Local farm makes use of solar energy

Walker Brothers farms in the Klamath Basin produces potatoes, and they've gained attention lately for their use of solar energy in the process. Solar panels help power irrigation, and they help cool potatoes. When they're not doing that, they help feed energy back into the grid. The farm sells about half of its crop to Frito Lay.

Man gets prison time for probation violation

25-year old Jaron James Riddle has been sentenced to 56 months in prison for a probation violation. Riddle was on probation for unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm. He violated his probation by failing to report, changing residences without permission, driving under the influence, and missing a court appearance.

Governor signs education bills

Governor Kitzhaber has signed several education bills into law, including one that shifts the way kids are educated from a time-based approach, in which a teacher covers a certain amount of material within a given amount time, regardless of whether students have mastered it, to one where students can work at their own pace, moving on if they master it quickly, or taking more time to fully grasp it.

Cold May puts farmers behind

May has been a cold month, with the average high temperature 60.7 degrees. That's seven degrees below average for Klamath Falls. The normal average low is 38, and our average has been at 32 for the month. That has impacted Oregon's onion and potato farmers, who are two to three weeks behind schedule.

Body found, police are investigating

The body of a white male in his 30s was recovered from Upper Klamath Lake Sunday evening, after a fisherman saw the body floating in the water. Police recovered the body a few hours later when they located it floating near Marina No. 2 at Moore Park. Police say the body had probably been in the water at least a few days. There were no obvious signs of foul play. The investigation is ongoing.

Fundraising dinner set for Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair

The Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair is looking for ways to survive. The fair is facing the loss of about $273,000 in state funding, and they'll hold a fundraising dinner July 9 at the fairgrounds main exhibit building in Tulelake. A recommendation by Gov. Jerry Brown to eliminate state funding for fairs was approved by the California legislature. That's about 40 percent of the fair's operating budget.

Man sentenced for stolen vehicle

Klamath County Circuit Court Judge Roxanne Osborne sentenced 31-year old Christopher Nicholas Womack last week to 30 months in prison for Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. The vehicle was stolen from Erie Street in Klamath Falls back in March. The defendant has prior convictions for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, DUII, Possession of Stolen Property, and Attempt to Elude.

Teachers union to vote on furlough days

The last day of school is always something to look forward to for students, but the date this year is elusive. The teacher's union will vote today to either add four days which were originally planned furlough days, or end the school year as previously scheduled on June 10. Superintendent Paul Hillyer hopes teachers vote to keep the furlough days, which would save the district $180,000.

Purple Parrot robber sentenced

38-year old Leonard Raymond Taylor has been sentenced to to 100 months in prison for the crimes of Robbery in the second degree and Attempted Robbery in the first degree for crimes committed back in February. The February 5th robbery occurred at the Purple Parrot where the defendant made threats and displayed a knife. Then on February 8th he brandished a handgun at the Two Doors Lodge. Taylor has a prior conviction for Robbery and firearms charges.

State Police target poachers

State police are doing their best to crack down on poachers. 47-year old Michael Peterson was recently convicted of unlawfully taking a bull elk in northeast Oregon. In 2009, the Oregon Legislature passed a bill enhancing civil damages for the unlawful taking or killing of wildlife including a $15,000 fine for any elk with at least six points on one antler. Another man, Jorey Peterson also recently pleaded guilty to poaching charges in Umatilla County.

Officials still concerned over horse virus

A deadly and highly contagious horse virus has infected 34 horses so far and has officials from Utah to Oregon, and even into Canada concerned. Miss Rodeo in Idaho wasn't on a horse in a parade over the weekend due to concerns about equine herpes Virus-1. About a thousand animals are known to have been exposed after a cutting horse competition in Ogen, Utah earlier this month.

Local man back in jail on parole violations

Parolee Joseph Brandon Guyette is back in jail after a routine traffic stop last week. An officer discovered several old parole violations, including kidnapping, fourth-degree assault, and possession of methamphetamines. He is also charged with nine counts of failing to appear for charges of manufacture of methamphetamines, possession of methamphetamines, delivery of methamphetamines, felon in possession of a weapon, first-degree theft, and four counts of failure to appear.

Two Oregon cases of contagious horse virus discovered

Several states are concerned about the spread of a potentially fatal horse virus traced back to a cutting horse show in Utah. It's a highly contagious equine herpes virus that has been found now in Umatilla County. Earlier this week a Clackamas County horse tested positive.

