Today’s Headlines

LA PINE, Ore. – Fire crews continue to battle a raging wildfire in central Oregon that has scorched nearly 3,900 acres and has residents of over 1,000 homes on evacuation alert. The Darlene 3 fire exploded to life Tuesday afternoon in the Deschutes National Forest just outside La Pine, about 30 miles south of Bend.

Firefighters worked through the night that is burning on the eastern edge of LaPine, are working to establish control lines around the perimeter of the fire, with 30% containment as of Thursday morning.

Current evacuation notices are posted online by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

The fire ignited Tuesday afternoon, and Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act to mobilize state firefighting resources from around the state, who specialize in protecting structures.

“Six task forces of structural firefighters will be actively working to prep and protect structures. These include the eastside of the city of La Pine, Newberry Estates, as well as nearby water and power infrastructure,” according to a news release from fire managers, which also includes information about available shelter sites.

The cause of the fire is under active investigation, officials said Wednesday.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reported Wednesday that hundreds of structures were threatened under Level 3 evacuation notices. That level means affected people should get out right away without delaying to gather belongings. Some 630 structures were threatened under Level 2 notices, including the city’s wastewater treatment plant, a city official said. Level 2 notices mean there’s a significant threat and people should be set to go.

Since it ignited, the fire has grown onto public lands east of La Pine, which has about 2,500 residents within city limits.

But, city manager Geoff Wullschlager estimated thousands more people live nearby in unincorporated areas of southern Deschutes County.

La Pine was threatened by multiple wildfires in 2021, he said, and longtime residents remember wildfire evacuation notices going back decades. This time, city manager Wullschlager’s home was under a Level 2 evacuation notice.

Late Wednesday morning, law enforcement officials extended a Level 1 notice to an area of LaPine where a $46 million water and sewer infrastructure project is under construction. Level 1 notices mean people should monitor emergency information and start making arrangements to be ready to evacuate. Construction crews were continuing to work in the area unless the evacuation level increased, Wullschlager said.

He added that City Hall had gotten a number of calls from people who own second homes in the area.

The Red Cross is staffing a temporary evacuation point at La Pine High School for evacuees needing support.

Central Oregon Fire Info reports a Type 3 Incident Management Team will assume command of the fire beginning Wednesday morning.

Several locations in the La Pine area have space available for RVs, Pets, and Livestock. For more information visit the DCSO Facebook page.

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

Two more fires have started east of Klamath County near Adel, and Paisley.

The Yellow Peak fire is burning about 25 miles southeast of Adel, OR and about 1-2 miles east of Yellow Peak Lookout on the Sheldon National Antelope Refuge in Nevada. It is currently 600 acres. 

According to the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership, the fire was reported at 11:02 yesterday and is still under investigation. 

“The fire is… still actively burning on the refuge,” the release said. “Road Closures remain in place at the junctions of county roads 34 and 34a near the entrance of the Little Sheldon Refuge and the junctions of county roads 34a and 8a on the east side of the fire area.” 

The Tucker Fire is burning about 15 miles south of Paisley, OR between Clover Flat Road and Highway 31, according to the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership. It is currently 840 acres. 

“Multiple resources worked the fire overnight and made great progress,” SCOFMP said in a news release. “Please avoid the area for public as well as firefighter safety.” 

And…. to the south,  A vegetation fire that sparked Wednesday afternoon west of Clear Lake Reservoir in northern California is at 75 acres.

According to the Modoc National Forest, the Clear Fire is spreading at a moderate rate.

First reported around 3 p.m., the fire is burning on the Doublehead Ranger District.

The forest service says resources responding include six engines, two crews, one dozer, and multiple aircraft.

Ground resource are working to gain access to the fire.

A Red Flag warning is in effect in Modoc County due to strong gusty winds and low relative humidity. That warning stays in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday night.

It’s Kruise of Klamath weekend in downtown Klamath Falls.

The events for today, Friday, include:

Mini Shows (RESTRICTED TO KRUISE REGISTRANTS)

#1: 8:00a.m. – 10:00a.m. / The Jet House Restaurant / 3000 Airport Way

#2: 10:00a.m. – Noon / Winema Electric / 735 Commercial St.

#3: Noon – 2:00p.m. / Red Zone Sports Bar / 1717 Avalon St.

#4: 2:00p.m. – 4:00pm / Mia & Pias Pizzeria & Brewhouse and the Klamath County South Suburban Library / 3545 Summers Ln.

Attend 1 or 4 or any number in between – you choose! These informal mini shows are open to all vehicles registered for the Kruise of Klamath. DJ Strohmeyer will be playing the tunes and each mini show location will be offering up their own mix of fun to keep you entertained.

Registration & Packet Pickup / Klamath Commons / 1112 Main St.

