conducting work that reduces wildfire risk to the Chiloquin wildland urban interface through mechanical treatments, prescribed fire, and cultural burning…..and will receive $1 million dollars.

 

Former Asante Nurse With 44 Felony Counts Out On $4 Mil Bail

A former Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center nurse charged with 44 felony counts of assault from drug diversion is out of jail, and a relative of a Klamath Falls patient has spoken out on the matter.

36-year-old Dani Marie Schofield has a $4 million bail at Jackson County Jail for those criminal counts. They follow her Thursday arrest by Medford Police Department (MPD).

Shawn Porter, of Phoenix, Arizona, learned in December that his 71-year-old mother, Klamath Falls resident Roberta Porter, had died a year earlier, in December 2022, after a hospital nurse swapped her pain medication with tap water.

Porter voiced frustration this week that Schofield’s charges were listed as assault, rather than murder or manslaughter, and that it took nearly a year for her to be arrested after she left Asante. In the months leading up to Schofield’s arrest, Porter checked the jail’s inmate list daily, he said.

Porter was notified by victim advocates for the circuit court just after 3 p.m. Tuesday that Schofield “will be posting bail,” Porter said. When he asked if Schofield would be required to wear an ankle monitor to prevent her from leaving the area, Porter was shocked to learn that electronic monitoring for Schofield was unlikely.Porter added that she had the gall to request a public defender yet had access to the funds to cough up $400,000 for bail.

MPD says Schofield diverted patients’ fentanyl at Asante for her personal usage, causing infections in 44 patients who needed the fentanyl for pain medication. MPD says 16 of those patients have died, and its medical experts could not conclusively prove they died from drug-diversion-related infections.

A grand jury indicted Schofield last week for 44 second-degree felony assault counts, and Jackson County Senior Deputy District Attorney Patrick Green said during Schofield’s arraignment Friday for that indictment that the State of Oregon considers her “a flight risk,” considering the State plans for her jail sentences, if convicted, to be served consecutively.

Green says the charges are filed as Oregon Measure 11 crimes.  Measure 11 requires mandatory minimum jail sentences for serious crimes, including 70 months for second-degree felony assault.

At Schofield’s arraignment, Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Laura Cromwell advised Schofield that each count could carry up to 10 years in jail and a $250,000 fine.  She also set Schofield’s bail at $4,000,000.

Justin Idiart with Idiart Law Firm in Central Point has a civil case filed against Asante and Schofield.  He attended her arraignment Friday in criminal court.

His lawsuit, filed in February, was the first court filing naming Schofield as a wrongful death case filed for the family of Horace Earl Wilson.  He died at Asante in February 2022, within 30 days of his admission for a fall.  The civil case says his condition was improving until his infection, which it claims came from hospital tap water Schofield used to replace his medicine.

Schofield filed a reply this month to that civil case, refuting or deferring most of the claims in the lawsuit except that she worked at Asante, Wilson was a patient, and she could have treated him there.  She also confirmed her nursing license was not active.

The Oregon State Board of Nursing lists Schofield’s registered nurse (RN) license in with a status of, “Voluntary Agreement to Refrain from Practice or to Suspend License Pending Completion of an Investigation.”  It also shows her Oregon nursing license expiration date was April 8, 2024.

 

The Klamath County School District is offering free sack lunches for the summer.

According to the school district, free sack lunches with milk will be available for kids one to 18 at Peterson, Shasta, Ferguson, and Stearns Elementary School.

Meals must be eaten on site at all schools except Shasta Elementary, where meals can be picked up by parents or younger sibling to be taken home.

These lunches are available Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to noon starting June 24th and lasting until August 8th.

 

After photographing and measuring the makeshift cinder block cell found at the Klamath Falls rental home of accused kidnapper Negasi Zuberi, FBI agents considered removing the structure as built to secure it as evidence.

FBI agent Travis Gluesenkamp said he and other agents immediately thought of the FBI’s helicopter airlift of Unabomber Ted Kaczynski’s isolated “shack in the woods’’ in Montana. The helicopter deposited the shack at an Air Force base, and it then traveled on flatbed truck more than 1,000 miles to Sacramento for evidence storage.