Victime identified in train accident

The train/vehicle accident we told you about yesterday happened southeast of Tulelake, and the victim has been identified. Alma Vidrio was killed when her car was struck by a train on County Road 104. She was a scholar athlete and a 2010 graduate of Tulelake High School. She had just finished her first year at California State University. The train was bound for Klamath Falls, from California.

OIT scores one run, that's enough

Would you believe Oregon Tech scored their only run of the game in the top of the first inning and went on to win 1-0? It happened yesterday in Gulf Shores, Alabama at the softball national championship. After beating Northwood, OIT now moves on to play Midland (from Nebraska) this afternoon at 3pm local time, or 1pm Pacific.

Museum offers kids a special program Saturday

The Klamath County Museum will have a special program tomorrow about the lives of Klamath Basin children in the pioneer era. Can you imagine all the ways life might have been different for a child in the 1800's compared to today's technology and convenience? The program beings at 10 a.m. and admission is free for children ages 12 and younger. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The museum is at 1451 Main St.

Fourth of July celebation

This year’s Fourth of July parade will start on Main Street at 5 p.m., Monday, the Fourth. Immediately after the parade, The Great Klamath 4th of July Jamboree will continue in Veterans’ Memorial Park. The chamber of commerce promises entertainment, midway style games, food, activities and more, wrapping up with an impressive fireworks display over Lake Euwana.

Train accident kills one

A Burlington Northern Santa Fe train crashed into a vehicle yesterday near the Oregon/California border. The woman in her late teens who was driving the vehicle was killed. The train was headed to Klamath Falls from California. An investigation has been launched.

State unemployment rate drops

Good news as Oregon’s unemployment rate fell to 9.6-percent in April. It’s the first single-digit jobless figure announced in more than two years.The Oregon employment department says the seasonally adjusted jobless rate fell to 9.6 percent in April, the lowest rate since 9.2 percent in December 2008.In April, the state added 1600 jobs after a net loss of 2,000 jobs in March.

Man to die by lethal injection

A judge has ordered the first execution in Oregon in 14 years. 49-year old Gary Haugen is a twice-convicted killer, and has been ordered to die by lethal injection August 16 at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem. Haugen and another prisoner were sentenced to death in 2007 for the murder four years earlier of David Polin, a fellow inmate who suffered 84 stab wounds and a crushed skull.

Applebees helps KCC

A Klamath Community College student business club is sending five members to the National Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL in June. Ten members of Phi Beta Lambda were part of a student leadership conference in April, and all ten qualified for the national competition. Fundraising efforts are underway and include an all-you-can-eat breakfast at Applebee’s restaurant Saturday, June 4. Applebee’s, which normally does not serve breakfast, is opening at 8:00 a.m. for the event.

The Governor's budget could mean cuts for Extension Service

Gov. John Kitzhaber's budget proposes cutting OSU Extension Service funding by 18.8 percent statewide. This comes after 14 percent in the last biennium. OSU told legislators they could avoid closing research stations and community offices if they kept the cut around 8 percent. The Herald and News says if the state funding proposal goes through, Klamath County would have to cut services and people.

Car breakins are up

We've been mentioning that car breakins are on the rise in Klamath County. Acutally, the number of reports for car break-ins and stolen vehicles between March 27 and May 14 was double what it was during the same period in 2010. Many of the crimes were committed on unlocked vehicles, and with valuables in plain site.

Time to register for summer camping

"Let's Go Camping," is a state parks campaign that will be offered on nine weekends this summer. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department staff and volunteers will present the 2011 overnight camping series for beginners in two-night programs at four parks and one-night sessions at nine others. We'll post the dates and registration information on our website.

Dates and locations of the two-night programs are:

* June 17-19 at South Beach and Umpqua Lighthouse state parks;
* June 24-26 at Farewell Bend State Park
* July 22-24 at Cascadia State Park.

The one-night experiences are scheduled on:

* July 9-10 at LaPine and Memaloose state parks;
* July 16-17 at Silver Falls and Stub Stewart state parks;
* July 30-31 at The Cove Palisades State Park;
* Aug. 6-7 at Valley of the Rogue and Wallowa Lake state parks;
* Aug. 13-14 at Milo McIver State Park;
* Aug. 20-21 at Champoeg State Heritage Area and Silver Falls State Park.

People can now register for any of the sessions by calling 1-888-953-7677. The cost of a weekend is $20 per family.

