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Paul Hanson is the News Director for Wynne Broadcasting and klamathradio.com. You can listen to his newscasts on 1450 KFLS from 7:00-7:30am and again from 8:00-8:30. Paul also features news updates throughout the day on KFLS as well as Sunny107 and KIX96.

You can contact Paul at (541) 882-4656 extension 206, or by email.


>> 11/26/12 REVISED...Air Quality Advisory GREEN From 2:30 P.M. Until Noon Tuesday

>> 11/26/12 Air Quality Advisory YELLOW Until Noon Tuesday

>> 11/26/12  Fremont-Winema Awards Timber Sales

The Fremont-Winema National Forest has awarded five timber sales contracts for the Klamath and Chemult Ranger Districts.  Quicksilver Contracting of Bend was awarded the 389 acre, 2-pont-71 million board feet Eagle Timber Sale for a bid of $370,697.  Interfor Pacific of Gilchrist was awarded the 74-acre, 5-point-58 million board feet Eagle 2 Timber Sale for a bid of $417, 394.  Interfor  was also awarded the 1017 acre, 2-point-83 million board feet of timber for the Mo Timber Sale on the Chemult Ranger District at a bid of $264,586.  Scott Logging of LaPine was awarded the H20 SBA Timber Sale for bid of $4,797 on the Chemult Ranger District.  The sale is for 0.28 million board feet of timber on 168 acres southeast of Chemult.

>> 11/21/12 Air Quality Advisory GREEN Until Noon Thursday

>> 11/21/12  Snow, Freezing Fog To Give Way To Sunshine

The National Weather Service predicts a chance of snow through tonight in the Klamath Basin as the snow level drops to about 4200 feet.  Overnight below freezing temperatures are expected along with freezing fog through Thursday morning. However by the afternoon skies are expected to clear to mostly sunny with a high temperature near 50.

>> 11/20/12 Wind Advisory For Klamath Basin, Klamath Falls Until 1p.m. Today

>> 11/2012 Air Quality Advisory GREEN Until Noon Wednesday

>> 11/20/12 County Fairgrounds In The Black

The Klamath County Fairgrounds went from having a budget deficit of 222-thousand dollars to a budget surplus of just over 21-thousand dollars after county commissioners approved disbursement of room tax receipts at its Tuesday morning meeting.  The fairgrounds received a total of 243-thousand-258-dollars from the county room tax.  County Tax Collector Linda Seater told the board the total room tax receipts for the third quarter were 687-thousand-432 dollars.  Commissioners approved disbursements to Discover Klamath of 85-thousand dollars, to the city of Klamath Falls of more than 180-thousand dollars and more than 51-thousand dollars to the Klamath County Museum.

>> 11/2012 Teen Reported Missing 

A Lost River High School student has been reported missing.  15-year old Bailey Kincaid was last seen at the high school Tuesday, November 13th when he left for lunch but has not been seen since.  Kincaid is described by his mother as 6-foot-8, 194 pounds with long, curly dark brown hair and brown eyes  Kincaid last seen wearing blue jeans and a black zip up jacket with an "Angry Birds" hat. Kincaid had recently been cited for Minor in Possession of Alcohol.  Anyone with information is asked to call the police.

>> 11/20/12 Unemployment Inches Down In Klamath County

Not much good news about employment in Klamath County as the rate dropped very slightly last month. The Oregon Employment Division says the county's unemployment rate was 11.4% in October, down slightly from the September unemployment rate of 11.5%.

>> 11/19/12 Wind Advisory 10 a.m. To 10 p.m. Today

The National weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for the Klamath Basin, Klamath Falls, Tulelake and Altamont from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. today.  Forecasters predict southerly winds 30-to-40 miles an hour with gusts to 60 miles an hour. 

>> 11/19/12 Air Quality Advisory GREEN Until Noon Tuesday

>> 11/19/12 Ed Caleb Stepping Down As District Attorney

Klamath County District Attorney Ed Caleb is stepping down effective January 1, 2013. Caleb cited the pressures of the job which he said is exacerbating "non life threatening health issues" for the decision to leave the position.  Caleb says there are at least two people interested in the job.  The governor is in charge of interviewing people who want the job when a vacancy occurs and then appoints someone to fill the vacancy. The appointee then runs for election to the office in the next election.  Caleb has been Klamath County District Attorney since 1985 when he was appointed to replace Roger Isaacson who left the job to become a judge. 

>> 11/19/12 Governor Orders Flags Flown At  Half-staff

Governor John Kitzhaber has ordered all flags at public buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset today, Monday, November 19, 2012 in honor of Army Captain James Nehl of Gardiner.  The Douglas County soldier was killed in action November 9, 2012 in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan.   Nehl was assigned to0 the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division

>> 11/18/19 Air Quality Advisory GREEN Until Noon Monday

>> 11/18/12 REVISED! Air Quality Index GREEN Until Noon Saturday

>> 11/16/12 Air Quality Advisory RED Until Noon Saturday

>>  11/16/12  Walden Doubs Congress Will Reauthorize Secure Rural Schools Act

Republican Congressman Greg Walden told reporters during a telephone news conference on Thursday he seriously doubts that Congress will reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools Act next year.  The act was first passed to help timber dependent counties across America with federal help after logging was reduced on federal forestlands.  The act came very close to not being reauthorized this year but Walden says given the depth of the nation's money problems he doubts the votes are there to approve the act again. 

>> 11/16/12  Walden Doubts Congress Will Act On KBRA Before End Of The Year

Congressman Greg Walden says he doubts the lame duck Congress will take action on the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreements before the end of the year.  The KBRA's 42 signatories have been asked to extend a deadline for legislative approval from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2014.  but so far only six of the signatories have agreed to the extension.  Walden says before Congress does anything with KBRA there needs to be more local support for the agreements.  

>>11/15/12  Air Quality Advisory YELLOW Until Noon Friday

>> 11/15/12 9-1-1 Board Selects Dilley Replacement

The Klamath 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District Board of directors has selected its current Operations Manager Keith Endacott to replace outgoing Executive Director Jeanine Dilley, effective January 1, 2013.  Dilley is leaving December 31, 2012 to become an administrator with the Columbia County 9-1-1 system in Saint Helens, northwest of Portland.

>>  11/15/12 House GOP Members Pick Walden To Chair Congressional Committee

Republicans in the U-S House voted unanimously Wednesday to elect Oregon's 2nd District Congressman Greg Walden as chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee.  The decision puts Walden in charge of the party's efforts to get more Republicans elected to Congress.  Walden will retain his chairmanship of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Policy.

>> 11/15/12 Bad News For Dungeness Crab Lovers; Season Delayed

Dungeness crab season off the coast of Washington, Oregon and Northern California is being delayed for two weeks, possibly longer. Fisheries managers in the three states say crabs need more time to develop and fill with more meat and have decided to delay the December 1st opening.  More tests on crab will be conducted later this month or in early December and managers will determine if the season should open december 16th or be further delayed.

>> 11/14/12 Air Quality Advisory RED Until Noon Thursday

>>  11/14/12 Teen Arraigned On Manslaughter Charges

15 year old Carson Alexander McDowell of Keno was formally arraigned on charges of First Degree Manslaughter on Tuesday and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison if convicted. McDowell was charged in connection with the November 4th shooting death of 15 year old Mason Tucker of Keno. 

>> 11/14/12 Klamath Basin United Way Campaign Halfway To Goal

The United Way Campaign for the Klamath Basin is about halfway to its goal of $755,000.  United Way Executive Director LeRoy Cabral says so far they have raised $362,000.  The campaign runs through late January.  Cabral says the need for United Way funds in the basin "is substantial" and social service agencies are struggling.  Cabral says he hopes people will cut a check, "sooner rather than later" to the United Way Campaign.

>> 11/14/12  O-I-T Enrollment Up

Oregon Institute of Technology posted the biggest percentage jump in FTE, Full Time Equivalent, of any University in the state this fall reaching a total of 4,001 students and an FTE of 2,809.  O-I-T President Dr. Chris Maples credits the popular course offerings at the college, particularly engineering and health care, for the FTE increase along with expanded marketing of the O-I-T brand.

>> 11/13/12 Air Quality Advisory YELLOW From 2pm Today Until Noon Wednesday

>>  11/12/12 Air Quality Advisory GREEN Until Noon Tuesday

>> 11/12/12 Fall Open Window Burning Season Extended

The Klamath County Public Health Department has extended the Fall Open Window in the Klamath County Air Quality Zone until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th.  Only residential yard waste can be burned.  The extension was granted due to very few GREEN days since the burning season started.

>> 11/12/12  Blood Donors Urgently Needed; Red Cross Open Today (Monday)

The Red Cross blood donor center in Klamath Falls (2312 South 6th St) is open from Noon to 6:00 p.m. today.  Donors are invited to write a message for the Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes Campaign.  The supply of blood is at critically low levels both locally and across the nation due to the impacts of Superstorm Sandy.

>> 11/09/12 Air Quality Advisory YELLOW Until Noon Saturday

>> 11/09/12  Grand Jury Indicts Teenager For Manslaughter

A Klamath County Grand Jury has indicted 15 year old Carson Alexander McDowell on a charge of First Degree Manslaughter for the shooting death of 15 year old Mason Tucker of Keno. McDowell told 9-1-1 last Sunday the shooting was accidental but investigators say they determined it was intentional.  If convicted McDowell faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years.

>> 11/08/12 Air Quality Advisory GREEN Until Noon Friday

>> 11/07/12 Air Quality advisory YELLOW Until Noon Thursday

>> 11/07/12 Weather Changing Today, Snow In Forecast Tomorrow Through Friday Night

The National weather Service predicts cooler temperatures and a lower snow level as a cold front from the Gulf of Alaska moves into the Klamath Basin later tonight.  Highs today will be in the upper 50's but overnight tonight the low will be near 30 with snow showers predicted after 4:00 a.m. Thursday.  Forecasters predict snow showers after 10 a.m. Thursday and before 10 p.m. Thursday night.   A 40% chance of snow continues Friday and 20% chance of snow Friday night. Accumulations are expected to be less than one half inch.

>> 11/07/12 Obama Wins Oregon, Loses Big In Klamath County

President Barack Obama won the Oregon campaign for President of the United States, defeating Republican challenger Mitt Romney 53% to 44%However it was a different story in Klamath county. Voters here chose Romney over Obama by a 67% to 29% margin. 

>> 11/07/12 Skrah Easily Wins Race For Sheriff; Mallams Headed To Board of Commissioners

Former Los Angeles police officer Frank Skrah easily won a three-way race for Klamath County Sheriff, picking up more than 54% of the popular vote.  Incumbent Sheriff Tim Evinger who announced he would not seek re-election then decided over the summer to launch a write-in campaign, finished a distant third with less than 16% of the vote.  Klamath Falls business owner Mike Angeli finished second with 29.5% of the vote.  Klamath county voters also overwhelmingly elected Republican Tom Mallams to the Board of County Commissioners, Position 1.  Mallams scored more than 72% of the vote defeating Independent candidate Kirk Oakes who received 27% of the vote.  Klamath Falls businessman Jim Belet had no opponent in his bid for Position 3 on the county board.

11/07/12 Mayor Todd Kellstrom Wins 6th Term; Seiler Cruisies To Victory 

Incumbent Klamath Falls Mayor Todd Kellstrom held off two challengers to win a 6th term on Tuesday. Kellstrom defeated Donna Walker and Chuck Pixler, picking up almost 52% of the vote.  Walker won almost 39% of the vote and Pixler attracted less than 9% of the vote.  Incumbent City Councilor Trish Seiler of Ward 1 defeated Tea Party challenger Peter "Fondi" Buckles for another term.  Seiler won almost 58% of the vote to Buckles 42%.

>> 11/07/12 Oregon Voters Reject Several Ballot Measures; Estate Tax Ban Approved

Oregon voters said no to several ballot measures on Tuesday including an effort to legalize marijuana and regulate it like alcohol.  Marijuana use was legalized by voters in Washington state and Colorado on Tuesday.  Oregonians also said "no" to repealing the estate tax, rejected a private casino planned for Multnomah county and rejected a proposed ban on gillnet fishing in the main stem of the Columbia River.  Voters did approve a constitutional amendment banning implementation of a real estate transfer tax in Oregon.  Oregonians also approved repeal of the corporate "kicker" tax and directing the money to schools.

>> 11/07/12 Democrats Win Statewide Offices, Again

Republicans in Oregon failed to win any of the three statewide offices on Tuesday. Voters re-elected Kate Brown as Secretary of State, Ted Wheeler as State Treasurer and Ellen Rosenblum as Attorney General.  Republican Knute Buehler of Bend made launched a tough campaign against Brown in the race for Secretary of State but despite winning newspaper endorsements throughout the entire state came up short in his bid to defeat Brown.

>> 11/07/12  Democrats Regain Control Of Oregon House

Democrats will regain control of the Oregon House in January after a 30-30 split between the two parties the past two years.  On Tuesday Democrats picked up four seats for a 34-26 majority in the lower chamber.  Senate Democrats also retained control of their 16-14 majority.

>> 11/07/12  Walden Wins Again; DeFazio Survives Thompson's 2nd Challenge

Republican Congressman Greg Walden easily won re-election on Tuesday defeating Democrat Joyce Segers, 77% to 20.5%  Two years ago Walden also defeated Segers.  In the 4th Congressional District Democratic Congressman Peter DeFazio survived a well financed challenge by Republican Art Thompson who had the support of the Tea Party.  Thompson lost to DeFazio two years ago and came back again this year pledging to cut taxes, build nuclear power plants and increase border security.  DeFazio was first elected to congress in 1986.

>> 11/05/12  Air Quality Advisory RED Until Noon Tuesday, November 6th

>> 11/06/12 Keno Teen Charged With Manslaughter

The Klamath County District Attorney's Office has charged a Keno teenager with First-Degree Manslaughter in connection with a shooting incident Sunday afternoon.  15-year old Carson Alexander McDowell, a student at Henley High School, is charged with the death of 15-year old Mason Tucker. Bail for McDowell was set at $250,000 despite the fact the teen has no prior criminal record. Prosecutors say during the investigation McDowell spoke of suicide and decided to ask for the high bail. McDowell is being charged as an adult and faces a Measure 11 charge with a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years if convicted.  An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday in Central Point.  A Klamath County grand jury will convene Thursday on final charges against McDowell. 

>> 11/05/12 Keno Shooting Now Viewed As Manslaughter

More information as details become available

>> 11/05/12 Keno Teen Killed In Accidental Shooting

Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger says a teenager was fatally shot in Keno on Sunday afternoon in what is described as an "accidental shooting."  Investigators were on scene on Sunday trying to determine what happened.

>> 11/05/12 KFLS News Reports Klamath County Fairgrounds In More Financial Trouble

KFLS News reported Monday morning the Klamath County Fairgrounds have a negative cash balance of $416,000 as of Friday, November 2nd.  The shortfall comes despite an Inter Fund Loan Agreement approved June 26th whereby the county agreed to a loan of up to $300,000.  Fairgrounds Board of Directors President Scott Allen says he and his board believe the fairgrounds may have been shorted as much as $150,000 when receipts from the county room taxes were dispersed in the past year. Allen says the board wants an audit of how room tax money has been dispersed over the past five years and at the same time wants a reevaluation of how room tax receipts are distributed to various entities that receive money from the tax.  Allen was critical of county Chief Financial Officer Jason Link who he says has not provided information of value as requested by his board. Link told KFLS News, "The fairgrounds board is responsible for the day-to-day financial management of the facility and the problem continues to be that the fair is spending more money than it is taking in."   

>> 11/05/12  Enjoy The Nice Weather...It's Going To End

The National Weather Service says dry and warmer than usual temperatures may last for a few more days but by Wednesday night the snow level will drop to 4900 feet.  Forecasters predict a 50% chance of snow on the basin floor by Thursday with a chance of snow continuing through at least Saturday.

>> 11/02/12 Air Stagnation Predicted For Klamath Basin

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued an Air Stagnation Outlook for the Klamath Basin from today (Friday) through noon on Tuesday, November 6th.  The outlook means there will be little or no wind in the basin and it likely to cause an increase in smoke and other airborne pollutants making the air unhealthy for outdoor activities and especially for people with respiratory illnesses.  Inside the Air Quality Zone, the use of certified and non-certified woodstoves and fireplace inserts is prohibited and only pellet stoves may be used.  Outside the Air Quality Zone stoves and fireplaces is allowed but their use should be restricted.  

>> 11/02/12  Police Nab Robbery Suspect Halloween Night

A Klamath County Sheriff's Deputy, Ryan Kaber was stopped at South 6th and Madison Street on Halloween about 7:45 p.m. when he saw a man running across the Les Schwab parking lot.  Kaber ordered the man to stop, which he did.  Then, Kaber's police dispatch radio reported a robbery at a Dutch Brothers Coffee Stand at that same intersection, with a description of the robber.  The running man was identified as 39 year old William Kenneth Brown who had a knife and a ski mask in his possession as well as cash allegedly taken during the robbery.  Brown is jailed on robbery, theft and menacing charges with bail set at 110-thousand dollars.

>> 11/02/12 Jeanine Dilley Leaving 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District

The Executive Director of the Klamath 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District, Jeanine Dilley, is leaving effective December 31st.  Dilley has accepted the position of Administrator of Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District in St. Helens, northwest of Portland.  Dilley says the decision to leave was difficult  because of her working relationships with staff, board members and partner agencies.  Dilley says she and her husband, Ernie decided it was time to be closer to their family. The couple has four grandchildren and one on the way.  A replacement has not yet been made by the District's Board of directors.

>> 11/01/12  Klamath Lake Counties Food Bank Hold Biggest Food Drive Of The Year On Saturday

The Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank is holding a food drive called Supermarket Saturday to help re-stock their shelves for the holidays. The event is Saturday, November 3rd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and if you want to help, donate food items at Sherm's Thunderbird, Albertson's, Safeway (both stores) Grocery Outlet, Fred Meyer and Walmart. The food bank is distributing about 33,000 pounds of food per week due to high demand from many people struggling with lay-offs, reduced work hours and seniors on fixed incomes.