FBI agents measured, photographed and videotaped the cell built in the home’s garage and then allowed the property owners to dismantle it. It likely weighed thousands of pounds and couldn’t be taken as it stood, he testified during a hearing on a series of motions before Zuberi goes on trial.

Zuberi’s defense lawyers urged U.S. District Judge Michael J. McShane to dismiss the federal indictment against Zuberi because the FBI and police allowed the cell’s destruction.

Zuberi, 30, has pleaded not guilty to an indictment that charges him with two counts of kidnapping, two counts of being a felon in possession of guns and ammunition, two counts of being a felon with ammunition and one count each of transportation for criminal sexual activity. A trial is set for October.

A separate charge of attempted escape from Jackson County Jail will be handled separately.

Zuberi is accused of abducting a woman from Seattle in July 2023, driving her to Klamath Falls and sexually assaulting her during the drive, then imprisoning her in the makeshift cell before she managed to escape by repeatedly beating on a metal screen security door and ripping through it with her hands until they bled.

 

Klamath County wants to honor those who served in the controversial war in Vietnam the way they deserve — by welcoming them home.

“Nobody ever said welcome home to the Vietnam vets,” County Commissioner Derrick DeGroot said.

Hosted by Klamath County Veterans Services and the National Council on Aging, the event will honor the sacrifice and service of local Vietnam vets with a luncheon, followed by an awards ceremony.

Every Vietnam vet registered and in attendance will be named and honored with a ceremonial medal to commemorate their bravery for serving their country during the controversial war.

The goal prior to the event is to register as many veterans of the Vietnam War in Klamath County as possible.

To register, visit the Klamath County online registration site at klamathcounty.org/FormCenter/Veterans-37/Vietnam-Veterans-Welcome-Home-Luncheon-R-122.

A link to the registration form can also be found in the online Klamath County civic alert for the “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans” event provided at klamathcountyor.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx.

Registration ends June 30.

For more information, contact Klamath County Veterans Services at 541-883-4274.

 

Crater Lake boat tours are back for the summer.

Reservations are open for tours between July 15 and September 15. First come, first serve tickets are also available on location at the park.

There are a few options to choose from including the standard lake cruise, Wizard Island tour, or just simply use the boat as a shuttle to and from Wizard Island for swimming and fishing.

Prices for the standard tour are $33 for kids and $48 for adults.

The trail to get to the boat dock is about 2 miles long round-trip, with a 700 foot change in elevation.

To get more information or to make reservations, head to the Crater Lake National Park website.

 

Traffic-free views of Crater Lake will again be available during Crater Lake National Park’s annual Ride the Rim events on Sept. 7 and 14.

On both days no motorized vehicles will be allowed on East Rim Drive from North Junction Road to the park headquarters area. So far more than 1,200 people have registered for the event — a tradition that draws visitors from around the U.S. and, over the years, several countries.

The route is about 25 miles long and will be closed to motorized vehicle from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Park officials noted people bicycling the distance typically take about four hours. Riders are urged to stop at lake overlooks to enjoy views of the United States’ deepest lake. For those who complete the entire Rim Drive the distance is 33 miles, with about eight of those miles open to motorized vehicles. The section also has some significant inclines and narrow switchbacks

All participants are reminded that the 25-mile section has steep inclines and declines. With a total elevation gain of 3,500-feet the ride is recommended for intermediate to advanced riders. Caution is urged on downhills where some cyclists reach speeds up to 40 mph. The park is located at an elevation of 5,000-plus feet above sea level, which can especially impact riders from lower elevations.

What can riders expect the weather to be like? According to organizers, “Anything and everything! In the past we’ve had sunny, windless days and snow, sleet and hail on others. The point is, come ready for anything and check the weather before you come.

 

The Ross Ragland Theater is planning two summer camps for students of all ages.

“Little Sprouts: Folk tails — monkeys and turtles and coyotes — oh my!”

Little ones will be delighted by tales from around the world with this collection of six different animal stories. There’s something for everyone in these stories, told by six storytellers who narrate each tale while other actors don simple animal costumes onstage to act out the short scenes.