Klamath County reports scam victims

The Oregon State Police Criminal Investigations Division is asking for the public's help regarding a multi-county investigation in southern Oregon related to door-to-door solicitations to seal residential asphalt and driveways. Klamath and Jackson counties are among those targeted by a father/son team provide low cost repair quotes, then complete the work and increase the price. One initial quote was $100, and they got $1300. State police have suspects in mind, but need information from more victims.

Detective Dennis Yaws
Oregon State Police - Klamath Falls
Office: 541-883-5713 ext. 321

Ruby Pipeline work continues

Work has been increasing on the Ruby Pipeline since mid-April. There are about 500 workers constructing a section of pipeline from Northwest Nevada to Lakeview alone. Nevada had to pause for about six weeks during the sage grouse breeding season, to comply with the endangered species act. But everyone is back at work now and the pipeline is expected to be active in August.

Driver cited after Highway 97 wreck

Three occupants of a commercial truck were uninjured Tuesday morning after crashing into several trees along Highway 97 in the Crescent area. State police say a commercial truck pulling an empty livestock trailer driven by a Minnesota man was southbound on Highway 97 near milepost 186. The truck drifted across the northbound lane and off the highway where it struck several trees. Driver fatigue is a possible factor, and the driver was cited for Careless Driving.

Man has heart attack at State Capitol

A 69-year old man died Tuesday morning following an apparent heart attack near the Oregon State Capitol steps. Officers there heard a woman yell that someone had fallen on the sidewalk, and when they got to the man he had no pulse. They attempted to revive him, but could not. He was pushing a display cart to the State Capitol to set up a rock exhibit display when he suffered an apparent heart attack.

Election results are in

The museum levy has passed by nearly a 60 to 40 margin, meaning the Klamath County museum will receive the funds it needs to stay open past September. It was a much closer vote for the jail's local option tax, but it appears that has failed by less than 200 votes. Klamath Falls City Schools board incumbent Jon Hicks lost to Mark Halverson, with Halverson taking 66 percent of the vote.
A Lake County library bond measure failed, with 755 votes in favor and 1,282 opposed.

Snowpack above average

There has been no shortage of snow this winter, and much of it is still on the ground. There is 121 inches on the ground at Crater Lake National Park, which is well above the normal total of 78 for this week. The accumulated snowfall for the year is more than 640 inches, or 130 inches above average for this time of year. There is more snow forecast this week and the area could see another 14 inches this season.

KCC offers Japanese art exhibit

Klamath Community College has an exhibit of traditional Japanese art currently on display on campus in room 411. The exhibit is on loan from the Schneider Museum of Art at Southern Oregon University. It's open Monday Friday, from 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. On Thursday, May 26, at 11:00 a.m., retired Rogue Community College professor Walt Padgett will give a one hour lecture on the Japanese woodblock prints.

KCC credits may transfer more easily

The Transfer Bill of Rights passed the state Senate. This clears the way for Klamath Community College students to make a more seemless transition from KCC to a four-year institution. The measure requires Joint Boards of Education to develop new standards for applying credits earned at community colleges, to baccalaureate degrees at other colleges within the state. It also calls for development of admissions standards for students with associate transfer degrees.

Online business possible Friday, most state offices closed

A reminder about this Friday's furlough day, when 26,500 state workers will take the day off to save the state $2 million in personnel costs. The DMV is one of the offices that will be closed, but you'll still be able to do business online. Many other state agency transactions may be available on websites. Essential employees like state police and certain hospital workers will stay on the job. Many ODOT workers will stay on the job Friday too.

Lakeview grocery store gets new owners

Stewart's Marketeria in downtown Lakeview is under new ownership. The store was owned two generations of the Stewart family for the last 40 years, and was sold last month to Tim and Marie Tucker last month. The couple also owns Lakeview's Subway franchise. So far the changes at the grocery store include new signs to make aisles more clear for shoppers.

Law enforcement cracks down on DUII

Governor Kitzhaber has proclaimed May "Transportation Safety Awareness Month" and that means several traffic safety enforcement efforts are happening. There were 6 DUII arrests in Portaland last Thursday night as part of the effort. Just know you could see an increased crackdown, and drive safely.

Speeder cited for breaking 100 mph

A speeder was cited for going over 100 mph hour Saturday on Interstate 5. The speed limit was 65, but 22-year old Charles McNair of Mississippi was clocked at 105 near Ashland. McNair was cited for Careless Driving and Violation of the speed limit. Convictions for driving over 100 mph carry a mandatory minimum 30 to 90 day suspension plus an $1148 fine. The fact that McNair was in a work zone will add to his penalties.

