05/24/13 - Voters Approve County School Bond Measure

The Klamath County School District's $31-million bond measure narrowly won voter approval in Tuesday's election, winning by only 168 votes. The school district will use the money to build a new Henley Elementary School and also make improvements and upgrades at Stearns, Peterson and Ferguson schools as well as Chiloquin Junior/Senior High.  While the vote was close it was not close enough to trigger an automatic recount.

>> 05/24/13 - League Of Women Voters Initiative Wins By Large Margin

Voters have approved a League of Women Voters initiative to have the office of Klamath County Commissioner to be non-partisan.  The "yes" votes totaled more than 67% of the vote to the less than 33% number of "no" votes.  All three current county commissioners had voiced opposition to the measure and had refused a request from the league to put the issue before voters. Candidates will still be able to list their party affiliation in campaign materials  and the Voters Pamphlet.

>> 05/24/13 Businessman Brain Smith Leaving Klamath Basin; Cites Dispute With County

Klamath Falls businessman Brian Smith has sold his share of the Epicenter and Microtel to his partners and is leaving the community and moving to Elgin, Illinois.  Smith says he also decided not (not) to open a Network Center and a Distribution Center in Klamath Falls.  Smith says the Network Center would have employed 45 white collar workers and would have paid family wages while the Distribution Center would have started with 5 jobs paying what Smith called "warehouse worker wages" between $15-and-$20 an hour.  Smith says the Network Center will locate in Austin, Texas and the Distribution Center will locate in Phoenix, in Jackson county outside of Medford. Smith said a dispute with the county over a $4600 penalty for paying the Transient Room Tax late caused his decision. Smith admits he usually pays the TRT late due to the cyclical nature of the motel/hotel business, but said the payments were always paid in full with penalty by the summer.  Smith said the county offered to abate the $4600 penalty and then withdrew the offer.  County Commissioner Dennis Linthicum said Smith lost the abatement after not paying as promised by a certain date and the commissioners followed county tax code.

REMINDER!!!!!!!!!!!! >> 05/21/13 - Ballots Due By 8:00 P.M. Tonight

Klamath County Clerk Linda Smith says voter turnout for this month's election is about 32% ands this is close to the turnout in May 2011.  Smith reminds everyone that it is too late to mail the ballot and so they should be turned in at the County Government Center Drop-Box in the parking lot, or inside the center at the clerk's office or at the Senior Center on Arthur Street.  Voters in the county are being asked to approve a $31-million bond for county schools which if approved would cost the average homeowner about $5 a month. Voters will also decide whether the Klamath County Board of Commissioners should be elected on a non-partisan basis, a measure that made it to the ballot via initiative that was launched by the League of Women Voters.  

>> 05/21/13 Another Meth Ring Drug Bust Arrest

A 33-year old woman identified as a transient has been arrested in connection with last week's multi-agency drug raid in Klamath County that has so far led to 40 arrests. Robin Yvonne Stewart was arrested late Monday night and charged with two counts of Racketeering and two counts of Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine.  Stewart is jailed with bail set at one-half million dollars.  Police say the raids broke up a major drug and gun racketeering ring with ties to Mexican drug gangs.

>> 05/21/13 - City Schools Budget Meeting Tomorrow Night

The public is invited to a meeting of the Klamath Falls City Schools Budget Committee tomorrow (Wednesday) evening.  The meeting is at the  O'Neill Education Center at 1336 Avalon and begins at 6:30 p.m.

>> 05/20/13 - Stalemate Over State Budget Leads To Taxes & Pension Cuts Not Considered

The budget writer's at the Oregon legislature have decided not to move forward with tax increases or additional cuts to pensions of retired state workers.  The decision followed the refusal of Senate Republicans to support higher taxes unless deeper cuts were made to pension benefits.  With time running out for this legislative session, Democrats decided to drop both the tax increase and pension cutting ideas and move ahead with finalizing the state budget.

>> 05/20/13 - Unemployment Down Again In Klamath County

The April 2013 unemployment rate in Klamath County dropped to 10.8%, down from the March rate of 11.1%.  The rate in April 2012 was 11.4%.  Economist Damon Runberg told KFLS News the unemployment rate in April was the lowest in the county since the fall of 2008 when the American economy began to collapse. The gains in employment were in leisure & hospitality, manufacturig and construction.

REMINDER!!!!!!!!!!>> 05/17/13 - Forestland Classification Committee Meets Monday

The Oregon Department of Forestry will hold a meeting of the Forestland Classification Committee on Monday, May 20th at 10:00 a.m., at its offices, 3200 Delap Road.  The purpose of the meeting is to consider changes in land classifications pertaining to forest fire protection.  Some area resi9dents who live on or near Hogback Mountain have complained about their land being reclassified and have demanded the decision be reversed.

>> 05/17/13 - Wyden Will Chair Basin Water Issues Hearing In June

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden will chair a U-S Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee hearing June 20th in Washington, D.C. that will focus on Klamath Basin water resources issues.  The hearing at 10:00 a.m. that day can be viewed on the committee website, energy.senate.gov.  If you want to send comments to the committee send an email to Klamath@energy.senate.gov.  Wyden announced last Saturday at a Town Hall meeting at O-I-T he would hold a hearing on basin water issues and the senator's office announced the date of the hearing yesterday.

>> 05/17/13 - Stalemate Over State Budget In Salem

Despite Thursday's good news that state income tax collections are projected to be $270 million higher than predicted in February, Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked over how to handle the state budget.  Democrats want to raise taxes while Republicans are demanding deeper cuts to the public employee pensions.  Governor John Kitzhaber is now suggesting that the  legislature finalize a budget with no tax increases and no more cuts to the pension system.

>> 05/16/13 Economic Development Efforts In High Gear

The Executive Director of Klamath County Economic Development briefed county commissioners Wednesday telling them he is working 11 "major projects" and if only half succeed, unemployment will drop dramatically in this county.  Trey Senn told commissioners two of the 11 projects would require.the participation of the Oregon Institute of Technology.   Senn asked commissioners for a new five-year contract to provide stability to economic development efforts and while the board seemed favorable made no final decision.

>> 05/16/13 - Economists Forecast Greater Income Tax Payments To State

State economists issued a revenue forecast today (Thursday) and said they project income tax payments to be about $270-million higher than the last forecast suggested in February. The announcement could help lawmakers at the legislature finalize and balance the next two year state budget.  The forecast suggests tax collections may be high enough for corporations to receive money back under the state's "Kicker Program" but the economists doubt there would be any money for individual taxpayers to receive kicker money this year. 

>> 05/15/13 Major Drug Bust Breaks Up Methamphetamine Ring In Klamath County

Late night and early morning raids by more than 300 law enforcement agents have resulted in the arrests of 38 people, the seizure of fifty guns as well as four pounds of methamphetamine.  State, federal and local law enforcement agencies participated in the raids which stemmed from an investigation launched last year after two California men were found shot to death near Bonanza.  Raids were conducted in Klamath Falls, Bonanza, Chiloquin and elsewhere in southern Oregon. No injuries were reported during the raids.  Eight children were taken into protective custody.  Police say the drug trafficking was conducted by a large and violent organization with the suspects now facing racketeering and drug charges.  The Klamath County Sheriff's office had to open an unused wing of the county jail to house the suspects.

>> 05/15/13 - Unemployment Drops In April 

Oregon's unemployment rate dropped again last month.  State economists say 3700 jobs were added in April helping to cut the unemployment rate from 8.2% in March to 8% in April.  Most of the jobs added were in the leisure and hospitality businesses.  

>> 05/14/13 - $50,000 Donated To Senior Meals Program

Three Klamath county health care providers teamed up today (Tuesday) and donated $50,000 to the Klamath Basin Senior Center Meals Program.  Sky Lakes Medical Center and ATRIO Health Plans each donated $20,000 and Cascade Comprehensive Care added an additional $10,000.  The meals program includes Meals On Wheels which serves the elderly and disabled who are unable to prepare their own food.  The Klamath County Budget Committee refused to appropriate $35,000 to the meals program this year as requested by Senior Center Executive Director Mark Kane.

>> 05/14/13 - Interagency Fire Centers To Merge Next Year

The Klamath Falls Interagency Fire center is consolidating with the Lakeview Interagency fire Center in 2014.  The Fremont-Winema Forest Supervisor Fred Way says the single dispatch center will be better able to provide faster, more efficient response to wildfire and improve safety and efficiency of fire fighters ands fire operations. There are nine employees in Klamath Falls during fire season, 11 in Lakeview. No decisions have been made at this time regarding how large the staff will be when the Lakeview consolidated agency opens next year.

>> 05/14/13 Weed Abatement Begins In Klamath Falls Tomorrow

The city of Klamath Falls is reminding property owners that the annual weed abatement begins tomorrow (Wednesday) and continues through the end of October.  The ordinance requires owners or the person in charge of property inside the city limits to keep weeds and grasses below 8-inches in height.  City Code allows the city to abate violations at the owner's expense, issue court citations or assess enforcement fees, or any combination of the three.   

05/13/13 - Malin Woman Files Recall Petition Against Linthicum; Says More To Follow

A Malin woman, Sharon L. Biggs is the Chief petitioner on a petition to recall Klamath County Commissioner Dennis Linthicum.  Biggs says another group will file also file petition to recall the two newest Klamath County Commissioners Jim Bellet and Tom Mallams, in July because recall efforts can not be launched against a county commissioner until they have been in office at least six months.  Biggs told klamathonline.com's Joe Spendolini she and a "large group" of people are upset  with the lack of budget support for Sheriff Frank Skrah, the Klamath County Trapper and the Klamath Senior Center's meals program.  Biggs said the commissioners made "crazy remarks" about having seniors eat at fast food restaurants, calling the statements, "just outrageous." Biggs says, "We are all very angry about the cruel remarks  and the disrespectful way the commissioners have treated the people who employ them."    Commissioner Dennis Linthicum told Spendolini "A recall petition is part of the process. As an elected official you have to be willing to stand on your principles and if people get upset about your principles they have the right to recall you. "  Biggs must collect almost 3500 signatures on petition within 90 days to move the recall forward.

>> 05/13/13 Major Announcement At Senior Center Tuesday Morning

What is described as "a major announcement" is to be made at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Klamath Basin Senior Center on Arthur Street.  Senior Center Executive Director Mark Kane told KFLS News he and others have been "sworn to secrecy" until tomorrow's announcement.  In recent weeks Kane and supporters have been urging the Klamath County Budget Committee to appropriate $35,000 from the general fund for the meals program which includes the Meals-On-Wheels program for the disabled and others who are unable to prepare their own food. The committee has so far refused to approve the money however budget committee member Kelley Minty Morris has been the lone "yes" vote for the meals program.  Committee members have recommended that the senior center look to other options including giving vouchers for seniors to eat at fast food outlets, or to buy M-R-E's ("Meals Ready To Eat") used by the American military in Iraq and Afghanistan.  County Commissioner Jim Bellet also suggested the center purchase frozen dinners such as Hungry Man, Marie Callender's and other products for Meals-On-Wheels recipients.  That idea drew sharp criticism because those frozen meals do not (not) meet nutritional standards under The Older Americans Act.   

>> 05/13/13 - Night Flying By 173rd This Week

The 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field will conduct night flying training operations this week with most take-offs and landings occurring at about 9:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.  The training itself will occur over military airspace east of Lakeview.

>> 05/10/13 Man Faces Dozens Of Sex Abuse Charges

A 40 year old Klamath Falls man, Ronny Alan Rykbost has been charged with a dozen counts of Sex abuse 1, a dozen counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse, a dozen counts of Sodomy 1 and 10 counts of Sexual Penetration With An Object.  Rykbost is lodged in the county jail with bail set at more than three-and-a-half million dollars.

