Project Irrigators "look forward to fair fight" on Upper Klamath Lake elevations and fish populations

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Project Irrigators "look forward to fair fight" on Upper Klamath Lake elevations and fish populations

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Klamath Project irrigators received good news on June 7. Judge Stephen Bushong, who is conducting the judicial phase of the Klamath Basin water rights adjudication, confirmed that the irrigation districts in the Project would be able to put on an evidentiary case opposing water rights claims for high Upper Klamath Lake elevations for the benefit of fish.

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Oregon court continues to uphold Tribal Water Rights

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Oregon court continues to uphold Tribal Water Rights

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, Klamath County Circuit Court Judge pro tem Stephen K. Bushong issued an opinion once again affirming the Klamath Tribes’ water and treaty rights. The Court rejected arguments that a prior ruling had wiped away a prior determination quantifying those water rights.

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Leader Breese-Iverson and Rep. Reschke secure funding for KCC well drilling curriculum

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Leader Breese-Iverson and Rep. Reschke secure funding for KCC well drilling curriculum

 SALEM, OR – Today [December 9, 2022], the Joint Legislative Emergency Board approved $975,000 for Klamath Community College to invest in a water well drilling rig and well drilling curriculum. The current shortage of well constructors in Klamath County is anticipated to worsen with increased training requirements becoming effective on July 1, 2023. 

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Local Lawmakers file suit against Governor Brown

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Local Lawmakers file suit against Governor Brown

On October 16, 2020, attorney James L. Buchal filed a 13-page complaint against Governor Kate Brown alleging that Brown’s emergency orders exceeded her authority granted by the Oregon Constitution.

The complaint identifies the Plaintiffs as Senator Dennis Linthicum (R-Klamath Falls), Representative Mike Nearman (R-Independence), Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls), and Washington County businessman Neil Ruggles.

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Emergency Checks are now available for Oregonians [UPDATE]

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Emergency Checks are now available for Oregonians [UPDATE]

In July, the Oregon Legislature approved a $35 million program to provide financial relief to Oregonians who may have experienced an economic hardship due to COVID-19. Oregon is partnering with the private sector to deliver one-time, $500 emergency relief payments. To qualify you must meet the following criteria:

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Governor Kate Brown Releases Plan for Rebuilding a Safe and Strong Oregon

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Governor Kate Brown Releases Plan for Rebuilding a Safe and Strong Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. - Governor Kate Brown today announced new details of her framework for rebuilding a safe and strong Oregon, including new guidance for counties and businesses on the phased reopening process. The guidance is the product of a robust engagement process with stakeholders, doctors, health experts, business owners, and local officials to chart a path forward while keeping Oregonians healthy and safe.

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Governor asks Oregonians to "Stay at Home" to fight COVID-19 [VIDEO]

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Governor asks Oregonians to "Stay at Home" to fight COVID-19 [VIDEO]

PORTLAND, Ore. - Gov. Kate Brown asks Oregonians to “Stay at Home” to fight COVID-19. Together, with Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury, they ask that Oregonians and businesses to voluntarily stay at home and abide by social distancing measures, or additional orders may be imminent.

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Oregon expands child care benefits to support families and providers during spread of COVID-19

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Oregon expands child care benefits to support families and providers during spread of COVID-19

SALEM, Ore. - To support Oregon’s working families dealing with the spread of COVID-19, Governor Brown directed the Oregon Department of Human Services and the Early Learning Division to make changes to child care benefits.

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Some Oregon vehicle fees will be based on MPG starting in 2020

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Some Oregon vehicle fees will be based on MPG starting in 2020

SALEM, Ore. - New Oregon vehicle registration, title, and trip permit fees will take effect Jan. 1, 2020, as part of “Keep Oregon Moving,” the biggest transportation investment in state history.

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Governor's Council on Wildfire Response reports total costs of wildfires will exceed tens of billions over 20 years

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Governor's Council on Wildfire Response reports total costs of wildfires will exceed tens of billions over 20 years

SALEM, Ore — Today, the Governor's Council on Wildfire Response released its report, predicting the cost of extended wildfire seasons will exceed tens of billions of dollars over the next 20 years. Studies suggest the comprehensive costs of wildfire are, on average, 11 times greater than the immediate costs of firefighting.