Oregon gets funds to help National Guard

Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden have announced the state will receive $1.83 million to fund the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program for the Oregon National Guard for the next 12 months. The program helps Guard members and their families gain access to physical and mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and marriage and financial counseling. There is also help finding jobs. Oregon was one of just eight states to receive additional funding.

Dutch Brothers donates big

Dutch Brothers Coffee stores have donated $137,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association after a company-wide fundraising day. The Dutch Brothers co-founder, Dane Boersma was diagnosed with ALS in 2005 and passed a way in 2009. They donated $110,000 to that cause last year, and held this year's event in Boersma's honor.

Crescent to see some improvements

A project in the Crescent area on US 97 is expected to begin soon. That will add sidewalks and landscaped strips in Crescent and improve stormwater drainage. They'll also construct a southbound right turn, deceleration lane at the Crescent Cutoff Road. A two and a hlaf mile section of 97 will also be repaved. Work will begin after Memorial Day.

Looking to get involved in the 4th of July celebration?

You can nominate someone to serve as Grand Marshal for this year's 4th of July Parade. You can send nominations to inquiry@klamath.org between now and Wednesday. Parade entries are also being accepted at the same email address. The parade is scheduled for Monday July 4th at 5pm. Events continue after the parade at Veteran's Memorial Park.

Local doctor honored

The Oregon Academy of Family Physicians has recognized a Klamath Falls doctor. Dr. Jim Calvert was given the Academy's yearly award for outstanding work. Calvert's colleagues, patients and resident physicians wrote letters to the academy nominating him for the award. Calvert works with HIV patients and cares for young mothers at a rural clinic. He also founded Cascades East.

State sees shortage of school nurses

Today is School Nurse's Day. In Oregon, the ratio of students to school nurses is one of the highest in the nation. Paula Peterson has been a school nurse in the state for 22 years. Some advice?






Legislation passed last year is supposed to help ease the nurse to student shortage, with a goal of one nurse to 750 students by 2020.

Good deals available in the housing market

Realtors told the Herald and News foreclosures make up more than a third of the Klamath Basin housing market, even three years removed from the time the housing bubble burst. Foreclosures have driven down prices by about twenty percent. Some amazing deals can be made since nterest rates are low, and affordable homes are on the market. A $150,000 home can be snatched up for $100,000.

Early voting sees good turnout

If early voting is any indication, there will be a good turnout at next Tuesday's election. More than 8,000 county voters have already returned their ballots to the Klamath County Clerk's office. That's roughly 24.6 percent of the county's voting population and a big jump from the past two May elections. Analysts say the pair of levies on the ballot are driving voters to the polls.

Rita Chretien continues to improve

Rita Chretien continues to get better. She's the woman found alive in her vehicle in a remote spot in Nevada last Friday, after being missing since late March. She lost twenty or thirty pounds during the ordeal, surviving on water and small amounts of trail mix. She had a dinner of salmon, rice and green beans Monday night and a breakfast burrito with homemade salsa Tuesday. The hospital in Idaho hasn't said when she'll be discharged. Her husband Albert is still missing.

Inmate ends appeals

When death row inmate Gary Haugen waives the rest of his appeals, it will likely clear the way for Oregon’s first execution in 14 years. Haugen and another inmate were sentenced to death for a killing behind prison walls in 2003. Haugen has a hearing scheduled for Friday. He has asked the execution process be started immediately.

Former salon worker arrested for giving free services

A Klamath Falls woman has been arrested and accused of giving free services to friends at the salon where she worked from 2006 to 2010. 31-year old Danielle Noreen Tester reportedly made sure she was the one ringing up her friends to be sure they weren't charged. District Attorney Ed Caleb says the charges totaled $27,000.

Man hospitalized after stabbing

An 18-year-old man is still in critical condition at Sky Lakes Medical Center after being stabbed at a party in Dorris Saturday night. The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department arrested 18-year old Jorge Valasquez, of Selma, Calif., and charged him with the attempted murder of Eduardo Rojas. Valasquez is being held without bail in the Siskiyou County Jail.

Know a great volunteer? Nominate them.