>> 05/10/13 Governor Orders All Flags At Half-staff Today In Honor Of Dead Soldier

Governor John Kitzhaber has ordered all flags in Oregon flown at half-staff today (Friday) in honor of 24 year old Army Specialist Brandon Prescott of Bend. Prescott was one of five Fort Bliss, Texas soldiers killed by a roadside bomb last weekend in southern Afghanistan.  Prescott was to return home soon but had re-enlisted ion the Army for an additional three years to be able to remain with his unit.

>> 05/10/13 Klamath Still The Only County Without A Coordinated Care Organization

Klamath remains the only county in Oregon without a signed contract with a Coordinated Care Organization.  Under a Medicaid reform plan approved by the Oregon Legislature two years ago, C-C-O's are to coordinate medical, dental and mental health care for low income Oregonians under the Oregon Health Plan, in an effort to drive down health care costs.  The Oregon Health Authority chose Cascade Comprehensive Care to be the Klamath county C-C-O but Cascade and the county have been unable to reach a signed contract agreement.  In fact, the county and Cascade still don't have a signed Memorandum of Understanding, the first step in reaching a signed contract.  If a contract is not signed by July the county stands to lose more than a million dollars from the state for health care services.

>> 05/07/13 - Two Klamath Falls Men Jailed

Two Klamath Falls men were arrested and jailed Monday.  37 year old John Carlos Frescas is jailed on charges of Attempted Robbery 1, Assault 2 and Burglary 1 with bail set at $225,000. Also arrested Monday was 33 year old Dennis Franklin Pucket who iks charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Robbery 1, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Assault 2 with bail set at $235,000.

>> 05/07/13 - Army Soldier From Bend Killed In Afghanistan  

One of five American soldiers who was killed in southern Afghanistan last Saturday has been identified as Spc. Brandon Joseph Prescott of Bend.  Prescott grew up in Dana Point, California but moved with his family to Bend in 2006 where he attended Central Oregon Community College.  Prescott's twin brother Aaron says his 24-year old brother was due to return home in September but had already signed up for another three years in the Army to continue working with his unit.  Prescott's mother Tracey says she's "a broken woman right now...sad and angry but also very, very proud of her son."

>> 05/07/13 No Support For Gun Control Bills In Salem

Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney says gun control measures will not (not) go to the floor for a vote because the measures do not have support.,  The measures would have expanded background checks, allowed school districts to ban guns and required live-fire training to receive a concealed handgun license.  Courtney says he is still hoping a bipartisan compromise on expanded background checks can be worked out by a committee he plans to appoint although he did not name any members of the legislature he plans to appoint to the committee.  

>> 05/06/13 - Fire District #1 Bans Outdoor Burning Effective Now

Klamath County Fire District #1 is banning all outdoor burning within its district effective immediately.  This includes burning yard debris, using a torch to burn weeds and the burning of ditch banks.  The move comes as warmer than average temperatures and high winds have impacted much of the state.  Currently there are six wildfires burning in Oregon ranging in size from 10-to-100 acres.

>> 05/06/13 - Wyden Holds Town Hall In Klamath Falls On Saturday   

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden will be in Klamath Falls this Saturday for a Town Hall meeting.  The senator will be at O-I-T in the College Union Auditorium at 10:30 a.m. and will answer questions from constituents during the meeting.  Wyden will also hold a Town Hall meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Lake County Senior Center on G Street  in Lakeview.

>> 05/06/13 - County Budget Committee Meets Tuesday Afternoon

The Klamath County Budget Committee meets again tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Meeting Room at the Government center on Main Street.  The agenda includes discussion of a supplemental budget for the District Attorney and the Klamath County Sheriff. Public comment will be taken and is scheduled to start at about 3:00 p.m.

>> 05/03/13 Stabbing Victims Identified

Two men who were stabbed in Sprague River last week have been identified as 24 year old Stephen Sorenson and 34 year old Bruce Achtley.  Achtley received minor cuts however Sorenson suffered a four and a half inch laceration to his left side.  Sorenson was airlifted to Sky Lakes, treated and later released.   25 year old Teel Blue Gentry faces two counts of attempted Aggravated Murderf and remains jailed in Klamath Falls.

>> 05/03/13 Frozen Foods For Seniors Sparks  Criticism  Of Budget Committee

The Klamath County Budget Committee has been criticized for an idea to serve Meals On Wheels recipients frozen dinners. The suggestion by Klamath County Commissioner Jim Bellet came at the ends of a Tuesday budget committee meeting when the room  was nearly empty.  Bellet displayed a Hungry Man dinner and two Marie Callender's products, including  Chicken Pot Pie. Mark Kane the Executive Director of the Senior Center said the pot pie meals would not meet government standards for elderly Americans related to calories and a senior would have to eat two of the pot pies.  Kane noted however that the pot pies sodium content would be triple the maximum for seniors. 

>> 05/03/13 US Forest Service Wants Millions Back From States

Republicans and Democrats in Congress and in governor's offices are sharply critical of the US Forest Service which is demanding states repay a federal subsidy that totals nearly $18-million.  Oregon Senator Ron Wyden says reaction is, "off the charts." The Forest Service says the money is subject to automatic spending cuts under sequestration.  Members of Congress and governor's say the money was given before the cuts took effect March 1st and they won't return the money.  The matter could end up in court.

>> 04/30/13 Gentry Arraigned But Does Not Enter Plea

25 year old Teel Blue Gentry was arraigned on two counts of Attempted Aggravated Murder on Monday afternoon but did not enter a plea to the charges against him.  Gentry is charged in connection with incidents that left a man dead of gunshot wounds and another injured with stab wounds last Thursday night in Sprague River. During the incident shots were fired and bullets hit three Klamath County Sheriff's cars, including one driven by Sheriff Frank Skrah.  None of the deputies or Skrah was injured.  

>> 04/30/13 Public Blasts Budget Committee Over Cuts To Sheriff & Medals On Wheels

Citizens crowded the Klamath County Commissioners hearing room Monday afternoon to sharply criticize proposed cuts to the sheriff's budget and the Meals Program operated by the Klamath Basin Senior Center which includes Meals On Wheels for invalids and others unable to prepare their own food.   Speakers warned the committee that incidents such as occurred last week in Sprague River are proof that Sheriff Frank Skrah needs the same amount of funding as was received last year by former Sheriff Tim Evinger or public safety would be threatened.  The committee is considering cutting Skrah's budget by more than $433,000 from what Evinger received last year.  At the same meeting more than a dozen people sharply criticized a.5-to-1 vote last week to eliminate $35,000 for the meals program operated b y the Klamath Basin Senior Center.  What angered many speakers was a statement by budget committee member Del Fox who said cutting the $35,000 was like his decision to wean his calves.  Fox was also sharply criticized for suggesting seniors be given military MRE's (Meals Ready To Eat) which are used by troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Several speakers also questioned the $70,000 annual salaries of county commissioners noting the commissioners  have taken no pay cuts while Deputy District  Attorneys have already voluntarily agreed to take pay cuts of 5-to-14%.  The budget committee will meet again next week.

>> 04/30/13 Commissioners Vote To Send Property Tax Bill To Federal Government

Klamath County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday morning to send the federal government a property tax bill for $3.9 million dollars based upon an assessed value of federal land in the county.  The federal government owns 59% of the land in Klamath county which has an estimated value of $397-million. The county will forward the resolution to Congressman Greg Walden and Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley along with the property tax bill.

 4/29/13 Man Faces Two Aggravated Attempted Murder that Charges

A 25 year old man, Teel Blue Gentry is jailed on two charges of Attempted Aggravated Murder in connection with a shooting incident Thursday night in Sprague River.  Gentry is being held on one million dollars bail on each count.  The incident in Sprague River led to the discovery of a dead man identified as 36 year old Derrick William Forste who police say was killed by gunshot wounds.  Gentry held off police before surrendering early Friday. Details remain sketchy although police confirm one person was also taken to Sky Lakes with  stab wounds.  During the incident the windshield of a deputy was shot out and another deputy's car took a bullet in a side window.  Sheriff Frank Skrah described the scene as "like a war zone" and said his patrol car was also hit as he showed up in Sprague River.  No police were injured during the gun battle.  More details as they become available.

>> 04/29/13 County Budget Committee Meets This Afternoon

The Klamath County Budget Committee meets at 1:30 p.m. today in Room 219 of the Government Center on Main Street.  The committee will hold an Executive Session before continuing work on the budget.  At this point the committee has supported cutting the sheriff's budget more than $413,000  and eliminating a $35,000 contribution to the meals program at the Klamath County Senior Center.

>> 04/29/13 Few Children In Prekindergarten Programs In Oregon

Relatively few children are attending in-state funded prekindergarten classes in Oregon although the state spends more money per student than other states.  The National Institute for Early Education Research ranks Oregon 30oth of 40 state with prekindergarten classes with 7,200 low income children attending.  The per student cost is $8,500, second highest in America, but down from the per student cost of more than $10,000 reported in 2004. The report says Oregon met 8-of-10 quality standards, a total reached  by only half ofg the 40 states with prekindergarten programs.

>> 04/24/13 Carol Usher Klamath Country Volunteer Of 2013

A capacity crowd filled the Klamath Basin Senior Center Tuesday for the Klamath Country Volunteer of the Year Awards hosted by the United Way.   Carol Usher was named 2013 Klamath Country Volunteer of the Year.  Usher is a mother of three who works part time as a nurse at Sky Lakes Medical Center. Usher is active with the Roosevelt P-T-A...volunteers at Fairview & Roosevelt Elementary Schools as a science and math teacher...is a volunteer worker for Habitat For Humanity and volunteers for programs at First United Methodist Church where she is the financial secretary 

>> 04/24/13 County To Meet With EPA & DEQ Representatives Today

The Klamath County Board of Commissioners will meet with representatives from EPA and DEQ this afternoon at two o'clock in Room 219 of the Government Center.  The meeting will focus on efforts by Commissioner Dennis Linthicum to convince the federal and state regulators that a December 2011 hay fire and record breaking low temperatures and an air inversion were incidents that put the county out of compliance with clean air standards and therefore an exemption should be granted and the county not be listed as out of compliance.  Being out of compliance with those standards could force restrictions on business and industry.

>> 04/24/13 Legislature To Vote Today On PERS Reform Bill  

Democrats in the Oregon Legislature hope to win approval today of a plan to limit cost-of-living increases for retired state workers who make more than $20,000 annually.  Democrats say the savings from reform of the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) is needed to increase K-12 school funding.  Republicans have blasted the reform measure arguing it does far too little to prevent more steep increases in PERS contributions from cities, counties, K-12 schools, colleges and universities. 

>> 04/23/13 Klamath Avenue Legend Striping This Week

The City of Klamath Falls Street Division will have work crews performing legend striping on Klamath Avenue all week from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be some intersection and lane blocking during the work.

>> 04/23/13 City Schools Budget Board Meets Tuesday Evening

The Klamath Falls City School Board of Directors will hold an Executive Session at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday (April 23rd) followed at 6:30 p.m. by a Budget Board meeting.  The meeting is at Lucille O'Neill Education Center at 1336 Avalon Street.

>> 04/23/13 Sheriff Gets reports Of Missing Teen Sightings

Harney County Sheriff Dave Glerup says his office has received sighting reports of missing Oklahoma teenager Dustin Self in Lakeview, Grants Pass, Coos Bay and Yakima, Washington but the young man is still missing.  Self left home more than a month ago to test himself in the wilderness.  His pickup truck was found April 15th by a rancher on a road on Steens Mountain.  Glerup believes Self is either dead or walked off the mountain and hitched a ride somewhere.  High winds and deep snow on Steens Mountain have hampered search efforts. 

>> 04/22/13 Sales Tax, Genetic Food Labels Going Nowhere In Salem...For Now

Last Thursday was the deadline for bills at the legislature to get a committee vote in the legislative chamber where it was introduced and dozens of bills failed to hit that mark.  A proposed sales tax bill and another requiring labels on genetically modified foods are among tho0se that didn't make the cut.  But many other measures including gun control bills and a bill to allow marijuana dispensaries are still alive.  Lawmakers could try to amend other bills to save measures that failed to meet the deadline but as the end of the session gets closer to the July 13th deadline to adjourn it will be more difficult to do that. 

