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Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Klamath Basin Weather

Excessive Heat Watch in effect from July 4th until July 6th.

Today’s Headlines

Tayas Yawks , a Peer Support, Street Outreach & Resource Center, along with Klamath Basin Behavioral health opened their doors to anyone needing support this week following the double homicide of two young Klamath Falls residents Saturday morning in the North Hills Neighborhood.

Grief Support is available again today to those in need. If you need to talk, cry, sit quietly or smudge, Chloe Say, Care Navigator from KBBH will be available at 11am for those in need. This is open to the whole community.

The Klamath Falls Police Department is currently investigating a double homicide that occurred Saturday morning. The suspect, 20-year-old, Elijah Albert Qinkade Croy, is facing two counts of first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, and three counts of unlawful use of a weapon.

KFPD first responded to a call that a man was pointing a gun at a victim on North Hills Drive in Klamath Falls. Police arrived just before 8 a.m. and heard gunshots from inside a house on North Hills Drive when they arrived. 

Police then entered and found two victims with gunshot wounds and arrested Croy. One victim died at the scene and another died after being transported to a local hospital. Croy is being held in the Klamath County Jail.

The victims in the shooting were 19 and 14 years of age, both females.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information regarding the homicide is encouraged to call the Klamath Falls Police Department at (541) 883-5336. You can call (541) 883-5334 for the anonymous tip line.

 

The Fourth of July Weekend is coming up, and Southern Oregon and Northern California skies will light up with fireworks, barbecues, music and all things red, white and blue. 

Klamath Freedom Celebration

• The Klamath Freedom Celebration will have fireworks at dusk, vendors and music. 
• Dates/Times:The event will be from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Location:Veterans Park
• To learn more: Call Kryssi Heitman or Mark Dodson at 541-363-7536

Roadsters 4th of July

• The Roasters are having a 4th of July celebration that will include live music, food and drinks and a fireworks display over the lake. 
• Dates/Times:4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Location:Lake of the Woods Resort

 

KF CITY ROAD WORK THIS WEEK

Road work will be performed as follows:

Asphalt repair at 6th and Jefferson. 6th Street will be closed from Jefferson to Lincoln. Detours will be in place. Tuesday, July 2, 2024 – Asphalt repair at the intersection of Upham and Worden. The intersection will be closed. Detours will be in place.

Paint crew will be painting crosswalks and legends on 11th Street, around Klamath Union High School and Esplanade.

Wednesday, July 3, 2024 – Asphalt utility cut repairs at the following locations: Summers Lane and Shasta Way, 129 Logan, 1127 and 1005 Kane Street, 6700 block of Eberlein and 5718 and 6120 South 6th Street. Continued painting of crosswalks and legends on 11th Street, around Klamath Union High School and Esplanade Avenue.

Thursday, July 4, 2024 – All non-emergency City offices will be closed for the Holiday. Friday, July 5, 2024 – Painting of crosswalks and legends on Eldorado and around Roosevelt School. All work is weather dependent. Please use caution while traveling in work zones. Contact the city of Klamath Falls for more information.

 

Fire crews were able to increase containment on the Darlene 3 Fire near La Pine during both day and night operations.

A Central Oregon Type 3 team and the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Red Team remain in unified command, and all incident personnel continue to focus on full suppression and containment.

The fire is currently 3,889 acres and 42% contained. Cooler temperatures and calmer winds during the day on Thursday allowed crews to increase containment lines with the help of dozers and retardant drops.

Some spotting occurred yesterday to the east, but crews continue to aggressively seek and suppress any spot fires beyond the current containment lines. Crews have established patrols around the entire perimeter of the fire and will take advantage of the cooler, calmer weather over the next two days to harden containment lines and reduce the risk of flare ups within the burn footprint. Teams have been successful in protecting key community assets, including the La Pine Community Cemetery off Reed Road, power lines, a cell tower and the city’s water supply. Due to decreased fire threat to the community, fire managers were able to release some of the OSFM structural protection task forces to their home agencies.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has reduced the evacuation level for Newberry Estates from Level 3 (Go Now) to a Level 2 (Be Set).