Nominations are being accepted now for the 2011 Oregon Governor's Volunteer Awards. Volunteers who create positive change will be recognized in categories including youth volunteer for those under 18, adult volunteer, outstanding volunteer program, and business volunteer program. Nominations are due June 13th, and the information is at Wells Fargo bank branches, as well as www.oregonvolunteers.org/events/gva.

Trails council to meet Friday in Klamath Falls

The Oregon Recreation Trails Advisory Council will meet in Klamath Falls this Friday to review and discuss local, non-motorized trail plans. The meeting will take place at the Discover Klamath Office, at 205 Riverside Dr from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The council will invite public comments at 9:30 a.m. Tours of local trail projects are scheduled for the council on May 14.

Scholarships offered in construction industry

The Klamath and Lake Counties Home Builders Association is offering Klamath and Lake County students interested in pursuing a construction related degree the chance to apply for two $750 scholarships for the 2012/2013 school year. All the information is at www.kbhba.org.

Juveniles won't go to adult jails anymore

Right now, youth charged as adults in Oregon are kept in adult jails while awaiting trial, then if convicted they go to juvenile facilities. A new bill sitting on the Governor's desk will make sure kids are held in juvenile facilities while awaiting trial. Shannon Widght with the Partnership for Safety and Justice, the group that requested the bill...






The bill didn't face much opposition, but did raise some concerns about costs.

Highway 242 must wait on mother nature

State Highway 242 is still closed because of 30-foot snowdrifts. ODOT says McKenzie Pass won't reopen anytime soon, and we'll have to wait for the snow to melt. The road closed last October, which was one of the earliest closures on record. The road opened for the season last year on June 30th, and officials don't have a date this year but it could be longer.

And the winner is...

Congratulations to Kelsie Flynn of Lakeview and Aleysa Neverov of Tulelake. They're the new Miss Klamath County and Miss City of Sunshine respectively. The two were crowned Saturday night following the pageant at the Ross Ragland Theater. Thousands of dollars in scholarship money and many other prizes come with the crown. About 550 people attended.

State Highway 242 closed because of snow drifts

State Highway 242 is still closed because of 30-foot snowdrifts. ODOT says McKenzie Pass won't reopen anytime soon, and we'll have to wait for the snow to melt. The road closed last October, which was one of the earliest closures on record. The road opened for the season last year on June 30th, and officials don't have a date this year but it could be longer.

Man sentenced after Walmart theft

District Attorney Ed Caleb says 23-year old Stephen Leo Miller has been sentenced to 13 months in prison for first degree theft. This stems from an incident at Walmart last December where Miller took electronics and other items from Walmart, valued at over $1000.

Furlough Day later this month

The state's next unpaid furlough day is coming up May 20th. That means state offices will be closed, except for essential services. This is one of ten furlough days during the current two-year budget period. Each day of closure will save the state approximately $2 million in personnel costs.

ODOT works on Crater Lake Parkway

ODOT reminds us about a construction project this week that could cause delays. On Oregon Highway 39/Crater Lake Parkway, the Alameda Avenue partial viaduct replacement is happening. Retaining wall construction and sidewalk construction is part of that. Speed limits are 25 mph through the work zone and lanes may be restricted.

Judge will consider motion in Casebeer case today

Defense attorney Shaun McCrea of Eugene represents Konrad Casebeer, who was convicted of murdering Antelmo Temo Herrera Jimenez back in March. McCrea wants to speak with two of the Klamath County jurors that convicted her client of murder, and arguments for and against will be heard in court today. It is expected to be a closed hearing. Casebeer is facing a minimum of 25 years in prison.

Klamath River dams to be removed

The California Public Utilities Commission has endorsed removing four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River. This also means a 2 percent rate increase for customers in California to help pay for removing the dams. Dam removal is a key component of the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement and its related dam removal agreement.

Children's Museum of Klamath Falls needs volunteers

If you'd like to help out at the children's museum, they're looking for floor watchers. It could be once a week, or once a month. They just need someone from 11am to 1pm through the summer months. They're also hosting the girl scouts May 21st and could use some extra help that night.

Trial date set for Wynn regarding February fires

The man accused of setting fire to the county's mental health building in February will start his trial June 30th. The Klamath County DA's Office wanted a mental evaluation for Michael Scott Wynn at the Oregon State Hospital, but Wynn hasn't been sent there yet. Damage to the building and its contents is estimated at $590,000. Wynn also allegedly tried to start a fire at the county's juvenile department facility and allegedly caused damage at Klamath County Community Corrections.