>> 04/19/13 Nicholson Wants To Defend Himself

The man accused of murdering Terry Entriken on Easter Sunday wants to defend himself when he goes on trial.  27 year old Leland Nicholson Jr., told Judge Roxanne Osborne he would defend himself.  The judge said she didn't think he was capable of doing so and named Robert Foltyn as his lawyer. Nicholson told the court, "No thank you, he dump trucked me when I was 14 years old." Nicholson's next court appearance is Monday before Judge Rodger Isaacson.

>> 04/19/13 District Attorney Says Gunshot Victim Accidentally Killed Himself

Klamath County District Attorney Rob Patridge says a Klamath Falls man who died last weekend accidentally killed himself with a handgun.  The death of 47 year old Lee Roy Myers was initially investigated as a homicide.

>> 04/19/13 Mother Nature Gives In; Salt Creek Tunnel Work Resumes

The weather has improved on Highway 58 near the Salt creek Tunnel and work has now resumed.  ODOT's Rick Little says work was delayed for more than 2-weeks due to snow and ice in the area.  Resumption of the work means that during daylight hours the highway will again be down to one lane with a pilot car. In addition the highway will be completely closed Monday through Thursday nights from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., however once Highway 58 opens at 6:00 a.m. on Friday mornings it will remain open until 8:00 p.m. on Mondays.

>> 04/18/13 BREAKING NEWS...Governor Declares Drought Emergency

Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber has declared a Drought Emergency in Klamath County due to drought and low water conditions. The county commissioners had declared a drought emergency on Tuesday morning.  The declaration by Kitzhaber orders state agencies provide assistance to the county and to help farmers and ranchers.  More on the Friday Morning KFLS News at 7:05 a.m. and 8:05 a.m.

>> 04/18/13 Murder Suspect Jailed Without Bail

The man accused of killing a man and seriously injuring a woman is jailed in Klamath county without bail.  27 year old Leland Thomas Nicholson Jr., is facing a Murder charge for the Easter Sunday shooting death of 28 year old Terry Entriken of Klamath Falls. Nicholson also faces an Attempted Aggravated Murder charge for allegedly shooting 36 year old Vanessa Renee Alexander in the face, also on Easter Sunday night. Nicholson was arrested on April 8th in Merced County, California.

>> 04/18/13 Bureau Of Reclamation Memo Rescinded With Apology  

The Regional Director of the Bureau of Reclamation, David Murillo has rescinded a memo written by the Klamath Basin Area Manager Jason Phillips with an apology to fisheries biologists at the agency.  Phillips wrote a memo late last year reassigning the biologists and transferring some scientific work to other agencies.  A union representing the biologists filed grievances and a complaint accusing Phillips of scientific and scholarly misconduct.  The union said Philips claims were not substantiated.  At the time Phillips said he did nothing wrong and his decisions were based on budgets and responsible management practices.  Murillo's letter to the union says the fisheries division in Klamath Falls will remain intact.

>> 04/18/13 County Budget Committee Provides $30,000 To County Trapper

The Klamath County Budget Committee voted 5-1 this week to provide $30,000 from the general fund to the county trapper.  The initial request was for $66,000.  On Monday dozens of livestock producers showed up at a budget committee meeting to urge funding for the trapper.  Commissioner Dennis Linthicum voted no, arguing the livestock industry should pay the county trapper as a "fee for service."  The Klamath County Cattleman's Association argued the trapper is a benefit for the entire county.  They also said they would work to create a Taxing District but needed the money as "bridge funds" until the district can be created and taxes start being collected. Linthicum argued that the livestock industry has been warned for the past three years that funding would end but said they did not move ahead with any plan to raise money for the trapper.

>> 04/16/13 DA Proposes $68,000 Budget Cut For His Office

Klamath County District Attorney Rob Patridge asked the county budget committee to consider reducing his budget $68,000 instead of $235,000 warning the caseloads for deputies would :"increase dramatically" if he has to absorb a 22% cut.  Patridge told committee members several deputies have agreed to reclassification which would lead to salary cuts of 5-to-14% for each one.  But Patridge said if his budget takes a $235,000 hit, he would be forced to prioritize which crimes his office would prosecute and which crimes he would not pursue.

>> 04/16/13 Crowd Packs Hearing For County Trapper Budget

A crowd of about 40 people packed the budget committee meeting Monday afternoon to ask them to fund the county trapper at $66,000 for a year, possibly two.  Klamath County Cattlemen's Association leader Nathan Jackson said the livestock industry is not asking for welfare and needs funding for the trapper until a taxing district can be formed.  Commissioner Dennis Linthicum said if cattle ranchers were to chip in $44 for every 100 head of cattle the trapper could be fully funded.  A visibly upset Jackson noted that would mean the county as a whole would not have a trapper, which he argued, is needed and important. The county budget committee meets this (Tuesday) afternoon beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Government Center to consider finalizing the budget for 2013-14.

>> 04/16/13 Sheriff Says First Reports Of Traffic Fatality Were Wrong

Klamath County Sheriff Frank Skrah says information his office released about a Klamath Falls woman killed in a car wreck last Friday was wrong.  Sheriff Skrah says Oregon State Police investigators have now determined that 69 year old Linda Wright of Klamath Falls did not (NOT) run a stop sign at Altamont Drive and Anderson Avenue.  Police and eyewitnesses have confirmed the driver of the other vehicle, identified as Barbara Sue Lisson was the driver who ran the stop sign causing the collision with Wright's vehicle.  Wright died after the wreck at Sky Lakes.  Lisson was treated for injuries and released. Oregon State Police are continuing their investigation.

>> 04/12/13 173rd To Conduct Night Flying Operations Next Week

The 173rd Fighter Wing will conduct night flying operations next week (April 15-19) from 9:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.  Night flying is part of the course curriculum for F-15 student pilots at Kingsley Field.  Most of the training will occur in military airspace to the east of Lakeview where pilots can fly without any lights.

>> 04/12/13 Budget Committee Okays County Library Budget

The Klamath County Budget Committee gave the green light to the 2013-14 budget for the library at its meeting Thursday afternoon.  County library supporters attended the meeting and during public comment urged the Board of County Commissioners to move quickly to name a new Library Director to replace Andy Swanson who retired at the end of February.

>> 04/12/13 KWAPA Taking Applications For Programs 

The Klamath Water and Power Agency is taking additional applications for volunteer participation in the Groundwater Pumping and Land Idling Programs to help align surface water supply with demand.  Land must be located within the Klamath Reclamation Project boundaries and normally irrigated with Upper Klamath Lake or Klamath River surface water.  For more information call KWAPA at 541-850-2503.  Application deadline is Noon, Wednesday, May 1, 2013.

>> 04/11/13 Century Old Child's Skull To Be Handed Over To Tribes

A child's skull found in a box in side a mobile home in Altamont was turned into the Klamath County Sheriff on Monday and police thought it was a homicide case. However forensic tests showed the skull to be the remains of a 6-to-8 year old child of Native American descent and further tests showed the skull to be about 100-years old.  Sheriff Frank Skrah says because of the cultural and religious significance of the remains, the skull will be returned to the Klamath Tribes.

>> 04/11/13 Irrigation Season Begins In Klamath Basin

The 2013 Irrigation Season has started in the Klamath Basin, ten days later than the April 1st target start date due to low snow pack and a lack of adequate rain and the Bureau of Reclamation says some irrigators may face shortages later this year.   One "unknown" factor this year is the state's adjudication process which has been completed but challenges are expected in Klamath County Circuit Court.   An Operations Manager for the bureau, Jason Cameron says it is unclear at this time how adjudication and any court challenges will impact the irrigation season.

>> 04/11/13 KCC To Offer Culinary Arts Program This Fall

Klamath Community College will begin offering a degree program in culinary arts this fall,  Ryan Brown at KCC told KFLS News the specifics of the curriculum are still being worked out.  Brown says research conducted b y the Oregon Employment Department shows Klamath and Lake counties have a 10-year employment projection that shows an 8.3% increase in demand for chefs, 13.2% increase for food service managers and a 17.5% increase in demand for cooks.

>> 04/11/13 Spring Open Burning Window Starts Saturday

The Klamath County Public Health Department says the 2013 Spring Open Burning Window in the County Air Quality Zone will begin this Saturday (April 13th) at 8:00 a.m. and conclude on Sunday, April 28th at 7:00 p.m.  Only residential yard waste may be burned. To burn yard waste the Air Quality Advisory must be GREEN and is available by calling 541-882-2876.  NO plastic, rubber, tar, petroleum products, treated or painted would may be burned.  Burn barrels are pro0hbibited and on ly burn piles may be used.

>> 04/10/13 Skrah Asks For Same Budget As Evinger

A frustrated Klamath County Sheriff Frank Skrah pleaded with the county budget committee to give him the same budget former Sheriff Tim Evinger had last year.  Skrah said while it is true that his department will get $1-million in county road funds, the board of commissioners has also recommended cutting the sheriff's general fund  budget $2.4 million for a loss of $1.4 million.   Skrah says at no time before or after his election campaign did he ask for more money, only the same amount as Evinger had.  Skrah says if his budget has to absorb a $1.4 million cut he would be forced to reduce patrols from 10 to 7 deputies who would have to cover the 6,000 square mile county and close Jail Pod B and layoff jail staff.  The other option Skrah said would be to layoff 9-deputies, 3 detectives and two sergeants reducing patrol to only one deputy to cover the county.  More than a dozen citizens spoke during public comment with all urging the committee to hold the line on the sheriff's budget.

>> 04/10/13 Salt Creek Tunnel Work Set To Resume Monday

If Mother Nature cooperates work will resume on the Salt Creek Tunnel Project on Highway 58, Monday, April 15th.  Oregon Department of Transportation spokesman Rick Little says winter weather, snow and ice, has prevented the contractor from starting work as planned on April 1st.  Once work resumes daytime traffic will be down to one lane with a pilot car and Highway 58 will close Monday through Thursday nights 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.  Little says no closures of Highway 58 will occur from 6:00 a.m. Friday to 8:00 p.m. Mondays.

>> 04/10/13  Former Oregon House Speaker Lundquist Dies

Former Oregon House Speaker, Republican Lynn Lundquist died suddenly Tuesday at age 78.  Lundquist served one term as speaker in 1997 and was ousted by fellow Republican Lynn Snodgrass of Gresham in 1999.  Congressman Greg Walden said in a statement, "Lynn worked harder than anyone I know.  He cared deeply about kids, Oregon and his country. n He stood tall for what he believed was right even if it wasn't always popular."  

>> 04/08/13 Merced County SWAT Team Arrests Land Nicholson (UPDATED 4/9/13)

A SWAT Team with the Merced county California Sheriff's Department arrested 27 year old Leland Thomas Nicholson Jr. at about noon today in Dos Palos, California.  Details are sketchy but police learned Nicholson was inside a home in Dos Palos.  A nearby elementary school went into lockdown as police converged on the home.  Nicholson was arrested about noon today (Monday).  Nicholson is wanted for the shooting death of 28 year old Terry Dwight Entriken of Klamath Falls on Sunday March 31st.  Nicholson is also wanted in connection with the shooting of 36 year old Vanessa Renee Alexander who was shot in the face the same night Entriken was shot in the head.   Alexander was released last week from a hospital in Bend.  Klamath County District Attorney Rob Patridge says Nicholson is facing charges of Murder, Attempted Aggravated Murder, Assault 1 and Unlawful Use Of A Weapon in connection with the Easter Sunday shootings.

>> 04/09/13 Missing Skier Found On Mt. Ashland

>> 04/08/13 Searchers Looking For Lost Skier On Mt. Ashland

>> 04/08/13 Neglected Animals Seized At Farm

>> 04/08/13 Governor Names Rob Patridge Klamath County D.A.