>> 11/01/12 Set Clocks Back This Weekend & Check Smoke Alarms

The nation returns to standard time this Sunday, November 4th.  Fire Marshal Scott Rice with Klamath County Fire District One is asking area residents to also check and change the battery in their smoke alarm.  Rice says 60% of homes in Oregon have 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms and people should check first to determine if theirs is a 10 year lithium battery before replacing it.  Also, Rice advises everyone to check the age of their smoke alarm and if it is older than 10 years, it needs to be replaced.

>> 11/01/12 Community Invited To Meet Miss America Next Week

Miss America 2012, Laura Kaeppler will be in Klamath Falls next week to be the Keynote Speaker at the annual CHARACTER COUNTS! and Mentoring Matters Banquet at Running Y Resort on Saturday evening November 10th.  Earlier that day Kaeppler will be on hand to meet the public at Pelican Pointe Assisted Living Center at 615 Washburn Way from 10 a.m. to noon.  The event at Pelican Pointe is free and open to the public.  Tickets are still available for the banquet and can be purchased by calling Citizens For Safe Schools, 541-882-3198.

>> 10/31/12 Air Quality Advisory GREEN Until Noon Thursday

>> 10/31/12  Red Cross Blood Supplies Down Due to Hurricane Sandy

The Klamath Falls Chapter of the American Red Cross is holding blood drives today and tomorrow.  Today's blood drive is at the Herald & News offices at 2701 Foothills Boulevard from 2-to-5 p.m. Another blood drive is scheduled tomorrow, Thursday, November 1st at Pelican Pointe, 615 Washburn from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Red Cross Readiness Specialist Michelle Thompson told KFLS News on today's "Klamath Talks" program more than 300 blood drives on the east coast have been cancelled due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. To schedule an appointment to donate blood call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

>> 10/31/12 Two Men Sentenced For Illegally Killing Deer

Circuit Court Judge Cameron Wogan has sentenced a man and his uncle for illegally killing deer.  28-year old Trevor Redfox and 55-year old Gaylor Hescock were each ordered to perform 120 hours of community service, two year revocation of their hunting licenses, forfeiture of antlers to the O)Oregon Game Commission, pay a $500 fine and pay $800 restitution to the State of Oregon for each deer.  Redfox and Hescock are not members of the Klamath Tribe.

>> 10/31/12 Psychiatrist No Longer Works For Jackson County 

A psychiatrist who worked for Jackson county is no longer employed by the county.  Jackson County Administrator Danny Jordan refused to tell the Medford Mail Tribune whether 57-year old Dr. Jackson Dempsey was fired or resigned from his job but did say Dempsey stopped working for the county October 16th.  Dempsey was arrested in July by a U-S Forest Service officer and charged with placing nails, nylon cord and vegetation on trails this past summer because he does like mountain bikers.  Dempsey is trying to arrange a plea agreement on charges of reckless endangerment and assault.

>> 10/31/12 School Districts Seek Students With Special Needs

The Klamath Falls City School District and the Klamath County School District are asking the public to help them locate anyone under age 21 who has a disability so they can help serve them.  The school districts are holding a "Child Find 2012" meeting at Ferguson Elementary School cafeteria tomorrow (Thursday) night, November 1st, from 5:30-to-7:00 p.m.  Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. followed by discussion regarding the Child Find process and the referral process for special education services.  Contact either school district for more information.

>> 10/31/12  O-I-T Veterans Association Invites All Veterans To Free Luncheon; RSVP By Friday

The Oregon Institute of Technology's Veterans Association is inviting all veterans to a free lunch at the college on Tuesday, November 13th.  The lunch will be hosted by O-I-T President Dr. Chris Maples and is free and open to all veterans.  Please RSVP to Adria Paschal at O-I-T at 541-885-1100 no later than Friday, November 2nd.

>> 10/31/12 Two Shakers Off Northern California Coast This Morning

Two earthquakes were recorded off the northern California coast this (Wednesday) morning. The first was a 4.2 quake at 5:00 a.m. with an epicenter at 143 miles west-southwest of Gold Beach, Oregon.  The second quake was a 3.2 magnitude event with its epicenter 26 miles east-northeast of Eureka, California.  No damage or injuries reported from either quake.

>> 10/30/12 Air Quality Advisory YELLOW Until Noon, Then GREEN Until Noon Wednesday

>> 10/30/12 REMINDER! Election Observer Training Today At 2 P.M. At County Clerk's Office

>> 10/30/12 UPDATE...OSP Phones Back In Operation

Phone problems at the Oregon State Police Identification Services Section were resolved and the section is back in operation again.

>> 10/30/12 Phone Problem Affecting State Police Identification Services Section

A phone problem is preventing the Oregon State Police Identification Services Section from conducting Fingerprint Processing, Computerized Criminal History and the Firearms Instant Check System.  The phone problem developed about 8:30 a.m. today.  OSP officials say technicians are working on the problem.

>> 10/30/12  Police Identify Second Shooting Victim

Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger says the Oregon State Police Crime Lab has used fingerprints to identify 32 year old Everardo Mendez-Ceja of Richmond, California.  Mendez-Ceja was found shot to death along with 38 year old Ricardo Jauregui of Oakley, California on October 18th at an abandoned ranch near Bonanza. Homicide detectives continue to investigate the case.

>> 10/30/12 Klamath Lake Counties Food Bank Hold Biggest Food Drive Of The Year On Saturday

The Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank is holding a food drive called Supermarket Saturday to help re-stock their shelves for the holidays. The event is Saturday, November 3rd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and if you want to help, donate food items at Sherm's Thunderbird, Safeway (both stores) Grocery Outlet, Fred Meyer and Walmart. The food bank is distributing about 33,000 pounds of food per week due to high demand from many people struggling with lay-offs, reduced work hours and seniors on fixed incomes.

>> 10/29/12 Air Quality Advisory GREEN Until Noon Monday Then YELLOW Until Noon Tuesday

>> 10/29/12 Jeld-Wen Recalling Reliabilt Bifold Doors

Jeld-Wen is recalling Reliabilt interior bi-fold doors because the lower pivot pin can break causing the door to disengage from the overhead track.  There have been 12 incident involving the bi-fold door and three minor injuries reported.  Contact Jeld-Wen about the recall by calling 877-228-4888 between the hours of 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and receive free replacement hardware.

>> 10/29/12 Klamath Irrigation District Board Meets Tuesday Afternoon

The Board of Directors of the Klamath Irrigation District will meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 30th at 6640 KID Lane.  The meeting will include routine business matters and discussion of budget issues.

>> 10/29/12 Election Observer Training Tomorrow (Tuesday) At County Clerk's Office

Klamath County Clerk Linda Smith is offering election observer training for anyone who plans to observe during the General Election at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 30th. The training is mandatory for election observers who did not attend the training in May.  The meeting includes certification of the ballot tally machines, explanations of the signature verification and ballot inspection processes.  The meeting is expected to last one hour.  The meeting is at the Klamath County Clerk's Office at 305 Main Street.

>> 10/25/12 Air Quality Advisory Turning YELLOW At Noon Thursday

>> 10/25/12 Klamath Community College Announces Advanced Diploma Program

Klamath Community College has entered into agreements with the city and county school districts for an Advanced Diploma program.  The program will allow seniors who qualify and have graduated from their high school to attend KCC for one  year at no cost.  The program covers tuition, fees and textbooks. The student must apply for admission to KCC and to their high school's Advanced Diploma program.  Once enrolled at KCC the student must take nine credit hours per term and meet with an academic advisor  once per term.  

>> 10/25/12 Fall Open Burning Window Starts Tomorrow

The 2012 Fall Open Burning Window within the Klamath County Air Quality Zone starts tomorrow, Friday, October 26th at 8:00 a.m. and continues until Sunday, November 11th at 5:00 p.m.  The Air Quality Advisory must be "GREEN" and only residential yard waste can be burned.  No burn barrels are allowed and burning will be allowed only from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and be fully extinguished by 5:00 p.m.  For more information call 541-883-1122

>> 10/25/12 City Code Enforcement Reminds People To Clear Snow, Ice From Sidewalks

Klamath falls City Code Enforcement is reminding homeowners and commercial business operators to clear ice and snow from sidewalks.  Snow and ice can NOT be dumped into the gutter or the street.  Sidewalks should be cleared by noon and as often as needed throughout the day.  There is some money available for the Senior Citizens Low Income Snow Removal Assistance Program.  Seniors over age 60 who already qualify for help with their utility bills are eligible but MUST register for the snow removal program by calling 541-883-5358

>> 10/24/12 Air Quality Advisory GREEN Until Noon Thursday

>> 10/24/12  Autopsies Show Two Men Had Been Shot

Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger says autopsies on the remains of two, still unidentified men, shows both had been shot.  Evinger says the Oregon State Police are still trying to identify the remains.  Investigators believe the two men are 38-year old Ricardo Jauregui of Oakley, California  and 32 year old Everardo Mendez-Ceja of Richmond, California.  Evinger says the county's Major Crime Team is investigating the deaths as homicides. 

>> 10/23/12 Air Quality advisory GREEN Until Noon Wednesday

>> 10/23/12 Snow Closes Rim Drive & North Entrance To Crater Lake

A weekend storm dumped snow at Crater Lake National Park leading to the early closure of Rim Drive and the North Entrance to the park.  Superintendent Craig Ackerman says as of this (Tuesday) morning 16 inches of snow has dropped onto the park, about four times the average for this time of year. Ackerman says the Rim Drive and North Entrance were scheduled to close November 1st.  Snowplows keep the South entrance open all winter.

>> 10/23/12 Autopsies Today On Remains Found Near Bonanza

The Klamath County Sheriff's Department says autopsies will be conducted today (Tuesday) on the remains of two men whose bodies were found last week near Bonanza.  Sheriff Tim Evinger says the case is being investigated as a homicide.   The remains are believed to be those of 38-year old Ricardo Jaurequi of Oakley, California and 32 year old Everado Mendez-Ceja of Richmond, California.  The remains were found Thursday, October 19th, near Bonanza almost two weeks after Jaurequi's burned out Toyota pickup was found on the Lions Gate Ranch on October 6th.

>> 10/23/12  Medford Police Seek Suspect in Taxi Driver Murder

Medford police have released a description of a man who may have hailed a cab outside a bar last Saturday night, hours before the cab driver's body was found with a bullet wound to the head.  Police say the suspect is about 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, 25 to 35 years old with a fair complexion and an acne-scarred face.  The man is believed to have been wearing all black clothing including a black baseball cap, a black Carhart-style jacket and jeans.  The body of cab driver William Roy "Huey" Huson was found in a field near the Medford Airport Sunday morning.

>> 10/23/12 ODOF Announces End Of 2012 Fire Season

The Oregon Department of Forestry has announced the end of the 2012 Fire Season in Klamath and Lake counties as of Monday morning, October 22nd.  Fire Season has been in effect since May 25th.  The Barry point Fire near Lakeview was the largest fire in the district at 11,452 acres.  The blaze was lightning caused and broke out in early August.

>> 10/23/12 Snowflake Parade Entries Now Being Accepted

The Klamath County Chamber of commerce is now accepting applications for the 2012 Snowflake parade.  This year's parade theme is "Star Spangled Snowflake." The parade is scheduled for the evening of Thursday, December 6th in downtown Klamath Falls.  Conact Heather at the chamber at 541-884-5193 for information and an application.

>> 10/22/12 Air Quality Advisory GREEN Until Noon Tuesday

>> 10/22/12  Snow Headed For Klamath Basin

The National Weather Service says a cold front will bring rain and snow showers to the Klamath Basin this (Monday) morning and predicts one-to-two inches of snow could be on the basin floor by tonight.  The snow is likely to be confined to the mountain areas above 5000 feet most of Monday but tonight the snow levels will drop to 3500 feet or lower through Wednesday night.

>> 10/22/12 Remains Of Two Men To Be Analyzed Tuesday

Klamath County authorities have released pictures of the two men whose remains were found last Thursday near Bonanza.  Sheriff Tim Evinger says  autopsies and either fingerprint or DNA analysis will be used to confirm their identities.  Evinger says the discovery of a burned out truck two weeks ago has lead detectives to believe the remains may be those of 38 year old Ricardo Jauregui of Oakley, California and 32 year old Everado Mendez-Ceja of Richmond, California.  The truck that was burned belonged to Jauregi.  Mendez-Ceja's family reported him overdue last week after he told them he was going to Bonanza to buy hay and a horse.

>> 10/22/12 Cab Driver Robbed And Murdered In Medford

A cab driver for Valley Cab in Medford was found dead Sunday and police say he had been shot in the head.  58-year old William Roy Huson of Talent picked up his last fare Saturday night at a restaurant and was taking a passenger to an undisclosed address on Vilas Road.  Police found Huson's body Sunday morning in a field about three hours after his cab was found abandoned in a parking lot.

>> 10/19/12 Air Quality Advisory GREEN Until Noon Saturday

>>10/19/12  Major Crime Team Investigating After Two Bodies Found Thursday

The Klamath County Major Crime Team was formed Thursday evening following the discovery of the remains of two people near Bonanza.  Klamath County sheriff Tim Evinger says the identities of the deceased have not yet been determined.

/18/12 Air Quality Advisory GREEN Until Noon Friday

>> 10/18/12 Kingsley's Fiance' Visits Air Base

David Kingsley's fiance, 93-year old Harriet Zalabak of Auburn, California visited Kingsley Field today. Harriet toured the Kingsley memorial and displays at the base named in his honor Thursday morning. Harriet says she will donate pictures and some letters from Kingsley for historical preservation. David Kingsley was a Second Lieutenant on board a plane that had bombed an oil field in Romania on July 23, 1944 when it was attacked and heavily damaged by German fighter planes. The pilot gave the order to bail out and Kingsley gave his parachute to a fellow crew member, Staff Sergeant Michael Sullivan, who had lost his chute. The plane crashed a short time later and Kingsley was killed. For his actions Kingsley was awarded (posthumously) the Congressional Medal of Honor.

>> 10/18/12 ODVA Drops Home Loan Rates Again

The Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs has reduced its home loan rates for the second time in less than a month. The ODVA 30-year fixed rate is now 2.99% (3.225 APR) and the 20-year fixed rate home loan is 2.625% (3.62 APR).  For more information call 1-888-673-8387.

>> 10/18/12  Klamath Basin Potato Festival Starts Today

The 75th annual Klamath Basin potato Festival opens today and continue through Saturday in Merrill.  The event at the Merrill Civic Center includes fresh baked potatoes, art work and locally grown vegetables.  Exhibitions will be accepted Friday from 8 a.m. until noon.  The Saturday Parade is at 11L00 a.m. and registration for that event is open from 9:30-to-10:30 a.m. For more information call 541-798-5955. 
 

>> 10/17/12 Walden's Office Says Sky Lakes Doctor Will Get Visa To Come Home

The office of Congressman Greg Walden told KFLS News on Wednesday morning the State Department has approved a Visa for Dr. Mohamed Siyad.  The doctor and his family went on a two-week vacation to the Republic of Maldives in July.  When they tried to leave they learned the federal office of Homeland Security had blocked their Visa.  Siyad is a doctor at Sky Lakes Medical Center which contacted Walden's office for help.  Walden learned that because Siyad's full name is very common in that area of the world the FBI had to complete a name verification. Walden says Siyad and family will pick up their Visa's in sri Lanka and "should be home soon."

>> 10/17/12 Air Quality Advisory RED At Noon Today (Wednesday) Until Noon Thursday

>> 10/17/12 Casino Developers Give Up Campaign

Two Canadian companies have dropped their campaign asking voters to approve ballot measures for a gambling casino east of Portland.  The companies have spent an estimated 5-million dollars on TV commercials but say there is not enough voter support.  The effort to build a private casino had attracted opposition from the Oregon Republican and Democratic parties as well as three former governors, Vic Atiyeh, Barbara Roberts and Ted Kulongoski.  Governor John Kitzhaber also appeared in a TV commercial urging voters to rejects Ballot Measures 82 and 83.

>> 10/17/12 Great Oregon Shakeout Tomorrow

More than 100,000 Oregonians have signed up to participate in the 2012 Great Oregon Shakeout which occurs at 10:18 a.m. on Thursday, October 18th.  The statewide earthquake drill will include schools, businesses and local governments. The geologic Hazards Program Coordinator at Oregon Emergency Management, Althea Rizzo says, "The Drop, Cover and Hold drill allows individuals to practice what they would do in an earthquake.  You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake so we need to be ready." 

>> 10/16/12 REMINDER! Today, Tuesday, Is The Last day To Register To Vote

>> 10/16/12 Air Quality Advisory GREEN Until Noon Wednesday

>> 10/16/12 Oregon Unemployment Rate Drops A Bit

The Oregon Employment Department said today the unemployment rate in Oregon in September was 8.7% down from the August rate of 8.9%  On a seasonally adjusted basis non farm payroll employment in Oregon fell by 7,900 jobs in September.  The private sector lost 5,500 jobs and the public sector declined by 2,200 jobs.  The unemployment rate in Oregon in September 2011 was 9.4%

>> 10/16/12 All DMV Offices Closed This Friday

Friday, October 19th will be the 6th of 10 mandatory furlough days for state employees during the 2011-13 budget cycle and this means all field offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles will be closed.  DMV officials urge people to do business with them either by mail or online.  They note long lines tend to occur on the day before and after furlough day closings and suggest people do business before Thursday, October 18th or after Monday, October 22nd. 

>> 10/15/12 Tuesday Is Last Day To register To Vote

Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 16th is the last day to register if you want to vote in the November election. The Clerks Office is located on the first floor of the Klamath County Government Center at 305 Main Street.