Fourth grade teacher honored

Chris Young was honored this week with the 2010 Outstanding Service Award. Young is a fourth grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, and he paints those colorful mural on buildings downtown. The military community especially likes the picture of 2nd Lt. David R. Kingsley on the wall of the Veterans of Foreign Wars building. Military officials joined young this week as he received his award from the Chamber of Commerce.

Woman arrested on theft charges

24-year old Erica King of Klamath Falls has been arrested several theft charges. Her charges include three counts of first-degree theft, one count of aggravated first-degree theft, five counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment, two counts of first-degree forgery and one count of fraudulent use of a credit card. King is being held in the County jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Eleven teaching positions could be eliminated

Budget cuts are affecting just about every school district. A plan to cut $5.1 million from the Klamath County School District's next budget would eliminate 11 teaching positions, but preserve popular programs like music and drama. The budget was approved Tuesday by the district's budget committee/ There will also be reductions in the district technology fund, cuts in funding for athletics programs and hinges on the hope teachers will accept $1.7 million in concessions through union negotiations.

Jeld-Wen selling land

Jeld-Wen is selling almost 50,000 acres of Klamath Basin ranches, irrigated farmlands, recreation and timberlands worth about $25 million. Sealed bids are due June 30th on the eight properties, all within a 30 to 45 minute drive of Klamath Falls. A Jeld-Wen spokesperson says they are getting rid of surplus assets to focus on door and window manufacturing.

Oregon man arrested after fleeing to South Carolina

22-year old Timothy Joseph Caruthers from Jackson County was arrested last month in South Carolina on 8 counts of Sexual Abuse involving three different female victims. This was the end of a six month investigation, and a tip finally led authorities to South Carolina. Caruthers is awaiting extradition beck to Oregon.

Metal theft ring busted

44-year old Joseph Leroy Cates is one of several people wanted in a Klamath County metal theft investigation, and he was booked into the Klamath County Jail Wednesday. He was charged with racketeering and was released from custody for medical reasons. Cates is the second man to be arrested and charged in the case, which has left at least a dozen victims with at least $120,000 in damage to their property throughout the county and into Northern California.

Klamath Agreements appear to be working

The Klamath Basin Coordinating Council has released the first of what are to be annual reports highlighting its accomplishments since the Klamath agreements were signed in February 2010. In total, 45 organizations have signed the Klamath agreements, designed to create economic stability. Among other things, $1.5 million has been invested from PacifiCorp for coho salmon habitat improvements.

Man arrested for 4th DUII

37-year old Jason Dean Blevins pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of intoxicants, and has been sentenced to 14 months in prison. When he was arrested, a breathalyzer gave a reading of .14, or nearly twice the legal limit. This is Blevins' fourth DUII in the last 10 years, which made the charge a felony and his license is revoked for life.

Spring crime rates rise

As the weather warms up the crime rates rise. Ten burglaries were reported to the sheriff's office last week and are being investigated. That's the most since early April and nearly double the amount reported the week before. Seventeen thefts were reported last week in the county's unincorporated areas - the most since mid-March when the Klamath County Jail opened the B pod, increasing capacity from 64 beds to 116. Nine car break-ins were reported in the city of Klamath Falls last week.

Klamath County gets an F for air quality

A breath of fresh air is hard to come by in Klamath County. A report from the American Lung Association rates the air in Klamath County as some of the dirtiest in Oregon. The county got an "F" grade for particle pollution in the association's annual State of the Air report. Lake, Jackson and Lane counties also received "F" grades for particulate matter. Lane County had the most unhealthy air days, followed by Klamath County.

Chiloquin targets vandalism

Next time you're in downtown Chiloquin you may notice more surveillance cameras. The new cameras are intended to cut down on vandlism to vehicles, buildings, and homes. The cameras were put in undisclosed locations and are monitored by the Klamath County Sheriff's Office. Cost of the system was about $12,000.

Unemployment extension could run out

The Oregon legislature passed a bill in March that extended unemployment benefits. At the time it was thought that 17,000 would qualify. 22,000 qualified, and the first payments went out last week totalling $6 million. That means the entire $30 million outlined in the legislation will be gone as early as May 14th. The Oregon Employment Department is eagerly trying to match those folks with a job now.