>> 04/08/13 Snowpack On Oregon Mountains Not Good

>> 04/05/13 Irrigators Worry About Lack Of Water

The Executive Director of the Klamath Water Users Association, Greg Addington, says despite the federal government's support for Klamath River dam removal, local farmers and ranchers are more concerned about the lack of adequate snow pack and rainfall this year.  Addington says the Bureau of Reclamation has already announced a two week delay in water deliveries and there may not be adequate water for irrigators this season.

>> 04/05/13 Two Environmental Groups To Sue Bureau Of Reclamation

A 60 day notice of intent to sue the federal Bureau of Reclamation has been filed by Oregon Wild and WaterWatch of Oregon.  The environmental groups want more water in the Klamath Basin devoted to protecting salmon.  The groups say the Bureau of Reclamation implemented a new plan governing how much water goes to farms and how much to fish before NOAA Fisheries Service finished reviewing the plan for plan for potential harm to threatened salmon and this prevented the public from participating in the decision process.

>> 04/05/13 Lawmakers Debate Gun Control Measures

The chair of the Oregon Senate Judiciary Committee expects "spirited debate" today (Friday) as lawmakers take testimony about gun control measures. The bills under consideration would require background checks on private gun sales and transfers, require a shooting test to obtain a concealed weapons permit and restrictions on carrying guns inside elementary and secondary schools and public buildings like the Oregon State Capitol.  Lawmakers last month gave up on the idea of banning assault rifles and large capacity ammunition magazines due to a lack of support for either measure.

>> 04/04/13 Police Name Suspect In Murder Of Entriken

Klamath Falls Police are looking for 27 year old Leland Thomas Nicholson Junior who is the primary suspect in the shooting death of 28 year old Terry Dwight Entriken.  Nicholson is considered armed and dangerous.  He is 6-feet-2-inches tall, 240 pounds, short reddish-brown hair and green eyes and has a tattoo of the name  "Nikki" on his neck. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Ed foreman at Klamath Falls Police Department 541-883-5336.

>> 04/04/13 Feds Support Klamath Dam Removal

>>04/04/13 Pinwheels Planted On Lawn At County Courthouse

A National Day of Hope was observed in Klamath Falls yesterday as dozens of people helped plant 500 blue pinwheels into the lawn of the county court house.  The pin, representing more than 968 cases of child abuse/neglect that were investigated last year. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in America.  April is also Prevent Animal Abuse month and Michael Keibel of Hands And Words Are Not For Hurting told the crowd there is a direct link between people who abuse animals and also abuse children, adding that more cases of animal abuse are reported every year nationally than child abuse cases.

>> 04/04/13 Home & Garden Show This Weekend

The 38th Annual Home and Garden Show is this weekend at the Klamath County Fairgrounds, sponsored by the Klamath Basin Homebuilders Association.  The event runs from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.  Admission is $3 for people over age 17 but $2 for those who bring a canned food item for the Klamath Lake Counties Food Bank.

>> 04/03/13 Justice Department Reports Death Of Shooting Victim

Oregon Department of Justice spokesman Jeff Manning told KFLS News late this morning that 28 year old Terry Dwight Entriken, who was shot in the head outside an apartment on Washburn Way Sunday night, died this (Wednesday) morning at Sky Lakes Medical Center.  The other victim 36 year old Vanessa Renee Alexander, also shot in the head Sunday night, is in fair condition at a Bend hospital.  Police are looking for 27-year old Leland Thomas Nicholson Jr., as a "person of interest" in the case.  Manning says the investigation is now a murder case. 

>> 04/03/13 Sen. Merkley Rails Against "Too Big To Jail" Banks At KCC Town Hall

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley held a 90-minute Town Hall at Klamath Community College on Tuesday and was harshly critical of the federal justice department for not pressing criminal charges against HSBC, an international bank.  Merkley said HSBC laundered more then one trillion dollars over a decade for drug cartels and terrorist groups but criminal charges were not filed against the bank.  Merkley says Attorney General Eric Holder felt it would create ripples in the international monetary markets if HSBS were prosecuted.  The state's junior senator attacked that concept and said no organization is...or should be...above the law.

>> 04/03/13 Pinwheels For Prevention Event Today At 3:30 P.M., County Courthouse    

The Stop The Hurt Coalition is inviting the public to bring their families to the county courthouse at 3:30 this afternoon to help plant the Pinwheel Garden on the lawn.  Each pinwheel represents a child abuse case that was opened last year in Klamath county.   For several years Klamath County has been among the top counties in Oregon for child abuse and neglect.  April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in America and today is a national Day of Hope.

>> 04/02/13 Not Much Updated Information About Shooting

The Oregon Department of Justice is refusing to release much information about the Sunday night shooting on Washburn Way that left two people with bullet wounds to the head. Spokesman Jeff Manning would only confirm the incident occurred but refused to identify either of the victims  and further refused to comment on the medical condition of the victims.  Manning did say the male victim...found outside of an apartment...is 28 years old.  He also says the female victim...found inside an apartment...is 36 years old.  Manning would not reveal any other details and would not comment when asked about any possible suspects.

>> 04/02/13 Merkley Holding Town Hall At KCC Today

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley is holding a Town Hall at Klamath Community College today from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.  The state's junior senator will discuss federal issues and will take questions from the public during the meeting.

>> 04/02/13 New Study Says Incomes In Rural Areas Of Oregon Lagging

>> 04/01/13 Activist Kirk Oakes Dies Of Heart Attack

59 year old political activist Kirk Oakes died at his Chiloquin home last Friday of an apparent heart attack. Klamathnline.com reports Oakes was found by his wife, Marjie in the couple's home. Oakes ran as a Democrat for the Klamath County Commission in 2010 and as an Independent in 2012, losing both races.  Oakes was born April 4, 1953 and relocated with his wife to Klamath county in 1992.

>> 04/01/13 Shooting Reported On Washburn Way Sunday Night

The Klamath Falls Police Department Major Crimes Team is investigating a shooting that occurred Sunday night in the 800 block of Washburn Way.  No one will comment at this time as to the identity or the medical health of the victim or the victims taken to Sky Lakes Medical Center.  There are unconfirmed reports the victims are a man and a woman but again no information is being released by the Major Crime Team or the Oregon Department of Justice at this time.

>> 04/01/13 Salt Creek Tunnel Work Resumes Today

Work on the Salt creek tunnel on Highway 58 resumes today and will continue until late summer.  During the hours of 6am to u8pm Highway 58 will be down to a single lane with a pilot car.  The highway will close at 8pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays and re-open at 6am the next day.  There will be NO nighttime closures of Highway 58 on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays.

>> 03/29/13 Congress Members Demand Feds Rescind Sequester Of Timber Subsidies

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings and another 30 members of Congress, including Oregon Congressmen Greg Walden and Peter DeFazio,  have sent a letter to the Obama Administration, asking why it is demanding timber counties send back roughly $18 million in federal subsidies.  The Agriculture Department distributed $323 million to 41 states in January as part of the Secure Rural Schools program, which helps timber counties make up for revenue lost when national forests cut back logging to protect wildlife.  But the administration recently said the payments are subject to the sequester, and states must return a portion of the money.  In his letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Hastings, a Washington Republican, says the move is an "obvious attempt" to make the sequester as painful as possible and asks for the repayments to be halted.

>> 03/29/13 Fire District 1 Fights Morning House Fire; No Injuries

Klamath County Fire District 1 responded to an early morning fire in a modular home in the 3200 block of Crest avenue this (Friday) morning. A working smoke alarm awakened homeowner Kevin Homer and he was trying to put out the blaze when a neighbor called 9-1-1.  Firefighters arrived and contained the fire in about a half hour.  Damage to the double wide modular home estimated at $70,000.  No injuries reported. The cause is undetermined but investigators do not suspect foul play    

>> 03/29/13 Salt Creek Tunnel Work To Resume Monday, April 1st

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has given the green light to the contractor to resume work on the Salt Creek Tunnel on Highway 58 this Monday, April 1st.  The project is in its second year and will result in night time closures./  ODOT's Rick Little says Highway 58 will close from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday.  From 6:00 a.m. Fridays until 8:00 p.m. on Mondays Highway 58 will be open with no night time closures but only to a single lane of traffic with a pilot car on scene.  Highway 58 will only be open to a single lane of traffic from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday.  The work on the tunnel expected to be finished by mid October.

>> 03/28/13 Two Arrested For Negotiating Bad Checks

Klamath Falls Police say two women, Danielle Mull and Kiara Johnson have been charged with Theft 1, Criminal Conspiracy and Negotiating A Bad Check.  Police say over the past few months checks were deposited into accounts with non-sufficient funds and cash was illegally withdrawn.  The total of checks cashed or attempted to be cashed is in excess of $10,000.  Anyone with more information is asked to call Detective Ed Foreman at Klamath Falls Police, 541-883-5336

>> 03/28/13 Firewood Permits Available On Monday

The Fremont-Winema National forest will sell firewood permits beginning Monday, April 1st at all of their offices.  The permits cost a minimum of $20 for any quantity less than four cords of wood. The maximum amount that may be purchased for personal-use firewood is eight cords, per household per year. Forest Service officials say the best time to cut firewood is late spring and early fall as summer heat and dry conditions often lead to restrictions on wood cutting. 

>> 03/28/13 Citizens For Safe Schools Named High-Quality Program 

Oregon Mentors has accredited Citizens For Safe Schools (CFSS) of Klamath Falls as a High-Quality Program, the first organization to be granted the honor in southern Oregon.  The CFSS voluntarily participated in a rigorous accreditation process, including intensive training and technical assistance from staff at Oregon Mentors to insure the organization is using the most up-to-dater research driven practices in its mentoring program.  CFSS is one of only nine organizations in Oregon now enrolled in the Quality Based Mentoring program. 

>> 03/27/13 Commissioners Don't Like ODOF Fee

Klamath County Commissioners agreed with citizens who showed up to complain about their land being assessed a fire protection fee by the Oregon Department of Forestry, calling it "a double tax." Citizens whose land has been reclassified as forest or grazing land are charged a fee for fire protection despite the fact many already pay city or rural fire district taxes.  Commissioner Jim Bellet said the state is using a "what if" scenario to justify the fees and said people are being charged for what might or might not happen in the event of a wildfire.

>> 03/27/13 Federal Agencies To Start Spring Prescribed Burning

The U-S Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and two wildlife refuges (Klamath Basin and Sheldon/Hart) are going to start spring prescribed burning in the south-central Oregon area.  The burns are designed to improve forest health and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and reduce the risk of insect and disease outbreaks. Eric Hupp with the Fremont-Winema National forest says people should not call 9-1-1 to report smoke but instead call the Klamath Interagency Fire Center for information whenever burns are being conducted.  Call 541-883-6831 for information.

>> 03/27/13 No Studded Tire Extension This Year; Studs Off Sunday

The Oregon Department of Transportation will not extend studded tire season and need to be removed from vehicles by midnight, Sunday March 31st.  Failure to remove studded tires carries a citation with a $190 fine for studded tires on vehicles beginning Monday, April 1st.

>> 03/26/13 FD #1 To Hold Special Meeting Today

The Board of Directors of Fire District #1 will hold a special meeting at 5:30 this (Tuesday) afternoon at 143 Broad Street. The meeting includes an Executive Session to consider the dismissal or disciplining of a public officer, staff member, employee or individual agent. 

>> 03/26/13 Democrats Unveil PERS Reform Proposal

Democrats at the Oregon Legislature want to limit cost-of-living increases for retired state workers in a move they say would save government agencies in the state $400 million over the next two-year budget cycle. Retiree3s earning less than $20,000 annually would continue to receive 2% cost-of-living increases but that salary adjustment would be reduced as a retirees annual pay goes up.

>> 03/26/13 Small Quake Recorded East Of Shady Cove

The U-S Geological Survey recorded a magnitude 2.7 earthquake Monday afternoon about two o'clock, 21 miles east of Shady Cove in Jackson county, north of Mt McLoughlin.   The quake was 2.l7 miles below the surface and caused no damage or injuries. 