>> 10/15/12 Public Invited To "Candidates Night" On Tuesday

The public is invited to attend "Candidates Night" on Tuesday from 7-to-9:30 p.m., in the Commissioners Hearing Room, 2nd floor of the County Government center at 305 Main street.  The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Klamath County and the local chapter of the American Association of University Women.  The event will include candidates for Sheriff, Assessor, County Commission Position 1, Klamath Falls Mayor and City Council Position Ward 1.  Written questions will be taken from the audience and from TV viewers watching on cable access Channels 14 and 15. 

>> 12/15/12 O-I-T Wilsonville Campus Opens Wednesday  

The Wilsonville campus of the Oregon Institute of Technology opens Wednesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony.  O-I-T President Dr. Chris Maples says he expects an initial enrollment of about 600 students.  The new OIT campus will include most of the courses offered in Klamath Falls but Maples says the Wilsonville campus will also partner with Oregon Health Sciences University for joint degree classes in Paramedic Education and Clinical Lab sciences.

>> 10/12/12  Sky Lakes Doctor & Family Trapped In Republic Of Maldives

On Friday, KFLS reported that Dr. Mohamed Siyad and his family went to the Republic of Maldives in July for what was supposed to be a two-week vacation.  The federal office of Homeland Security blocked their visa in early August and they're still not back.  Officials at Sky Lakes Medical Center asked Congressman Greg Walden for his help, but later learned the doctor must wait for the FBI to complete a name-verification process.
Sky Lake vice president Don York says he is frustrated with government's lack of movement, but more concerned about the confusion the situation is causing patients.
 

>> 10/12/12  Fall Weather Patterns Return This Weekend

The National Weather Service says fall weather with rain and higher winds return to the Pacific Northwest this weekend.  The Klamath Basin and surrounding communities may only see light rain over the weekend because the front will be blocked by the Cascades, according to Meteorologist Brian Nieuwenhuis.  He says the fall weather pattern is in place and we can expect cooler day and night temperatures and an increasing chance of precipitation in the coming weeks.  The weekend rains are expected to help extinguish the Pole Creek Fire burning in Central Oregon's 3-Sisters Wilderness near Sisters.  The fire broke out September 9th and has burned almost 27,000 acres.

>> 10/12/12 Police, ODOT Urge Drivers To Be Careful As Fall Rains Return

The state of Oregon has been very dry for months and Oregon State Police and ODOT are urging drivers to be careful as rainfall is expected this weekend especially in western Oregon.  Fall rains bring oil and grease on highways to the surface potentially making roads slick.    

>> 10/11/12  FERC To Hold Public Meeting About Pipeline Project In Malin Thursday Evening

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is holding a public meeting in Malin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Malin Community Park Hall at 2307 Front Street. The BLM and the US Forest Service may have to amend their land use plans to make provisions for the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline and will provide information to area residents about that process at the meeting.  Public comment will be taken after formal presentations about the project are finished.

>> 10/11/12 Jet Has Rough Landing At Kingsley

An F-15C fighter jet had a troubled landing at Kingsley Field on Tuesday afternoon following a routine training flight.  Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar says the arresting cables were used to help stop the jet and the pilot escaped injury.  Cause of the incident is being investigated. The name of the pilot and the extent of damage to the jet has not been released.

>> 10/11/12 Electric Car Maker Moving To Lakeview

Bend-based Venus Motors is moving into a new assembly plant in Lakeview.  The Chief technical officer for the company, Jay Bower says the move to a new 2,000 square foot facility in Lakeview is an effort to boost production and be closer to the Nevada and California markets.  The two year old venus Motors Company makes custom electric kit cars and distributed them across America.

>> 10/10/12 Bad Wreck On Highway 97 Sends Five To Sky Lakes Medical Center

Five people were hospitalized, two with serious injuries, after a three vehicle wreck on highway 97 north of Chiloquin Tuesday morning. Oregon  State Police say a northbound SUV sideswiped a commercial truck in the southbound lanes then continued southbound then nearly hit a pickup head-on.  A passenger in the SUV, 32 year old Katrina Lynch of Malaga, Washington and a passenger in the pickup, 70-year old Mary Herndon of Bullhead City, Arizona were taken to Sky Lakes with serious injuries.  The driver of the SUV, 63 year old Eunice Bell of Wenatchee, Washington, and a passenger,  5-year old boy suffered minor injuries.  The driver of the pickup, 79 year old James Herndon of Bullhead city, Arizona suffered minor injuries.

>> 10/10/10 Fundraiser At American Legion Saturday Night

A fundraiser for the Klamath Falls Veterans Memorial is being held this Saturday, October 13th, at the American Legion Post #8 at 228 North 8th Street. The event features a Bratwurst and Polish sausage dinner for $7.00. A 50/50 Raffle and auction will be held during dinner. Dancing will follow at 9:00 p.m. with The 58's Band. Proceeds raised will help pay for expansion of the Veterans Memorial at Veterans Park.

>> 1010/12 Auditions This Week For Miracle On 34th Street At Ross Ragland

Auditions are being held Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday, October 9, 10, & 11 from 6:30-8:30, and on Saturday, October 13, from 10:00AM to 2:00PM on the theater stage. Be prepared to sing, dance, and read from the script. It will be a fairly large cast with roles available for young kids to adults.  re open to ages 6 and up and will require a person to sing a prepared song, (an accompanist will be provided) move to sic, and read from a script.  Please wear appropriate attire (clothing you can move in) and footwear (no street shoes are allowed on the stage)r appropriate attire (clothing you can move in) and footwear (no street shoes are allowed on the stage).  For more information please glt >> 10/9/12 Banes Arrested During Bend Traffic Stop

Police in Bend arrested 25 year old Kenneth Robert Banes on Monday evening during a traffic stop. Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger says Banes attempted to escape and resisted arrest and police used force to take Banes into custody. Banes escaped from the Klamath County Jail early in the morning of October 5th while working on a garbage detail.  Banes is now lodged in the Deschutes County Jail awaiting transfer to Klamath County.

>> 10/9/12 Klamath Falls School Board Votes To Close Fairview Elementary

Fairview Elementary School in Klamath Falls will close next year.  The Klamath Falls City School Board voted 5-to-1 Monday night to close Fairview in hopes of saving 200-to-300-thousand dollars a year. Superintendent Dr. Paul Hillyer says the district is likely to put the building up for sale.

>> 10/9/12 City Schools Will Take Big PERS Hit

The Superintendent of the Klamath Falls City School District Dr Paul Hillyer, told KFLS News during the Tuesday morning "Klamath Talks" program  the district is facing a near million dollar increase in payments to PERS, the Public Employee Retirement System for each of the next two years.  The increase will be $972,605 for the 2013 and $972,605 for the 2014 school years.  Hillyer says the increase in payments to PERS will bring the total school district budget for PERS to more than 4-and-a-half-million dollars, or 15% of the district's total budget.  

10/8/12 Banes Still On The Loose

A Klamath Falls man who escaped from the county jail last Thursday morning, 25 year old Kenneth Banes is still free.  Police say Banes is 5-feet-9-inches tall, weighs 132 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes.  A $1000 reward has been offered for information leading to Banes arrest. The Sheriff Tip Line is 541-851-3931.

>> 10/8/12 Thousands Lose Power In Klamath Falls Monday Morning

More than 9100 customers of Pacific Power were without electricity after a transmission problem occurred at about 8:30 this (Monday) morning.  Pacific Power Spokesman Tom Gauntt told KFLS News, 9100 customers, most on the west side of town, were without power between one and two hours. The cause is under investigation.   

>> 10/8/12 ODVA Drops Home Loan Rate Again

The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs has dropped the interest rate for a 20 year, fixed rate home loan to 2.75% (3.362% APR). In addition the ODVA 30-year loan rate is now 3.125% with a 1.375% origination fee (3.62% APR) or 3.375% (3.502% APR) with no origination fee.  For more information call 888-673-8387.

>> 10/8/12 Museum Will Give Overview History Of Major Structure Fires Tomorrow Night

The Klamath County Museum will give an overview of the history of major structure fires in Klamath Falls tomorrow (Tuesday) night at 7:00 o'clock on its "Klamath Memories" cable TV program on Channel 14.  The program will feature dozens of photographs of fires that have occurred in Klamath Falls in the past century.  Museum Manager Todd Kepple says the most deadly fire was at the Houston Hotel in 1920, killing at least nine people. 

10/5/12 FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT 3AM TO 9AM SATURDAY

10/5/12 Mother Of Jail Escapee Arrested

Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger says two women helped a jail inmate escape Thursday morning,  Police arrested 46 year old Kathleen Joann Delaney, the mother of inmate Kenneth Robert Banes and charged her and another woman, 21 year old Syndahl Lezza-Larrea McFarland with aiding and abetting an escape and hindering prosecution.  Both women are jailed with bail set at $20,000  Banes remains at large.  He is 25 years old, weighs 132 pounds, stands 5-feet-9-inches and has brown hair and brown eyes.  He may be wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt.  Evinger says Banes was able to get through a small hole in the fence at the jail facility because he is so slender.

>> 10/5/12  Keno Tavern Owner Arrested, Charged With Rape

Police arrested a Keno man, 47 year old Michael Shawn House on Thursday evening and charged him with rape.  Police say House owns a tavern on Highway 66 in keno.  A woman told police Thursday morning she was brutally raped by House as the tavern business closed Wednesday night. The woman was treated and released from Sky Lakes Medical Center for injuries suffered in the attack.  House is jailed with bail set at $100,000.

10/4/12  Inmate Escapes From Klamath County Jail

For the first time since 1989, an inmate has escaped from the Klamath County Jail.  Sheriff Tim Evinger told KFLS News, 25 year old Kenneth Robert Banes was being escorted into the jail yard to dump garbage when he somehow got out by going under or over a fence. Late this morning investigators found Banes jail clothing in the basement of an apartment off Main street in downtown Klamath Falls. Banes was sentenced to three years in prison for burglaries and vehicle thefts and was in the county jail for violating parole.

10/4/12 FREEZE WATCH TONIGHT

The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Watch for Klamath Falls, Bonanza, Merrill, Tulelake and Dorris from late tonight through Friday morning. Temperatures could drop as low as 28 to 32 degrees in those areas.

>> 10/4/12 Sanford Children's Clinic To Cut Ribbon Today

The public is invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony that will officially open the Sanford Children's Clinic at 3001 Daggett Street this (Thursday) afternoon at 4 o'clock. The clinic was funded by South Dakota businessman and philanthropist Denny Sanford who has a goal of ending childhood diabetes through research at clinics around the world.  Five physicians and one pediatric nurse practitioner will staff the new clinic in cooperation with Sky Lakes Medical Center.

>> 10/4/12  Time To register For 9th Annual Brittney Ride For St Jude Children's Research Hospital

The 9th Annual Brittney Ride For St Jude is next weekend, October 12-14 at 7-Feathers Casino in Canyonville.  The event was started by Dale Mallory-Bell of Medford who lost her then-18 year old daughter, Brittney Mallory to an incurable brain tumor in 2000.  Brittney died about 4 months after the tumor was discovered. Next weekend's events include a Poker Run, and an auction.  Mallory-Bell says 100% of money raised goes to St Jude Children's research Hospital.  Tickets MUST be purchased no later than Wednesday, October 10th and are available at www.brittneyride.com  or by calling Star tickets at 1-800-585-3737.  Those wishing to stay overnight at 7-Feathers need to call the resort and be sure to tell them you are with the Brittney ride for a special room rate.

>> 10/4/12  Klamath Falls Woman Facing Numerous Theft Charges

A 66-year old Klamath Falls woman, Christel Jean Vogt is facing 13 counts of First degree Theft.  Vogt was arrested by police on tuesday and was jailed with bail set at $50,000.

>> 10/3/12 Cascade Comprehensive Care Certified As Coordinated Care Organization

Cascade Comprehensive Care has signed an agreement with the Oregon Health Authority to become the Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) for most of Klamath County on December 1st.  The only issue that remains to be decided is how Cascade will provide mental health services to Medicaid patients under the Oregon Health Plan.  Last year state lawmakers approved sweeping changes to the state's health care system requested by Governor John Kitzhaber.  Those changes require CCO's to provide medical, dental and mental health services in an effort to increase the quality of health care and increase efficiency.

>> 10/3/12 City Council Rejects Tobacco Ban Idea

The Klamath Falls City Council rejected a proposed ban on tobacco in all city parks at its Monday night meeting.  The rejection followed positive testimony from several people who urged the council to impose the ban.  But council members expressed concern about the growing number of government regulations at the local, state and national levels and rejected the plan. 

>> 09/27/12 Sheriff's Primary Business Phone Line Still Down; Use 541-851-3805

>> 09/27/12 Red Cross Helps People After Fires

The Klamath Falls Chapter of the Red Cross helped a family of six after their Oregon Avenue apartment suffered $45,000 in damage during a Wednesday morning fire.  Fire Marshal Scott Rice says the fire was in the attic but did damage some of the ceiling in a bathroom. The cause is under investigation.

>> 09/27/12 Farmers Reminded To Buy Crop Insurance Before This Sunday

Wheat and alfalfa farmers in Klamath County are reminded to buy crop insurance before Sunday, September 30th.  Contact the Farm Service Agency or other insurance companies for insurance or, to make changes to current farm insurance policies.

>> 09/27/12 Deadline Approaching To Apply For Executive Director Of Community Foundation

The Community Foundation of the Klamath Basin is looking for its first Executive Director and is accepting applications through the end of this month.  Applications are available at the foundation website. Board president Debbie Vought says the job will initially pay $30,000 annually with a "flexible schedule. Applications are at www.klamathbasifoundation.orgwww.klamathbasinfoundation.org www.klamathbasinfoundation.org 

09/26/12 Ribbon Cutting At Kingsley Opens New Reserve Center

A ribbon cutting ceremony at Kingsley Field on Tuesday morning opened the new 6-million dollar Joint Armed Forces Reserve Center.  The facility will house the 173rd Security Forces Squadron which recently returned from a 6-month tour of Afghanistan.  The center is scheduled to house units of the Oregon Army National Guard once the second phase of construction is completed.

>> 09/26/12 Another Shaker Off Oregon Coast

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck off the Oregon coast shortly before midnight Tuesday.  The quake had an epicenter 100-miles west of Bandon and followed a 3.6 quake that occurred just before 11:00 p.m. Tuesday night 67 miles west of Eureka, California.  Also on Tuesday at 8:15 a.m. a magnitude 4.3 earthquake was recorded 3-miles east-northeast of Ukiah, California.

>> 09/25/12 Albertsons Recalling Beef Products

Albertsons is recalling a number of ground beef products sold at stores in Oregon, Washington and Idaho due to risk of E.coli contamination.  The products were imported from Canada.  The recall includes 1-pound fresh ground beef patties, 1-pound ground beef chub and 3-pound fresh ground beef chub, all with the Alberstons label. The products were sold between September 3rd and 21st.

>> 09/24/12 Unemployment Rate Unchanged In Klamath & Lake Counties

The Oregon Employment Department says the unemployment rate in Klamath and Lake counties was unchanged between July and August.  Klamath county's unemployment rate is at 11.7% and in Lake county the unemployment rate held at 13.2%.  The August 2011 unemployment rate in Klamath county was 12.5% and in Lake county it was 13.7%

>> Klamath Falls Man Dies Of Injuries Suffered In Motorcycle Wreck

A Klamath Falls man, identified as 52 year old Richard W. Wrubel died of injuries suffered in a motorcycle wreck on Saturday morning on the South Side Bypass.  Oregon State Police Sgt. Robert Fenner told KFLS News, Wrubel was westbound near the Memorial drive intersection where traffic was stopped for a vehicle waiting to turn.  Wrubel lost control and the motorcycle slid over the westbound shoulder.  Wrubel was ejected and seriously injured and was taken to Sky Lakes Medical Center and later airlifted to St Charles Medical center in Bend.  Police were notified that Wrubel died Sunday from his injuries.  Police say high speed, drugs and/or alcohol were not a factor in the motorcycle wreck. 

>> 09/24/12 Tips Lead To Arrest Of Alleged Sex Offender

An Arizona man featured on the TV show, "America's Most Wanted" was arrested at Hagelstein Park last week after police received tips he might be in southern Oregon.  65-year old Eric George McNeill fled the state of Arizona after being charged with 22 sex crimes against children.  McNeill was arrested without incident. McNeill is jailed in Klamath Falls awaiting extradition to Arizona.

>> 09/24/12 Klamath Falls Man Arrested For Theft One

On Saturday morning police arrested 46-year old Charles Dean Heatley of Klamath Falls, charging him with Aggravated First Degree Theft.  Heatley is jailed with bail set at $15,000.

09/24/12 Gas Prices Drop A Little

Triple-A Auto Club of Oregon says the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline fell 4-cents last week to $3.97.  Oregon's average price is  16-cents a gallon above the national average. 

>> 09/21/12 Merkley Slams U-S House For Failing To Pass Farm Bill

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley has sharply criticized the U-S House for failing to pass the Farm Bill.  It is the first time since 1949 that Congress has allowed the nation's farm programs to expire.  In a statement released from his office in Washington, D.C., Merkley said, "I thought it was unacceptable when the House didn't pass the Farm Bill before the August recess, but allowing these programs to expire is completely irresponsible. Our farmers and ranchers in Oregon rely on the Farm Bill and the uncertainty is hurting our economy."  The U-S Senate passed the farm bill in June 2012 by a 64-35 vote.

>> 09/21/12 GOP Candidate For Oregon Attorney General In Klamath Falls Sunday

Republican candidate for Attorney General James Buchal will be in Klamath Falls on Sunday, September 23rd.  Buchal will attend an informal, no-host lunch in the meeting room of Elmer's Restaurant beginning at 1:00 p.m.  Buchal will discuss his vision for Oregon and why the office of Attorney General is so important to average Oregonians.

>> 09/21/12 Public Comments Oppose Closing An Elementary School In Klamath Falls

The Klamath Falls City School Board held an Open Forum on Thursday evening and many speakers urged them not to close either Pelican or Fairview Elementary Schools.  The district is considering closing one of the elementary schools to save money and because each school is among the oldest an in need of extensive repairs.  The board has set a self imposed deadline of October 8th for a final decision on closing a school.