Groundbreaking today on Keno water system

Keno is getting a new water system. Groundbreaking ceremonies are today at 1pm on Foley Lane, for the new $2 million system. The project has been in the works for about seven years, and now that construction is beginning it will take about five months to complete. The contractor plans to start work Monday. This will give Keno a completely new water system, replacing the current 40-year old one.

Local man faces burglary, strangulation charges

43-year old Miles Jones has been arresested on burglary, strangulation and assault charges. Klamath County Sheriff's deputies arrested Jones Monday evening and he's being held at the Klamath County Jail in lieu of $80,000 bail.

Blue Cross requests rate increase

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon has requested a 22.1 percent health insurance rate increase. The proposed increase would take effect August 1st and applies to more than 59,000 policy holders with individual plans. The increase does not apply to group plans through employers. The Oregon Insurance Division will hold a public hearing June 2nd in Portland.

City gets loan for wastewater treatment plant

Klamath Falls will enter into a $1 million revolving fund loan agreement with the state to lay the foundation for future loans needed to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant. It's a $40 million project that the loan will hardly dent, but some say it's a good way to get a foot in the door with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

Wyden issues statement on bin Laden death

US Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon says on the death of Osama bin Laden, this can't bring back lives lost in the nine-eleven attacks and other terrorist events, but it can bring a measure of peace to their loved ones. Wyden hopes people in the Middle East continue to push for peace, while al Queda continues on the path of decline.

Merkley issues statement on bin Laden death

On the death of Osama bin Laden, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley says he salutes the President and his team. And this serves as a reminder of the more than 3000 American lives lost on nine-eleven and in other al Queda attacks. This is a milestone, but the offensive continues against terrorism.

Forest warns of soggy roads

The Fremont-Winema National Forest reminds us to refrain from traveling on wet, muddy roads this spring. The ground is saturated, which makes driving difficult and can create the potential for resource damage on roads. Causing damage to forest roads can carry a fine and even jail time.

Some rural areas suffer with slow internet

Large portions of Oregon are at risk of falling behind the times when it comes to fast, broadband internet. A new report by the Center for Rural Strategies says rural communities will be economically hampered without high speed. Lake County is the state's least populous, and they've made getting connected a priority. Marcia Hughes is the owner of Goose Lake Computing in Lakeview.






We also brought you the story about Charter Communications in Klamath Falls, offering a new 60 mbps service, the first of its kind in the area.

Scammers use bin Laden death for cyber crime

Cybercriminals are exploiting Osama bin Laden’s death to trick people into visiting malicious websites. The phrase "Osama bin laden dead" was the most popular phrase entered into search engines Monday, and scammers used that opportunity to luring people to malicious sites. There are also infected messages circulating on Facebook with links to videos and pictures, sometimes leading to bogus ads by legitimate companies. When the ad is clicked, it leads to a malicious site. If a site promises a photo of bin Laden's dead body, it's probably a trick.

KSC meeting tomorrow

The Klamath Sustainable Communities group holds its annual meeting tomorrow night at 6:30 at El Mariachi, 3255 Washburn Way. The group is still looking for more participants in the community garden – and it points out that copies of the “Bag It” film are available to be checked out. That’s the one that shows what using plastic bags is doing to the environment.

Sheriff could get a raise

The budget committee in Klamath County is considering giving raises to Sheriff Tim Evinger and his two lietenants. The three are scheduled to receive $23,209 in raises in the coming fiscal year, which begins July 1. So far Commissioner Al Switzer has voiced his opposition because of the budget climate.

PBS focuses on area salmon

A PBS documentary aired last night and the Columbia River was the focus, specifically the salmon population. The show was an overview of what a fish goes through in its ten thousand mile journey in Northwest rivers in its lifetime. The show also looked at controversial salmon-saving policies.






Jim Norton is the film's writer and producer. He's a river rafting guide, not a filmmaker, who says the film took about six years to make.

Accident kills Ashland man

An accident Friday afternoon on Interstate 5 near Phoenix claimed the life of an Ashland man. 70-year old Robert Edwin Dozier was killed when his vehicle crossed the center median and collided head on with another vehicle. Those occupants were treated for minor injuries, but Dozier was pronounced dead at the scene. Oregon State police are still investigating.

Museum benefits at Applebees Tuesday

If you're headed to Applebees tomorrow to help the Klamath County Children's Museum, you need to take a voucher with you so the museum gets credit. You can get the voucher at www.cmkf.org and we'll also post an email address. The children's museum gets 15% of the proceeds Tuesday at Applebees.

Cmkf711@gmail.com