>> 03/26/13 Drainage Ditch Work Tomorrow On Old Fort Road

Klamath Falls City Street crews will be doing maintenance work from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, on Old Fort Road. Minimal traffic delays are expected.

>> 03/20/13  Whistleblower Scientist Loses Case

A special panel has rejected a whistleblower's allegation that a federal agency press release was too positive in describing the benefits of removing dams from the Klamath River in Oregon and Northern California. The panel report released Tuesday dealt with Paul Houser, who alleged that he was fired as scientific integrity officer for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation after complaining about the Interior Department press release.  The panel of scientists reported that the press release didn't deviate from standard scientific practice at the department, and there was no scientific misconduct.  In December, the bureau and a group representing Houser said they had agreed to resolve the personnel issues in his complaint through mediation.  The department is considering whether to remove the four dams to help Klamath River wild salmon. Authorization for the Interior secretary to make the decision has stalled in Congress.

 >> 03/20/13 Former Merrill City Recorder Charged With Theft

The former City Recorder of the town of Merrill has been arraigned on charges of stealing $75,000 from the city.  48 year old Deborah Sue Fuller is charged with four counts Aggravated Theft, eight counts First Degree Theft and one count, Official Misconduct.  A news release from Merrill Mayor Tim Saunders says City Marshall Brian Bicknell discovered evidence of possible mishandling of city funds and requested the Oregon State Police take over the probe.  The OSP investigation was conducted by Detective Dennis Yaws. Mayor Saunders says the Merrill City Council, has, "instituted several new policies and procedures to assure this type of incident won't happen again.  We've hired a well trained, experienced City recorder to develop more secure checks and balances in our system." The case has been turned over to the Klamath County District Attorney.

>> 03/20/13 On-Campus Farm To Open At KCC

The administration at Klamath Community College has moved ahead with plans for a 25 acre farm on the campus.  Chief Information Officer Ryan brown told KFLS News the farm will include about 22 acres of land to raise alfalfa with additional acreage devoted to an orchard.  Brown says students at KCC will have the opportunity for hands-on  instruction and experience in a number of classes including forage production, beef and livestock management. horticulture and even courses not directly related to agriculture.        

03/19/13 Roosevelt Elementary Locked Down Monday

Roosevelt Elementary School was locked down Monday morning after a man brandished a weapon at the Lithia Auto Dealership on Washburn Way.  Police were looking for 44 year old Jason W. Johnston after receiving a report of menacing and learned Johnston lives in the 1500 block of Eldorado Avenue.  The police asked the school to bring children who were on the playground inside the building.  A short time later Johnston was located in his car parked on Lawrence Street and was arrested without incident.  Police say there were multiple weapons in the vehicle and a Concealed Weapons Permit was found but police later learned the permit had been revoked by the Klamath County Sheriff's Department. Johnston is jailed and facing charges of Menacing, disorderly conduct and Unlawful Use of a Firearm.

>> 03/19/13 Jason Criado Due In Medford Court Today

A Medford man accused of murdering his wife and four young children and then setting their home on fire in 2011 is due in court today. Jason Adam Criado is facing 24 counts of Aggravated Murder and could be sentenced to death if found guilty on any one of the charges.  Criado has plead not guilty but may change the pleas when  he appears in court this (Tuesday) afternoon.

>> 03/19/13 Dry Spring & Summer Forecast For West

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service hydrologists predict dry conditions to continue throughout much of the west this spring and into summer. Hydrologist Tom Perkins says March 1 snowmelt runoff forecasts trends indicate worsening conditions as compared to the February report.  Forecasts decreased 5-to-10% for Oregon and Washington.  Perkins says the snow pack in south-central and southeast Oregon area are at 55 to 75% of normal, depending upon location and he says weather models do not suggest any significant snowfall to the area before the summer. 

>> 03/18/13 Air Quality Advisories End Until October 15th

As of March 16th, the county has stopped issuing Air Quality Advisories until October 15th.  Until that time the use of all stoves and fireplaces is allowed, countywide.  Outdoor burning is prohibited inside the Air Quality Zone until the Open Burning Window dates are announced.

>> 03/18/12 OSP Continues Investigation Of Pedestrian Fatal

A 49 year old Klamath Falls man, Bert Ichtertz died Friday after being hit by a car.  State Police Sgt. Robert Fenner says Ichtertz was not in a crosswalk at the time of the incident and the investigation continues.  The driver was a 73 year old woman who was not hurt.

>> 03/18/13 Anti-Bullying Event Friday At The Epicenter

Citizens For Safe Schools (CFSS) is holding a special fundraiser called, Strike Out Bullying, this Friday, March 22nd at the Epicenter Bowling Center from 6-to-8 p.m.   CFSS says bullying is not a one-time act but is intentional, hurtful and repeated.  Bullying can be physical, verbal or psychological and statistics show 15-to-25% of youth are bullied frequently.  Tickets for the bowling event are $10 for 2-hours of bowling and can be purchased by calling 541-882-3198 or at the door. 

>> 03/12/13 Air Quality Advisory YELLOW Until Noon Wednesday

>> 03/12/13 County Withdraws From KBRA & KHSA

Klamath County Commissioners voted 3-0 Tuesday morning to withdraw from the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement (KBRA) and the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement, (KHSA).  The move did not come as a surprise because two newly elected commissioners, Jim Bellet and Tom Mallams had campaigned on their opposition to both agreements.  The board had voted 3-0 a few weeks back to withdraw, pending approval of legal wording from the county counsel.  Representatives of the Klamath Tribes and the Klamath Water Users Association have both stated they believe the county commissioners can not legally withdraw from either agreement.  The decision comes about a month after a public hearing on the issue resulted in about 70 people...almost evenly divided in their opinions about the KBRA and the KHSA...spoke to the board.

>> 03/12/13  State Senate Approves Bill To Help Convicted Veterans

The Oregon Senate has given unanimous approval to a bill requiring courts to consider a veteran's military background during criminal sentencing hearings.  The judge could order the veteran into a treatment program rather than prison. Supporters emphasized the bill does not mean veterans will get a "free pass" especially for violent crimes.  The bill is designed to identify veteran's who may be suffering from combat-related mental problems such as Post traumatic Stress Disorder.

>> 03/12/13 Wal-Mart Evacuated After Threat

The Klamath Falls Wal-Mart store was closed for about two hours Monday following a telephone threat.  City, county and state police responded but found nothing and there were no injuries or damage reported.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Klamath Falls Police Tip Line at 541-883-5334.

>> 03/11/13 Air Quality Advisory RED Until Noon Tuesday

>> 03/13/13 Arrests For Arson, Kidnapping Over The Weekend

Police arrested a 22 year old Chiloquin man on Friday charging him with Arson 1 and other crimes. Mason Thomas Westmoreland was also charged with Criminal Mischief 1 and Reckless Burning. Westmoreland is jailed with bail set at $115,000.  Also on Friday police arrested 25 year old Brian Russell Lockwood of Klamath Falls charging him with Kidnapping 2, Strangulation and Assault 4/Domestic Abuse.  Lockwood is jailed with bail set at $130,000.

>> 03/11/13 Oregon Supreme Court To Hear Haugen Death Penalty Appeal

The Oregon Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Thursday regarding the effort by convicted murderer Gary Haugen who wants to be put to death.  In 2011, Governor John Kitzhaber issued an unconditional reprieve for Haugen, blocking the execution that was to have taken place two weeks later.  Haugen has won a Marion County Circuit Court ruling in his bid to be put to death and the Oregon Supreme Court accepted Governor Kitzhaber's appeal directly.

>> 03/11/13 KID Board To Meet Thursday

The Klamath Irrigation Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting this Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at 6640 KID Lane.  The agenda includes the latest update on the KBRA, Adjudication-Final Order and 2013 Water Supplies.

>> 03/08/13 Air Quality Advisory GREEN Until Noon Saturday

>> 03/08/13 State Backs Tribes Water Rights

The state of Oregon has backed the Klamath Tribes' claim to have the oldest water rights in the upper Klamath Basin.  If the findings filed Thursday are affirmed by a judge in Klamath County Circuit Court, it would give the tribes a new dominant position. The oldest water rights have the first claim to water, and Oregon Water Resources found that the tribes' claim on Upper Klamath Lake and its tributaries dates back further than records are kept.  The lake is the primary reservoir for a federal irrigation project serving 1,400 farms covering 200,000 acres.

>> 03/08/13 Sequestration May Impact Klamath Falls Airport

Five small airports in Oregon are on the Federal Aviation Administration list for potential control tower closings under the automatic budget cuts known as sequestration.  The FAA says they are among 238 small airports under consideration nationwide with low traffic volumes and control towers operated by contractors.  The FAA is to make a decision by March 18 on closing about 170 of them.  The Oregon airports are in Klamath Falls, North Bend, Pendleton, Salem and Troutdale.  If the towers close, the FAA says the airports will remain open. But pilots would be responsible for their own safety by talking to each other, instead of the tower.  The FAA has to cut $600 million under sequestration. Other savings will come from furloughing FAA employees and other actions.

>> 03/08/13 Rock, Gem And Mineral Show This Weekend

The 27th Annual Rock, Gem and Mineral Show is this weekend at the Klamath County Fairgrounds.  The event is organized by the Rock and Arrowhead Club of Klamath Falls.  The doors are open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.  Admission is a $1 donation for adults, kids under age 12 are free.  The theme of this year's show is Obsidian.

>> 03/07/13 Air Quality Advisory YELLOW Until Noon Friday

>> 03/07/13 Traffic Stops Leads To Marijuana Seizure, Three Arrests

Two Boise, Idaho women were arrested and 44 pounds of marijuana was seized last Friday after Oregon State Police stopped their rental vehicle for a traffic violation on Highway 140 near Swan Lake Road.  54-year old Susan Jackson and 53 year old Cheryl Jackson were arrested and charged with distribution and possession of marijuana. Later Oregon State Police investigators located 39 marijuana plants in the Gold Hill home of 61 year old Timothy Wyatt and cited him for manufacture and distribution  of marijuana.

>> 03/07/13 Senator Merkley Cosponsors Minimum Wage Hike Legislation 

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley is cosponsoring a bill to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25/hour to $10.10/hour.  Merkley says the minimum wage is now 25% lower than it was 45 years ago.  The legislation calls for the minimum wage to be raised in 95-cent per year increments over three years and then raised annually based upon the increase i8n the cost of living.

>> 03/07/13 Telemarketers, Debt Collectors Top Consumer Complaints

The Oregon Department of Justice has released the annual top-10 list of co0nsumer complaints and this year telemarketers and debt collectors were the top two industries on the list.  The department says it received 1828 written complaints about telkemarketers with most saying they were on a federal Do Not Call list.  It was the second year in a row telemarketers were at the top of the list of consumer complaints.  This year debt collectors came in second with a 42% jump in complaints from consumers. Many complaints were related to calls from debt collectors claiming people owed money to the now defunct video rental chain Hollywood Video.

>> 03/07/13 Sunny And Warmer Through The Weekend

The National Weather Service says sunny skies are in the forecast for the Klamath Basin through the weekend with daytime highs reaching the mid to upper 50's by Sunday.

>> 03/06/13 Air Quality Advisory GREEN Until Noon Thursday

>> 03/06/13 Ireland Lane Talks About Fire That Burned Her

>> 03/05/13 Air Quality Advisory GREEN Until Noon Wednesday

>> 03/-05/13 State Budget Chairs Want 15% Increase For K-12 Schools

The co-chairs of the Oregon Legislature's Ways & Means Committee are proposing $6.55 billion for K-12 schools in the next two years. Democratic Representative Peter Buckley of Ashland and Senator Richard Devlin of Tualatin say if they can pass legislation to limit annual cost of living pay raises for retired state employees they would add an additional $200-million for K-12 schools.  Superintendent Greg Thede says this is better news than the governor's proposed $6.1 billion for schools but Thede notes contributions to PERS, the Public Employee Retirement System, will eat up much of the increase in funding.  City School Superintendent Dr. Paul Hillyer also noted the PERS funding increase will eliminate much of the 15% increase.  But Hillyer says if the PERS reform bill passes the extra money will give city schools a chance to reduce class sizes and possibly add back some programs that have been cut in recent years.  