>> 09/20/12  Jeld Wen Not Moving Global Headquarters

The Executive Vice-President and Chief Administrative Officer at Jeld Wen, Ron Saxton says the company is not moving its headquarters out of Klamath Falls.  Speculation about Jeld Wen began after commercial real estate sources told the Charlotte, North Carolina Business Journal Jeld Wen was looking for 30,000 square feet of office space for a headquarters relocation that would accommodate 60-to-100 employees.  Saxton told the Portland Business Journal, "The bottom line is Klamath Falls is our global headquarters and will remain our global headquarters."  Saxton says the office space in Charlotte would be for sales executives and he says it makes sense for the company to have a presence in the south where customers like Lowe's and Home Depot have their headquarters

>> 09/20/12 County School Board To Ask Voters To Approve Bond Levy Next May

The Klamath County School Board vote3d last night to send a bon measure to voters in the May 2013 election.  If approved by voters, the 42-million dollar levy would be used to build a new Henley Elementary school and pay for repairs and capital improvement projects at virtually every school in the county.

>> 09/20/12 Public Safety Advisory Committee Meets This (Thursday) Afternoon

The Public Safety Advisory committee meets today in the Klamath Falls City Council Chambers from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The committee, made up of a mix of city and county government officials and private citizens is searching for long term funding solutions for public safety in Klamath County.   The committee has a goal of finalizing recommendations to the city and county in January 2013.  The meetings are open to the public and include time for citizen input.

>> 09/19/12 League Of Women Voters Launching Initiative Effort

The Klamath Falls League of Women Voters is launching an initiative campaign to put a ballot measure before voters asking them if candidates for the county commission should run as non-partisans.  As it stands now candidates run as Republicans, Democrats or Independents.  League President Leslie Lowe told KFLS News, they will need to collect 1390 signatures by February 19th in order to put the measure on the May 21st, 2013 ballot.

>> 09/19/12  Oregon Unemployment Rate Increases For Third Month In A Row

The Oregon unemployment rate in August was 8.9%, up from July's rate of 8.7% and the June rate of 8.5%.  The higher unemployment rate occurred despite the fact the private sector added 8,800 jobs.  Seven of the state's 10 major private sector industries posted seasonally adjusted gains of at least 600 jobs, while none showed a loss.  The big loser for jobs was the government sector which shed 800 jobs, double the expected seasonal decline.

>> 09/19/12 Open Forum Tonight To Focus On School Closures

The public is invited to share their opinions about the possible closure of an elementary school in Klamath Falls at an Open Forum at 7:00 pm tonight (Wednesday) at the O'Neill Education Center, 1336 Avalon Street.  The Klamath Falls City School Board is considering closing either Pelican Elementary or Fairview Elementary due to old age and the need for extensive and expensive repairs and upgrades.  The school board has set a deadline of October 8th to make a final decision.

>> 09/19/12 Sheriff's Primary Business Phone Line Still Down; Use 541-851-3805

>> 09/18/12  Summit Lake Drowning Victim Identified

Oregon State Police say a 21 year old University of Oregon student from San Francisco, Carlene Ho, drowned at Summit Lake on Monday afternoon.  Police say Ho was with two other women, ages 23 and 25, who decided to swim top a nearby island.  Ho was last seen standing near the shore with her feet in the water.  When the two women returned several minutes later they found Ho underwater near where they had last seen her.  Ho's friends pulled her from the water and started CPR.  Later an Air Link air ambulance arrived and continued CPR efforts but Ho died at the scene.

 09/17/12  Five Bicycles Stolen From Cycle Oregon Riders At Moore Park

Klamath Falls Police are asking the public to help them with an investigation into the theft of five expensive bicycles owned by participants in the Cycle Oregon event.  The bicycles were stolen at Moore Park where 2200 Cycle Oregon participants camped out Friday night.  The event wrapped up Saturday after riders made the last leg of the tour in Bly. Anyone with information about the bicycle thefts is asked to call police at 541-883-5336.

>> 09/17/12 Police Arrest Klamath Falls Man For Car Theft

Klamath Falls Police arrested a man Saturday afternoon and charged him  with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and other charges related to his failure to appear in court on other charges.  The 1997 BMW Z-3 was reported stolen Saturday in Merrill.  Police spotted the vehicle near Biehn Street and Crater Lake Parkway but ended their pursuit in the Hot Springs neighborhood due to pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the area.   The vehicle was abandoned and the driver fled on foot.  A K-9 unit located the driver in a backyard of a home in the 2000 block of Manzanita Street.  35 year old Frederick L. Vierria was arrested and jailed with bail set at $55,000.

>> 09/17/12 City School Board Holds Public Forum Wednesday Night To Get Input About School Closure Issue

The public is invited to attend an Open Forum hosted by the Klamath Falls City School Board on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. at the Lucille O'Neal Education Center, 1336 Avalon Street.  The board is considering closing either Pelican Elementary or Fairview Elementary.  District officials say the two schools are the oldest and smallest in the district and both need extensive, expensive updates and repairs.  The board has set a self-imposed deadline of October 8th for their final decision.  However, Superintendent Dr. Paul Hillyer told KFLS News, the board may have to revisit the issue and decide whether to close another elementary school within less than five years due to the expense associated with repairs and maintenance.   

>> 09/17/12 Register Now For Chamber Academy For Business Excellence

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Academy For Business Excellence his week at the Ross Ragland Cultural Center.   The Academy features a wide range of seminars for the business and professional community from Wednesday to Friday, September 19th to the 21st.  The Keynote Speaker at the Wednesday luncheon will be the new President of Klamath Community College,  Dr. Roberto Guiterrez.  The Keynote Speaker at the Thursday luncheon will be State Treasurer Ted Wheeler who will discuss the Oregon economy.  A special panel discussion is scheduled Friday from 1:00 p.m.to 3:00 p.m. on the Affordable Health Care Act.  To register call the Chamber of Commerce at 541-883-5193, or log onto their website, www.klamath.org.

>> 09/14/12 All Flags Ordered At Half-Staff In Oregon Until Sunset Sunday For Victims Of Libya Attacks

>> 09/14/12 Oregon Native Among Dead In Libyan Attack

One of the four Americans who died  in the attack on the U-S Embassy in Libya was born in Portland and graduated from an Oregon City high school.  41 year old Tyrone S. Woods was a former Navy SEAL who was working on a private security detail for the U-S State Department.  Woods lived in both Oregon and Washington state and after graduating high school in 1989 joined the Navy the next year.  Woods retired from the SEALS in 2010.

>> 09/14/12 Cycle Oregon Riders In Klamath Falls Overnight

The Cycle Oregon event with its 2200 riders heads for Klamath Falls from Ashland via Dead Indian Memorial Highway this (Friday) morning and riders and staff will spend the night at Moore Park.  Many local organizations will be on hand to welcome the riders.  The Crater Lake Trolley will take riders from the park to downtown Klamath Falls for those who want to visit stores, restaurants and other places.  The Cycle Oregon event wraps up tomorrow when the riders head to Bly for the last leg of the southern Oregon tour.

>> 09/14/12  Walden Says U-S Has Approved More Funding For Wildfire Fighting

Oregon republican congressman Greg Walden says the U-S House has approved a bipartisan plan to provide an additional 800-million dollars for wildfire fighting for the U-S forest service and the Department of Interior for 2012 and 2013.  Walden says "Half of the funding will replenish Forest service accounts from which the agency has borrowed money to fight fires already this year.  This will help prevent important forestry jobs from going unfunded." 

>> 09/14/12  Klamath Community College CLOSED On Monday

Klamath Community College will be closed Monday, September 17th to visitors and students due to an all-day faculty and staff convocation.  The KCC Bookstore will remain open, however the college will otherwise be closed.  The college is due to reopen Tuesday, September 18th at 8:00 a.m.

>> 09/14/12 Miss America Coming To Klamath Falls In November

Citizens For Safe schools has announced the 2012 Miss America, Laura Kaeppeler, is coming to Klamath Falls.  The 23 year old titleholder from Wisconsin will be the Keynote Speaker at this year's CHARACTER COUNTS! and Mentoring Matters Banquet on November 10th at Running Y Ranch and resort.  Kaeppeler chose mentoring the children of incarcerated parents as her platform issue during her reign as Miss America.  Tickets for the banquet are $45 per person or a table of eight for $350.  For more information call Citizens For Safe Schools at 541-882-3198.

>> 09/13/12 Bonanza Man Accused Of Sex Abuse Of Teen

40-year old Darren Thomas Cramblet of Bonanza is jailed on five counts of Third degree Sex Abuse and five counts of Contributing To The Sexual Delinquency Of A Minor with bail set at $75,000.  Police say Cramblet knew the 16-year old victim and was a family friend.  Police say they believe there will be a second victim they will be able to identify as the investigation continues. The alleged crimes occurred between March and the end of May.

>> 09/13/12 United Way Sets Goal Of $755,000

The United Way Campaign for 2012 kicked off on Wednesday at Reames Country Club and President John Elliott told supporters the goal this year is $755,000, a five per cent increase over last year's goal.  Elliott said there has been a "dramatic increase in demand for our services the past 18-to-24 months.  This is a real critical year but it will improve the quality of life of people in this Basin."

>> 09/12/12 Former Mazama Coach Pleads Guilty To Sex Abuse Charges

Former Mazama High School Volleyball Coach Robert Lloyd Thompson has pleaded guilty to Second Degree Sex Abuse and will spend two years in prison.  Thompson must register as a sex offender when he is released from prison.  The Klamath County District Attorney's office reached a deal with Thompson and agreed to drop 20 other sex abuse charges as well as one count of Second degree Burglary and one county of Tampering With A Witness.

>> 09/12/12 Wyden, Merkley Convince U-S Forest Service To Supply Lumber Mill In John Day

Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley say the U-S Forest Service has agreed to accelerate timber sales and speed up forest restoration work to help keep the Malheur Lumber Mill in John Day open.  The mill announced it would close November 1st due to a lack of logs from nearby national forest lands.  The mill employs about 90 people.

>> 09/12/12  Governor Kitzhaber Asks State Supreme Court to Overturn Death Penalty Ruling  

Governor John Kitzhaber is asking the Oregon supreme Court to overturn a judge's ruling that he has no authority to issue a reprieve from the death penalty unless the condemned inmate wants the reprieve.  Last month a Marion County Circuit Court judge ruled inmate Gary Haugen must accept Kitzhaber's reprieve in order for it to be valid.  Haugen was scheduled to die by lethal injection last December but Kitzhaber blocked the execution.

>> 09/11/12Dixon Creek Road Closed For Culvert Replacement

The Fremont-Winema National Forest has closed Dixon Creek Road (Forest Service Road 3546) 14 miles northeast of Bly due to replacement of a 48 inch culvert that has restricted fish passage and the natural flow of water.  The road will be closed until Thursday, September 20th 

>> 09/11/12 Klamath Falls Man Arrested For Assault, Riot & Other Charges

A 20 year old Klamath Falls man, Douglas James White was arrested Saturday evening and charged with Assault One, Assault Two, Menacing One, Riot, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.  White is jailed with bail set at $75,000.

>> 09/11/12 Klamath County Public Health Urges Public To Prepare For Disasters

September is National Preparedness Month and Klamath County Public Health Department are urging everyone to prepare for floods, snowstorms, earthquakes and wildfires.  The public is encouraged to make a family emergency plan and build an emergency supply kit.  Two supply kits should be made, one for the car and one for the home.  The kit should include 1-gallon of water per person, per day, for three days, food, first aid supplies, prescription drugs, cash (ATM's and credit cards may not work) and pet food supplies.  For more information about preparing an emergency plan and supply kit contact the Red Cross in Klamath Falls at 541-884-4125.

>> 09/11/12 Tour Of Barry Point Fire Offered Next Monday

The Lake County Chamber of Commerce is offering a tour of the Barry Point Fire next Monday, September 17th.  The tour is designed to help answer questions about how various government agencies fight major wildfires and what recommendations are made regarding salvage logging and landscape restoration following a wildfire.  Participants must call the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce no later than this Friday to reserve a spot for this tour, 541-947-6040. Lunch will be provided.

>> 09/10/11 Governor Orders All Flags At Half Staff On Tuesday

Governor John Kitzhaber has ordered all flags at half-staff on Tuesday in remembrance of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and in recognition of Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.  More than 3000 Americans were killed as the result of attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania.

>> 09/10/12 Klamath Falls City School District To Discuss Possible School Closures

The Klamath Falls City School Board meets at the Lucille O'Neill Education Center at 6:030 p.m. tonight (Monday) to discuss the closure of Fairview Elementary School or Pelican Elementary School or, whether to keep all five city elementary schools open.  On Wednesday, September 19th the school board will ask the public for their comments and opinions about school closures.  The board has set a goal of making a final decision by October 8th.

>> 09/10/12 Weekend Arrests In The Area

Two Klamath Falls men are facing charges of Riot after being arrested Sunday afternoon.  31-year old Andre Blue Davis is also charged with DUI, Driving While Suspended/Revoked and Assault Three with bail set at $87,500.  Also arrested and charged with Riot is 46 year old Richard Lee Menke who is also jailed in Assault Three charges with bail set at $75,000.  On Sunday evening police arrested 39-year old Vashawn Phillip Alston of Klamath Falls and charged him with Assault One, Harassment, Menacing One, Reckless Driving,  Reckless Endangering and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Alston's bail set at $128,000.

>> 09/07/12 Sheriff's Primary Business Phone Line Still Down; Use 541-851-3805

>> 09/07/12 Man Seriously Injured In Fight

Police arrested 25 year old Michael David Brown late Wednesday night as he tried to leave the scene of a fight in front of Black Dog Billiards in downtown Klamath Falls.  An employee at Black Dog said the fight was unprovoked.  Brown and some other men reportedly approached a victim who was outside and without warning began hitting the man.  A friend who tried to help the victim was also assaulted.  The first victim ended up being flown to a hospital in bend for treatment of a brain injury. The 2nd victim was less seriously hurt.  Klamath Falls police are asking the public to help them with information about the incident.

>> 09/07/12 Cycle Oregon Riders Arrive In Bly This Weekend

The 25th annual Cycle Oregon will begin in Bly this weekend with more than 2200 participating riders expected for the weeklong event.  The riders will attend an opening dinner and concert in Bly on Saturday and after breakfast Sunday head for Silver Lake where they will spend the night. Other overnight stops this coming week include Fort Rock on Monday, Prospect on Tuesday, Ashland on Wednesday and Thursday nights and on Friday morning, September 14th, riders will head to Moore Park in Klamath Falls via dead Indian Memorial Highway.  This year's event sold out in about a half hour when the route was announced in February.

>> 09/07/12 Public Forum To Focus On Youth Baseball Programs

A public forum is being held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 9th at the Party Time Event Center at Crest Street and South 6th Street.  The purpose of the forum will be the search for solutions to problems facing youth baseball programs.  Representatives from Little League, Babe Ruth, Senior Babe Ruth, American Legion Baseball, Kiger Stadium Board and the Klamath Gems will be on hand to answer questions. 

>> 09/06/12 Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair Opens Today

The Tulelake Butte Valley Fair opens today with the theme, "Keeping The Dream Alive."  The fair runs through Sunday.  Admission is free, but fairgoers are asked to give whatever they can afford.  Due to state budget cuts none of the fairs in California receive any state support, which meant a more than 40% drop in funding for the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair.

>> 09/06/12 Klamath County Commissioners Won't Meet Next Week

The Klamath County Commissioners will not hold any meetings next week, including their regular Tuesday session.  The next meeting of the board will be Tuesday, September 18th.  Commissioners Al Sweitzer and Cheryl Hukill will be in Washington, D.C., to meet with members of the Oregon Congressional Delegation.

>> 09/06/12 Klamath County Branch Library Set For Grand Opening Today At Senior Center

The public is invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new branch library at the Klamath Basin Senior Center, 2045 Arthur Street, at 1:30 t6his (Thursday) afternoon.  The branch library will be open Mondays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

>> 09/06/12 The Community Foundation Of The Klamath Basin Seeking Executive Director

The Community foundation of the Klamath Basin is seeking an executive director.  The President of the Community Foundation, Debbie Vought toold KFLS News, "This will be our first staff person for the organization and it's a very important step for us. Our Executive Director will help support our local non profit organizations by providing expertise and resources to broaden and strengthen their service and program delivery.  The job has a starting salary of $30,000 and interested people can fill out a job application at the website, www.KlamathBasinFoundation.org.www.klamathbasinfoundation.org

>> 09/05/12 Problem With Sheriff's Primary Business Phone Line

There is a glitch in a new telephone system installed by Klamath County that is preventing people from reaching the Sheriff's Department through it primary business line.  According to a news release from Sheriff Tim Evinger the problem is with the auto attendant function of the system that causes a "fast busy signal" when anyone calls the primary business line.  Evinger is asking the public to call 541-851-3805 and if the call is not answered to leave a message and the call will be returned during business hours.  Evinger says his office will notify the public as soon as the problem is resolved.    

>> 09/05/12  Man Dies In Chemult Tuesday Afternoon Following Erratic Behavior

The Oregon State Police and the Klamath County District Attorney's office are investigating the death of a 52 year old man who was acting erratically before his death.  police say the man ran back and forth across U-S Highway 97 in Chemult several times then rolled around in the dirt behind a gas station.  Bystanders tried to calm the man while waiting for medics but he ran in front of an ambulance and then started moving towards an apartment where a pregnant woman lives.  The woman's father and others pulled the man to the ground, he lost consciousness, stopped breathing and died.  The man's name has not been released.

>> 09/05/12  Chiloquin Man Jailed On Numerous Theft, Burglary Charges

Police arrested a Chiloquin man Wednesday morning and charged him with nine counts of Theft One and two counts of Burglary One.  44-year old Sonny Wayne Blevins was arrested at 3:21 a.m. and lodged in the Klamath County Jail with bail set at $140,000.

