Long investigation to last longer

The Oregon Department of Justice won't end their investigation into Klamath County Treasurer Mike Long for at least another month. State investigators want to wait until the county has completed an audit of its financial records before moving forward with the investigation. Long has been on voluntary paid administrative leave since late October as the state conducts its investigation.

ABC affiliate restored

Chambers Communications has reached a deal with Dish Network, which restores carriage of KDKF-TV in Klamath Falls. A new long-term deal was struck yesterday between ABC affiliates and Dish Network, which puts the channel back on after a brief outage.

Snowshoers rescued

Yesterday morning Klamath County 911 got a distress cell-phone call from three people in need of rescue who had been snowshoeing in the area of Maiden Peak Shelter. Dozens of searchers battled heavy snowfall and high winds to rescue them. The operation took about 12 hours. Rescuers said the three had knowledge of GPS coordinates and were well prepared to spend at least 24 hours in the back country, which helped the rescue.

Gas prices up

The former head of Shell Oil predicted recently that the price of gas could approach 5 dollars per gallon by the end of 2011. That made headlines, with some already worried about the three dollar national average.









What's pushing it, is the price of crude oil near one hundred dollars per gallon and, according to the former Shell executive anyway, increased demand in Asia. For now anyway we'll deal with a local average between 3.10 and 3.20. As for the 5 dollar prediction, other experts predict that won't happen until the middle part of the decade.

Drunk driving arrest can cost you

We mentioned that Oregon law enforcement officers are out in force this weekend. Ever wondered how much a drunken driving arrest can cost you? There's the cost to tow your vehicle, the bail amount to leave police custody, attorney fees, jail costs and fines, and if you lose your license you might lose your job. Not counting the potential job loss, police say all of that can set you back anywhere from $5000 to $50,000 or more depending on how many offenses you've had and if there were any accident-related injuries. Have that designated driver for your New Year's Eve celebration. Police also suggest if you're partying at someone's house, just sleep there.

NY Eve at the Knights of Columbus Hall

A New Year's Eve prime rib dinner and dance is set for 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Knights of Columbus Hall, at 1910 Greensprings Drive. A social hour will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 followed by a dance. Tickets are $17 in advance or $20 at the door. For reservations call Ken Waters at 541-331-3358 or Don Metzler at 541-884-3046.

NY Eve on ice

If you're looking for a way to celebrate New Year's Eve you might want to check out the Bill Collier Community Ice Arena. They'll have ice skating from 7 to 9pm with ten dollar admission per person, or eighteen per couple. That includes skate rental. It's three dollars for kids 5 and under. After that they'll have "Rockin' Curling" until midnight. Admission to that is ten dollars person, with a twenty person limit to each of two sessions.

Beware of scams

As the Oregon Ducks prepare for a national championship game....beware of potential scams. One man, whom police have declined to name, paid more than 900 dollars for a pair of tickets to the game. After wiring the money to the seller, the man has yet to receive his tickets. Attorney General John Kroger says always purchase tickets from a reputable distributor.

PFLAG Meeting date set

Klamath County will have its first meeting of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, or PFLAG, at the end of January. The group will meet at the Fellowship Hall of the Congregational United Church of Christ January 29th at 1:30pm. The church is located off of east Main Street, at 254 Garden Avenue in Klamath Falls. Cara Shufelt from the Rural Organizing Project will lead the event.

Still time to donate

There's still time for tax deductible donations in 2010. The Oregon chapter of the Red Cross says donations can provide comfort kits for wounded soldiers, phone cards for US service members, and more. To donate, you can go to Oregon Red Cross.org.

Klamath Falls man recovering

A Klamath Falls man was injured Saturday when he was struck by a passing Amtrak train. 80-year old Steven Kirk is in fair condition at Sky Lakes Medical Center, according to hospital officials. He was found late Saturday near the railroad tracks near the high school's Modoc Field. Authorities described injuries to the man's left hand and arm as substantial.

Snowfall totals predicted

The National Weather Service says by the time this snowstorm is over, we could have an additional 9 inches in the Klamath Basin, with as much as 20 inches at elevations 5000 feet and above.

Grant exhibits work in Seattle

Ken Grant is an Oregon artist born in Klamath Falls in 1938. His paintings will now be featured in the Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery. The "Enlightened Shadows" exhibit runs from mid-January to early February at The Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery in Seattle.

It's okay to feed the birds

When the weather turns cold, wild bird populations in Oregon have a harder time finding food to survive. You can help by putting out feeders this winter. David Mizejewski from the National Wildlife Federation.







He also suggests you add plants to your landscape that include berries, seeds, and nuts so birds can feed during the winter.

Officers will be out in force New Year's Eve

Oregon law enforcement officers are urging everyone to keep the party off the road this weekend, and will have special patrols set up to crack down on impaired drivers. During the past decade in Oregon, more than 2000 people have been killed by a drunk or impaired driver, and more than 26,000 have been injured. State, county, and city law enforcement agencies are planning to be out for the New Year's holiday, beginning at 6pm Thursday through midgnight Sunday.

Snow Park opens

The Great Meadows snow park is open now to over-snow vehicle use. That means any vehicle that is designed for use on snow that runs on a track and/or skis and weighs less than 1200 pounds can hit the snow. There is also a 60 inch measurement requirement...anything less than 60 inches is fine. Great Meadows has 165 miles of groomed trails. It's about 35 miles west of Klamath Falls on Highway 140.

Girls Scouts gearing up

Girls Scouts across the state are gearing up for cookie sales. Funds from sales go to projects like planting trees in parks. Last year some Girl Scouts sent their funds to Haiti to help with relief. Cookies will be on sale from January 15th through the 30th. The most popular selections; Thin Mints, Tagalongs and Samoas.

Robbery arrest

Back on December 1st, a 79-year-old man was beaten and then tied and duct-taped to a bed in his Klamath Falls home. His car, wallet, checks and other items were taken; it took the man nearly 12 hours to free himself. Now Frank Blanchard, the estranged grandson has been arrested. Police say he allegedly recruited Judith Nicole Alvarez to help him in the robbery. Blanchard was arrested in California and will be extradited back to Klamath Falls.

Help for homeowners

Attorney General John Kroger reminds us that Oregon has received $220 million in federal money to help distressed homeowners avoid foreclosure. The Mortgage Payment Assistance Program pays the mortgage of those who qualify for up a year, or up to $20,000. The deadline to apply is January 14th, and you can do it at http://oregonhomeownerhelp.org.