Little Sprouts camps will run from Monday, July 15, through Friday, July 19, 2024, with morning and afternoon camps that are suitable for children grades K-4 (ages 6-10). The camp offers two one-week camps allowing the tiniest of thespians to explore the basics of acting, music, and movement as a team in a fun environment and to perform a mini-show for the community.

Performances are scheduled for Saturday, July 20. The tuition is $150, with multi-student discounts and scholarships available.

“Finding Nemo Jr.” — A three-week, all-day camp for ages 10-18 that covers different aspects of theater life. This camp goes into a full theater production on the Ragland stage. Not only will students learn about theater etiquette, staging, singing music, and dancing, they will dive into improv, making sets/props, costumes, tech for sound and video, and backstage crew. From 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 22 through Aug. 9, with performances on Saturday, Aug 10. Tuition is $435 with multi-student discounts and scholarships are also available.

Find out more about scholarships and register at ragland.org/theater-camps/

Around the State of Oregon

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Darlene 3 Fire burning near La Pine in Deschutes County.

The fire sparked around 2 p.m. Tuesday, one mile south of La Pine on the east side of Darlene Way. The fire is estimated to be 250 acres in size. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has levels 3 and 2 evacuations in place near the fire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal Red Incident Management Team has been activated along with two structural task forces from Linn and Marion counties. The OSFM is mobilizing four additional task forces who will arrive in the morning. 

“This fire has quickly grown within the last few hours, pushed by gusty winds and high fire conditions. The Emergency Conflagration Act allows us to send the full power of the Oregon fire service to protect life and property,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “As we enter the hot and dry summer months, I am asking Oregonians to do everything they can to prevent wildfires.”

The governor’s declaration allows the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire.

The Oregon State Marshal’s Red Incident Management Team has been mobilized. Along with the local responding agencies, the two task forces from Marion and Linn counties are headed to the scene and will be briefed tonight at 9 p.m.

For the latest on evacuations please check the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office map or follow the agency on social media.

LA PINE, Ore. June 26, 2024—The American Red Cross has opened a shelter due to the Darlene 3 Fire south of La Pine. The shelter is currently open and available to individuals and families who need assistance.

The Shelter is currently open at the following location:

La Pine High School

51633 Coach Rd, La Pine, OR 97739To find a shelter, visit redcross.org/shelter, check the Red Cross Emergency App or call 1 800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  

The Red Cross is working closely with emergency management and government officials in the impacted areas to ensure evacuees have a safe place to go. We want to remind people to take the following steps in the event of any wildfires this season:

• Take evacuation notices seriously: Level 1 “Be Ready”.  Level 2 “Get Set”. Level 3 “Go Now”. 
• Pack a Go Bag with necessities for you and your family, learn more about what to put in that bag HERE.
• Fill your car’s gas tank in case an evacuation notice is issued. 
• Create a meeting place if you get separated from your family.
• Listen to local radio and television stations or follow emergency responders online for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.  
• Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or disabled.    

All Red Cross assistance is provided free of charge and made possible by the generosity of the public. To donate to Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters big and small, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. To become a Red Cross volunteer visit www.redcross.org/volunteer.

Oregon school finances have not been in greater jeopardy for decades.

Large Oregon school districts are cutting millions of dollars from their budgets, which translates into significant cuts in personnel and larger class sizes, as state funding has failed to keep pace with inflation and expanding expectations.

The problem isn’t limited to large school districts. Medium and small districts face the same financial stress. More school districts will face the dual threat of teacher strikes and deep personnel cuts as they enter collective bargaining this year.

What is Gov. Tina Kotek doing about it? Good question.

The challenge faced by public education runs deeper than budgets. Schools have inherited a new generation of students and, along with them, a new paradigm for education.

Students in K-12 school classrooms today are demonstrably different than their counterparts just 20 years ago (Facebook was founded in 2004). Educating these students requires different teaching methods, updated classrooms and a wider array of support. It also requires a different approach to school funding that recognizes new demands on students, teachers and support staff.

Today’s students are internet natives, have experience with online learning, depend on school-prepared meals and fear college student debt. Classrooms are impacted by aging infrastructure, overflowing classrooms, lack of connectivity, increasing student diversity, chronic absenteeism and the threat of school shootings.