Additionally, the area west of Hwy 97 and north of Burgess Road has been reduced to no evacuation status. As residents return to their homes, fire personnel ask that community members remain vigilant for emergency response vehicles traveling to and from the fire, and to give fire apparatus plenty of room especially as smoke in low-lying areas may affect visibility. A Level 3 evacuation order remains in effect for parts of the Deschutes National Forest, and fire personnel are asking residents and visitors to adhere to area closures that are still in effect.

For the most up-to-date official evacuation information please visit Deschutes County evacuation information: www.deschutes.org/emergency.

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

 

Fire danger level is “high”, as we enter the 4th of July Weekend. 

“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 will dedicate an F-15 fighter jet in ceremony happening at Veterans Memorial Park on Thursday, 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.

 

HEALTHY KLAMATH EVENTS:

Klamath Trails Challenge

 DATE 

Now through Saturday, September 21

 

DESCRIPTION

Join the Wellness Center for The Klamath Trails Challenge 2024. The challenge is on now! Participants have 14 weeks to complete as many trails as possible as listed in the guide. All Trails Challenge Guides must be completed and returned to Sky Lakes Wellness Center by Thursday, September 5 to redeem a prize.

Passports are available at the Sky Lakes Wellness Center or can be downloaded here.

Questions? Call Healthy Klamath at 541-274-2770

 

Around the State of Oregon

Oregon’s minimum wage increased by 50 cents an hour today as part of the annual schedule that was put in place back in 2016.

Oregon has three separate minimum wages – a standard wage, a higher wage for the Portland metro area, and a lower wage for non-urban counties.

Counties like Jackson and Josephine will see their minimum wage increase from $14.20 to $14.70 per hour.

Meanwhile, non-urban counties like Coos, Curry, Douglas, Klamath, and Lake will go from $13.20 to $13.70 an hour.

The Oregon Department of Education is again offering its Summer Food Service Program to feed hungry children.

Families with children between the ages of one and eighteen can get nutritious meals at no cost.

There are more than 450 sites across Oregon to get food from.

The manager of ODE’s Community Nutrition Program says the only criteria is the person has to be between the ages of 1 year tp 18 years old.

“There’s not any paperwork that families have to complete to be able to receive meals. each site may be a little bit different with some of their site rules, but for the federal program, the ages 1 through 18 are the only requirement,” the director told the media.

You can find sites near you by searching “Summer Site Finder” online and typing in your address. You can also text “food” or “comida” to the number 304-304, or call 211.

The U.S. Supreme Court is ruling in favor of the City of Grants Pass when it comes to the Johnson v. Grants Pass case, which will allow the city to enforce bans on homeless people who are sleeping in public spaces when there is no shelter available.

The ruling came down early Friday morning.

The court ruled 6-3 with the conservative majority siding with Grants Pass.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision, the City of Grants Pass released a statement saying, “we’re thankful that the Court’s ruling will help guide our next steps regarding unhoused members of our community. Once our legal counsel has thoroughly reviewed the SCOTUS opinion reversing the Ninth Circuit’s ruling and remanding it for further discussion, the City Council will receive a briefing and discuss our options for moving forward.”

Grants Pass native, Oregon State Representative Dwayne Yunker calls the ruling a win.

Spokespersons representing the Oregon Law Center and the National Homelessness Law Center are also responding to Friday’s decision.

Ed Johnson, Director of Litigation at the Oregon Law Center and lead counsel for the respondents expressed his discontentment.

Beginning this week, certain activities on BLM-managed lands in Jackson and Josephine Counties will be restricted to prevent human-caused fire and reduce wildfire potential.

Starting today, campfires will only be allowed at the Hyatt Lake Campground and the lower section of the Rogue River below the high-water mark. In all other areas, visitors can use portable cooking stoves that use liquefied or bottled fuels. Otherwise, campfires or any other type of open fire, including the use of charcoal briquettes, is prohibited.