>> 03/05/13 Prosperity Summit Tomorrow At Ross Ragland Theatre

The Klamath Lake Community Action Services is inviting the public to a free event at the Ross Ragland Theatre from 1-to-5pm on Wednesday, March 6th titled The Prosperity Summit.  The guest speaker will be Donna Beegle who will talk about reducing poverty, poverty myths and building prosperity for the community.  To register call 541-883-3500.

>> 03/05/13 Lane Family Fundraiser Big Success

A benefit spaghetti dinner at the Klamath Falls VFW on Saturday raised $4200 for the Stephen Lane family.  Lane's 12 year old daughter Ireland...a kidney cancer survivor...suffered third degree burns in a freak fire accident while in her room at Portland's Doernbecher Children's Hospital in early February.  Organizer says several people have called to ask how to donate because they were unable to attend the benefit dinner.  Mail checks payable to Stephen Lane to the VFW, 515 Klamath Avenue, 97601.  

>> 03/04/13 Air Quality Advisory GREEN Until Noon Tuesday

>> 03/04/13 State Police Find 13 Pounds Of Pot During Traffic Stop

>> 03/04/13 Gas prices Continue To Climb

The AAA Auto Club of Oregon says the average price of a gallon of gasoline is $3.78...up 7-cents in a week and 31-cents in a month.  The price is 3-cents higher than the national average.

03/01/13 Air Quality Advisory RED Until Noon Saturday

>> 03/01/13 Skeen Arraigned On Murder Charges

34 year old Zane Sterling Skeen was arraigned Thursday on murder charges in connection with the beating death of 65 year old Larry Wayne Clark on February 7th.  Police say Clark was killed in his home on Lindley Way and suffered a crushed skull.   Clark's body was discovered February 12th.  Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Nick Kennedy at the Klamath County sheriff's Office.

>> 03/01/13 State Lawmakers Trying To Help Timber Counties

The Oregon Legislature is working on bills to help rural timber counties that will go broke if taxpayers reject levies to make up for the loss of timber revenues.  Republican State Representative Bruce Hanna of Roseburg says counties like Douglas, Curry and Josephine may end up going bankrupt but the idea is to help them merge with other counties and possibly receive state funding help or have the state take over come services such as elections.

>> 03/01/13 Open Enrollment For City, County Schools Starts Today

Parents and their children who want to take advantage of Open Enrollment must files their applications no later than March 31st.  City schools will not have Open Enrollment for elementary schools but will take transfers on a case-by-case basis.  Applications are available at city and county school district offices. 

>> 02/28/13  City County Officials Hear Safety Recommendations

The Public Safety Advisory Committee made a half dozen major and 10 secondary recommendations to a joint meeting of the Klamath County Board of Commissioners and the Klamath Falls City Council Wednesday afternoon.  The committee stopped short of suggesting how much money needs to be raised although there is general agreement that public safety needs more financial support.  Safety Committee Vice Chair Monty Keady outlined the primary recommendations beginning with a countywide taxing district for the jail. A second recommendation calls for a taxing district for patrols inside the Urban Growth Boundary outside the city of Klamath Falls  Keady then said the committee recommends another taxing district for rural patrols outside cities and the Urban Growth Boundary. Other primary recommendations included not operating the District Attorney’s Office below current funding levels…recommending Fire and Emergency Management Agencies in the northern and eastern portions of the county look to consolidation.  The committee’s final major recommendation calls for budget policies to make sure public safety agencies have enough funding for equipment and facilities to ensure delivery of public safety services. The two councils took no final action yesterday but will weigh the ideas and are expected to take further action later this year.

>> 02/28/13 Community Watch Meeting Tonight At Klamath Falls Police Department

The city police are hosting a Community Watch meeting at 6:30 p.m. at their headquarters on Shasta Way and will feature Assistant Community Corrections Director Aaron Hartman.  He will discuss predatory sex offender laws and to what extent community notification is required.  A question and answer session will follow Hartman's presentation.

>> 02/28/13 Two Arrested, Jailed For Animal Neglect

Police arrested two Klamath Falls residents on Wednesday morning charging each with six counts of Animal Neglect 2.  Jailed on the neglect charges are 20 year old James William Howard Fuentes and 21 year old Arilyn Rose McKoen.

>> 02/27/13 County Votes To Pull Out Of KBRA

The Klamath County Board of Commissioners Voted 3-0 Tuesday to pull out of the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement. However the Karuk Tribe and the Klamath Water Users Association say the county can't do that because the KBRA is a binding contract.  Earlier this month county commissioners heard from about 70 people who were nearly evenly divided in their opinions about the agreement.

>> 02/27/13 League Qualifies Petition For May Ballot

The Klamath County Chapter of the League of Women Voters has turned in enough valid signatures on petition for a ballot measure to be voted on in May. The league's measure will ask voters if county commissioners should be elected on a non-partisan basis.  The petition needed 1390 signatures and the Klamath County Clerk Linda Smith says 1404 valid signatures were counted. 

>> 02/27/13 Benefit Dinner At VFW For Lane Family

The Klamath Falls chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 515 Klamath Avenue is hosting a benefit spaghetti dinner on Saturday, March 2nd from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to help the Stephen Lane family with medical bills following a fire.  12 year old Ireland Lane, who is a kidney cancer survivor, was seriously burned in a fire in her room at Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland earlier this month when hand sanitizer and static electricity combined to ignite the child's shirt.  Ireland's father, Stephen was able to smother the flames, but not before she suffered 3rd degree burns which led to skin grafting surgery.  The menu at the VFW  benefit includes spaghetti, meatballs, garlic bread and  green salad.  People who are unable to attend the event can make donations by cash or checks made out to Stephen Lane via the VFW.

>> 02/25/13 Public Safety Committee To Make Recommendations Wednesday

The Public Safety Advisory Committee will make its recommendations to a joint meeting of the Klamath County Board of Commissioners and the Klamath Falls City Council on Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 p.m.  The meeting will be at the Commissioners Meeting Room at the County Government Center, 305 Main Street.  The committee made up of elected officials, public employees and volunteer private citizens has been meeting since the summer of 2011 to try to determine how best to provide funding for public safety in Klamath County.

>> 02/25/13 Governor Wants Vote On Death Penalty Ban

Governor John Kitzhaber has asked state lawmakers to approve a ballot measure for the 2014 election that would ask Oregon voters to amend the Oregon Constitution and repeal the death penalty.  California voters rejected a similar measure last year.  Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek says she would like to see some evidence that the measure would win if placed on the ballot.

>> 02/25/13 Cuts For Cancer Event Raises Thousands For Sky Lakes Cancer Center

The 16th Annual Cuts For Cancer event on Sunday raised more than $1900 for the Sky Lakes Cancer Treatment Center. The event is an annual fundraiser sponsored by the Klamath Falls College of Cosmetology.  In the 16 years since the event was launched more than $36,200 has been raised.

>> 02/22/13  Infant In Klamath County Has Pertussis

An infant who attends the Klamath County School District Daycare program has been diagnosed with pertussis, also known as whooping cough.   The bacterial infection is highly contagious and can be serious, in some cases fatal, for infants.  Public Health Director Marilyn Sutherland encourages parents to have infants immunized at two, four and six months.

02/22/13 League Of Women Voters Submits Petitions Signatures To County Clerk

The Klamath County chapter of the League of Women Voters submitted 1800 signatures to the county clerk this week.  To qualify for the ballot, 1398 valid signatures are needed. The league wants to put a measure on the May ballot asking voters if county commissioners should be elected on a non partisan basis.  Some petition forms were not filled out correctly and 90 signatures were ruled invalid immediately.  Klamath County Clerk Linda Smith says she wants to finish the certification process before the 15 day deadline.  The Klamath County Board of Commissioners are opposed to the measure.

>> 02/22/13 State Clears Evinger Of Election Law Violations

The Elections Division of the Secretary of State's Office has cleared former Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger of any wrongdoing during his 2012 reelection campaign.  Evinger was accused of offering then-candidates Mike Angeli and Frank Skrah jobs as deputies iuf they would withdraw from the race.  Evinger was also accused of giving a special deputy status to his campaign manager after revoking that status for another person.  The Oregon Elections Division investigated and found both accusations lacking sufficient evidence and the case is now closed.

>> 02/21/13 Sheriff Asks For County Road Funds For His Budget

Klamath County Sheriff Frank Skrah says over the past five weeks he has pored over the budget and is trying to save money but needs more fujndinmg for old, outdated equipment.  Skrah asked county commissioners Tuesday for $2-million from the road fund but at this time the request has been denied.  The sheriff says radio's need to be replaced as do vehicles used by deputies

because of rust holes and torn seats.  Skrah says he and his Chief Deputy Martin Rowley are responding to calls and he is trying to "pinch every damn nickel we can pinch."

>> 02/21/13 Accused Adult Tagger Identified

Klamath Falls Police have identified an 18 year old man as one of two people arrested this week for 17 vandalism acts of graffiti

to more than a dozen businesses in the city in recent weeks.  Tristan Javier-Joe has been charged with first and second degree criminal mischief and was booked and released from the county jail;. Anyone with more information is asked to call Klamath Falls Police.

>> 02/21/13 Iron Owl Challenge Attracts Military Academies

The Oregon Institute of Technology Veterans Association says the Naval and Air Force Academies will participates in this year's Iron Owl Challenge the weekend of May 17th.  A.J. DaVilla says he hopes the community will help with donations and in-kind contributions to enhance the annual event which includes a broad range of physical activities and events.  Anyone wishing to help can contact the OIT Veterans Association at www.oit.edu/IOC  

>>2/20/13 Malin Standoff Ends With Arrests After Six Hours

It took police about six hours to bring an end to a standoff at a Malin home Saturday night.  Sheriff Frank Skrah says Siskiyou County police were looking for 29 year old Pedro Richard Padilla, Jr., for stolen firearms.  Skrah says police had in formation Padilla was in a Malin home with others, none of whom would come out when ordered by police.  Skrah says nine canisters of tear gas were fired into the home an d eventually several people came out.  The homeowner, 51 year old Tori Devon Hill was charged with hindering prosecution. Later deputies entered the home and arrested 28 year old James Willard Johnson of Klamath Falls, wanted for failure to appear on a methamphetamine charge.  Skrah says police knew Padilla was in the attic and eventually two deputies were able to get into the area and arrest Padilla. He is jailed on weapons charges  and assault and menacing charges.

>> 02/20/13  KBRA Decision Delayed By County Commissioners

Klamath County Commissioners have put off a decision on whether to continue to participate in the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreements process or walk away.  Last week the commissioners heard testimony from about 70 people that was almost equally divided between support for the KBRA and opposition to it.  In the past week commissioners have also received about 600 emails regarding the KBRA.  Board Chairman Dennis Linthicum says a decision will be made soon about whether to holding another hearing on the KBRA and whether to stay with the process or walk away.

>> 02/20/13 Exclusion Day Is Today   

School children who do not have immunization records up to date can and will be sent home from school today. State law requires parents to immunize their children although exemptions are granted for religious reasons.

>> 02/19/13 Police Arrest One Adult, One Juvenile For Graffiti Vandalism

The Klamath Falls Police Department says it has arrested one adult and one juvenile, charging both with criminal mischief and trespass.  In an email to the news media, police say they found spray paint and other evidence linked to 20 criminal mischief cases of graffiti in the city.  Buildings that have been spray painted include the old Herald and News Building on Esplanade Avenue, Ross, Safeway, Grover's, Rite-Aid, Novak's, Dollar Tree, Carlson's Furniture and Two Doors Down. 