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Already registered? Pick up your good bag with registrant sticker, information guide, t-shirt and tickets for all the weekend events during this time. Not yet registered? Registrations will be taken on a space available basis (event limited to 500 cars).

Kick-Off Party / Moore Park / 740 Lakeshore Dr. (PUBLIC EVENT)

4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

What could be better than spending the evening at Moore Park enjoying the cool breeze off the lake, listening to oldies music and catching up with friends old and new? Plenty of parking on the grass for registrants plus a picnic dinner of pulled beef or pork sandwiches by Melissa’s Country Kitchen (advance purchase required). Goody bag pick-up for those that have pre-registered or registration for those that need to do so.

Show ‘N Shine / Downtown Main Street (between 3rd and 11th Streets).

Saturday, June 29th

7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Registrant parking on Main Street.

7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Registration open on a space available basis at Klamath Commons / 1112 Main St.

9:00 a.m. – All cars must be parked – No exceptions

3:00 p.m. – Awards Ceremony

6:00 p.m. – End of Show ‘n Shine

Closed Cruise / Historic downtown Klamath Falls

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

See all the classic cars in action and relive your youth with an evening of cruising the downtown strip just like the old days.

Sunday, June 30th

Breakfast / Starv’n Marv’n Family Restaurant / 1822 Austin St. (PUBLIC EVENT)

7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

A great way to visit with new found friends from the weekend’s activities or just catch up with old ones. Registrants receive two free breakfast tickets, additional tickets are available for purchase.

Poker Run / Begins at Starv’n Marv’n Family Restaurant / 1822 Austin St. (PUBLIC EVENT)

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (approximately)

Your last chance for a bit of fun for Kruise of Klamath Weekend gives you a chance to win some cash before heading home! The poker run takes participants on a tour through Klamath Falls before wrapping up around noon with the awarding of cash prizes for the top nine hands. Registrants receive one free poker run game card but the event is also open to the public for $5 per poker game card.

KC CITY ROAD WORK CONTINUES

The Main and E Main Street intersection reconstruction project has now been underway for over a week.

In a press release, the city says to “Please take caution while traveling around work zones. As we work diligently to improve our infrastructure, we encourage you to use alternate routes to navigate around the closure.  While construction is underway, don’t forget to support our amazing local businesses on E Main Street.  They are open and ready to serve you, and your patronage means the world to them.

This project will result in significantly easier access from Main St. to E Main Street, making your routes smoother and more efficient, while also improving linkages to Michigan and N Eldorado Avenue. This project will help both traffic and pedestrian access, ensuring everyone’s safety”, according to the press release.

In the Fall of 2023, the Klamath Falls City Council approved standards for licensing and operating Short-Term Property Rentals (STRs) within City limits. STRs are commonly known as vacation rentals and may be referred to by their online booking company names, such as Airbnb and Vrbo.

STRs are dwelling units or portions thereof that are rented for less than 30 consecutive days. Any dwellings rented for more than 30 consecutive days are excluded from these requirements. The City of Klamath Falls, like many Oregon communities, has experienced rapid STR growth in recent years with the majority of STRs operating in low-density residential neighborhoods. The City has strived to create local standards that allow for diverse visitor accommodation types while also considering neighborhood impacts and overall community housing availability.

Per the approved standards, all properties utilized as STRs must have a Short-Term Rental Permit and maintain an active City Business License.

An extended compliance date of September 30, 2024, approximately one-year from the approval of standards, was enacted. The Short-Term Rental Permit application packet can be found on the City’s website at: www.klamathfalls.city.

The total first year City fee is $200 (Short-Term Rental Permit and Business License applications) with a $50 City fee annually thereafter for Business License renewal only. Any questions related to the permit application or approved STR standards can be directed to the City Planning Division by phone, (541) 883-4950, by email, devservices@klamathfalls.city, or in-person at 226 S 5th Street. If applicants require assistance completing the permit application, city staff is available for guidance.

The complete listing of STR standards can be found within Sections 12.700 to 12.745 of the Klamath Falls Community Development Ordinance (CDO), Article 18.5 Short-Term Rentals City of Klamath Falls, OR SHORT-TERM RENTALS (ecode360.com). A Big thank you to the many property owners and operators who have already applied for and received their Short-Term Rental Permits.

On June 12, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) announced that Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA) Board Member and third-generation Klamath Project farmer, Ty Kliewer has been appointed to the Oregon State Board of Agriculture by Governor Tina Kotek.

Kliewer is one of two people appointed by the Governor to fill vacancies on the board. Ellie Norris a second-generation blueberry farmer from the Umpqua Valley was also appointed.

The appointments were effective June 1, 2024. The newly appointed members fill the remaining partial terms left vacant when Shantae Johnson and Randi Svaty resigned from the board. Kliewer and Norris, with their extensive backgrounds and qualifications, will each serve on the Board until October 31, 2026, and be eligible to serve at least one additional 4-year term.