Additionally, the following activities are restricted:

• Smoking is only allowed while inside a vehicle or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is clear of flammable vegetation.
• Operating a motor vehicle and parking off road (including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles) is only allowed on roadways clear of flammable vegetation.
• Using fireworks, exploding targets or tracer ammunition is prohibited.
• Using a chainsaw or other equipment with internal combustion engines for felling, bucking, skidding, wood cutting or any other operation is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM. A firewatch of at least one hour is required following the use of a saw.
• Welding, or operating a torch with an open flame, is prohibited between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

Visitors to BLM-managed public lands are also required to carry tools with them to ensure small fires can be put out quickly, including a shovel, axe and at least one gallon of water or a 2.5 pound fire extinguisher.

Violation of these restrictions can result in a fine up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year. Restitution for total fire suppression and damage costs incurred will be borne by the responsible party.

The safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all wildland fire agencies. BLM officials are taking the necessary steps to ensure their ability to deploy firefighters for wildfire response. Officials stress their commitment to the most efficient wildland fire suppression operations during these challenging times.

Firefighters working on the Upper Applegate Fire made tremendous progress over the weekend, completing strategic firing operations on the north portion of the fire.

This strategy connected the fire’s edge with the hand line dug by firefighters, creating a solid barrier between the interior of the fire and homes further downhill.

With this work finished, the fire is now 100% directly lined, meaning there are no unburned interior pockets along the perimeter that could easily allow the fire to burn over a line. It also gives firefighters a better defense, should those lines be tested by weather, which is expected today.

As firefighters begin mopping up the north side of the fire today, they will be aware of this potential and ready to defend the lines. Wind may also increase smoke on the fire, which is expected. With this work overnight, the fire is now slightly expanded to 966 acres, however mop up has increased to 20%.

ODF said the cause was someone mowing between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., which are the hours blocked on regulations. 

The BLM has issued a closure order for BLM-managed lands in the fire area, including Grouse Creek Road.

“The BLM has issued a closure order for BLM-managed lands in the fire area, including Grouse Creek Road… Little Applegate road and Applegate Lake remain open, however firefighters are working near and on the side of the road 24 hours a day. Please be aware and follow all reduced speed road signs in the area. Additionally, fire-related traffic may be impacting the Provolt area; please be aware when driving this stretch of Highway 238.”

At 7,000 feet, along the Mt. Hood Magic Mile chair lift, there’s still plenty of snow for almost late June, but there’s a group interested in not just the freshly carved slopes but something much higher up — and a four-legged robot that’s currently exploring the surface of Mount Hood may be the key.

“This research is motivated by NASA’s Moon to Mars objective, and its future works putting humans and robot on the moon — and eventually, Mars — together,” said Cristina Wilson with Oregon State University, who works in the collaborative robotics and intelligence systems institute.

Wilson has been working on this project for the last two years with other universities from around the country, including University of Southern California and Georgia Tech, and NASA, who’s backing the project.

As you guessed it, the research name comes with a very big acronym.

“The LASSIE Project stands for ‘Legged Autonomous Surface Science in Analog Environments,’ and the legs from that come from the Spirit robot,” said Wilson.

Spirit, the four-legged robot in question, resembles a dog, and it’s helping this team get back to the moon. The reason researchers chose Mount Hood for this project is the terrain, the rocky conditions, as well as the snow and ice.

Kenton Fisher, a space scientist with NASA, said that the data they receive from Spirit tells them about the composition of the surface that the robot is walking over.

“At NASA, we’re often looking at ways to adapt the engineering developments that are going on things, like rovers or robotic dogs, and use them for science applications,” said Fisher.

He’s hoping the information they get down on Earth will lead to more discoveries in outer space, even though he knows there will be a few missteps before that can happen.

Oregon needs 3,700 adult mental health and substance use treatment beds to meet the demand.  

That’s according to a report from the Public Consulting Group.  The company was hired by the Oregon Health Authority to study mental health and substance use needs in the state.  The firm has done similar projects in Washington and other states.  

The report shows the state will need to invest 170-million dollars a year over the next five years to create 650 new beds a year.  Over the last four years, the Legislature has invested more than one-and-a-half billion dollars to expand behavioral health treatment capacity.