More students face mental health issues, increasing demand for school nurses, counselors and social-emotional teaching techniques.

Teachers, many of whom are parents of school-age children, share the trauma. They are on the front lines of teaching students who need individual instruction. They manage in classrooms that lack adequate heating and cooling. They struggle to keep up to date on digital trends and educational innovation. Burnout is an occupational hazard. Good teachers leave because they earn more in other occupations.

A woman has died after drowning at Two-Mile Rapids on the Rogue River. 

According to a news release from the Curry County Sheriff’s Office, the woman — later identified as 66-year-old Mary Kohn of Posers, OR — was rafting with three other people and a dog. The group started their rafting trip at Foster Bar and shortly after, two women and the dog got “flipped out” at Two-Mile Rapids. 

“Others in the rafting party were able to get both the females to shore but one had drowned,” the release said. 

Shortly after that, the Curry County Sheriff’s Office got a call describing what happened and arrived on scene, the release said. 

“(Kohn) was transported back down to Lobster Creek where she was released to Redwood Memorial Services out of Brookings,” the release said. “According to the Marine Sergeant, there were life vests aboard the raft but no-one in the rafting party was wearing them.”

Kohn’s next of kin have been notified, the release said. The dog, Teddy, still has not been found. 

“Teddy is a black and white Australian Shephard type dog with a pink collar,” the release said. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is issuing this announcement to inform the public of an emerging criminal tactic used to further defraud cryptocurrency scam victims. 

Using social media or other messaging platforms, fraudsters posing as lawyers representing fictitious law firms may contact scam victims and offer their services, claiming to have the authorization to investigate fund recovery cases.

To validate the contact, the “lawyers” claim they are working with, or have received information on, the scam victim’s case from the FBI, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), or other government agency. In some instances, scam victims have contacted fraudsters on fake websites, which appear legitimate, hoping to recover their funds.

To further the recovery scam, the “lawyers” may:

• Request victims verify their identities by providing personal identifying information or banking information to get their money back;
• Request victims provide a judgment amount they are seeking from the initial fraudster;
• Request victims pay a portion of initial fees up front with balance due when funds are recovered;
• Direct victims to make payments for back taxes and other fees to recover their funds; or
• Reference actual financial institutions and money exchanges, to build credibility and further their schemes.

Tips to Protect Yourself

• Be wary of advertisements for cryptocurrency recovery services. Research the advertised company and beware if the company uses vague language, has a minimal online presence, and makes promises regarding an ability to recover funds.
• If an unknown individual contacts you and claims to be able to recover stolen cryptocurrency, do not release any financial or personal identifying information and do not send money.
• Law enforcement does not charge victims a fee for investigating crimes. If someone claims an affiliation with the FBI, contact your local FBI field office to confirm.

If you believe you have been a victim of a cryptocurrency scheme or other fraudulent scheme, please file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Climbers are safe after several rockfall events happened above Lake Helen on the Avalanche Gulch route of Mt. Shasta over the weekend. 

“A chunk of rock the size of a small house dislodged and came exploding down the slope directly above the glissade track,” the Mount Shasta Avalanche Center said in an Instagram post. “Multiple climbers were in the glissade track when the splitting sound of rocks tumbling down the slope was heard and seen from afar. Climbers scrambled and ran for their lives as dozens of massive boulders came tumbling down from above. Fortunately, no one was hit or injured.” 

This happened twice in the same spot, the release said, at about 11,500 feet in the bowling alley. 

“Signs of recent rockfall were also observed below the Trinity Chutes near the Olbermans moraine,” the release said. “A friendly reminder to all climbers that the Avalanche Gulch route is deteriorating and rockfall has been occurring. To widen your safety margins, we recommend starting early and being back at Lake Helen by 1 pm. Also, minimize time spent around or in areas that display recent signs of rockfall. Situational awareness is paramount.”

The City of Grants Pass says it’s confirmed why it’s tap water may have an unpleasant odor.

The city announced in a press release that Geosmin was confirmed in lab results Monday. According to those results, Geosmin is a natural compound generally found in lakes and rivers, such as the Rogue River, where Grants Pass sources drinking water.