>> 09/05/12 Commissioners Reject Ballot Measure Request

The Klamath County Board of Commissioners rejected a request Tuesday morning by the League of Women Voters to place a measure on the November ballot that, if approved by voters, would make the Board of Commissioners non-partisan.  Currently county commissioners run as Democrats, republicans or Independents.  The League President, Leslie Lowe says voters in Polk and Coos counties recently voted to make their county commissioners non-partisan.  Commissioners Al Sweitzer and Cheryl Hukill told Lowe the league of Women Voters should take the initiative route and gather the near-1400 signatures to get the issue before voters next May.  Lowe told KFLS News last week that if the commissioners refused to put the issue on the November ballot the league would launch an initiative campaign.

>> 09/04/12 Governor Orders Flags At Half-staff In Memory Of Oregon Soldier On Wednesday

Governor John Kitzhaber has ordered all flags at public institutions to be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, September 5th from sunrise to sunset in honor of Specialist Mabry Anders.  The 21 year old Baker City man was killed in Afghanistan, August 27th.  Anders was assigned to the 4th Infantry division based in Fort Carson, Colorado.

>> 09/04/12  Klamath County Steer Died Of Anthrax

The Oregon State Public Health Laboratory has confirmed a Klamath county steer died of anthrax on August 22nd.  State health officials say the incident does not (not) pose a human public health threat but is an issue for other livestock. Two other steers on the same ranch died at about the same time.  The Oregon Department of Agriculture has quarantined the ranch and other cattle will be vaccinated and monitored.  State veterinarian, Dr. Brad Leamaster says thIs is the first case of animal anthrax in Oregon in more than 50 years. 

>> 09/04/12 OSP Makes A DUII Stop...Driver Arrested On FBI Warrant

A Hillsboro woman who was stopped by an Oregon State Police Trooper on Friday night at Lodi Street and Independence Avenue on suspicion of driving under the influence turned out to be wanted for bank robbery.  Police say 33-year old Jennifer Colleen Langwell was charged with DUII  and during the investigation cocaine and methamphetamine was found.  Police then found out Langwell was wanted on a felony warrant held by the F-B-I charging bank robbery. Langwell is jailed on DUI charges as well as Robbery One and two counts of Possessing Controlled Substances.  Bail was set at $57,500.

>> 08/31/12 Smoke Returns To Basin

Smoke from wildfires in northern California and near Lakeview has returned to the Klamath Basin although not as thick or as dense as it was earlier this week.  The Air Quality Index as of 10:30 a.m. is rated "moderate" at 70 in Klamath Falls and "moderate" at 80 in Lakeview.  The Air Quality Index is "moderate" at 82 at Crater Lake National Park.

>>  08/31/12  Barry Point Fire In Mop-Up

Now that the Barry point Fire southwest of Lakeview is 100% contained crews are doing mop-up work and repairing the landscape from weeks of fire suppression work.  The +fire is still burning inside the perimeter and creating smoke.  Fire officials say it is likely the Barry point Fire won't be out completely until a major rain or snow storm occurs in the area.  Numerous roads in the Fremont-Winema National Forest and the Modoc National Forest remain closed to the public.

>> 08/31/12  Flags At Half Staff Today

Governor John Kitzhaber has ordered all flags in Oregon to be flown at half-staff today (Friday) in honor of the late astronaut, Neal Armstrong.  A private service for Armstrong was scheduled to be held today.  Armstrong the first man to walk on the moon.

 08/30/12  Winds Scour Smoke From Klamath Basin

The skies over the Klamath Basin are much clearer today due to winds that scoured the area of wildfire smoke, at least for the time being.  The Department of Environmental Quality Air Quality Index in Klamath Falls is at 15, which is a "good" rating. Forest fires burning southwest of Lakeview and near Mt Shasta could send smoke back to the basin if meteorological conditions change.

>> 08/30/12  Man Arrested And Charged With Sex Crimes Involving A Child

As KFLS News reported Wednesday, 27 year old Travis Shane Dye has been charged with Sex Abuse One and Sexual Penetration With An Object, One and is jailed with bail set at $200,000.  Police are not releasing many details except to say that the alleged victim is a child.

>>  08/30/12  Avista Utilities Asks For Rate Cut

The Oregon Public Utility Commission is being asked by Avista Utilities to allow the company to cut the rate for natural gas by 10.7% on January 1, 2013.  Avista President Dennis Vermillion says the request to cut the rate is largely due to increased gas supply and if approved the rate would be at or near 2004 levels.

>>  08/30/12  Hurricane Causes Cancellation Of College Football Game

The Oregon State Beavers football game against Nicholls State of Louisiana has been postponed due to Hurricane Isaac.  The game was scheduled for this Saturday at Reser Stadium in Corvallis.  O-S-U officials said last night the game will be rescheduled. The campus of Nicholls State in Thibodaux, Louisiana is closed because of the hurricane.  The team was scheduled to take a charter flight to Oregon tomorrow.

>> 08/29/12  Winds Reduce Smoke Levels In Klamath Basin

Winds from the north have helped disperse some of the smoke over the Klamath Basin and air quality is now rated as moderate.  The Barry Point Fire, though 100% contained, is still burning and is believed to be causing some smoke in the area.  Smoke is also coming form the 28,000 acre Bagley Fire burning near Mt Shasta.  The blaze is only 24% contained.

>> 08/29/12  Klamath Falls Man Arrested On Sex Charges

Police arrested a Klamath Falls man on Tuesday afternoon charging him with First Degree Sex Abuse and First Degree Sexual Penetration With An Object.  27 year old Travis Shane Dye is lodged in the county jail with bail set at $200,000.

>> 08/29/12  OSP, ODOT Urge Football Fans To Drive Carefully To & From Games

The college football season begins this Saturday and because both Oregon and Oregon State are playing home games, roads and highways to Eugene and Corvallis will be crowded.  ODOT's Rick Little says the two home games mean an estimated 30,000 additional motorists will be on the I-5 freeway before and after the games.  The Oregon State Police is urging drivers to be careful and to not drink and drive as patrols will be watching for impaired drivers.

>>  08/29/12 Museum Offers Friday Evening Hike On Hogback

Klamath County Museum Manager Todd Kepple is leading a hike on Hogback Friday evening, August 31st at 6:00 p.m. starting at the parking lot of foothills Christian Church at the north end of Patterson street.  Kepple says the hike will go as far as the middle point of Hogback and the group will also explore BLM lands with lots of potential for hiking and exploring.  Participants need to bring water and a flashlight in the event the sun goes down before everyone is off the mountain.  Kepple says those who stay a little later may see a full moon rise at dusk.

>> 08/28/12 Wild Fire Smoke Causing Very Bad Air Quality In Klamath Basin

Smoke from wildfires in northern California and the Barry Point Fire southwest of Lakeview have caused a serious degradation of air quality in the Klamath Basin with the pollution index (24-hour average) at 152.  Anything over 151 means the air quality is unhealthy for all people. People are being urged to limit outdoor activities including hiking, bicycle riding and jogging due to the poor air quality.  The National Weather Service says winds may shift by late Wednesday or Thursday and scour the smoke from the basin.  Between now and then health officials urge everyone is urged to limit all outdoor activities as much as possible.  More information is at the website, klamathair.org or by calling 541-882-BURN. www.klamathair.org

>> 08/28/12  Protect Your Pets From Smoke

Dr Samantha Wilson at the Klamath Animal Clinic says pet owners should limit the exposure of their cats and dogs to smoke from the wildfires.  She says smoke can cause allergies to flare, lead to coughing and cause watery eyes and noses.  Some pets may also become lethargic and not want to eat due to smoke exposure.

>> 08/28/12  Barry Point Fire Fully Contained

The Barry Point Fire southwest of Lakeview was declared 100% contained this (Tuesday) morning.  The lightning caused 93,000+ acre blaze started May 5th and burned in Oregon and northern California on federal forestlands and private timber lands.  Crews have started rehabilitation work to repair damage to land and property from fire suppression efforts and are expected to remain in the area for a few more weeks.

>> 08/28/12  Search & Rescue Crews Recover Body Of Coos Bay Man From Four Mile Lake

After several days of intense searching by air, land and boat, members of the Klamath County Dive Rescue have recovered the body of 61-year old Andrew S. Kaufman of Coos Bay at Four Mile Lake.  Kaufman was last seen August 17th.  On August 23rd a campground host at Four Mile Lake told police Kaufman had not returned to camp and his camp registration had expired.  Volunteers used side scan sonar images on Monday and spotted what looked like a body in about 85 feet of water.  Divers recovered Kaufman's body about 7:00 p.m. on Monday.  Anyone who was at Four Mile Lake between August 11th and 23rd and who may have information about Kaufman, his inflatable raft (not yet recovered) or, his 2011 Buick Enclave S-U-V is asked to call Detective Nick Kennedy at the Klamath County Sheriff's office.

>> 08/28/12 Lindow Out Of Race For County Commissioner

The man who won the Democratic Party nomination for Klamath County Commissioner Position One in the May Primary Election has filed papers to withdraw from the November election.  Klamathonline.org reports Ted Lindow filed the withdrawal papers last week, citing "personal and family health issues" as his reasons for dropping out.  The race for Klamath County Commissioner, Position One now includes Republican Tom Mallams and Independent candidate Kirk Oakes.

>> 08/23/12  West Nile Virus Confirmed In Dead Horse

The Klamath County Department of Public Health says West Nile Virus has been confirmed in a dead horse in Keno.  The test results were confirmed by the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University.  The Director of the Klamath County Health Department, Marilynn Sutherland says they want people to avoid getting mosquito bites.  Sutherland says, "The risk of contracting West Nile Virus may be low but we encourage people to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites."  State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Emilio DeBess is urging horse owners to vaccinate their animals against West Nile Virus.  Health officials also encourage people to eliminate sources of standing water on their property such as bird baths, clogged gutters, old tires and watering troughs and to use mosquito repellant if outdoors at dusk and dawn.

>> 08/23/12 Public Invited To Escort The Wall That Heals To Fairgrounds

The public is invited to join a motorized procession escort of The Wall That Heals from Kingsley Field to the Klamath County Fairgrounds this (Thursday) morning.  Participants should gather at 9:00 a.m. at Kingsley Field.  There will be a ceremony at Kingsley at 10:00 a.m. followed by the escort procession from Kingsley to south 6th Street via Washburn Way.  People who don't have a motorized vehicle are invited to line the route of the escort procession.  The Wall That Heals will be set up upon its arrival at the fairgrounds and will be on display during the 3rd Annual Klamath Freedom Celebration, 24/7, through Sunday.  A kick-off party for the celebration will be held this evening at El Palacio Restaurant at 601 Main Street.

>> 08/23/12 Tribal Offices Closed For Restoration Celebrations

The 26th Annual Tribal Restoration Celebration begins today with a presentation from 7-to-9 this evening at O-I-T by Don Wharton and Kathy Hill titled, Restoration And Termination."  The Klamath Tribes Administration Building in Chiloquin is closed for business today (Thursday) from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will re-open at 1:30 p.m. On Friday the offices will be closed all day because of the Restoration Celebration.  The event continues through Saturday.

>> 08/23/12  Freeze Watch Issued For Early Friday     

The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze watch for Northern and Eastern Klamath County and Western, Central and Eastern Lake County from 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.on Friday. The Weather Service says early morning temperatures in Beatty, Chemult, Crescent, Gilchrist and Sprague River may drop to 28-to-32 degrees while some low spots may fall to the mid 20's.

>> 08/22/12  Good Progress On Barry Point Fire

Fire crews fought dry, gusty winds but made progress and were able to hold fire lines on the Barry Point Fire on Tuesday as temperatures cooled. Fire Information officer Renee Snyder told KFLS News, more gusty winds are expected today and tomorrow however full containment of the now 93,000-plus acre blaze is expected this Saturday. The only evacuation order in place is for three homes on the west side of Goose Lake in California.

>> 08/22/12 Unemployment Up In Klamath & Lake Counties

For the second consecutive month unemployment went up in Klamath and Lake counties.  The unemployment rate in Klamath county in July was 11.6% up from the June rate of 11.5%.  The private sector added 290 jobs in Klamath county last month but government shed 710 jobs. The Lake county unemployment rate in July was 13.2% up from the June rate of 13.1%.

>> 08/22/12  Gas Prices Jump Up Again

A fire two weeks ago at a Chevron refinery in California coupled with higher crude oil prices on the world markets is driving up gas prices.  The national average is now $3.72/gallon for regular unleaded but Oregon's average jumped 10-cents in the past week to $3.98

>>  08/21/12 Klamath Falls City Council Appoints Dottson To Ward 3 Spot

The Klamath Falls City Council appointed Matt Dottson, a native of Klamath Falls, to fill the vacancy for Ward 3.  The position had been held by Gregory Taylor who resigned earlier this year. Dottson is a Navy veteran.  He has said he will file for and campaign for the office in the November election.

>> 08/20/12  Barry Point Fire Evacuations Lifted In Oregon

The Barry point Fire burning 22 miles southwest of Lakeview has grown to more than 93,000 acres but the advance of the fire on private lands has been stopped. Evacuations on the Oregon side of the fire have been lifted but remain in effect in California.  The fire is 48% contained and is expected to be fully contained on Saturday.

>> 08/20/12 Holloway fire Almost Fully Contained

The massive Holloway fire burning on the Oregon-Nevada border near Denio, NV is almost 100% contained.  The lightning caused fire broke out earlier this month and blackened 245,505 acres in Oregon and 215,542 acres in Nevada.

>> 08/20/12 Areas Of Smoke Over Klamath Basin Expected Until Late Wednesday

>> 08/17/12 Red Flag Warning This Afternoon Until Saturday Night

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Klamath Basin and southern Oregon Cascades predicting abundant lightning from a storm front moving in from the south late this afternoon.  The warning is in effect from 4:00 p.m. today (Friday) until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday.

>> 08/17/12 Governor Declares Statewide Emergency

Governor John Kitzhaber declared a statewide emergency on Thursday evening, allowing National guard helicopters to be used to help fight wildfires.  A spokesman for Kitzhaber says the state will consider use of the helicopters on a case-by-case basis.

>> 08/17/12 Cold Springs Fire and Barry Point Fire Grow

The Cold Springs Fire, which is described as human caused, has grown to more than 22-acres leading to closure of the Cold Springs Trailhead to the Sky Lakes Wilderness Area.  Several fire fighting crews from the B-L-M and the U-S Forest Service are working to keep the fire from spreading.  The Barry Point Fire, 22-miles southwest of Lakeview, grew overnight because of low humidity, high temperatures and gusty winds.  The fire has blackened nearly 80,000 acres and continue to spread to the east and south into northern California.  An evacuation order remains in place for Drews Resevoir. Containment not expected until August 25th.

>> 08/17/12 Tigard Soldier Dies In Afghanistan

A 22 year old Army private First Class from Tigard died in Afghanistan this week.  The Defense Department says Andrew Keller died when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire.

>> 08/16/12  PAC Formed To Re-Elect Evinger

As KFLS News first reported on August 3rd, a Political Action Committee has been formed to re-elect Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger.  The name of the committee is "Write-In To Re-Elect Tim Evinger" and has been approved by the Secretary of State.  The PAC was formed by Reserve Deputy Kevin Kirk who says volunteers will begin canvassing neighborhoods, putting up signs and getting the word out.  Kirk says the campaign will include radio, television and newspaper advertising.  Evinger did not campaign in the May primary after announcing he was stepping down and was going to look for a new job.

>> 08/16/12  Businessman Opposes Evinger Re-Election Effort

Klamath Falls business owner Michael Patti is leading a campaign to not re-elect Sheriff Tim Evinger.  Patti, owner of The Sign Guys, says he does believe Evinger has done a good job and it is time for a change.  Patti says he has bumper stickers, flyers and signs opposing the Evinger re-election and says the materials are free to the public and available at his business.

>> 08/16/12  Angeli Releases All Of His Sheriff's Department Personnel Files

Klamath County Sheriff candidate Mike Angeli has all of his personnel files from his time working as a Sheriff's Deputy available for anyone to look at at his business, The Ledge.  Angeli says the files can not be copied or taken from the building due to the confidential information about him and his family.  Angeli released the files after candidate Frank Skrah accused him of wrong doing while he was a deputy.  Angeli says the files prove he was cleared of wrongdoing.

>> 08/16/12  Barry Point Fire Grows Again

The Barry Point Fire grew to more than 86,000 acres overnight due to high temperatures, gusty winds and low humidity.  The blaze was started by a May 5th lightning storm and is burning on federal forestland and private property southwest of Lakeview and into northern California. The fire is expe4cted to be contained August 23rd.

>> 08/15/12 Barry Point Fire Spreads To Northern California

The Barry Point Fire southwest of Lakeview has grown to more than 59,000 acres and has spread to Northern California.  The fire is burning on the Fremont-Winema and Modoc National Forests as well as private property including land owned by Collins Forest Products. More than 1400 firefighters are on the scene. The fire is 25% contained with full containment not expected until Thursday, August 23rd.

>> 08/15/12  Fire In Sky Lakes Wilderness

A fire that started in the Sky Lakes Wilderness Area near the Cold Springs Trailhead is under investigation.  The fire broke out Tuesday and led to the evacuation of some hikers in the area.  Jake Barnett at the Klamath Interagency Fire center told KFLS News, the blaze is about 10-acres in size.  

>> 08/15/12  Judge Says Civil Suit Against Terri Horman Can Move Forward

A Portland judge, Henry Kantor, ruled this (Wednesday) morning a civil suit against the stepmother of Kyron Horman can move forward, ruling a delay wouldn't serve a purpose.  Desiree Young filed the civil suit against Terri Horman accusing her of kidnapping Kyron Horman, by herself or with others.  Terri Horman the last person known to have seen the then 7-year Kyron Horman on June 4th, 2010.  Terri Horman had asked for a two year delay of the civil suit however the suit will begin Thursday with a deposition of Terri Horman's biological son, James Moulton. 