Get a gift card?

More than half of adults in the US are saying their Christmas gift list included gift cards. That's more than asked for clothing, books, entertainment and electronics. Reports have said one in four received gift cards last year and have yet to spend them. New laws passed in August mean gift cards won't lose their value if you put them aside for a while and forget about them. You have at least five years to use the money on the card. But you want to be sure to have at least a little activity on the card during the year, or the merchant can start charging a dormancy fee.

Red Cross blood drive set for January

A new blood drive is beginning soon with the Red Cross. Brenda Hagge with the Red Cross is based in Klamath Falls and says someone needs blood every two seconds. The blood drive will continue throughout January, beginning on January 3rd at the facility on 6th Street.

Fugitive turns herself in

A former Wells Fargo employee in Coos Bay has turned herself into the FBI in Los Angeles. Shawna Leimomi Moore-Saia was considered a fugitive by the FBI, wanted for identity theft, credit card fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. A criminal complaint charges Moore-Saia with stealing substantial amounts of money during the time she worked for Wells Fargo...a four-year period that ended in August of this year. She makes her initial court appearance today in Los Angeles.

US 97 Shut Down Due to Serious Crash

A serious injury crash has shut down Highway 97 in the La Pine area in both directions. The two car head on crash happened four miles north of La Pine this morning. There is no detour at this time and the closure is expected to last at least through mid-afternoon.

Klamath County Museum Free This Week

The Klamath County Museum will offer free admission for all children from Dec. 28th through Dec. 31st. In addition, a guided tour of the museum will be offered at 10 a.m. each day this week. On Thursday the museum will offer a program on local history geared toward elementary-age children. The program begins at 10:30 a.m., and is free with museum admission. Regular museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The museum will be closed New Year's Day.

Klamath County Chamber Board Ballots Due Today

Members of the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce: today is the last day to turn in your ballots for the chamber's Board of Directors election. You can fax the ballot to (541) 884-5195 or drop it off at our office (205 Riverside Drive). If you have any questions, call Heather at (541) 884-5193.

Klamath County budget

A budget adjustment has been made for the Klamath County Sheriff's Department, but it appears to be mainly a housekeeping issue. It's a $329,000 adjustment, approved by the Klamath County Board of Commissioners Dec. 13 that changes the budget on paper to match where funding is actually being appropriated. Sheriff Tim Evinger has been forced to close parts of the jail and reduce patrols, and it doesn't appear that will change.

Free kids week at the Museum

The Klamath County Musuem has announced they'll offer free admission for children Tuesday the 28th through Friday the 31st. The usual admission fee of $3 and $4 for older students will be waived. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and for adults the price is $5. On Thursday, there's a program on local history, geared for kids, at 10:30am. Museum hours are 9 to 5.

Police looking for suspect

Klamath Falls police are still investigating a bank robbery that happened Monday afternoon, and they're asking for help from anyone who might have information. Detective Mike Anderson said one man entered the Sterling Savings Bank at 540 Main St. Monday afternoon and displayed a handgun, demanding money. The suspect is described as a white male, between 5'4" and 5'8", weighing about 165 pounds. If you have information contact the Klamath Falls Police Department at 541-883-5336. You can also use the anonymous tip line, which is 541-883-5334. (We'll post the numbers on our website.)

Safety tips

Pacific Power has some suggestions on how to make the holidays safer. Never use indoor lights outdoors, don't overload extension cords or outlets with too many plugs and if they're hot to the touch it's likely they're overloaded, and use only safety-tested lights and cords that have the UL label. If you have questions, the safety precautions are always listed at www.pacificpower.net/safety.

Farmers help out

The Oregon Department of Agriculture says Oregon farmers have been generous , and donations remain strong from organizations like Farmers Ending Hunger. The group's efforts are coming close to last year's record-setting 2.1 million pounds donated to the Oregon Food Bank, including potatoes, onions, beef, and fresh vegetables. Farmers have donated more than 4 million pounds of food since the program started in 2006.

Census trend

Census figures were released this week, showing Oregon’s growth rate to be 12 percent. That puts the state in the category of the fastest growing. Overall, there seemed to be a shift in this census, away from the northern industrial states and toward the west. Secretary of Commerce Gary Lock helped oversee the census.







The state with the largest population once again is California at 37 million, and the state will the fewest people is Wyoming with 536 thousand.

Census figures released

The Census data released yesterday says Oregon's population grew by 12 percent, making it among the fastest growing states. The state’s population now stands at 3.8 million compared with 3.4 million in 2000.

Verizon expands

If you have plans to ski over the holidays, you might get a bit better cell phone reception during your trip. Verizon Wireless has increased coverage at Mt. Hood Meadows and Timberline Lodge. The 3G Network now covers those resorts, so you can check your email and text while you're on the lift.

Mark your calendars

The first annual Outdoor Sports Play Day will happen January 8th at the Klamath County Fairgrounds Event Center to help parents introduce kids to fun outdoor activities. Over 30 local groups and agencies will provide seminars, demonstrations, and more throughout the day. They'll have instruction on outdoor safety and survival, horse packing, duck and goose calling, fishing, and more. Admission is free to kids accompanied by an adult.

Time to wrap

It's the last few shopping days before Christmas, and if you have gifts to wrap, Klamath Community College business club students will do it for a donation. The hours are 5 to 8 pm today and tomorrow, and if you want to wait until Christmas Eve the hours will be noon to 4pm. All wrapping happens at K-Mart. Money from donations will be used to help KCC business club members travel to competitions. Klamath and Lake Counties Food Bank will also have a barrel at the location to take non-perishable food.

Traffic accident claims life

A car accident in Jackson County yesterday claimed the life of James Willard Hager. Hager was the only person in his vehicle, and accordring to Jackson County Public Information Officer, Andrea Carlson, his vehicle veered off the shoulder of Highway 62 near Butte Falls Highway, crashed through a guard rail, power pole, and bushes. He was pronounced dead when law enforcement arrived on the scene. The accident caused phone lines to go out in parts of Eagle Point and Butte Falls. That may not be restored until sometime today.