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Oregon Minimum Wage increases on July 1

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Oregon Minimum Wage increases on July 1

Oregon’s minimum wage increases on July 1, 2019, but the raises won’t be the same across the state. The minimum wage increases to $12.50 per hour inside the Portland urban growth boundary, $11.00 per hour in nonurban counties, and $11.25 in other areas of the state.

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Silence about infant’s death necessitates an independent investigation

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Silence about infant’s death necessitates an independent investigation

SALEM, Oregon – The safety of Oregon’s children is in peril. The inability of the Department of Human Services’ Child Welfare Program to protect our children is once again underscored by the tragic death of an infant in a day care center.

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Republicans kick off Sunshine Week with calls for Brown to be investigated

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Republicans kick off Sunshine Week with calls for Brown to be investigated

SALEM, Ore.—Sunshine Week—a celebration of transparency in government—comes at an inopportune time for the Brown administration. Republicans are kicking off Sunshine Week with calls for Democrat Gov. Kate Brown to be investigated and claim that her legislative agenda chipping away at public records access paired with a perceived cover-up could be grounds for her resignation.

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Audit of Oregon’s Framework for Regulating Marijuana

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Audit of Oregon’s Framework for Regulating Marijuana

Salem, Ore. — Today, Secretary of State Dennis Richardson released an audit examining how Oregon regulates marijuana, a responsibility shared by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC). Auditors found gaps in the state’s developing regulatory framework that increase the risk of legal marijuana being diverted to the black market and out-of-state. Auditors also found the state must do more to protect public health and improve laboratory testing by considering more robust testing requirements, enhancing oversight, and ensuring labs meet accreditation standards.

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Today is Earned Income Tax Credit Day

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Today is Earned Income Tax Credit Day

Oregonians Can get a Larger Tax Refund with Earned Income Tax Credit - But Many Don't Know This.

The federal Earned Income Tax Credit distributed about $63 billion to 5 million eligible workers and families last year nationwide. The average amount of EITC received was about $2,488 and up to $6,269 if the person filing has qualifying children.

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Election 2018: The Good. The Bad. The Ugly.

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Election 2018: The Good. The Bad. The Ugly.

As of 8:49am (11/7/18) 1.87 million Oregonians, nearly 68% of the eligible voting population voiced their opinion in the mid-term election on Tuesday. Nearly 64% of Klamath County voters (28,519) returned ballots. Key issues and positions are likely responsible for the higher than average turnout - Oregon Governor, grocery tax, abortion funding, recreational pot, and the City of Klamath Falls Council Position Ward 5 to name a few.

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Oregon SOS Audit Uncovers Substantial Risks to PERS Beneficiaries

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Oregon SOS Audit Uncovers Substantial Risks to PERS Beneficiaries

Today [10/17/18], an audit was released by Secretary of State Dennis Richardson that found the Public Employees Retirement System, or PERS, struggles to proactively manage IT resources or projects and is failing to protect its critical Information Technology (IT) systems from a disaster.

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State Search and Rescue Reminds Oregonians to Stay Safe in the Wilderness

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State Search and Rescue Reminds Oregonians to Stay Safe in the Wilderness

Spring is here, and with summer around the corner, more Oregonians and visitors to our state will be out and about enjoying what Oregon has to offer. With that in mind, State Search and Rescue Coordinator, Scott Lucas, would like to remind Oregonians to stay safe. Lucas says the search and rescue community in Oregon stands ready to respond when needed, but with that said, being safe and prepared should always be a priority when getting out to enjoy nature.

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Reschke Provides Statement on State Tuition Assistance for Oregon National Guard

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Reschke Provides Statement on State Tuition Assistance for Oregon National Guard

Klamath Falls News received the following statement from Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Dist. 56) co-sponsor of House Bill 4035 after the Oregon Governors Office announced the signing of the bill into law. HB4035 is also known as the tuition assistance bill for Oregon National Guard Members.

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