>> 02/19/13 League Of Women Voters Says They Have Enough Signatures For Ballot Measure

The Klamath County Chapter of the League of Women Voters says they have collected 1690 signatures to place a measure on the May ballot.  The league needs 1390 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.   If the measure is certified the league's ballot measure will ask voters if the Klamath County Commissioners should be elected on a non-partisan basis.   All three members of the current board oppose the measure.

>> 02/19/13 Wednesday Is Deadline For Immunizations For School Kids

>> 02/18/13 Man Charged With Murder Of Larry Wayne Clark

Police have charged 34 year old Zane Sterling Skeen for the murder of 65 year old Larry Wayne Clark.  Skeen is being held on murder charges at the Clark County Jail in Las Vegas.  Skeen was arrested earlier this month in Nevada after leading authorities on a high speed chase in through Arizona and into Utah.  Police say Clark...whose body was found at his home on Lindley Way last week... died of homicidal violence but have not released the cause of death.  Records show Skeen was Clark's next door neighbor.  Anyone with information is asked to call Sheriff's Detective Nick Kennedy at 541-883-5130, Ext 8146  

>> 02/18/13 Governor Wants More Funding For Child Welfare Program

Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber wants state lawmakers to approve higher funding for the Child Welfare Program.  Caseworkers will testify and lobby in support of the governor's proposal at the legislature today.  Caseworkers say there are more state requirements but fewer people to carry them out due to a hiring freeze for the past two years. The state employs almost 1300 caseworkers who supervise about 13,000 children in foster care.  The caseworkers also respond to 75,000 reports of child abuse and neglect each year. The governor's proposal would bring Child Welfare Services to 80% of staffing needs compared to 67% currently.

>> 02/18/13 Forecast Calls For Snow In Klamath Basin This Week

The National Weather Service predicts more snow in the Klamath Basin starting later today.  The forecast calls for sunny skies and a break from snow on Wednesday, however more snow is forecast Wednesday night through Sunday.   

>> 02/15/13 Body Of Man Identified...Case Investigated As Homicide

A Klamath Falls man whose body was found Tuesday at his home on Lindley Way was a victim  of homicidal violence.  The Oregon Attorney General's office says there are no suspects in the death of Larry Wayne Clark.  The Klamath County Sheriff's department is leading the investigation with Oregon State Police and Klamath Falls Police.

>> 02/15/13 Doctors, Lawyers Agree On Medical Malpractice Reform Bill

The Oregon Medical Association and the Trial Lawyers Association are both supporting a bill to reform medical malpractice laws.  The two groups have voiced support for a bill in the Oregon Legislature to create a voluntary process to resolve disputes following serious medical errors.  Injured patients would be able to discuss the error and possible settlement options with the hospital or clinic where it occurred, however the discussions would not be admissible in court if the patient ultimately files a lawsuit.

>> 02/15/13 Air Stagnation Advisory In Effect Until Early Saturday 

An Air Stagnation Advisory remains in effect for the Klamath Basin until 4:00 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday. The Air Quality Index

IS yellow until Noon Saturday.  The forecast calls for sunny skies over the weekend but cooler temperatures and snow is forecast for the Klamath Basin by Tuesday.

>> 02/14/13 No Identity Of Body Found Tuesday

Authorities are continuing to investigate the discovery of a body found on Lindley Way on Tuesday evening.  No updated information has been released.

>> 02/14/13 Klamath Falls To Portland Flight Moves To 8:30 a.m.

Klamath Falls area residents headed to Portland get to sleep in a bit because United Express has changed the departure time to 8:30 a.m.  The flight had been leaving the Klamath Falls Airport at 6:00 a.m.  There is no change for the United Express flight to San Francisco, which leaves at 5:15 a.m.  Passengers going to Portland or San Francisco can catch returning flights that arrive back in Klamath Falls about 11:00 p.m.

>> 02/14/13 OSP Says Speed May Have caused Fatal Motorcycle Wreck

The Oregon State Police say a Central Point man, 54 year old Scott David Nuckles, was killed Tuesday evening on Highway 238 between Central point and Jacksonville. Investigators say Nuckles failed to negotiate a left curve....possibly because of excessive speed...and his motorcycle left the highway and hit a power pole. Nuckles was wearing a helmet but died at the scene.

>> 02/13/13 Large Crowd Speaks To County Commissioners About KBRA; Opinions Mixed

A large crowd filled the meeting room of the Klamath County Board of Commissioners Tuesday morning to voice opinions about the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreements. Opinions were almost equally divided between among the dozens of speakers who made comments.  Supporters urged the commissioners to "stay at the table" and work to move the KBRA forward.  Opponents criticized the KBRA for being developed in secret meetings and for the proposal to take out four dams on the Klamath River.  Commissioners decided to extend the comment period until 5:00 p.m., on Friday and will accept email comments at bocc@klamathcounty.org.  The issue may come back to the board later this month.

>> 02/13/13 Body Found On Lindley Way; Sheriff Asks OSP For Help

Klamath County Sheriff Frank Skrah has asked the Oregon State Police to help with an investigation after a body was reported in the 5400 block of Lindley Way Tuesday evening.  Skrah said more details would be released later today.

>> 02/13/13 Triple-A Auto Club Says Gas Prices Up Again

Speculators are betting on rising oil prices and at the same time refinery shutdowns for the switch to more expensive summer gasoline are among the factors forcing gas prices higher, according to the Triple-A Auto Club of Oregon.  The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Oregon is $3.57, up six cents in the past week however Triple-A says that price is three cents below the national average.

>> 02/12/13 Protests In Crescent Force DEQ To Suspend Action On Compost Operation

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has suspended action on a proposed compost operation at a mill site near the community of Crescent in Klamath county.  Public comments at a meeting last week focused on the potential for groundwater pollution and strong odors from the proposed operation being promoted by Klamath Soil Amendments. The company says it would process 36,000 tons of Portland table waste per year. The DEQ says it will issue a permit but only if the compost operation can meet environmental standards.

>> 02/12/13 Klamath Falls Man Jailed After being Charged With Incest, Sodomy

A 38 year old Klamath Falls man, Thomas Dwayne Rose. was arrested Monday afternoon and was charged with Incest, Sex Abuse 1 and Sodomy 1.  Police say the alleged victim was a young child.  Rose is jailed with bail set at $210,000.;

>> 02/12/13 Governor Invited To Sit With First Lady During State of the Union Address

Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber will sit with Michelle Obama during tonight's State of the Union address.  The White House extended the invitation on Monday, presumably to highlight Kitzhaber's health care and education reform initiatives.

>> 02/11/13 Klamath Falls Man Jailed On Assault, Weapons Charges

Police arrested 38 year old Elvin Lee Miller Sunday afternoon and charged him with Assault, Menacing, Theft and Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Witness Tampering. Miller is from Klamath Falls and his bail is set at $235,000.

>> 02/11/13 Public Safety Advisory Committee Recommends County-Wide Taxing District For Jail

The chair of the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) Greg Williams says his group is going to recommend a county-wide taxing district be created to support the jail. Williams says federal money that was used to keep the jail open is running out and the committee believes the issue of a taxing district should go to the voters. The PSAC will report recommendations to a joint meeting of the Klamath Falls City Council and the Klamath County Board of Commissioners later this month.

>> 02/11/13  Oregon Supreme Court Censures Medford Judge For Comments At Sentencing Of Child Molester

Circuit Court Judge Tim Barnack has been censured by the Oregon Supreme Court for telling a convicted child molester he will, "rot in prison."  Barnack made his comments on January 21st as he sentenced Richard Taylor to m21 life terms after Taylor was convicted of 21 counts of child sex abuse  Barnack also told Taylor that community members wondered why he (Taylor) wasn't hanging from a tree.  Barnack says he regrets his comments and accepts the censure.

>> 02/08/13 Transient Faces Hundreds of Graffiti, Vandalism Charges

A transient who  was cited in 2006 for graffiti vandalism is now jailed and facing 111 misdemeanor charges for his activities in the Midland area.  Oregon State Police used surveillance cameras and determined  Christopher Jon Keading had been causing graffiti in  the Midland area on 79 separate occasions.  His bail has been set at $199,000.

>> 02/-08/13 Public Safety Advisory Committee Okays Recommendations

The Public Safety Advisory Committee has approved recommendations regarding support fort public safety in the county and will give those recommendations to a joint meeting of the Klamath Falls City Council and the Klamath County Board of Commissioners before the end of the month.   One recommendation calls for creation of a county-wide taxing district to pay for the operation of the county jail.  Another recommendation is to have a special taxing district created to fund law enforcement patrols in the south suburbs.

>> 02/08/12 Bend Woman Charged After Accidentally Shooting Husband

Police in Bend have charged 48 year old Barbara Annette Masters with assault and reckless endangering after her husband was accidentally shot in the stomach at a fast food restaurant.  Police says Masters and husband 47 year old Richard Lee Cooper were in the dining area when Masters Derringer fell out of her pocket, hit the floor and discharged.  Cooper was hit in the stomach by the .22 caliber bullet and is hospitalized in serious condition.

>> 02/07/13 Body Of Missing Klamath Falls Man Believed Found

A former Klamath county search-and-rescue volunteer is believed to have found the body of 39 year old Robert Lear of Klamath Falls who has been, missing since December.  Oregon State Police say Lear's body was found in an area near where his abandoned car was found on December 23rd.  The search for Lear was suspended shortly after his car was discovered due to heavy snow in the area.

>> 02/07/13 Public Safety Committee May Vote Today On Final Recommendations

The Klamath County Public Safety Advisory Committee meets from 3-to-5pm today, Thursday, and is expected to vote on its final recommendations for long term funding for public safety.  The committee was appointed during the summer of 2011. The meeting today will be held at the Commissioners Meeting Room at the Government Center, 305 Main Street.  The recommendations are expected to be presented to a joint meeting of the Klamath Falls City Council and the Klamath County Board of Commissioners later this month.

>> 02/07/13 Oregon Congressional Delegation, County Officials Outraged Over Withheld Timber Funds

The federal Bureau of Land Management is being sharply criticized by the Oregon Congressional delegation and many county officials for its decision to withhold 10-per cent of a special payment to 18 timber dependent counties in Oregon.  The BLM decision was made without advance public notice and was made in the event federal budget cuts known as sequestration take effect.  The $38 million was supposed to be distributed to 18 counties in Oregon to make up for the loss of tax revenues due to cutbacks in logging on federal lands. Officials at the Association of Oregon Counties say the BLM decision to withhold $4-million could lead to layoffs in those 18 counties.  

>> 02/04/12  Police Arrest Man With Gun, Body Armor At Dutch Brothers Coffee Stand

Two Klamath Falls police officers were injured Sunday afternoon during a fight with a man who was armed with a gun and wearing body armor.  Police say 30 year old Kale Donovan Miller was threatening people at the Dutch Brothers coffee stand on South 6th Street and refused police orders and a fight ensued.  Police say Miller tried to grab his handgun during the fight but police were able to wrestle the weapon away from Miller. After his arrest police say Miller threatened two officers and said he would kill them and their families when he is released from jail.  Miller is jailed on numerous charges including Resisting Arrest, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Unlawful Possession of Body Armor and Menacing.  The two officers were not seriously injured during the fight with Miller.

02/14/13 Medford Woman To Face Trial For Alleged Murder Of Husband

A Medford woman whose husband's body was found at the base of a cliff in northern California late last year will stand trial for his murder.  A judge in Siskiyou county, Calikfornia ruled there is enough evidence to try 26 year old Patricia MacCallum of Medford for the death of her 34 year old husband Michael, who police say died of a gunshot wound.  If convicted Patricia MacCallum faces 25 years to life in prison.  Last week MacCallum's stepsister Amber Lubbers, pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact.   No trial date has been set for  MacCallum.
 

>> 02/04/13   State GOP Has New Party Chair

A 65 year old Tigard woman, Suzanne Gallagher, has been named the new chair of the Oregon Republican Party. Gallagher was picked by party activists over the weekend, defeating  John Lee Jr. Two-time congressional candidate Art Robinson of Cave Junction was removed from the race after the first round of ballot counting because he finished third.   