>> 08/15/12 Special Baldwin Hotel Tours Offered Saturday

A special tour of the Baldwin Hotel is planned for this Saturday, august 18th.  The tour will focus on Andy and Cordelia Moore who took over the hotel from the Baldwin family and later turned it over to their daughter and son-in-law, Vera and Mart Jones.  The tour will be offered at 10:30 a.m and again at 2:00 p.m. The cost is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and children over the age of 12. Children under age 12 are free when accompanied by adults.

>> 08/14/12  Unemployment In Oregon Goes Up In July

The unemployment rate in Oregon increased to 8.7% in July, up from 8.5% in June, despite the fact that 1800 jobs were created.  Economists say one reason for the higher unemployment rate may be that once discouraged workers are back trying to find a job or, people have entered the work force after graduating from school or moving here from another state.

>> 08/13/12  Barry Point Fire Grows Over Weekend

The Barry Point Fire, burning on Fremont-Winema national Forest Land and some private property is now estimated at 30,000 acres.  The blaze grew over the weekend due to high temperatures, gusty winds and low humidity.  The fire is only 25% contained and full containment is not expected until late next week.  There are numerous Forest Service road closures around Dog Mountain and Dog Lake.

>>  08/13/12 Klamath Falls School Board To Decide School Closure Issue In Early October

The Klamath Falls City School Board will hold an Open Forum at the O'Neal Education Center at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 19th to provide the public with the opportunity to express their opinions about whether an elementary school should be closed.  The issue will first be discussed by the board at its next meeting on September 10th at the Lucille O'Neal Education Center.  The two schools being considered for closure are Fairview Elementary and Pelican Elementary.  A final decision by the board is expected at the October 8th meeting.

>> 08/10/12  Group Nearing Launch Of Evinger Write-In Campaign

A group of citizens led by Sheriff's Reserve Deputy Kevin Kirk, says they expect to finalize formation of their Political Action Committee next week. Kirk says once the committee is formed volunteers will begin canvassing neighborhoods and putting up signs and buy advertising to spread the word about their efforts to convince voters to write-in Sheriff Tim Evinger's name on the November ballot.  The names of the winners of the May primary election, Mike Angeli and Frank Skrah will appear on the ballot.  Angeli says he hopes to discuss matters with Evinger, admitting he was caught by surprise by this report. Frank Skrah has not made any comments about this campaign which was first reported by KFLS News on August 3rd.

>> 08/10/12  High Temps & Gusty Winds Spread Barry Point Fire

The Barry Point Fire, burning 20 miles southeast of Lakeview grew dramatically since Thursday and is now covering more than 7500 acres.  On Thursday morning the Barry Point Fire was 2000 acres.  Overnight 15 families had to evacuate their homes near Drews Resevoir. The Klamath/Lake Chapter of the Red Cross sent an Emergency Response Vehicle to Lakeview to help those families.  The fire is about 30-per cent contained.

>>  08/10/11  Kingsley Field Student Pilots To Conduct Night Flying Training Next Week

The 114th Fighter Squadron will conduct night flying operations Monday through Friday, August 13th to the 17th between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.  Night flying is one part of the course curriculum for F-15 student fighter pilots.  Planes will take-off after sundown and land about 90-minutes later.  . 

>> 08/08/12  REMINDER!  Fire Restrictions Start Thursday Morning

Because of high fire danger Industrial Fire Protection Level III will be implemented at 12:01 a.m., Thursday, August 9th on lands administered by the U-S Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the Sheldon-Hart Mountain Wildlife Refuge.  Under the IFPL !!!, both personal and commercial woodcutters are prohibited from operating power saws.  In addition Public Use Restrictions will also be in effect beginning at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, August 9th.  Only camp or stove fires in designated campgrounds will be allowed...no smoking except inside vehicles or buildings...no motor vehicle use in areas where vegetation does not come into contact with the undercarriage.

>> 08/08/12  Barry Point Fire Spreads In Lake County

The Barry Point Fire burning 20 miles southwest of Lakeview on the Fremont-Winema National Forest  has grown to more than 1700 acres.  The fire is burning near Dog Lake and a Level One Evacuation Notice was issued Tuesday night, however no campers or homes in the area were evacuated.  There are numerous road closures in the area of Dog Lake.  The fire was started as a result of a lightning storm that moved across south central Oregon on Sunday night.  The weather is expected to be very hot in the area again today.  No estimated time of containment.

>> 08/08/12  Fire Threatened Homes At Ridgewater Development

A wildfire off Beatty Butte Drive that threatened some homes at Ridgewater Development on Tuesday morning is being investigated.  The fire sent smoke drifting over Klamath Falls but was later put out after scorching almost two-and-one-half acres.  No homes were damaged.

>> 8/07/12  Three Downtown Fires Deemed Suspicious

Investigators are try to determine if three brush fires in downtown Klamath Falls late Saturday night and early Sunday morning were human-caused.  The first fire was reported at 11:54 p.m. on Saturday and was at North 8th and Lincoln Streets.  A second call to 9-1-1 came in at 12:12 a.m., Sunday about a fire at North 7th and Jefferson Streets.  The third report of a brush fire came in at 12:25 a.m. on Sunday at 4th and Lincoln.  Division One Chief John Spadley described the fires as "suspicious" but also said it has not been determined if they were human caused. The fires threatened nearby homes and/or businesses.

>>  08/07/12  Governor Orders Flags At Half-Staff

At the request of President Obama, Governor John Kitzhaber has ordered all flags at public buildings in Oregon to be flown at half-staff until sunset Friday, August 10th, in honor of the victims who were shot at a temple in Wisconsin last Sunday.

>>  08/07/12 Third Candidate In Race For County Commissioner

A Chiloquin man, Kirk Oakes, filed to run as an independent for Klamath County Commissioners Position 1 last Friday.  Oakes is a member of the Independent Party of Oregon. Republican voters  nominated Tom Mallams in the May primary and Democrats nominated Steve Lindow.. 

>> 08/06/12  Lightning Storm Causes Wildfires & Power Outages

A powerful lightning and thunderstorm rolled across the Klamath Basin on Sunday evening sending trees crashing into power lines, flooding some streets and sparking 21 wildfires in Klamath and Lake counties.  At one point more than 7000 customers of Pacific power were without electricity but by early Monday morning service had been restored to all but about 60 customers. The wildfires, 5 in Klamath county and 16 in Lake county were all less than 1.5 acres, according to Erica Hupp at the Fremont-Winema National Forest.  Hupp says crews will be out today to determine if more fires were started since last night.  City of Klamath Falls work crews were busy Monday morning cleaning up downed tree limbs at the west end of veterans Park.

>>  08/06/12  Citizens For Safe Schools Awarded Grant

The Southern Oregon Regional Action Initiative of the Oregon Community Foundation has awarded a $43,000 grant to Citizens For Safe Schools.  Kelley Minty-Morris says this grant is the third and final payment of a three-year grant.  She says the money will be used to support the Kids In The Middle mentoring program.  Thje funding is aimed at improving academic outcomes for youth including better attendance rates.  Minty-Morris says an evaluation shows students in the Kids In The Middle program showed a 27% drop in unexcused absences from school.  The grant money will also be used to increase the number of mentors recruited and trained.  

>> 08/03/12  UPDATE ON EVINGER STORY

Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger told KFLS News this (Friday) afternoon, he is "humbled and honored" by the discussion of forming a Political Action Committee that would seek to get him re-elected via a write-in campaign but said he would have no further comment until the committee is, in fact, officially formed.  Earlier a Source told KFLS News Evinger "is not opposed to the concept (of forming a Political Action Committee) at this time." 

>> 08/03/12  BREAKING NEWS...EFFORT LAUNCHED TO RE-ELECT EVINGER

KFLS News has learned that a Political Action Committee is being formed with the goal of launching a write-in campaign to get incumbent Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger re-elected in the November election. No comment yet from Evinger although sources say he's not opposed to the concept.  More from KFLS News as details become available.

>> 08/03/12 Should Ambulance Service Be Privatized In Klamath Falls?

The President of Emergency airlift, Ed Langeveld, urged the Public Safety Advisory Committee Thursday to have his company take over ground ambulance service in Klamath Falls.  Langeveld noted that property taxpayers money could be saved because Fire District One does not receive tax dollars for ambulance calls and bills are over and above taxes paid. Public safety Committee member Monty Keady, a Division Chief with FD #1 said the firefighters are cross trained as Emergency Medical Technicians and if there is less demand for EMT's that could mean fewer fire fighters to respond to home and business fires.  The committee took no final action on the proposal.

>> 08/03/12  Trucker Accused of Almost Hitting Workers At Salt Creek Tunnel Project

Oregon state Police arrested 71 year old William Colvin of Watsonville, California on Thursday morning after he allegedly almost hit a flagger and other workers at the salt creek Tunnel construction project on Highway 58.  Colvin was also accused of driving his truck over several hundred feet of concrete forms inside the tunnel.  Colvin was arrested and jailed in Lane County on six charges of Reckless Endangering and one count Reckless Driving.  He was later released and then cited to appear in Klamath County Circuit Court ona charge of Attempting To Elude In A Vehicle.

>> 08/02/12  Wyden Says Commitments Made To Pursue Funding For Basin Water Issues

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden says the chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico and Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Michael Connor have made commitments to pursue funding for a long-term solution for the Klamath Basin's water issues.  In a statement Wyden says the commitments by Bingaman and Connor, "Represents a tremendous help to those who continue to work to resolve resource disputes in the region and identify funding sources to put those solutions in effect."   

>> 08/02/12  City Says Signs Have Created Problems

The City of Klamath Falls says people who post "Garage Sale" and "Yard Sale" signs on public property have caused problems because the signs are not removed after the sale.  Code Enforcement Officer Rick Bowman says when signs are not removed from poles and traffic signals it creates a visual obstruction at the intersections, damage to the poles and several hours of staff time each week to remove them.  City code allows the city to recover the full costs of removal of the signs from the owner or the person who posts the sign.

>> 08/02/12  Western U-S Enters Most Dangerous Month For Wildfires

The month of August is expected to be the most dangerous for wildfires in the west as hot weather patterns dry out forest and rangelands.  Ed Delgado at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise says the biggest concern this month is for Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.   Delgado says the hot dry conditions are expected to last most of this month but forecasts also predict higher chances for thunderstorms.

>> 08/01/12  UPDATE:  Chiloquin Man Accused Of Setting Three Wildfires

53 year old Dennis James Wysocki of Chiloquin is accused of setting three fires on U-S Forest Service Road 5810 on May 3rd. Wysocki is facing three Arson 1 charges.  The fires burned about 11-acres.  The investigation continues.

>> 08/01/12  Lava Fire Grows

Fire crews continue to work to contain the Lava Fire which has grown to 10,000 acres in northern Lake County.  the lightning caused fire is burning in a Wilderness Study Area and firefighters are trying to prevent it from spreading outside of the study area.  The fire is 25% contained and is being fought by more than 260 firefighters.  The Bureau of Land Management says full containment is not expected until mid-August.

>> 08/01/12 Keno Man Dies in Motorcycle Wreck

A Keno man died in a motorcycle accident on Clover Road Monday afternoon. The Klamath County Sheriff's Department says 62 year old Richard Donald Blackard was riding a Harley when he left the road at Milepost 8.  A passerby found Blackard at about 4:43 p.m. on Monday and called 911.  Police don't know why Blackard's motorcycle left the road although they believe he may have been an inexperienced motorcycle rider.

>> 07/31/12  Chiloquin Man Faces Arson Charges

Police arrested 53 year old Dennis James Wysocki of Chiloquin on Monday afternoon and charged him with three counts of 1st Degree Arson.  Wysocki was jailed with bail set at $250,000.  No other details available at this time.

07/31/12  Lava Fire grows To 10,000 Acres

Firefighters continue to work to prevent the Lava Fire from spreading outside of a lava flow area inside a Wilderness Study Area in northern Lake County.  The lightning-caused fire started late last week and fire teams are using "firing operations" along existing perimeter fire lines.  The fire is about 25% contained however full containment is not expected until August 15th.

>> 07/31/12  Community Yard Sale This Weekend at Tulelake-Butte Valley Fairgrounds

The Tulelake-Butte valley Fair is going to hold a Community Indoor Yard Sale on Saturday and Sunday, August 4th and 5th.  The sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and will feature items turned over t9o the fair from delinquent mini-storage units.  Consignors who want to participate in the sale can apply with the fair by calling 530-667-5312.  The per consignor cost is $20 for both days of the sale.

>> 07/30/12  Klamath Falls Woman Charged With 20 Crimes

Police arrested 52 year old Mary Ellen Cole of Klamath Falls on Saturday night charging her with 20 crimes including Identity Theft, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card and Forgery 2.  Cole is jailed with bail set at $130,000.

>> 07/30/12 Another Quake Off Oregon Coast

A magnitude 4.0 earthquake was recorded off the Oregon Coast shortly after 6:00 a.m., Sunday morning.  The epicenter of the quake was 236 miles West-Northwest of Bandon. No damage or injuries have been reported.

>> 07/30/12 Bend Girl Drowns On North Umpqua River

A 16 year old girl from bend drowned in the North Umpqua River after a raft she was in capsized.  Police say Nichole Pomeroy of Bend became trapped in debris under water after a raft carrying seven people flipped over.  everyone else in the raft made it to shore. wing a rafting accident

>> 07/27/12  Gas Prices Moving Up Again

The Triple-A Auto Club says higher crude oil prices are driving up gas prices.  The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Oregon is $3.64, up 9-cents in a week.  The average in the Klamath Basin is $3.66 per gallon.

>> 07/27/12  Governor Offers Medical Malpractice Reforms

Governor John Kitzhaber promised Republicans in the Oregon legislature last year that he would pursue reforms of medical malpractice laws in the 2013 session.  Republicans tried but failed to attach medical malpractice reforms to an overhaul of the Oregon Health Plan last year.  On Thursday Kitzhaber released recommendations for discussion by a committee he has appointed.  If approved the changes would require a health care provider to make an offer of compensation within 90 days or to decide no offer is warranted.  If the injured party is not satisfied, the matter goes to mediation.  If mediation fails then, and only then, could a lawsuit be filed.

>> 07/27/12 Blues Festival This Weekend

The 5th Annual Klamath Falls Blues Festival is coming up tomorrow (Saturday) at Veterans Memorial Park starting at 11 a.m..  The festival features jazz pianist and singer / song writer Eden Brent, Gospel blues artist Darrell Mansfield, California blues artist Nathan James, the local band The  Fifty Eights and the four piece band called The Strange Tones.  Admission is $20.  Half of the proceeds from the festival will go to the Veterans Memorial Expansion.  Should be a great day for enjoying the festival with temperatures expected in the mid 80's.   

>> 07/26/12  Police Arrest Suspect In Shooting Incident

Klamath Falls Police say they have arrested 26 year old Michael Kenneth Randolph in connection with a shooting incident in Mills Addition on Thursday, July 19th near East Main Street and Home Avenue.  Police say Randolph was arrested after being spotted in a vehicle at the Wal-Mart parking lot Wednesday night.  During a search police say they found a weapon believed to have been used in the incident last week.  Randolph is jailed on numerous charges including attempted Murder.

>>  07/26/12 Police Ask For Public To Help Them Solve Armed Robbery

Klamath Falls Police are asking the public to contact them with tips and other information about an armed robbery at Three Doors Down on South 6th Street that occurred last Saturday, July 21st.  Police say the armed robber wore a ski mask and hooded jacket and used duct tape to restrain an employee while he stole cash from the business.  This is the third robbery at the business within the past six months. Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at 541-883-5334.

>> 07/26/12  Shaker Recorded Off Oregon Coast

A magnitude 4.3 earthquake was recorded off the Oregon coast Wednesday afternoon at about 1:25 p.m.  The quake was at a depth of about 8 miles and was located about 240 miles west-northwest of Bandon.  No damage or injuries reported.

>> Kyron Harmon's Stepmother Asks For Delay Of Civil Lawsuit Against Her

The stepmother of an Oregon boy missing for two years is asking a judge to delay a civil lawsuit filed against her.  The lawsuit against Terri Harmon was filed by Kyron Horman's biological mother Desiree Young.  The civil suit asks the court to order Terri Horman to return Kyron or, if he is dead, tell where the boy's remains are located.  Terri Horman's lawyer filed a brief asking the court to delay the civil suit for two years while a criminal investigation plays out.

>> 07/25/12 Former Volleyball Coach Jailed On sex Abuse Charges

On Monday police arrested 52 year old Robert Lloyd Thompson of Klamath Falls and charged him with 18 counts of Sex Abuse 2, Burglary and Tampering with A Witness.  Thompson is the former volleyball coach at Mazama High School and the alleged victim is a 17 year old former Mazama student who was coached by Thompson during the 2011-12 season.  The Klamath County District Attorney's office says the charges stem from alleged incidents between April and late July of this year.

>> 07/25/12 Serious Injury Traffic Wreck Tuesday On Highway 140

Three people suffered serious injuries on Tuesday afternoon after a collision on Highway 140 about 22 miles west of Klamath Falls. The Oregon State Police say a vehicle driven by 19 year old Halie Budden of Klamath Falls turned in front of a van as she tried to enter the driveway of the Odessa Market.  Budden was airlifted to a Medford hospital.  The drive of the van, 69 year old Samuel Oetinger III of Central Point and a passenger, 51 year old Tony Pruitt of White City were taken to Sky Lakes with minor injuries.  The other passengers in Oetinger's van, 72 year old Charles Whittington of Central Point and 58 year old Thomas Bocast of Central Point were taken by ambulance to Sky Lakes with serious onjuries.  Police say drugs and alcohol were not a factor in the wreck.

>> 07/25/12 Community Watch Meeting Tomorrow Night

The public is invited to attend a Community Watch meeting on Thursday (July 26th) at 6:30 p.m., at the Klamath Falls Police Department.  Detective Peter York will make a presentation about personal safety and explain how people can look for cues that may evolve into a dangerous situation.  The event is free.