Holiday scam alert

Oregon Attorney General John Kroger warns consumers of scams this time of year. The Oregon Department of Justice has received complaints about several. A delivery confirmation scam sends you an email that says a package could not be delivered and asks you to click a link. Free iPad pop up ads don't give you anything free, and may work their way into your bank account. And cyber thieves are posting fake vacation rentals on the cheap that don't really exist.

Biomass plant update

The initial work on a biomass plant in Lakeview is nearing completion. A spokeswoman for the Portland company building the plant says the company needs to have 5 percent of the value of the project completed by Dec. 31 to qualify for federal tax credits. They're preparing the site and doing engineering work, along with buying equipment such as boilers and steam turbines. Full-scale construction is expected in the spring. The Klamath Falls Herald and News says the Lakeview Biomass Cogeneration Plant is expected to cost $75 million to $100 million and provide 70 permanent jobs.

Robbery investigation

Klamath Falls police are investigating a bank robbery that happened Monday afternoon. Detective Mike Anderson declined to say whether one or more subjects were involved in the robbery or whether a weapon was used, but said an undisclosed amount of money was taken from the Sterling Savings Bank at 540 Main St. That investigation continues.

Bank robbery

Klamath Falls police are investigating a bank robbery that happened Monday afternoon. Detective Mike Anderson declined to say whether one or more subjects were involved in the robbery or whether a weapon was used, but said an undisclosed amount of money was taken from the Sterling Savings Bank at 540 Main St. That investigation continues.

Biomass plant is getting a good start

The initial work on a biomass plant in Lakeview is nearing completion. A spokeswoman for the Portland company building the plant says the company needs to have 5 percent of the value of the project completed by Dec. 31 to qualify for federal tax credits. They're preparing the site and doing engineering work, along with buying equipment such as boilers and steam turbines. Full-scale construction is expected in the spring. The Klamath Falls Herald and News says the Lakeview Biomass Cogeneration Plant is expected to cost $75 million to $100 million and provide 70 permanent jobs.

Reduce fire danger

Pacific Power has some suggestions on how to make the holidays safer. Never use indoor lights outdoors, don't overload extension cords or outlets with too many plugs and if they're hot to the touch it's likely they're overloaded, and use only safety-tested lights and cords that have the UL label. If you have questions, the safety precautions are always listed at www.pacificpower.net/safety.

Jail is filling up

The Klamath County Jail is nearing capacity. As of yesterday, there were 60 inmates, and the jail has a capacity of 64. Sheriff Tim Evinger has expressed concerns about fuding, since tight budgets have forced him to close sections of the jail. Recently Klamath County Commissioners have been asked to authorize the use of county roads funds to pay for patrol salaries a the Klamath County Sheriff's office so a little bit of the law enforcement budget crunch can be alleviated.

Sled dog videoconference coming

Ever wondered how sled dogs run the Iditarod? You can find out more today at the Klamath County Library. A free videoconference program will run at 6:30 p.m., and it's all about training adults and puppies to pull those sleds in Alaska's Iditarod race. There will even be a litter of pups about 12 weeks old that visitors will be able to meet online during the program.

New rules for forests

New rules regarding Oregon forests are likely coming next year at the urging of a coalition of conservation groups. The conservation groups want President Obama to push for stronger rules to protect wildlife, fish, and drinking water resources. Jane Danowitz, public lands director with Pew Environment Group, puts it into perspective.






The current rules have been in effect since 1982. The groups have taken out full page ads describing their "holiday wishes" for stronger rules to protect forests.

Rate hike on hold

A rate hike for Klamath Falls water and wastewater customers has been delayed for a year. City Council last week approved a staff request to push the planned rate increase to 2012. In September 2009, the Council approved phased wastewater rate increases to pay for wastewater treatment plant upgrades necessary to keep the city in compliance with federal EPA standards. But in 2011, there won't even be a cost of living increase.

Robber caught

Klamath Falls City Police arrested a suspect late last week in the Tuesday robbery of a Washburn Way Dutch Bros. Coffee. Transient Elijah Robert Gilbert has been charged with second-degree robbery and second-degree theft. He's being held at the Klamath County Jail in lieu of 106 thousand dollars bail. Police think Gilbert is one of two men who robbed Dutch Brothers.

Time to wrap

It's the last few shopping days before Christmas, and according to Dana Holmes with gifts.com, some may have a different strategy this year.






Once you get the gifts, Klamath Community College business club students will wrap them for a donation. The hours are 5 to 8 pm this Monday through Thursday, and if you want to wait until Christmas Eve the hours will be noon to 4pm. All wrapping happens at K-Mart. Money from donations will be used to help KCC business club members travel to competitions. Klamath and Lake Counties Food Bank will also have a barrel at the location to take non-perishable food.

Drilling begins

Drilling has begun at the geothermal well at Crump Geyser. It is the first of three possible wells that officials hope will lead to a power plant with a generation capacity of up to 30 megawatts, enough electricity to power about 30,000 homes. This first phase of construction is expected to cost 120 million dollars.

Senators react to Don't Ask Don't Tell repeal

The US Senate voted to repeal the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy on Saturday. Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley was a cosponsor of the legislation and called it a victory for equal rights.

Senate majority leader Harry Reid reiterated that.






The bill now goes to the President for his signature.

Changes possible for Chamber bylaws

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce may toughen up their bylaws. The aim would be to make it harder for board members to take a political stance without larger support from Chamber membership. The decision came after the Chamber's executive board's decision in October to endorse a ‘no' vote on Klamath County Measure 18-80. The no-votes won by a 52-48 percent margin in the general election.

ABC affiliates gone for some

ABC affiliates not only in Klamath Falls, but also in Bend, Eugene, and Medford have been pulled from Dish Network. Dish Network said in a statement that Chambers Communications wanted a 500 percent increase in rates and contract terms they considered unreasonable. Chambers has disputed the claims that the demands were out of line. Both Dish Network and Chambers Communications say they are still hopeful an agreement can be reached.

Museum struggles to meet budget

Expenses are slightly higher than income at the Children's Museum of Klamath Falls, and its only paid staff member has been laid off to meet the budget. If you can add a one dollar donation to your admission, the museum would appreciate it. The Children's Museum also has a goal of an additional 48 family memberships. The museum is at 711 East Main.

Infant death

The Jackson County sheriff's office has just released news of the death of a 6-month old child that occurred December 8th. Paramedics were called to White City to check on an infant who was have a hard time breathing. The infant was taken to the hospital and had emergency surgery, but later died three days later at a Portland area hospital. An autopsy has been performed, and the case remains under investigation.