Kliewer is a third-generation Klamath Project farmer, rancher, part-time brewer, and KWUA Board Member. He graduated from Henley High School and Oregon State University, earning a degree in animal science.

In addition to farming forage crops and raising Angus, Gelbvieh, and crossbred cattle, Kliewer is the owner and founder of Skyline Brewing Company. He is currently in the process of opening a taproom to showcase local agricultural products. As an active community member, Kliewer volunteers his time with the Klamath County 4-H and the local chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA).

The Governor is responsible for appointing all members of the Board of Agriculture. The Oregon State Board of Agriculture, a 12-member board, is vital and influential in advising ODA on policy issues, developing recommendations on key agricultural issues, and providing strong advocacy for the state’s agriculture industry. 

Police arrested one burglar in Klamath County and are searching for the second after a resident stopped them from driving away on Sunday, and details are coming clear. 

According to a news release from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, they got a call from a resident on Steelhead Lane in East Klamath County on Sunday. The victim told police that her Nissan pickup truck had been stolen — but shortly after, they found not only her truck, but a second burglary. 

“While deputies were responding to the scene the victim reported her stolen pickup had been spotted on a neighboring property,” the release said. “When deputies approached the scene of a second burglary on foot, they interrupted the crime in progress.” 

Two men drove away from the second house they were robbing in the stolen pickup truck, the release said. A friend of the first victim called police shortly after, saying they had stopped the burglars from driving off even further by pointing a gun at them. 

“A caller contacted 911 Emergency Dispatch and advised they had one suspect detained at gunpoint at the intersection of Canadian Honker Lane and Sprague River Drive,” the release said. “Deputies arrived to find a friend of the victim had attempted to stop the stolen truck.” 

One of the burglars — the driver — fled on foot, but the second burglar — the passenger — surrendered, the release said. The passenger is William Owen Shelton II, who is facing charges of first-degree aggravated theft, criminal mischief, felon in possession of a weapon, first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary, unlawful entry into a motor vehicle and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. 

Police are still looking for the other burglar, the one who had been driving the stolen pickup. They said in the release they are trying to “locate him as quickly as possible.” 

“The Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank the individual who assisted in the apprehension of the burglary suspect,” the release said. “Often it is the eyes, ears, and actions of neighbors that make the difference, especially in rural areas. While the Sheriff’s office would never request someone put themselves in harm’s way, in this case the citizen’s efforts are greatly appreciated.”

Fire danger level will increase from “moderate” to “high”, which is now in place. 

According to a news release from the South-Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership, the change will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, June 27 and will bring additional restrictions. 

“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,” the release said. “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.”

• Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads.
• Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at designated locations. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
• Chainsaw use is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Chainsaw use is allowed at all other hours if the following firefighting equipment is present with each operating saw: one axe, one shovel and one 8 ounce or larger fire extinguisher. A fire watch also is required at least one hour following the use of each saw.
• Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, is prohibited, except on improved roads and except for vehicle use by a landowner and employees of the landowner conducting activities associated with their livelihood. Landowners and their employees conducting activities associated with their livelihood shall carry a shovel and 2 ½ pound fire extinguisher when operating ATVs off improved roads.
• Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling in a motorized vehicle, except on state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher, except for all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles, which must be equipped with an approved spark arrestor in good working condition.
• Use of all fireworks is prohibited.
• Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is prohibited. For landowners and employees of the landowner on their own land while conducting activities associated with their livelihood, cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. At all other times, the area is to be cleared of flammable vegetation, and the following firefighting equipment is required: one axe, one shovel and one 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher in good working order.

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.

Vintage garments from the collection of the Baldwin Hotel Museum will be featured in a fashion show at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 30.

Hundreds of dresses, suits, coats, hats and accessories are preserved at the Baldwin. Those deemed suitable for light use will be modeled by museum staff and volunteers.

“Some of our garments are too delicate or historically significant to ever be worn again, but many can be shown off in the way they were meant to seen, on a live person,” said Todd Kepple, museum director for Klamath County.

The Baldwin collection includes clothing dating from the early 1900s into the mid-20th century. Designer names to be featured in the June 30 show include Justin McCarty, Max Kopp, Miss Serbin, Dolinsk, Berma Fashion, Jr. Miss, and Shantung.

tems to be displayed came to the museum from the estates of Jessie Gheller (formerly Miss Jessie Stevens), Roy Whitlach, Sally Kent, Alfred Collier, Janice Firestone and others.

Admission to the fashion show is free, with donations welcome. The Baldwin Hotel Museum is located at 31 Main St. in Klamath Falls.

For more information, contact the Klamath County Museum at (541) 882-1000.

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.

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.

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/