>> 04/27/12 Flood Watch For Sprague River Near Beatty

The National Weather Service says the Sprague River near Beatty is near action stage of 7-point-5-feet due to recent rainfall and snow melt. The river is expected to remain below flood stage but slight additional rises are possible through tonight (Friday) before receding on Saturday.

>> 04/27/12 Condition Update On Woman Hit By Bus

54 year old Deborah Grant, who was hit by a bus at 7th and Klamath on Wednesday remains hospitalized in Bend.  Grant is conscious and stable although her condition was downgraded from good to fair overnight.

>> 04/27/12 Man Arrested, Jailed For Domestic Violence

On Wednesday evening police arrested 42 year old Robert Gene Stallsworth on a charge of Second Degree Assault in connection with a domestic violence incident.  A woman with Stallsworth suffered a broken wrist.  Police say alcohol was a factor.  Stallsworth is jailed with bail set at $100,000

>>  04/26/12 Judge Sentences Man To 15 Years, No Chance of Early Release

Circuit Court Judge Marci Warner-Adkisson sentenced Reggie Lee Townsend Jr., to 15 years in prison after he plead guilty to Manslaughter in the first degree.  Townsend fatally shot Troy Shane Allen November 18, 2010.  District Attorney Ed Caleb says the crime was a Measure 11 offense so Townsend will serve the full 15 year sentence, with no early release.

>> 04/26/12 Former State Representative Denny Jones Dead At 101

A former Republican State Representative who served in the Oregon Legislature from 1973 until 1999 died Wednesday at his home in Ontario on Wednesday.  101 year old Denny Jones was the co chair of the Joint Ways and Means Committee.   Congressman Greg Walden said in a statement, Denny defines eastern Oregon.  He always called it as he saw it, and never wavered from his conservative principles.  His word was better than a written contract.  When it came to property and water rights, we had no stronger ally than Denny Jones.

>> 04/26/12 Teachers In Eagle Point Threaten Strike

Teachers in eagle Point say they will strike next month if they don't get a contract.  Negotiators for teachers and the Eagle Point School District have talked for more than a year without reaching an agreement. The issues dividing the two sides are salaries, benefits and teacher prep time.  

>> 04/25/12 Board Of Commissioners Sends Support Letters For Coordinated Care Organization

The Klamath County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously this (Wednesday) morning to send "Letters of Support" to the Oregon Health Authority for Klamath Falls-based Cascade Comprehensive Care, Greater Oregon Behavioral Health Inc. and PacificSource to become the first C-C-O's, or Coordinated Care Organizations in the county.  Under changes to the Oregon Health Plan (the state's version of Medicaid) approved last year, Coordinated Care Organizations are to provide medical, dental and mental health services to low income Oregonians. The final decision about the C-C-O's will be made by the Oregon Health Authority in late May.

04/24/12 REMINDER: Today Is The Last Day To Register To Vote In The May Primary

04/24/12 Klamath Falls City Council Settles Runway Paving Lawsuit

The Klamath Falls City council voted Monday to accept an out of court settlement agreement of its lawsuit against Kerr Contractors and Safeco insurance.  The suit was filed after a 21-point-9-million dollar runway repaving project went sideways in 2009 with rocks popping up out of the asphalt. Under the agreement Knife River Materials will redo the work.

>> 04/24/12  Unemployment Down In March In Klamath County

Unemployment in Klamath county dropped in March to 11-point-1-per cent.  The March 2011 unemployment rate was 12-point-4-per cent.  economists say the private sector added 80 jobs, half in trade transportation and utilities.  Educational and health services lost 10 jobs.  The public sector added 30 federal government jobs.

>> 04/23/12 Man Arrested For Hunting Violations

A 30-year old Klamath Falls man identified as Trevor Lawrence Harris, was arrested Sunday morning and charged with hunting violations and other charges.  Harris accused of hunting bear with bait, using illegal methods to hunt bear, wasting of game fish - baiting bear, 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief and Driving While Suspended or revoked.  Bail was set at $30,000.

>> 04/23/12  County Commissioners Hold Town Hall Tonight In Malin

The Klamath County Commissioners will be in Malin this (Monday) evening for a Town Hall meeting.  The meeting is at 6:00pm at the Presbyterian Church, 2302 5th Street.

>> 04/23/12 Gas Prices Drop...A Little

The AAA Auto Club says the price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Oregon has dropped 3-cents in the past week to $4.05.  The price is 19-cents higher than the national average.

>> 04/23/12 City School Superintendent To Deliver Budget Message

Klamath Falls City School Superintendent Dr. Paul Hillyer will present his Budget Message for the 2012-13 school year tomorrow (Tuesday ) evening. The meeting is at 7pm at the Lucille O'Neill Education Center at 1336 Avalon Street.

>> 04/20/12  County Budget Committee Balances Budget, Sets Up Reserve Fund

The County Budget Committee this week balanced the budget, restored funding for the District Attorney's Office, granted $35,000 to the Meals On Wheels Program and set-up a reserve fund of $376,000.  Commissioner Al Switzer says the goal is to "grow the reserve fund" noting that it isn't a lot of money but will allow some budget flexibility if unexpected things happen.

>> 04/20/12 Caleb Gets $93,000 Restored To His Budget

Klamath County District Attorney Ed Caleb asked the budget committee to restore $93,000 to his budget and his request was granted.  Caleb will use $17,000 for a Deputy Medical Examiner.  In addition Caleb will use $77,000 to retain a prosecutor who handles domestic violence cases.  Caleb says for the past four years the county had paid a prosecutor to handle domestic violence cases from a federal grant that has now expired.

>> 04/20/12  REMINDER: Walden Town Hall AT O-I-T Saturday, 330pm, Mt. Mazama Room

>> 04/19/12  Elections Complaint Against Klamath County Dismissed

A complaint that was filed against Klamath county for posting videos of "This Week In Klamath County" on the county's website was dismissed today by the Oregon Elections division.  Stephen Rapalyea of Chiloquin complained about the videos but the elections Division found all candidates were invited on the program, including candidates previously unavailable to participate.  The decision found "it is allowable to edit the video to include contact information for the candidate so long as the same service is provided to other candidates who choose to participate, and it is done so in an equitable and impartial manner."  In addition the ruling states, it is allowable to post the videos on the county website, so long as they are impartial.."  The Elections Division declared the investigation closed and "does not intend to pursue this matter further."

>> 04/19/12  K-C-C Raising Tuition

Facing a $1-million budget deficit Klamath Community College is raising tuition.  Community Relations Director Ryan Brown told KFLS News, the per credit hour fee will increase from $73-to-$83 per credit hour.  Brown noted while the tuition increase will raise $400,000 it won't solve the entire budget problem.  He said it is "too early" to tell which programs or services or staff may end up being cut. Brown says a tuition hike became a necessity due to increasing enrollment and reduced funding from the state of Oregon, a situation he described as a "perfect storm" that hit the college.

>> 04/18/12 Romney Names Walden, Smith To Chair Committee

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has selected Oregon Congressman Greg Walden and former Oregon Senator Gordon Smith to be the Honorary Chairs of his Oregon Leadership Committee. After his selection Walden said, The members of Mitt Romney's Oregon leadership Committee have been hard at work in the state spreading Mitt Romney's message of more jobs, lower spending and smaller government. He is a proven job creator who will be able to get our economy going again."

>> 04/18/12  Walden In Klamath Falls Saturday

Oregon Congressman Greg Walden will hold a Town Hall meeting on Saturday, April 21st from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in the Mt. Mazama Room at O-I-T  The public is invited to attend and ask questions.  At 6:00pm on Saturday Walden will attend the annual CARES Banquet at the 9th Street venue in Klamath Falls.

>> 04/18/12 KCFD #1 Administrative Office Reopens Thursday

The Administrative Office of Klamath County Fire District #1 will reopen tomorrow at 8:00am.  The office had been closed this week because staff was moving back into the Central Fire Station at 143 Broad street after the building was remodeled and given a seismic upgrade.  An Open House will be planned for early summer.

>> 04/17/12 City Street Light Work Wednesday & Thursday

Klamath Falls City Maintenance crews will perform traffic signal maintenance and upgrades at Shasta Way and Washburn on Wednesday and Thursday.  Crews will work from 7am to noon both days and drivers may experience short delays at the intersection.

>> 04/17/12 Mail Tax Returns Today By 530pm

If you are sending your tax returns via the U-S Postal Service you need to get them to the post office by 530pm today in order for them to be postmarked before midnight.  Mail is taken to Medford via truck shipment and if the 530pm pick-up is mixed the returns will not have an April 17th postmark.

>> 04/17/12 Oregon Unemployment Rate Unchanged In March

Oregon's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 8.6 percent in March, essentially unchanged from 8.7 percent in February. The February figure was originally reported as 8.8 percent. Oregon's unemployment rate dropped a full percentage point from 9.6 percent in March 2011. Meanwhile, the U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 8.2 percent in March and 8.3 percent in February.
 

>> 04/17/12 Another Quake Off Oregon Coast

A magnitude 3.2 earthquake struck off the Oregon coast at about 10:15pm Monday.  The quake epicenter was 102 miles west of Bandon, at a depth of 10 kilometers.  No damage or injuries reported.

>> 04/17/12 Budget Committee Continues Work

The county budget committee continues meetings today in Room 219 of the Government Center at 305 Main Street Today's meeting is from 2pm to 5pm and is open to the public.  The committee is expected to hold another meeting Wednesday from 9am to 5pm.

>> 04/16/12  Tea Party Plans Tax Day Rally

The Klamath County Patriots, a Tea Party organization is holding a Tax Day Rally, Tuesday, April 17th in front of the Klamath County Government center from 1130am to 1pm.  The featured speaker will be Karla Kay Edwards from Americans For Prosperity.

>> 04/16/12 County Budget Meetings This Week

A six-member county budget committee began work on the budget this morning and will continue meetings most of the week.  The county is facing a deficit of $1.4 million.  Proposed budget cuts range from $266,000 for the district attorney's office to $351,000 from community development to $158,000 from the sheriff's office.  Meetings are being held in Room 219 of the County Government center at 305 Main street and are open to the public.  Today (Monday) the committee will meet from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday 2pm to 5pm and Wednesday 9am to 2pm.  If the committee does not finish its work by Wednesday they will meet Thursday 9am to 2pm and on Friday from 9am to 5pm.

>> 04/16/12 Altamont Drive Construction Starts Today

Construction work on Altamont Drive started today and will continue through late August.  The work is being done on Altamont Drive from Hilyard Street to Cannon Street.

>> 04/16/12 Two Doors Down Lounge Robbed

An armed man wearing a mask robbed the Two Doors Down Lounge early Saturday morning and escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash.  No one was injured during the robbery.  Police say there are persons of interest but no suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call Klamath falls Police.

>> 04/13/12 Normal Fire Season For Oregon Expected

The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center predicts a normal fire season for Oregon.  A wet spring is expected to delay the onset of fire season but not affect its severity. Temperatures are expected to be higher and humidity lower than 2011, which saw a below average number of fires and acres burned.

>> 04/13/12 Home & Garden Show Opens Today

The 38th Annual Home & Garden Show opens today (Friday) and runs through Sunday.  Admission for people over age 17 is $3 or, $2 with a non-perishable food donation.  The show hours are 4pm to 8pm Friday, 9am to 6pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday. The show is at the Hancock center at the Klamath County Fairgrounds.

>> 04/13/12 Some State Park Campgrounds Set To Open

Three Oregon State Park Campgrounds will open this week.  Jackson Kimball Recreation Site north of Fort Klamath will open Sunday, April 15th...Collier Memorial State Park north of Klamath Falls opens Monday, April 16th and Goose Lake Recreation Area south of Lakeview opens Wednesday, April 18th.  All openings are "weather permitting.  To check if a park is open log onto www.oregonstateparks.org www.oregonstateparks.orgww.oregonstateparks.org

>> 04/12/11 Judge Sentences Man To Prison For Parole Violation

Klamath County District Attorney Ed Caleb says Circuit Court Judge Roxanne Osborn sentenced 30 year old Daniel James Bryant  to 34 months in prison for parole violation on Tuesday. Caleb says Bryant violated parole by failing to register as a sex offender and failing to report to a probation officer.  Bryant had been convicted of First Degree Burglary and Possession of methamphetamine.

>> 4/12/12  Quakes Strikes Off Oregon Coast

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck 160 miles west-northwest of Bandon Wednesday afternoon at about 3:40 in the afternoon. No damage or injuries reported.  The U-S Geological Survey says the earthquake was not related to the two massive earthquakes that struck Indonesia on Wednesday.

>> 04/12/12 Some Local State Park Campgrounds Open This Month 

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department says several local campgrounds will open within the next week, weather permitting.  Jackson Kimball State Recreation Site north of Fort Klamath will open (first come, first served sites) on Sunday April 15th.  Collier Memorial State Park (reservable and first-come, first-served sites) will open Monday April 16th.  Goose Lake Recreation Area south of Lakeview opens Wednesday, April 18th (first-come, first-served).  Again campground openings are "weather permitting."

>> 04/11/12 REMINDER Public Works Doing Tree Trimming Thursday

he Klamath Falls City Street Division will continue tree trimming on 9th Street between Pine and Prospect Streets again tomorrow.  Crews will start at 7am Thursday, April 12th.  For more information contact Klamath Falls Public Works at 541-883-5363

>> 04/11/12 Construction On Altamont Drive Starts Monday

Beginning Monday, April 16th Altamont Drive will be under construction from Hilyard Street to Cannon Street.  The work isn't expected to be completed until August 24th.

>> 04/11/12 Rote's Name To Appear On Ballots

Klamath County Clerk Linda Smith says a decision by Gregory Rote to end his campaign for sheriff doesn't mean his name won't appear on ballots.  Smith says the deadline to withdraw from the race was March 9th.  She says ballots have already been printed and some have already been sent out to military troops serving overseas.  Smith also noted that Rick Santorum's name will also appear on the Oregon republican Presidential primary ballot in May despite his announcement that he is suspending his campaign.  Smith says the GOP ballots for the primary have also already been printed.

>>  04/11/12 Ban On Motorboats On Waldo Lake To Continue; Group Plans Appeal

The Oregon Marine Board voted 3-2 Tuesday to continue the ban on gas powered motorboats on Waldo Lake, one of the deepest, largest and clearest bodies of water in the state.  The ban was imposed in 2009.  A group of motorboat owners say they will take their case to the Oregon Court of Appeals to try to have the decision overturned.

>> 04/11/12 Howard's To Host DECA Fundraiser On Saturday

The DECA Club at Klamath Union High school is partnering with Howard's Meat Center this Saturday, April 14th, to raise money to help pay for the cost of nine students to attend the International Career development Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. The fundraising event at Howard's Meat Center, 5717 South 6th Street, is from 10am to 4pm and features marinated tri-tip on a stick for $2 each.

>> 04/10/12 Public Works Doing Tree Trimming Wednesday And Thursday

The Klamath Falls City Street Division will perform tree trimming on 9th Street between Pine and Prospect Streets for two days.  Crews will start at 7am Wednesday, April 11th and again at 7am Thursday, April 12th.  For more information contact Klamath Falls Public Works at 541-883-5363

>>  04/10/12  O-D-F Releases Draft Annual Operations Plans And Request Public Comment

The Oregon Department of Forestry (O-D-F) has released operations plans for state forestlands in seven districts including Klamath-Lake.  The plans identify and describe specific projects pertinent to the economic, environmental and social aspects of managing state lands including timber sales, road maintenance, stream enhancement and trail building.  The public is invited to comment on the plans and can do so until May 21st.  A copy of the plan for this area is available for viewing at the Klamath Falls O-D-F Office, 3200 DeLap Road.

>>  04/10/12  TV Program Features Panoramic, Historic Klamath Basin Photos

A live TV program tonight (Tuesday) will air on Charter Cable Channel 14 at 7pm and will feature panoramic photos of historic scenes around the Klamath Basin.  If you want to attend the live TV program go to the Klamath County Government Center, Room 219, 305 Main Street.  One of the featured photos is one that shows the Main street crossing of the Southern Pacific Railroad shortly after the railroad had been built.  County Museum Manager Todd Kepple will be joined by O-I-T History professor Mark Clark for a discussion of the photos.

>> 04/09/12 Rote Drops Out Of Race For Klamath County Sheriff

KFLS News has learned that Gregory Rote is going to drop out of the race for Klamath County Sheriff.  Rote says he will issue a news release explaining the decision later today.

>> 04/09/12 REMINDER- Get Studded Tires Off Before Tuesday

The Oregon Department of Transportation says studded tire season ends as of 12:01am Tuesday and will NOT be extended. Driving with studded tires after the deadline could result in a citation and a $150 fine.

>> 04/09/12 Bureau Of Reclamation Releases Klamath Project Operations Plan For 2012

The 2012 Klamath Project Operations Plan has been released by the U-S Bureau of Reclamation.  Upper Klamath Lake is currently full at 413,961 acre-feet of storage.  The Natural Resources Conservation Service estimates the inflow forecast for Upper Klamath Lake is 400,000 acre-feet from now until September 30th which is 78% of historical average.  Current lake levels in Gerber Reservoir indicate full deliveries are available and lake levels in Clear Lake suggest about 80% of average deliveries available this irrigation season.

>> 04/06/12 KCC Selects Roberto Gutierrez As New President

The vice president for academic affairs at Rhodes State College in Lima, Ohio, Roberto Gutierrez, has been selected as the new president of Klamath Community College.  Gutierrez will replace Gerald Hamilton who is retiring June 30, 2012.

>> 04/06/12 Studded Tires Must Be Off By Tuesday

The Oregon Department of Transportation says studded tire season ends as of 12:01am Tuesday and will NOT be extended. Driving with studded tires after the deadline could result in a citation and a $150 fine.