City officials say Geosmin is totally harmless and the water is safe to drink.

Harmful toxins related to algae and cyanobacteria had already been ruled out.

Monday’s lab results showed up to 60 parts-per-trillion in the distribution system and over 70 parts-per-trillion in the raw water.

Geosmin is detectable by humans in concentrations as low as 4 to 5 parts-per-trillion.

Oregon is the No. 10 best state in the country for hikers, according to a new ranking.

Kuru Footwear ranked the best states in the United States for hiking, looking at “five key metrics—total hiking trail reviews, number of trails, percentage of trails ranked as easy, trails rated 4.5 stars or higher, and yearly precipitation.”

Oregon is famous for beautiful waterfall hikes across the state, particularly in the Columbia River gorge and on the Oregon coast.

The Wallowa Mountains in eastern Oregon offer an array of hiking destinations, such as Eagle Cap Wilderness, Zumwalt Prairie, Hells Canyon and Wallowa Lake.

A hike to No Name Lake in Oregon’s Central Cascades is considered a bucket list-worthy adventure.

Colorado, a state with about half the yearly precipitation of Oregon, was ranked. No. 1.

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) released the 2024-2029 strategic plan along with its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Action Plan.

Outlined in the plans are the agency mission, vision, and values that reflect the agency’s mandate, along with key goals and objectives to guide the work for the next five years.

The multi-year plans are designed to be both ambitious and achievable in the interest of fostering coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals in Oregon.

The Growing Oregon Together plan drew upon community conversations and feedback from more than 700 partners, providers, and families in addition to input from more than 200 staff members. Guided by the plan, DELC aims to build upon the strong foundation established over the last year since the agency’s inception. Outlined in the plan are six key goal areas and affiliated objectives for the next five years:

• Access
• Tribal Sovereignty
• Infants and Toddlers
• Workforce
• Relationships
• Foundations

• DELC’s values are integrated throughout the programmatic goals, objectives, and cross-agency strategies which will be used to help monitor and communicate progress. The plans are living documents and may evolve based on community needs and available resources. As DELC moves forward with implementation the agency will report out on the progress made to develop and launch programs and policies that advance DELC’s vision to ensure all children, families, early care and education professionals, and communities are supported and empowered to thrive.

The full version of Growing Oregon Together and the DEI Action Plan are available on the DELC website.

With fireworks On Sale as Oregon State Fire Marshal reminds to “Keep it legal, keep it safe” 

The 2024 fireworks retail sales season begins on June 23 and runs through July 6 in Oregon. The state fire marshal would like everyone to know which fireworks are legal to use, where fireworks can be used, and how to use them safely. 

“We ask Oregonians to be responsible if they plan to use fireworks as part of their celebrations,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Assistant Chief Deputy Mark Johnston said. “Every year, we see fires and injuries because of improper use of fireworks or illegal fireworks. Our message is simple: keep it legal and keep it safe.”  
 
To reduce the risk of starting a fire, some local governments in Oregon have firework sales or use restrictions in place. Oregonians are asked to check local regulations and follow them where they live or where they may be traveling to celebrate the Fourth of July. 

Consumer-legal fireworks can only be purchased from permitted fireworks retailers and stands. State regulations limit where those fireworks may be used, including public lands and parks. The possession and use of fireworks are prohibited in national parks and forests, on Bureau of Land Management lands, on U.S. Fish and Wildlife properties, on state beaches, in state parks, and in state campgrounds. Fireworks are also prohibited on many private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. 

For those who purchase legal fireworks, fire officials encourage everyone to practice the four Bs of safe fireworks use: 

• Be prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket. 
• Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks. Never use fireworks near or on dry grass or vegetation. 
• Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Please wait 15 to 20 minutes, then soak spent fireworks in a bucket of water before disposal. 
• Be aware: use only legal fireworks in legal places. 

Oregon law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a permit issued by the state fire marshal. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon without a permit. Officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor which could result in a fine of up to $2,500. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damages. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children. 

The Oregon State Fire Marshal has resources about the sale and legal use of consumer fireworks, retail sale permits, and state rules for firework use and enforcement activities to its website. 