Nike shares tumbled nearly 20% last week after the company said it expected sales to decline in its new fiscal year, the latest sign of severe turbulence at Oregon’s biggest company.

It was the biggest one-day drop in Nike history, wiping out roughly $28 billion in shareholder wealth.

Even before Friday’s tumble, Nike’s stock had been heading steadily downward after climbing above $170 in November 2021. Shares closed Friday at $75.36.

Under CEO John Donahoe, who started work in 2020, the sportswear giant bet heavily on direct sales and the popularity of Nike classics, like Air Jordans, Dunks and Air Force 1s. The move away from wholesale opened shelf space for competitors, including Hoka and On, who have gained momentum.

Thursday night, the company said demand for “lifestyle” sneakers, like Dunks, is slowing more than previously expected.

Before Friday, a one-day 19.5% price drop on Feb. 27, 2001, was the worst day for Nike’s shares. That day, the company said a new ordering system “wrecked its shoemaking schedule,” leaving Nike with “double the needed amount.”

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 Fourth of July Weekend is coming up, and Southern Oregon and Northern California skies will light up with fireworks, barbecues, music and all things red, white and blue. 

Klamath Freedom Celebration

• The Klamath Freedom Celebration will have fireworks at dusk, vendors and music. 
• Dates/Times:The event will be from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Location:Veterans Park
• To learn more:Call Kryssi Heitman or Mark Dodson at 541-363-7536

Roadsters 4th of July

• The Roasters are having a 4th of July celebration that will include live music, food and drinks and a fireworks display over the lake. 
• Dates/Times:4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Location:Lake of the Woods Resort

JACKSON COUNTY, OR

Ashland 4th of July Community Celebration

• Hosted by the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, this celebration will have a parade and booths in Lithia Park with “food, craft and information and bands performing in the band shell throughout the afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a world class concert by the American Band College at the high school stadium.” 
• Times:Various events are scheduled throughout the day. Sponsored 4th of July runs — 2 mile and 10k — will start at 7:45 a.m. Ashland Elks Lodge Pancake Breakfast will be from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The 4th of July parade route will begin at Triangle Park at 10 a.m. A Jet flyover will be at 10 a.m. From noon to 4 p.m., there will be a family activity zone with the Ashland YMCA and Ashland Aerial Arts and Vendor Booths in Lithia Park. Music and performances at the Band Shell by the Ashland City Band, Mountaintop Sound and the Bill Scholer Band will also be from noon to 4 p.m. The American Band Colllege Concert at Ashland High School will be at 7:30 p.m. 
• Location: The parade begins at Triangle Park near Ashland High School and moves north on Siskiyou Blv. “Spectators can view the parade from anywhere along the parade route,” the website says. “Please do not place chairs, blankets and other placeholders on public property prior to 6 a.m. on the morning of July 3.” 
• Price:Some of these events are free and some require tickets. The deadline has passed for parade and park registration online, but residents can call Bonnie or Dana at the Ashland Chamber at 541-482-3486 for payments and to register for the event. 
• Street closures:Oak Street to Eagle Mill Road from about 7:15 to 9 a.m. “Street closures will begin at 6 a.m. until about 1 p.m. As in years past, inbound and outbound traffic from N Laurel Street to S Mountain Ave will be re-routed onto Lithia Way which will operate as a two-way street. Vehicle access through Lithia Park will be closed, unless you are an event vendor, from 5:30 a.m. on the morning of the 4th until the Ashland Police deem it safe to reopen on the afternoon of the 4th. Bandshell music and activities run until 3 p.m. at the earliest.”

Central Point Freedom Festival

• The Central Point 4th of July Parade and Freedom Festival will h ave a parade, fireworks and a “jam-packed (day) with family-friendly activities.” There will be a pancakebreakfast, Run 4 Freedom 5K, Kids Fun Run, Pine Street Parade and Freedom Festival. 
• Dates/Times:The Pancake Breakfast will be at 7 a.m., the Run 4 Freedom 5K will be at 7:30 a.m., the Kids Fun Run will be at 8:45 a.m., the Pine St Parade will be at 9:30 a.m. and the Freedom Festival will be from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. BoomFest! will be at the Jackson County Expo and Fireworks will begin at dark. 