>> 04/05/12 Former OSU Coach Joe Avezzano Dead Of Heart Attack

Former Oregon State University Football Coach Joe Avezzano died of a heart attack while on a treadmill in Italty. Avezzano was 68.  He coached the OSU Beavers from 1980-84, and was fired after the 1984 season.  Avezzano became a Special Teams Coach for the Dallas Cowboys from 1990-2002 and was named three times as NFL Special Teams Coach of the Year.

>> 04/05/12 South Valley Bank To Be Bought By Washington Federal

Washington Federal of Seattle plans to buy South Valley Bancorp of Klamath Falls. The purchase will make Washington Federal Oregon's 7th largest bank by deposits. South Valley has 24 branches in Klamath Falls, Medford and Bend and is Oregon's 13th largest bank insured by the FDIC. More details on the Friday morning KFLS News.

>> 04/05/12 New President OF K-C-C  To Be Announced Friday

Klamath Community College will name the new president of the college on Friday.  Current K-C-C President Gerald Hamilton will retire at the end of June.  The two finalists are Dr. Jerry Migler and Dr. Roberto Gutierrez.  The two men visited Klamath falls in March for a series of forums and interviews
with the board, K-C-C faculty, staff and students and the public. 

>> 04/05/12  Biologists Reject Petition To List Upper Klamath Chinook Salmon Under ESA

NOAA Fisheries Service biologists have decided not to list upper Klamath River and Trinity River Chinook Salmon under the Endangered Species Act.  The federal biologists found Spring Chinook Salmon are part of the same genetic group as Fall Chinook Salmon.

>> 04/05/12 Sunshine, Warmer temps Over Easter Weekend In Klamath Basin

>> 04/04/12  ROTC Instructor Arrested, Charged With Sex Abuse

The Oregon State Police arrested 63-year old Kenneth Gardner on Tuesday and charged him with three counts of 2nd Degree Sexual Abuse and three counts of 1st Degree Official Misconduct.  Gardner has worked at Henley H School as a junior ROTC instructor.  Police say the alleged crimes occurred during the current school year.  Gardner resigned from Henley High School on March 23rd  .

>> 04/04/12 KCFD #1 Administrative Office To Close In Mid-April

The Administrative Office for Klamath County Fire District #1 will be closed April 16th, 17th and 18th to allow staff time to move back to the Central fire Station at 143 Broad Street.  All employees will be working those days but will be in transition between the current temporary location and the newly remodeled fire station.  The office will re-open Thursday, April 19th with regular hours of 8am to Noon and 1pm to 5pm, Monday through Friday.

>> 04/04/12 Oregon National Guard Soldiers Say K-B-R Knew Of Toxin In Iraq Water Treatment Plant

A complaint filed by Oregon National guard soldiers says military contractor Kellogg, Brown and Root knew an Iraqi water treatment plant kept toxic chemicals on site and had lax environmental standards that caused contamination, but never disclosed it.  The complaint alleges K-B-R knew aboput the presence of sodium dichromate at the water plant months before the date they originally gave in testimony and depositions.  Sodium dichromate is an anticorrosive compound that soldiers from Oregon, West Virginia and Indiana say caused them to suffer respiratory and lung problems.  The Associated Press called K-B-R for comment but the call was not returned.

>> 04/03/12 All Irrigators To Get Water At Start Of Season

All irrigators of the Klamath Restoration Project will get water at the beginning of the growing season The Natural Resources Conservation Service has projected increasing inflows to Upper Klamath Lake.  Kevin Moore at the Bureau of Reclamation estimates 275-thousand to 325-thousand acre-feet of water will be available from Upper Klamath Lake.  Moore says irrigators who receive water from Clear Lake and Gerber Reservoir will also have water to start the year.

>> 04/03/12  Bid Opening For Klamath Project lease Lands

The Bureau of Reclamation has announced sealed bids for agricultural leasing of 42 irrigated parcels of federal lease lands will be received until 10am, Wednesday, April 11th.  A public bid opening will be held that day at 10am.  For bidding instructions call the Bureau of Reclamation, 541-883-6935.

>> 04/03/12 Whistleblower Scientist Coming To Klamath Falls In May

A scientist who challenged the Department of Interior's handling of environmental reports on removal of four dams on the Klamath River and was fired, will be in Klamath Falls in May.  Doctor Paul Houser's job was to review and insure the scientific data and honesty but when he complained about the "positive spin" in the report, was fired.  Houser will appear at Triad School, Sunday May 6th at 5pm. Houser's visit is being sponsored by the Cal-Ore Bi-State Alliance.  The group has claimed fraudulent science is being used by government agencies to advocate for destruction of four hydro-electric dams on the Klamath river.

>> 04/02/12 KID Holding Special Meeting Tuesday

The Klamath Irrigation District Board of Directors has called a special meeting for tomorrow, Tuesday, April 3rd.at 2pm.  The meeting will be held at 6640 Kid Lane and there may be an Executive Session to discuss labor issues. More information at 541-882-6661.

>> 04/02/12  Senior Center Hosts Tuesday Afternoon Voter information Forum

The Klamath Basin Senior center, 2045 Arthur Street, is hosting a Voter Information Forum tomorrow, Tuesday, April 3rd at 12:15pm. The forum tomorrow will feature the candidates for Klamath County Sheriff.  The public is invited.  Another forum is scheduled at the Senior Center, Tuesday, May 1st, also at 12:15pm.  The May forum will feature candidates for Klamath County Commissioner Position #1.

>>  04/02/12  Triple-A Says Gas Prices Keep Going Higher

The Triple A Auto Club of Oregon says the average price for a gallon of gas is $4.11, which is a nickel higher than it was last week and 16 cents higher since the beginning of March.  Oregon's average price is 18-cents higher than the national average..

>>  03/30/12  Flood watch For Sprague River Near Beatty

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the Sprague River near Beatty until Monday afternoon.  The Sprague River was at 4.5 feet late Thursday evening. The flood stage is 8.5 feet and the river could reach that level early Sunday.

>> 03/30/12 Bend Girl With Meningitis Upgraded To Serious Condition

A 5- year old Bend girl stricken with life-threatening meningitis two weeks ago has been upgraded from critical to serious condition at Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland.  Last week Deschutes County health officials rushed to provide antibiotics to 40 people who had been in contact with the little girl.

>> 03/30/12  High Radon Levels Measured In Governor's Mansion

High levels of radon have been measured in Mahonia Hall, the governor's mansion in Salem. Tests showed 6.2 picocuries per liter of air in a basement billiard room and 4.8 in a storage room.  The EPA recommends home repairs if radon levels exceed 4 picocuries per liter if air. The federal government says Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America. 

>> 03/30/12 REMINDER! Today Is "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" In Oregon

>> 03/29/12 District Attorney Worried About Loss Of Grant To Prosecute Domestic Violence

Klamath County District Attorney Ed Caleb says The Violence Against Women grant that has funded  his office and several agencies will expire in July.  Caleb told KFLS News, the caseload for the prosecutor who handles domestic violence cases was 522 of the 4400 cases referred to his office in 2010.  Caleb says he will ask the county budget committee to provide funds for the domestic violence prosecutor.  Caleb says he is pursuing state and federal grants but is not overly optimistic due to Congressional reluctance to spend money and tight state budgets.

>> 03/29/12  Wrong Way Motor Home Driver Causes Near Head On Collisions On Highway 97

An elderly man from Yuma, Arizona is believed to have suffered a stroke on Wednesday while driving a motor home about 15 miles north of Klamath Falls on Highway 97.  Oregon State Police say more than a dozen drivers were forced onto the shoulder of Highway 97 as they tried to avoid a head-on collision with the northbound motor home in the southbound lane.    A state trooper, using emergency lights and a siren, followed the motor home for almost six miles before the driver saw the trooper and pulled over.  The man was taken to a hospital, his name not released.

>> 03/29/12 Friday Is Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day 

The state of Oregon celebrates "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" on Friday March 30th.  An estimated 120,000 Vietnam veterans live in this state. The Oregon Legislature passed legislation in 2011 designating March 30th a day to welcome and thank Vietnam veterans for their service to America. 

>> 03/29/12  Rip City Riders To Help Wounded Warriors Sunday

A Myrtle Point man, Jamie Summerlin is running 3300 miles across the country to raise money and awareness for injured U-S war veterans.  Locally the VFW is offering a $6 breakfast at 9am Sunday.  In addition the Rip City Riders plan to gather at the Parking Lot E at O-I-T at noon Sunday and then at 1pm will leave on the by-pass, take a right on Main Street to 6th Street and then turn left for the journey to Klamath Community College.  A closing ceremony will be held at K-C-C.  On Monday at 4pm, Jamie Summerlin will be at a "Meet-and-Greet" at Veterans Park.  The public is invited to all events and of course donations for the Wounded Warriors Project are welcome.  For more information contact Tammy Bancroft at 541-497-3978.

>> 03/29/30  Oregon Women Veterans Conference Friday & Saturday In Salem

All women who have ever served in the military are invited to attend the annual Women veterans Conference Friday and Saturday at the Salem Convention Center.   There will be workshops on topics including military sexual trauma, veterans benefits, post traumatic stress and help with employment.  For more information call 1-800-692-9666, Ext. 2264.  The conference is free although registration is required.  The Salem Convention Center is located at 200 Commercial Street, S.E.

>> 03/28/12  Klamath County Unemployment Drops Again

The Klamath County unemployment rate in February was 11.2% down from the January rate of 11.6%.  This is the lowest unemployment rate in Klamath county since October 2008.  State economists say the drop is attributed to people going back to work as opposed to people being discouraged and stopping their search for a job.  The February 2011 unemployment rate was 12.3%

>> 03/28/12  Huge Bird Die-Off At Lower Klamath & Tule Lake NWR's

A lack of water at the Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National wildlife refuges has spurred an outbreak of Avian Cholera that has killed at least 10,000 birds, most of them Snow Geese.   Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges Complex manager  Ron Cole told KFLS News he expects the number of dead birds to increase dramatically before the cholera outbreak runs its course, which should take 2-to-4  more weeks.  Volunteers from Cal Ore Wetlands & Waterfowl Council have been helping to pick up bird carcasses.

>> 03/28/12 Another Shaker Off The Oregon Coast

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck off the Oregon coast Tuesday night at about 942.  The epicenter was 152 miles west-northwest of Bandon. No injuries or damage reports at this time.

>> 03/28/12 Eighth Annual Model Railroad Show At County Museum Opens Tomorrow

The Klamath rails Model Railroad Club will be operating its HO-scale train layout at the county museum tomorrow (Thursday) through Saturday.  The show is one of the most popular events of the year at the museum.  The hours are Thursday and Friday 11am to 5pm and Saturday, 9am to 5pm.  Admission for adults and teens is $3.  Kids under the age of 12 get in for free.

>>03/27/12  Street Closure Tuesday

On Tuesday from 8am to 1pm 10th Street between Main and Pine streets will be closed.  Please use alternate routes.

>>  03/27/12 Weather Advisories For Klamath Basin Issued By Weather Service

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for the Klamath Basin, Klamath Falls, Beatty, Chemult, Sprague River and Crescent until 5am Wednesday.  South-southwest winds to 35 gusting to 45mph are expected.   A Winter Weather Advisory has also been issued for Klamath Basin from 5pm today (Tuesday) to 9am Wednesday.  Snow accumulations to 5-inches expected with hazardous driving conditions on Highways 140 and Highway 97. 

>> 03/27/12  County Justice Court Offers "Clean Slate" Amnesty Program

Klamath county residents who have had traffic, animal control and other citations sent to carter-Jones Collections have a chance to have a 25% reduction in court fees and collection costs.  People who want to take advantage of the Clean Slate Amnesty Program must pay the balance of what they owe in a lump sum payment between April 1st and June 30th with Visa, MasterCard, money order, cashier's check or cash.  No personal checks accepted.  For more information call Carter-Jones Collections  at 541-882-3424.

>>  03/27/12  Candidates To Appear At Klamath Patriots Meeting Tonight  

The Tuesday night meeting of the Klamath County Patriots from 630-to-830pm at TRIAD School will feature two incumbents seeking re-election.  Republican State Senator Doug Whitsett and incumbent Republican Klamath County Commissioner Al Switzer will be at the meeting to discuss issues and answer questions. The public is invited.

>> 03/26/12  Former Major League Pitcher Dies

Former Major League Pitcher Dennis Bennett, died at his Klamath Falls home over the weekend.  The 72 year old Bennett had battled cancer and was hospitalized in Portland until returning home last week.  The left-handed Bennett pitched for Philadelphia, Boston, the New York Mets and the L.A. Angels.  During the 1964 season Bennett and his brother Dave pitched in the same Philadelphia game.

>> 03/26/12  Helping The Library Is Easy...Like Them On Facebook

The Facebook Challenge Fundraiser is continuing.  Go to the Klamath County Library Facebook page and click the "like" button.  For every "like" the library gets it will receive $1 from sponsors.

>> 03/26/12 County Museum Acquires Antique Saddle

An Army saddle believed to have been used at Fort Klamath military post in the 1800's has been acquired by the Klamath County Museum and will be exhibited this weekend.  A free program is being held Saturday, March 31st at 10am at the Baldwin hotel Museum lobby.  A Civil War re-enactor and student of history of the U-S Cavalry, Shardon Lewis of Eagle Creek will speak during the free Saturday program.

>> 03/23/12 Missing North County Man Found Alive

A north Klamath county man who disappeared last week was found alive and sleeping in his car on Thursday morning.  Two U-S Forest Service Employees found the car of 77 year old Donald A. Jones near the Lane-Douglas county line about 10:20am.  The vehicle had gone over an embankment.  Jones was sleeping in the back seat.  Jones was transported to a Roseburg hospital for medical evaluation.

>> 03/23/12 Vehicle Theft, High Speed Chase Leads To Arrests

Three people were arrested late Thursday morning following the report of a stolen vehicle that led to a high speed chase.  Klamath Falls police officers spotted a car that had been reported stolen at Sherm's Thunderbird Market parking lot and when the drive spotted police sped away eastbound on Shasta Avenue.  The driver got in a wreck with another motorist then tried to run away after the stolen vehicle hit a tree.  Police apprehended 24 year old Richard Ogle of Klamath falls and charged him with Vehicle Theft, Assault I. Reckless Driving and Attempt To Elude   Two people with Ogle, 26 year old Amber Adams and 18 year old Kaeleeen Koger, both of Klamath Falls were also arrested and jailed.

>> 03/2312  Producer Meeting Today At O-I-T

A reminder that a Producer Meeting is at the O-I-T Auditorium from 1-to-4pm today.   Farmers and irrigators are invited to attend to ask questions about Land Idling, Prevented Planting and other agriculture related topics.

>> 03/23/12  Lots Of Activities For Kids Next Week

The Klamath County Museum is offering free programs designed for kids 12 and younger next week, March 26th to March 30th) in connection with Spring Break.  The Klamath County Children's Museum is also open every day until March 31st with activities for kids.  For more information check www.klamathmuseum.org and www.cmkf.org.  Volunteers from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will be at 24 sites along the Oregon coast next week to help families spot the migrating grey whales. 

>> 03/23/12  Governor Orders Flags At Half Staff Saturday

Governor John Kitzhaber has ordered all flags at public buildings to be flown at half-staff Saturday, March 24th from sunrise to sunset.  The flags are in honor of 26 year old Air Force 1st Lt. Justin Wilkens of Bend, who died along with three other crewmembers when their plane went down february 18th in Africa.

>> 03/22/12 AMTRAK Update

A spokesman for Union Pacific Railroad says the line near Chemult where a mud slide occurred on Wednesday was cleared early this (Thursday) morning.  AMTRAK officials says passengers heading south will be bussed from Portland to Klamath Falls today.  Northbound Klamath Falls passengers were bussed to their destinations this morning.  Call 1-800-872-2745 if you are traveling on AMTRAK tomorrow for the latest information as to arrivals and departures.

>> 03/22/12 AMTRAK Service Disrupted Between Klamath Falls & Eugene

AMTRAK service between Klamath Falls and Eugene has been disrupted after the Coast Starlight train from Los Angeles to Seattle hit a tree on Wednesday, triggering a mudslide that derailed the baggage car.  None of the 246 passengers was injured although they sat in train cars for several hours without power. A freight train engine was sent to take passengers back to Chemult.  By Wednesday evening passengers got sandwiches and beverages as they boarded buses to Eugene and Portland.  It is not known how long it will take to clear the tracks.  Passengers planning on traveling AMTRAK to Eugene and points north and south out of Klamath Falls are asked to call 1-800-872-7245 to find out if trains are operating.

>> 03/22/12 Lake Ewauna Trail Wins ODOT Grant

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has awarded a $650,000grant  for the completion of the Lake Ewauna Trail Project under the Flexible Funds Program.  The program supports non-highway projects that provide alternate means of transportation.  Klamath Falls City parks Superintendent Ken Hays told KFLS News, his department is "chomping at the bit" to get the trail completed.  Hay says the trail will link residential and business communities with recreational trails. Hay says if the grant money arrives in time work could start on finishing the Lake Ewauna Trail project before the end of this fiscal year.

03/21/12 Wind Advisory Today For Klamath Basin

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for the Klamath Basin from Noon today till 11pm Wednesday.  South to southwest winds to 35mph  with gusts to 45-to-55mph are expected in areas open to the south and southwest and over higher terrain. 

>> 03/21/12 County Commissioners Approve Drought Declaration

Klamath County Commissioners approved a drought declaration at their meeting Tuesday morning as about five inches of snow covered the basin floor. Commissioner Al Switzer said the county needed to declare the drought now because it takes the state of Oregon about a month to decide whether to issue a drought declaration. Switzer said the move is designed to protect area farmers. Recent storms have raised the snowpack to 85% of average in the Klamath Basin.

>> 03/21/12 Gas Prices Just Keep Going Up

For the first time since 2008, the average price of a gallon of gas in Oregon is $4.  The Triple-A Auto club says prices moved up 2-point-5-cents in the past week. The national average is now at $3.85 a gallon and Triple-A expects the national average to peak at $4.25.

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