Headlights on today

Gov Kulongoski has proclaimed this month "Drinking and Drugged Driving Awareness Month" and law enforcement agencies are planning some statewide crackdowns. There will be a massive effort this Friday through Sunday to apprehend impaired drivers. Oregon State Police along with the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association will have their headlights on today as a reminder to drive safely during the holidays. If you’re planning to drink, have a designated driver. And if you seen an impaired driver, call 1-800-24DRUNK.

Klamath County Chamber Ballots Mailed

Ballots for the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors' election should have arrived on members' desks in the past day or so. They were mailed December 13th. The ballots must be returned by December 27th. There are five names on the ballot -- three nominated by a chamber committee, the other two the result of write-ins.

Blanchard arrested

23-year old Frank Blanchard of Klamath Falls is accused of tying up and beathing his grandfather. He has been arrested in Del Norte County, California after a foot chase. Blanchard and another suspect already in custody, Judith Nicole Alvarez, are accused of tying Blanchard's grandfather to his bed, beating him and robbing him of his wallet and some checks and then stole his car.

Unemployment rate should start to drop

Economists think Oregon's unemployment rate might start to fall soon. The Employment Dept reports Oregon's unemployment rate for November stayed the same as it was in October - 10.6 percent. But seasonally adjusted figures show the state gained 6300 jobs last month, and that follows an even bigger gain in October. This time next month, we may be talking about a drop in the unemployment rate.

How to fund Sheriff's patrols

Klamath County Commissioners have asked local lawmakers to draft a bill that would allow Klamath County to use road fund dollars, which are reserved for roads and school improvements, to temporarily fund sheriff's patrols. Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger cut patrols in July in the face of budget shortfalls and the county is trying to figure out a way to add them back.

Treasury bonuses

This story caused a bit of controversy yesterday. The Oregon State Treasury wants to pay $932,000 in bonuses to 14 investment officers, at a time when other public employees around the state face the prospect of layoffs, furloughs and benefit cuts. Treasury officials say the incentive pay is necessary to retain specialized staff who manage $60 billion in pension funds. Senator Doug Whitsett of Klamath Falls is on the legislative committee reviewing the request.

Algae danger lessening

There were several algae alerts issued across the state this year. The blue-green algae can produce toxins harmful to people and pets. With the colder weather now the levels of algae have been reduced, and although every lake is different the danger seems to have subsided. The alert at Gerber Reservoir in Klamath County was lifted because snow and ice cover the reservoir.

Saving program is working

The Oregon Individual Development Account initiative teaches financial skills to those in Oregon with lower incomes, and a study conducted by Portland State University says the program seems to be working. It helps participants reach savings goals to fund a major purchase.






That's the study's lead evaluator Diane Yatchmenoff of PSU. The legislature created the initiative in 1999. It's funded by donations, which are eligible for a state tax credit of 75 percent.

Sheriff's Department Plans

Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger went before Klamath County Commissioners last night to talk budget. Evinger closed two of the jail's three pods in July, reducing its capacity from 152 beds to 64. Budget shortfalls made it necessary. He also cut from the department's patrol budget. To reopen one 44-bed pod in the jail, Evinger told Commissioners it would cost 700 thousand dollars a year. Approval is pending.

Fire Dept on a tight budget

It's a tough time right now for Klamath County Fire District number 1. Annual revenue growth dropped from 3 percent to 1.5 percent as costs continued to increase. The district has been watching their budget closely since an audit report last year showed overspending. District Fire Chief Jim Wenzel said they'll have to continue to be diligent.

Chamber ballots out

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce says the ballots are in the mail for the upcoming Board of Directors Election. Businesses should receive the ballots by the end of the week and return them by December 27th. The initial slate of nominees included three candidates, and two more write-in candidates have been added.

Impaired driver crackdown

Gov Kulongoski has proclaimed this month "Drinking and Drugged DRiving Awareness Month" and law enforcement agencies are planning some statewide crackdowns. There will be a massive effort this Friday through Sunday to apprehend impaired drivers. Oregon state Police will have their headlights on this Friday as a reminder to drive safely during the holidays. Six people were killed during last year's Christmas holiday weekend and authorities will do everything they can to prevent that this year.

Hiring is on the way

Some good news for those looking for a job right now. A new survey of employers says one in three plan to hir in the next six months. One note about that though, the Oregon Employment Deparment says only 12 percent plan to add workers, with the rest planning to simply keep up with turnover. The most popular occupations with the most hiring are expected to be retail sales, truck drivers, secretaries, construction workers, and farm workers. The Employment Department says there will be 350 occupations in all that will need workers by June of next year.

Cigarette prices could go up

There is a cigarette tax increase brewing in Oregon. The Tobacco Free Coalition of Oregon may move toward increasing the tax by one dollar. The group took a recent poll that showed 71 percent of Oregonians agree with the increase. The tax increase could raise 77.3 million dollars per year. An increase could be enacted by the legislature or lawmakers to send it to voters to decide.

Open house today

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce 9th annual White Christmas open house happens later today. It will be the time to donate to the Klamath and Lake Counties Food bank, and you can drop off toys for the Toys for Tots program. The 90-foot Kingsley field mural will be celebrated too, since it received a facelift largely funded by donors this year. There will be snacks and beverages available during the open house from 4 to 7 at 205 Riverside Drive..

DEQ to Hold Hearing on Biomass Plant's Air Quality Permit

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality will hold a public hearing in Klamath Falls on Thursday to discuss the application for an air quality permit by the owners of the propose Bioenergy power plant. Klamath Falls Bioenergy is looking to build the plant, which would generate electricity from biomass. The hearing on the permit is set for 6pm Thursday at the Extension Service Auditorium.

New pediatric clinic

A new pediatric clinic should be coming to Klamath Falls soon. Right now Sanford Health has about 90 percent of the funds needed. The clinic would cost about 5 million dollars and would create more jobs and bring more healthcare to the younger population.

Open house tomorrow

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce 9th annual White Christmas open house happens tomorrow. It will be the time to donate to the Klamath and Lake Counties Food bank, and you can drop off toys for the Toys for Tots program. The 90-foot Kingsley field mural will be celebrated too, since it received a facelift largely funded by donors this year. There will be snacks and beverages available during the open house tomorrow from 4 to 7 at 205 Riverside Drive..