>> 02/01/13 More Than 200 People Attend Walden Town Hall

Congressman Greg Walden fielded questions for more than an hour at a Town Hall meeting Thursday morning that attracted more than 200 people to the event at Oregon Institute of Technology.  Walden is a member of the Republican House Leadership and told the crowd the U-S House and Senate must address America's staggering $14-trillion debt and curb runaway federal spending. 

>> 02/01/13 Teenager Hit Walking Across Eldorado Avenue At Wall Street

A 15 year old boy who police say attends Mazama High School was hit by a car Thursday afternoon while crossing the street at Eldorado Avenue and Wall Street.  Police say the teenager was conscious when an ambulance arrived and took him to Sky Lakes Medical Center.  The d\river was identified as Kelly Caleb.  Klamath Falls Police have issued no citations at this time but are continuing to investigate and to interview witnesses.  The identity of the boy has not been released and his condition is unknown.

>> 02/01/13 Klamath County Law Enforcement Agencies Looking For DUII Drivers This Super Bowl Weekend

Police agencies in Klamath county and across the nation say Super Bowl Sunday has become one of the most dangerous days to drive because of high levels of intoxicated drivers. Police are urging people to have a designated driver or take a taxicab home if they have been drinking during the popular national football championship game.  Oregon recorded three traffic fatalities on Super Bowl Sunday in 2012 and police arrested 38 people for DUII that weekend.

>> 1/31/13  Hosanna Christian Closed Until Monday

Hosanna Christian School is closed until Monday.  The school had planned to re-0open today, Thursday, but according to a Facebook post from Principal Jeff Mudrow more than 50% of the staff and faculty is sick.  The school plans to open again on Monday.

>> 1/31/12 Klamath Falls Man Arrested On Drug, Weapons Charges

Police 23 year old Tylor Shawn Rowe of Klamath Falls on Wednesday evening and charged him with Possession of Methamphetamine, Being A Felon In Possession Of A Weapon, Resisting Arrest and Attempted Assault of a Public Safety Officer.  Rowe is jailed with bail set at $83,000

>> 1/31/13 State Wants Records Of Veterans Association From Kevin Mannix

The Oregon Atto0rney General is asking a judge to order Kevin Mannix to release records related to his involvement with the charity, The Oregon War Veterans Association.   The Attorney General's office says the records were requested in July but Mannix has not delivered.  An attorney for Mannix says he was negotiating with the state for release of the records and believed an agreement was near before the state filed the motion.  The state sued the Oregon War Veterans Association in 2011 accusing the charity of diverting contributions intended for veterans for personal use or to benefit Mannix's political campaigns.

1/30/13 Jury Rules Unanimously Hollenbeak Not Guilty

A Klamath County jury voted unanimously Tuesday evening to acquit former Chiloquin school teacher Rick Lynn Hollenbeak of two counts of First Degree Sex Abuse.  The not guilty verdict was announced less than four hours after the jury started its deliberations.  The defense argued that the alleged victim...a relative of Hollenbeak's...had made up the story and has given more than one account of what happened.

>> Oregon State Police Announce Two Arrests In Check Forging Operation In Klamath County

The Oregon State Police say 46 year old Anna M. Rodriguez and 35 year old Frederick Lee Vierria have been arrested on multiple criminal counts related to a check forging operation in Klamath County.  The OSP has been investigating the case since late last year.  Rodriguez and Vierria are lodged in the Klamath County Jail and each faces dozens of charges including Forgery 1, Theft 1, Identity Theft and Computer Crime.  Bail for each set at more than $300,000

>> 1/30/13 Moderate Earthquake Off Oregon Coast Tuesday Night

A magnitude 5.3 earthquake was recorded off the Oregon coast at about 7:15pm on Tuesday.  The quake...at a depth of just over 6 miles...was reported by several people who felt some shaking.  There were no reports of damage or inujries.  The epicenter of the quake was 163 miles west-northwest of Bandon on the south Oregon coast.

>> 1/30/13 Hosanna Christian School Closes Due To Many Illnesses...Will Open Again Tomorrow

Hosanna Christian School closed Monday afternoon because more than 28% of the student body was home sick with the flu or a respiratory virus that includes cold symptoms.  Principal Jeff Mudrow made the decision to close the school for a few days.  Hosanna Christian will re-open tomorrow, Thursday.  Staff at the school have been busy cleaning everything from door handles to toys to try to prevent the spread of the flu and the virus.

>> 1/29/13 La Pine Man Arrested On Murder Charge

An 86 year old La Pine man, Lawrence Loeffler, has been jailed for investigation of the murder of his 83 year old wife, Betty.   Deschutes County Sheriff's office says Loeffler is suspected of killing his wife during a domestic dispute at the couple's home on Monday.  Police say the woman's body was found on the back porch of the couple's home.

>> 1/29/13 Terrorism Suspect's Father Says FBI "Brainwashed" His Son

The father of teorrism bomb plot suspect Molhammed Mohammud testified in federal court Monday his son was "brainwashed" by the FBI.  Osman Barre says he contacted the FBI in 2009 because he was concerned for his son's safety after learning the then-teenager planned to travel to Yemen  to learn Arabic.  Barre says he was concerned his son was being brainwashed by al-Qaida recruiters.  However Barre testified he now believes his son was brainwashed by the FBI's elaborate sting.

>> 1/29/13 Repairs, Updates To State Capitol Would Cost Hundreds Of Millions

The Capitol Master Plan Advisory Committee has recommended the state spend $250-million to make the 75-year old Oregon State Capitol be able to withstand earthquakes while updating electrical, plumbing and ventilation systems.  The State Capitol was damaged in a 1993 earthquake that forced the closure of the rotunda for more than two years.  If state lawmakers approve the plan the work would have to be funded by bond issues and would take three to four years to complete.

>> 1/28/13 Jeld-Wen Sells 22 AmeriTitle Buildings

Klamath Falls-based Jeld-Wen, Inc., has sold 22 AmeriTitle office buildings in Oregon, Washington and Idaho in a $25-million sale-leaseback.  The Portland Business Journal reports a Midwest private investment company, NLD Tittle, LLC, purchased the portfolio and AmeriTitle will continue to occupy the buildings under long-term leases. The Journal says the impact...if any...from the sale is unknown as to the future of Jeld-Wen in Oregon, the state where the company was founded.

>> 1/28/13 Klamath Falls Man Arrested On Explosives, Drug Charges

An 18 year old Klamath Falls man was arrested Friday for possession of a destructive device and failure to have an explosives permit.  Tyler Hurst Burke also faces charges of unlawful possession, manufacture and delivery of marijuana.  Bail was set at $68,000.

>> 1/28/13 Red Cross Helps Local Man Displaced By Fire

The Klamath Falls Chapter of the Red Cross helped a man whose mobile home was declared unlivable following a fire on Avalon Street last week.  The man was not injured but needed help with lodging, food and support services.  The fire was believed to be caused by an overloaded electrical circuit.

>> 1/25/13 Citizens Concerned, Angry Over Sex Offender In Neighborhood

About 40 people showed up at a meeting last night to voice concern and anger because a convicted sexual predator has been released from prison and is living in the same neighborhood where some of his victims live. 40 year old Johnny Ray Thomas was convicted in 2008 for unlawful contact with a minor and has been convicted in other counties for attempted rape, stalking and public indecency. Klamath County corrections officials notified residents who live between 2nd and 11th streets and California and Klamath Avenue about Thomas being released. The Herald and News reports the director of community corrections Kiki Parker-Rose told the crowd under state law Thomas must spend his first six months in the community where he committed his crimes. Parker-Rose explained Thomas will be required to wear a GPS monitor and he is required to stay away from schools and parks.

>> 1/25/13 Ella Redkey Pool Has Black Algae Problem

The Ella Redkey pool has a problem that may cause it to close. Black algae has developed in the pool and early estimates are it could take a half million dollars to solve the problem. Pool manager Valerie Franklin told the Herald and News black algae is considered the worst problem a pool can get outside of a crack from an earthquake. She says the black algae doesn't pose a health risk but in order to get rid of it you have to gut the system and start over. The black algae has continued to grow for the past decade despite work to eliminate the problem. Franklin says the have tried scrubbing the pool with metal brushes and tried to kill the algae with bleach and acid but those efforts failed as did the use of pneumatic tools to remove the black algae. Klamath falls city councilor Dan Tofell says his fear is that if the problem gets worse the pool may have to be abandoned and a new pool built to replace the existing pool.

>> 1/25/13 Three Moderate Quakes Off Oregon Coast

A small cluster of modest earthquakes has been recorded off the central Oregon coast with the largest a magnitude 3.4. A handful of people reported feeling the 3.4 quake that hit shortly before 8:00 last night. Geophysicist Randy Baldwin of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Earthquake Information Center in Golden, Colo., says small quakes in that area would not be expected to cause any damage on land. The quakes were centered about 30 miles west of Waldport.

>> 1/24/13 Former Public Safety Chair Still Waiting For Apology

The former chair of the Klamath County Public Safety Advisory Committee, Brian Smith, says he hasn't heard a word from county officials regarding the incident that led to his resignation before Christmas.  Smith told KFLS News in late December  he resigned after he learned a county employee called his bank and said Smith was a criminal and was going to be arrested.  Smith says the comments were totally false and inappropriate and he asked that he be given a public apology.  On Wednesday Smith told KFLS News he hasn't heard anything from anyone in county government about his complaint.  County Commissioner Tom Mallams says he is still trying to determine exactly what did or did not happen and said there "are other issues that go hand in hand with this."  Smith told KFLS News the situation makes him wonder "if it is worth running a business in this community." Smith operates the Microtel Inn and Suites and The Epicenter.

>> 1/24/13 Walden To Hold Town Hall Next Week At O-I-T  

Congressman Greg Walden is inviting the public to attend a Town Hall meeting on Thursday, January 31st at Oregon Institute of Technology.  The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Mount Mazama Room in the College Union Building.  Walden will outline his efforts to reduce the national debt, get local people back to work in federal forests and take care of  Americans serving in the military.  Walden will take questions at the Town Hall meeting.

>> 1/24/13 Teenager Cited For Killing Protected Red-Tailed Hawk

The Oregon State Police say they cited a 16 year old teenager last Sunday after a Klamath Falls property owner reported two teenaged boys had been involved in shooting a hawk and then tried to run away.  A wildlife trooper located the boys and cited a 16 year old for unlawful taking of a protected species...a Red-Tailed Hawk.

>> 1/245/13 Unemployment In Klamath County Inches Down In December

A regional state economist says there was little change in the Klamath county unemployment rate in December.  Damon Runnberg told KFLS News the county's unemployment rate was 11.2% n December compared to 11.3% in November. However Runnberg noted the December 2011 unemployment rate in Klamath county was 11.7% so the year-to-year change was one-half op0f one percent.  Runnberg said the strongest sector of the economy was manufacturing with the wood products industry posting employment gains of near 13% in the last year.

>> 1/21/13 Air Stagnation Advisory Until Tuesday Morning

The National Weather Service says an Air Stagnation Advisory for the Klamath Basin will continue until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday. The air is described as "unhealthy" for at-risk groups. Light winds are expected to increase later this week and should ease the pollution levels somewhat.

>> 1/21/13 MLK Birthday Holiday Today

Banks, post offices, schools and government offices are closed today in honor of the birthday of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

>> 01/21/13 Klamath Falls Man Jailed On Conspiracy, Robbery Charges

Police arrested 24-year old Dusty L. Harmon of Klamath Falls late Friday morning and charged him with three counts of Conspiracy related to charges of Robbery 1.  Harmon is jailed with bail set at $300,000.

>> 01/21/13 Fiscal Cliff Talks Delay Oregon Tax Processing

The Oregon Department of Revenue says tax filing season will begin on January 30, 2013.  The original date was set at January 22nd by the federal Internal Revenue Service but was pushed back due to late tax law changes made by Congress to resolve the fiscal cliff crisis.