Eagle Point Celebration

• Eagle Point will be hosting its Fourth of July celebration starting with a parade in the morning with events going on till the firework show at Eagle Point High School stadium.
• Dates/Times:The Parade will begin at 11 a.m. with the firework show at night. 

JOSEPHINE COUNTY, OR

Grants Pass 4th of July Celebration 

• The Grants Pass 4th of July Celebration will have Art in the Park, a classic car show, a Grants Pass High School dunk tank fundraiser, a food truck festival, Bouncy Fest, Etheral Rebels House of Flight, a live concert and a fireworks show. 
• Dates/Times:Art in the Park will be from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the Classic Car Show will also be from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Grants Pass High School Dunk Tank Fundraiser will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The second annual food truck festival will be from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bouncy Fest will be from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Etheral Rebels House of Flight will be from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The live concert with LoGee & Whutnot will start at 7 p.m. and the fireworks show will start at about 10 p.m. 
• Location:Reinhart Volunteer Park
• Price:Free

Sunday marked the last day of the series of exciting horse racing action in Grants Pass.

But you still have a chance to visit on the 4th of July.

Put on by the Southern Oregon Horse Racing Association, racing began Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

All summer long, the weekly event has brought exciting racing and family-friendly entertainment to the Don Jackson racing facility.

Admission is four dollars, and children twelve and under are free.

You have one more chance to catch racing at the downs, July 4th will be their Independence Day celebration.

Doors open at11:45 and racing starts at one.

Since 2018, Oregonian Max McNamar has claimed 1,589 winning tickets of greater than $600 on Video Lottery and another 127 on Keno, hauling in more than $4 million from the Oregon Lottery.

That makes him the lottery’s winningest individual from those games through April.

Together, Regina Cantere and her ex-husband Steven Bogart racked up even more wins and money during that span: 2,612 claims of greater than $600 for $6.8 million.

Jimmy Pearson similarly collected $2.1 million over a three-year period preceding his March 2021 murder. Since then, his daughter Tawnya has taken his spot, claiming 637 prizes totaling almost $1.5 million.

None of these individuals actually won big prizes that frequently. Experts say that would be mathematically impossible.

Instead, they and others are drawing attention from the Oregon Lottery by working as so-called discounters or ticket aggregators: individuals who buy winning lottery tickets from players at a significant discount, then cash them in for face value, taking the difference as profit, after taxes.

Some lottery players are willing to sell their winning tickets at a discount to avoid the debts they owe the state, which would be taken from the prize money if they cashed in directly with the Oregon Lottery. Reasons for selling vary, but not all are on the up and up.

State officials say they’ve known about the practice for years and acknowledge that, while it’s not illegal in Oregon, the shadow economy is problematic on several fronts. The scheme enables tax evasion. It allows some winners to avoid paying past due child support that would be garnished from their prizes.

Oregon just keeps popping up on best-of lists, saluting our state’s food, campgrounds, scenery, and so on. Now, another accolade has come our way, as a popular vacation destination on the north Oregon coast has made the list of “The 28 Most Beautiful Towns in America.”

The list, compiled by Condé Nast Traveler magazine, consists of everything from “coastal cities to southern gems,” as the article says, adding, “these idylls are worth a visit.”

So, which Oregon north coast municipality takes the honors as a “most beautiful” town? Is it Astoria? Seaside? Manzanita? Gearhart?

Not surprisingly, Cannon Beach gets the nod. The town known for its scenic stretch of sandy beach, the imposing Haystack Rock, the annual Sandcastle Contest, super-tasty fish and chips, a top-ranked beach resort, and many more accolades, can now add this one, too.

But then again, any Oregonian who has visited Cannon Beach can testify that the place is gorgeous, and its natural setting is magnificent, as the tourist crowds indicate.

Thanks for reading the the news on BasinLife.com from Wynne Broadcasting.

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