Chamber is looking for nominations

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is looking to recognize those in the community who have made a difference this year. Maybe it's a business that exceptional service and community support. Or an individual who has dedicated countless hours to service in Klamath County. You can nominate now, and recognition will be passed out at the 90th Annual Awards Gala in January. Visit http://klamath.org for more.

Get those flu shots

The new year will be here before we know it, and state officials are reminding parents that now is the time to make sure kids' vaccination records are complete. State law requires that all children in public and private schools, preschools, Head Start and certified child care facilities have up-to-date immunizations, or have a religious or medical exemption. Children will not be able to attend school or child care starting Feb. 16, 2011, if their records on file show missing immunizations.

Mobile restaurants increase in popularity

Mobile restaurants are becoming increasingly popular, and some of them are hoping to obtain an Oregon liquor license to open up their businesses a whole new market. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has received a few applications so far, but before these restaurants on wheels can serve alcohol, they must prove to state and city regulators they can serve alcohol without harming their neighborhoods. Much of the interest in alcohol permits for food carts comes from Portland. But Dylan Goldsmith, owner of St. Helens-based Captured by Porches, plans to be the first true test for permanently licensing alcohol sales from food carts in the state. He's waiting on word from the Attorney General's office.

Coal from Wyoming to China would pass through Oregon

A coalition of conservation groups is challenging a newly-granted permit to build a coal export terminal in the northwestern part of the state. The protesters want the environmental effects to be studied at greater lenght. These comments are from Jan (YAN) Hasselman, who is an attorney for Earthjustice.






The developer says the export terminal would create jobs and tax revenue for the state and would include equipment to control the coal dust.

Jobs Picture: About Even, But Some Opporunity

One in three private-sector employers in Oregon expects to hire workers over the next six months, according to results from the first Future Hiring Survey of employers by the Oregon Employment Department. Most do not expect an increase in the size of their staff though. A large majority, 62 percent, said they do not plan to change their total number of employees. The percentage of employers who say they will add and those who say they will cut is about even, in the teens.

Business summit today

Over a thousand Oregon business leaders are gathering today to discuss jobs and the economy. It's the 8th Oregon Business Plan Leadership Summit and will include sessions on regional economic strategies. Governor Kulongoski is part of the event, along with state senators and the president of Pacific Power.

Citizens for safe schools training mentors

Citizens for Safe Schools will train new mentors this week. The program mentors children in 4th through 8th grades, with about 60 kids in Klamath County currently matched. The waiting list is long, according to outreach and development coordinator Kelly Minty Morris. Mentors range in age from 18 to 80 and no special qualifications are necessary to begin mentoring. Training will be Wednesday from 4 to 6pm at the Citizens for Safe Schools offices on Pine Street. Applications are up at http://citizensforsafeschools.org

Murder update

Larry Cline was found dead in his home a week ago from blunt force trauma to the head, according to the coroner. A nationwide arrest warrant was issued late last week for Anthony Henry Harrison, and he was arrested in Sacramento, California Thursday night and will be extradited back to Klamath Falls. Harrison was in possession of Cline's missing Toyota pickup, and was seen attempting to use Cline's ATM in Klamath Falls after Cline's death. Court dates are pending.

Rooster fighting arrests

Several have been arrested in Jackson County for Rooster fighting. Jackson County sheriff's deputies surrounded a property Saturday just after noon in White City and seven suspects were captured. Two were cited and released, and five were jailed, according to a press release. More arrests are expect. Rooster fighting carries a Class C felony charge.

Risk for ticket scams

With a huge game like a national championship game for the Oregon Ducks, comes the risk of counterfeit tickets. Oregon Attorney General John Kroger says beware of the lure of cheap tickets, and always purchase tickets from a reputable distributor. If you're purchasing on Craigs List, the attorney general advises you to meet the seller face to face and get reliable contact information, and never wire money or give out personal contact information to someone you don't know.

Dish vs. ABC

If you have Dish Network, know that some ABC affiliates are being dropped and that includes KDKF in Klamath Falls. The current contract between Dish Network and ABC expires at midnight this Wednesday. KDKF's parent company says a number of proposals have been rejected by Dish Network and it's expected that KDKF will indeed drop. ABC is requesting a slight increase per subscriber, and a statement from Dish Network calls the request unreasonable.

Oregon's radio system

Oregon is trying to build a system that would put all communications on a single radio system and allow public safety agencies across the state to talk to one another. With the current system, Radios are old and breaking down; they've failed during crisis; and they often don't allow public safety workers to talk to one another in different areas. Gov. Ted Kulongoski made it a top priority to fix the system, and the Oregon Wireless Interoperability Network was supposed to do that. But the project is about two years behind schedule, and the price has soared from $414 million to nearly $600 million. Those behind it are racing now to show progress before the Legislature convenes in January.

Harrison Arrested in California, Charged with Cline Murder

The suspect in the death a week ago of Klamath Falls resident Larry Leroy Cline has been arrested in Sacramento, California. Klamath County District Attorney Edwin Caleb, announced the arrest of Aaron Henry Harrison, who had been officially sought as a person of interest in the case until now. Caleb says when he was arrested, he was in Cline's missing Toyota pickup. Prosecution of the case, which will start with extradition efforts, will begin next week according to Caleb.

Foreclosures Down in Klamath County

Home foreclosure numbers in Oregon decreased during the month of November, according to the latest figures released by Eugene-based Gorilla Capital, the state’s largest purchaser of homes sold at foreclosure auction. Klamath County recorded 43 notices of default in November, a decrease of 27 percent from October. The four largest markets in Oregon outside of the Portland Metro area – Eugene, Medford, Bend and Salem also saw decreases.

Merkley and Other Democrats Push for Tax Cut Alternative

In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a group of Senate Democrats led by Senators Jeff Merkley and Mary Landrieu from Louisiana is pushing for an alternative tax cut agreement that strengthens Social Security rather than providing bonus tax cuts on income over $1 million. In the letter, the Senators highlight the tradeoff between providing bonus tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans on the one hand, and shoring up the Social Security safety net for seniors, on the other hand.

Food Bank sees increase

If November is any indication, Klamath County isn't out of the woods when it comes to economic recovery. The Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank said 120 new families signed up for assistance last month. The number of local households using the food bank has more than doubled in the last three years.