The Applegate Fire, as it is known, remains at an estimated 500 acres. Firefighters have been able to make progress on the fire. Containment sits at 15% as of yesterday.

The Upper Applegate Fire is holding as the district’s top priority. Firefighters have been able to build indirect line around 70% of the fire and 10% direct line at the fire’s edge, however steep, rocky terrain and hazardous snag trees are creating challenges for resources and slowing down progress. Portions of these areas are affected by Conifer mortality; there are significant patches of dead Douglas fir trees. The dead trees are a result of climate change, decades of fire suppression, prolonged drought, and periods of high temperatures. Today, tree fallers were working to safely remove these trees, which will allow firefighters to work closer to the fire’s perimeter.

Resources from across Oregon have been mobilized to this fire, including overhead members of ODF’s Incident Management Team 2. These individuals work in ODF districts across the state and dispatch to incidents where additional help is needed, allowing for surge capacity on the local district. The Oregon State Fire Marshal also deployed two strike teams this morning to the fire.

Additional resources that have been working on this fire since it was first reported include BLM, USFS, Applegate Valley Fire District and firefighters and resources from agencies across Jackson and Josephine Counties.”

Recreational clam digging has reopened in all Oregon bays north of Cascade Head following an historic closure due to sea-borne toxins.

Popular reopened bays include Nehalem, Tillamook, Netarts and Nestucca estuaries.

High levels of toxins will keep all other bays closed south of Cascade Head and mussel gathering remains closed coastwide.

Razor clam digging is open on ocean beaches from the Columbia River south to Yachats and from Cape Blanco south to the California border.

Crabbing is open coastwide. Crabs aren’t as susceptible to the marine biotoxin, paralytic shellfish poison (PSP), that caused the coastwide clam and mussel closure June 6.

The Providence Hospital Nurses Strike of over 3,000 nurses has concluded for now. The strike this week impacted Providence St. Vincent, Newberg, Willamette Falls, Medford, Hood River and Milwaukie.

Along with issues around wages, the union said the implementation of Oregon’s hospital staffing law remains a key sticking point. The Oregon Nurses Association sent a cease-and-desist letter to Providence on June 14, saying the health system was violating the safe-staffing law, requiring a certain patient-to-nurse ratio. Providence said it is working to build out those plans and follow the law.

Other sticking points include paid time off and health care benefits.

Community members are invited to enjoy Mount Ashland’s Summer Season

According to the ski area, the restaurant and retail shop inside the lodge will be open every Friday through Sunday from now until Labor Day. Events including movie nights, tie-dye events, and a disc golf tournament will be offered throughout the summer. Mount Ashland is also kicking off a summer program for kids.

Disc golf, hiking, events, the list goes on. There are tons of things to do at your local mountain playground this summer. Plus, it’s pretty much always 10-30 degrees cooler up here. 

Mountain report https://www.mtashland.com/mountain-report/

Operating schedule https://www.mtashland.com/operating-schedule/

Youth camps https://www.mtashland.com/alpineadventurecamp/

Things to do https://www.mtashland.com/thingstodo/

Summer trail map https://www.mtashland.com/trail-maps/

To find out more, visit the Mount Ashland Summer webpage: https://www.mtashland.com/operating-schedule/

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Ready to Advertise in 2024? Let’s get the word out for Summer! Call BasinLife.com at 541-363-7503. Or email us today at INFO@BasinLife.com with your name, business, and what you’re looking for. We’ll customize a plan fit for your budget.

We offer more local advertising opportunities than any one in the Klamath Basin. We’re ready to help you with the best radio and digital advertising in Southern Oregon.

You can receive Daily Radio Mentions across our 6 stations, Articles, direct link Banner Ads, floating Banner Ads on hundreds of article pages daily, Social Media Posts, geo-fencing and geo-targeting services, and also available are Email Blasts to thousands of local residents. We can also keep you updated with the latest smart digital marketing strategies for 2024 for your business. BasinLife.com is still the best value in the Klamath Basin for advertising, as we celebrate our 8th year promoting businesses!

For information or prices on plans, simply call us today at 541-363-7503 or email us at Info@BasinLife.com.  Let us keep your business top-of -mind!