Governor's new commission

Governor Kulongoski has announced a new commission on public safety. It will be led by representatives from all three branches of state government and will take stock of the current public safety system and encourage smart investments with limited dollars. The commission will focus on keeping communities safe and criminals accountable, and develop a system that is smart and fair, according to a press release.

Follow up on Pre K funding cuts

Although most pre-Kindergarten programs in the nation have survived budget cuts, according to a new report from the Pew Center on the States, Oregon is a different story. a funding cut of 9.2 percent, or just over $5 million is project for the coming year.

Marci Young is the Pre-K Now campaign director for the Pew Center on the States.






As it is, she says Pre K enrollment will drop in the coming year and about 600 kids will be without high quality Pre K programs.

Pre K programs suffer

The economy has taken its toll on many state-funded services, although most pre-Kindergarten programs have been spared, according to a new report from the Pew Center on the States. Here in Oregon though, that's not the case, with a funding cut of 9.2 percent, or just over $5 million, for the coming year. Marci Young is the Pre-K Now campaign director.






Young says pre-K programs are really programs that the state can't afford to leave behind.

More Snowflake events

Hundreds turned out for last night’s Snowflake parade, and there is still more holiday activity this weekend. The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce invites you to be part of Snowflake Family Night tonight from 4 to 8:30pm, and that will include an Open House with Santa.

Development in the Cline murder case

According to Klamath County Distric Attorney Edwin Caleb, an arrest warrant has been issued for Aaron Henry Harrison in connection with the death of Larry Cline. Cline was found dead in his home last Sunday. Authorities discovered via bank surveillance that Harrison attempted to use Cline's ATM card in Klamath Falls, leading police to issue a nationwide arrest warrant. Anyone with information on Harrison's whereabouts should contact authorities.

Crab season about to begin

While the Dungeness crab season is getting off to a late start, Nick Furman of the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission does not foresee any more delays. Fishermen along the coast are expected to cast their nets tomorrow and bring them up for the first time Sunday. A press release yesterday from the State Dept of Agriculture noted that the crab industry has been certified sustainable, which the Department of Agriculture says should help sales even more. It's a 45 million dollar annual industry.

Stop the Hurt Coalition to benefit

The Rip Riders have nominated the Klamath Stop the Hurt Coalition as the beneficiary of its 4th annual Summer Fun Run and Festival. The 2011 Festival will include live music, vendors, and lots of entertainment, plus a poker fun for motocycle enthusiasts. The dates for the event are July 8th through 10th of 2011. The Rip City Riders have raised over 30 thousand dollars for local charities in Klamath County over the past three years.

Oregon's health report

Could be better, could be worse. Oregon is the 15th healthiest state in the latest report issued by the United Health Foundation. The report says Oregon has a low rate of obesity, low air pollution, and fewer instances of hospitalization for preventable medical problems. Another positive, the crime rate has decreased in the past five years. Still, Oregon is less healthy than last year with the state was 13th healthiest. Fifteenth this year.

Snowflake parade tonight

The 2010 Snowflake Parade sponsored by Wal-Mart of Klamath Falls is set for tonight at 7. If you want to line the parade route it begins at Spring Street, travels down Main Street, and ends at Veteran’s Park. Many floats are expected to have Christmas lights, there will be marching bands, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance. There are over 100 entries in all. Also, many of the nearby shops will be open after the parade.

Snowflake events

Tonight at 7 it's the Snowflake Parade, and just ahead of that at 6:45 it's the Snowflake Mile. Registration packets are available for that at Ponderosa Junior High from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce also invites you to be part of Snowflake Family Night tomorrow from 4 to 8:30pm, and that will include an Open House with Santa.

Autopsy: Cline Died of Blow to the Head

The autopsy on Larry Leroy Cline, whose body was found in a Klamath Falls home Sunday, confirmed suspicions that his death is a homicide. According to a release from District Attorney Edwin Caleb, the autopsy showed Cline died of blunt force trauma, which caused a subdural hematoma. In other words, a blow to the head with a blunt object, which caused bleeding inside his skull. Investigators say there were several other severe injuries to his body. As of mid-day, authorities were still looking to speak with Aaron Henry Harrison, an acquaintance of Cline's. They say he is not currently a suspect in the case.

Man Arrested on Charges from Nov. 17 Shooting

Authorities have booked a man into the Klamath County Jail who is charged in a shooting incident that happened about three weeks ago. Jail officials said this morning that Miguel Angel Barajas is accused of shooting Jose de Jesus Covarubias Nov. 17th. He is being held on one-quarter million dollars bond, charged with on first and second-degree assault charges and unlawful use of a weapon.

What's the name

The 2010 Klamath Falls Snowflake Parade gets underway tomorrow evening at 7pm. One playful character that many will be looking for is the Gems new mascot. A campaign to select a name for the mascot is ending today, and the name will be revealed at the parade. The top three choices now are Tater, Spudsy, and Gemmsy.

Snowflake Parade Thursday night

The 2010 Snowflake Parade sponsored by Wal-Mart of Klamath Falls is set for tomorrow evening at 7. If you want to line the parade route it begins at Spring Street, travels down Main Street, and ends at Veteran’s Park. Many floats are expected to have Christmas lights, there will be marching bands, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance. There are over 100 entries in all. Also, many of the nearby shops will be open after the parade.

Healthcare presentation tonight

Cascades East Family Medicine Residency is hosting a presentation called "The Future of Primary Care in the State of Oregon" tonight. John Saultz, chair of the Oregon Health Sciences University Department of Family Medicine, will give the presentation at 5:30 p.m. at Sky Lakes Medical Center's Health Education Center. It's free and open to the public.

VFW has financial concerns

VFW Post 1383 in Klamath Falls says its in danger of having to fold. World War II and Korean War veterans are aging and becoming less active, while younger vets from Iraq and Afghanistan show little interest in joining. Earlier this month, local VFW leaders publicly asked for donations to help keep the organization going. The VFW has to pay utilities and insurance on its downtown Klamath Falls facility, and just doesn't have the money coming in right now.

Unique pagaent today

A unique pagaent will be held this Thursday at Mazama High School's special needs class. It's organized by Henley High School student Olivia Lopez, who has been in the Kids in the Middle Mentoring program for about a year. Kelly Minty Morris with Citizens for Safe Schools says the program is positive all around.






Miss Mazama Goals pagaent for special needs students happens at 10:30 this morning.

Police Look for Cline's Pickup, Friend

Local authorities say they are still looking for the vehicle missing from the house of a man they believe was murdered. Larry Leroy Cline’s missing vehicle is a white 1996 Toyota Tacoma pickup with Oregon license plate 324 ASX. Prosecutors said in a release this morning that police are also trying to find Aaron Henry Harrison, an acquaintance of Cline's. They do not consider Harrison a suspect in the crime at this time.

Medford Based Developer Fined by DEQ on Local Subdivision

The Oregon DEQ has fined the developer of a Klamath Falls subdivision. In an announcement today the agency said it had fined Brower Inc., based in Medford, for violating its construction stormwater discharge permit at the Partridge Hill subdivision site in Klamath Falls and for submitting false information to DEQ about conditions at the site. The fines total almost $11,000. Brower has a week to appeal the fine.

Autopsy today on Klamath Falls man

Klamath County Sheriff's deputies found the body of 64-year-old Larry Cline Sunday afternoon at his home on Bisbee Street. Klamath County District Attorney Ed Caleb said he could not release many details, but so far the evidence points to murder. An autopsy is being conducted today in Medford to determine the cause of death and to determine how long Cline may have been dead before authorities found him. Estimates are that he died sometime in the past week.

Unique pagaent

A unique pagaent will be held this Thursday at Mazama High School's special needs class. It's organized by a Henley High School student who has been in the Kids in the Middle Mentoring program for about a year. 15-year old Olivia Lopez, along with the staff at Citizens for Safe Schools will put on the Miss Mazama Goals pagaent for special needs students at 10:30am Thursday.

Oregon MS does well

The Oregon Chapter of the National MS Society says over half a million dollars has been raised in 2010 through 10 MS Walk events in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Over 5 thousand walkers and 460 teams took part on their way to raising 588 thousand dollars.

Kitzhaber adds Saxton to team

Oregon Gov.-elect John Kitzhaber announced yesterday that Ron Saxton, the 2006 Republican nominee for governor, will join one of his transition teams to work on educational issues.

Court no-shows are common

"Failure to appear" is becoming more common in Klamath Falls it seems. The Herald and News reports that budget cuts at the Klamath County sheriff’s office that reduced jail capacity from 152 beds to 64 is part of the problem. It's not uncommon to see now a record with multiple faliure to appear offenses. Some have more than six at one time. Klamath County Circuit Court administrator Val Paulson says multiple charges gets people stuck in the legal system, where they face increased costs.

Help for homeowners

Beginning December 10th, struggling Oregon homeowners can apply online for the state's new Mortgage Payment Assistance program. The program is not first come-first served. All eligible homeowners who apply within the application period will have an equal chance. A certain number in Klamath County will be randomly selected to receive up to 20 thousand dollars in mortgage assistance.

Lisa Joyce is the Manager of Policy and Communication with Oregon Housing and Community Services and tells us why assistance matters in Oregon.






The program will take applications from December 10th through January 14th at www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org.

Officials Release ID of Man in Apparent Homicide

Investigators from the Oregon State Crime Lab were on scene this morning continuing the forensic work surrounding an apparent homicide. The Klamath County Sheriff's office, says in a news release today that 64-year old Larry Leroy Cline is to be autopsied tomorrow in Medford after his body was found yesterday in a home in the 4200 block of Bisbee.

Shovel those sidewalks

And a reminder to shovel those sidewalks in Klamath Falls or pay a fine. City code says you must do it as soon as possible after a snowfall. If it goes too long, the city sends a private snow removal company to shovel or plow the sidewalks, and sends the property owner the bill. Private contractors usually charge $70 an hour and the city tacks on a 25 percent administrative fee.

Bisbee Street murder

Klamath County Sheriff's deputies found the body of a 64-year-old man yesterday afternoon at his home on Bisbee Street. Klamath County District Attorney Ed Caleb said he could not yet officially list the incident as a homicide, but so far the evidence points to murder. Evidence indicated the man died some time within the past week. Authorities are coming over the house today for more clues.

Theros honored

A Klamath Falls City School board member has been elected to serve as secretary/treasurer of the Oregon School Boards Association. The term for Lori Theros will begin January 1st. Theros was also honored at the November convention with a bronze board leadership. The award represents a strong level of achievement in board leadership and development.

Commissioners to hold regular meeting

The Klamath County board of commissioners will meet tomorrow, and on the agenda the pending approval of a new liquor license for Wubba's BBQ Shack. There is also expected to be an appointment to the Mental Health Advisory Board and an appointment to the Roads Advisory Committe.

Crab is coming

It appears crabbers in the state are still in port waiting on one last test to make sure the dungeness crab meat is just right. Nick Furman, director of the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission says his guess is we could see some harvest this week, but probably not until next week. He adds, it will be well in advance of the Christmas holidays. Last year, 23 million crabs were caught off the Oregon Coast and netted $45 million.

Ducks win

The Oregon Ducks are 12 and 0 and will play for a national championship. Mark Asper and Jordan Holmes shared their thoughts with CBS Sports after Saturday's win over Oregon State.






The Ducks will play Auburn January 10th in Glendale, Arizona.

Amtrak Docent Volunteers Sought

The Klamath County Museum is seeking volunteers interested in serving as volunteer docents on the Amtrak route between Klamath Falls and Eugene. Those who qualify for the program will serve as scenic interpreters as the train passes across the Upper Klamath Basin and through the Cascade Mountain range. An informational meeting on the Amtrak program will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, 2010, at the Klamath County Museum, 1451 Main St.

Food Meeting Set for Tuesday

The recent closing of Nightfire Natural Foods has precipitated a discussion about local food, local businesses and co-ops. A number of people have expressed interest in gathering to discuss these topics. In response, a meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday at 6:30pm at the Klamath County Library. This will be an opportunity to discuss these issues and to share ideas about how the Klamath Community might strengthen and support its local businesses and farmers.

Civil War Game Includes Food Benefit

In the home county of the Beavers, one in three residents is eligible for emergency food assistance...although the proceeds from this "Civil War Food Battle" will benefit every corner of the state, according to Dawn Woodward with Food for Lane County in Eugene.






Woodward says the U of O is a major contributor of canned goods and volunteers throughout the year, and also shares its surplus prepared foods from cafeterias with the local Food Bank.

Cricle K robbery investigated

Klamath Falls police are still investigating the armed robbery of the Circle K at 2123 Oregon Avenue early yesterday. According to clerks at the store, the lone robber had a handgun and demanded the money in the register. Responding officers and sheriff's deputies found the man, identified by police as 19-year old Stoney Drake Bergeron, a few blocks away with the help of a K9 unit. He was booked into the Klamath county jail on a First-Degree robbery charge and held in lieu of 100 thousand dollars bail.

Museum is looking for Amtrak volunteers

The Klamath County Museum is looking for volunteers for an Amtrak program that runs between Klamath Falls and Eugene. If you qualify for the program you'll serve as a scenic interpreter as the train passes across the Upper Klamath Basin and through the Cascade Mountain range. An informational meeting will be held Monday night December 6th at the Klamath County Museum.

Crab price set

Dungeness crab season just opened Wednesday, and for a time it appeared there would be delays with some last minute negotiations to set the price for the season. But late Wednesday the Oregon Department of Agricultrure announced the price for this year's crab meat will be 1.65 per pound. If crabbers wait to cast their nets until December 12th, the price will rise to 1.67 and a half per pound. Early signs are, it will be a good crab season for Oregon.

Museum needs funding

The Klamath County Museum needs to find alternative funding, or face the possibility of cuts to programs and staff. As reported by the Herald and News, the museum only has enough money currently to last though July, and at that point alternative funding solutions will be necessary. Funding comes from a variety of sources, including a percentage of hotel occupancy taxes, admission and gift shop sales, fundraisers and grants. With the recession, some of the funding sources have declined. Klamath County commissioners also quit supporting the museum through its general fund, cutting tens of thousands of dollars from its budget.

How does your income compare?

Ever wonder how your income compares to others around the country? A new study by the Oregon Employment Division shows a growing gap between per capita personal income in Oregon and the rest of the nation.

State employment economist Nick Beleiciks






That's a 3500 to 3600 dollar gap, which Beleiciks says has been growing since 1980. With the fast-growing population there is a higher unemployment rate. But if Oregon isn't known for high incomes, at least it can be known for its good quality of life.

Crab Price Agreement Reached

Oregon Dungeness crab fishermen and seafood processor representatives participating in state-supervised crab price negotiations have agreed on an opening price for the 2010/2011 Dungeness crab season along the Oregon coast. The price for crab is $1.65 per pound effective immediately, but could go up by half a penny if fishing fleets wait until December 12th. Officials say fresh crab should start showing up at retail seafood counters around the state in plenty of time for the upcoming holidays.

Robber Arrested a Few Blocks from the Scene

Klamath Falls police are investigating the armed robbery of the Circle K at 2123 Oregon Avenue early this morning. According to clerks at the store, the lone robber brandished a handgun and demanded the money in the register. Responding officers and sheriff's deputies found the man, identified by police as 19-year old Stoney Drake Bergeron, a few blocks away. He was booked into the Klamath county jail on a First-Degree robbery charge.

Gerber Lake Health Advisory Lifted

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Gerber Reservoir, located 42 miles east of Klamath Falls, was lifted today by Oregon Public Health Division and Klamath County Health Department officials. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. Due to the arrival of cold weather, ice is currently covering Gerber Reservoir, preventing exposure to any remaining blue-green algae. Therefore, Oregon Public Health is lifting the advisory.

1249th Engineer Battalion to Deploy Friday

Soldiers from the Oregon Army National Guard's 1249th Engineer Battalion, which includes about 175 soldiers from across Oregon, are preparing to deploy to Afghanistan. The unit's primary mission will be providing command and control operations in support of Task Force Gridley. The battalion will include approximately 850 Soldiers from other units throughout the country. A deployment ceremony is this Friday in Salem.

Moyina Heights Water Service Outage Thursday Morning

If you live in Moyina Heights, you'll be experiencing a water service outage tomorrow. The City will be shutting down the water system for the entire Moyina Heights area -- that part of town east of Patterson -- from about 9am to noon tomorrow. The shutdown tomorrow morning is necessary so the city can perform maintenance on the water system.

Recession;s affect on Klamath families

As we know, the recession hasn't been kind to many families. Those who were struggling before inched closer to the federal poverty line, which is at $22,050 a year for a family of four. During the past few years, the number of people who qualified for food stamps in Klamath and Lake counties under the state's Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program has increased. In October 2010, 7,145 households - about 15,375 individuals - were on food stamps. That's up by about a thousand households and fifteen hundred individuals from a year earlier.

Long Lake not feasible for water storage

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Basin Area Office has released its final appraisal of the off-stream water storage project. Results say Long Lake is not a feasible option. The goal of the study was to find an area that could store water to be used in dry years. The study findings indicated that the return on investment would be extremely low at Long Lake and does not warrant further study. The project cost was estimated between $550 million and $2.3 billion.

Deadline to enter parade floats

If you'd like to be part of this year's Christmas parade in Klamath Falls, today it the application deadline. The 201 Snowflake Parade sponsored by Walmart of Klamath Falls will take place December 9th, and is expected to feature 100 floats and include Santa and Mrs. Claus. The parade route will begin at Spring Street and travel down Main, ending at Veteran's park. To enter your float, contact the Klamath County Chamber office today.

Citizens for Public Safety meetings

Two meetings are scheduled for tonight for Citizens for Public Safety committees. You can still become involved and provide input as public opinions are provided to local officials. The Emergency Management subcommittee meets tonight at 6pm inthe South Portal Building. The Law Enforcement subcommittee meets at 5:15 at DHS. If you'd like to share your thoughts via email, just send a note to publicsafety@klamath.org.

Air quality

Air quality dropped to unhealthy levels yesterday in portions of California and Oregon. Levels reported in southern Oregon yesterday stayed between moderate and unhealthy for the sensitive. It was a code yellow action day in Klamath Falls, but as of 8 o' clock last night everything seems to have cleared up and the levels are back to good.

Holiday weekend police review

Oregon State Police say they responded to 300 accidents over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Icy roads do appear to be a factor.

Oregon State Police Lt. Greg Hastings






We mentioned yesterday there were three DUII arrests in Klamath Falls over the holiday.