Events Coming Up

Freedom Friday is happening this Friday in downtown Klamath Falls! The celebration of America’s 250th birthday isn’t over yet. In place of Third Thursday this month, it’s Freedom Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Stroll Main Street, check out local vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and bring the whole family out for a fun evening downtown.

Beat the heat Saturday morning at the Klamath Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Browse fresh produce, delicious food, handmade crafts, and unique local goods. Plus, kids and adults alike can enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride. It’s one of the best ways to spend a summer morning in the Basin.

 

This Saturday, the Ross Ragland Theater’s Little Sprouts presents Snow White and the Seven Endings—a hilarious twist on the classic fairy tale. Performances are at 2, 3, 5, and 6 p.m., and tickets are just $5. Come out for some family-friendly laughs while supporting these talented young performers at the Ragland.

 

Around the State of Oregon

On July 12, 2026, at about 1302 hours, the Grants Pass Police Department received a report of a female juvenile being struck by water beads as she walked down the street.  This occurred around NE Jackson Street.

As a result of the incident, the female juvenile suffered from numerous injuries to her back.  The injuries were consistent with being struck by the water beads, which are fired from a gel-bead “blaster.”  Store descriptions of the blasters advertise they fire beads at a high velocity that burst when they hit a target

The suspects, all male juveniles, fired the water beads as they drove past the victim.  They fled the scene but were subsequently identified.

This remains an active investigation of a high priority for the Grants Pass Police Department. Due to the age of those involved, no further details will be provided at this time.

Those with information about this incident, or related incidents, are encouraged to call 541-450-6260.

 

 

Four Sentenced After Firearms Investigation Following a Million-Dollar Burglary

The last of four co-defendants was sentenced to federal prison last Friday after burglaries of a home in Coos County, Oregon, and stealing cash, gold, silver coins, and firearms. The following individuals have been sentenced:

• Daniel Knapp, 58, of Port Orford, Oregon, was sentenced last Friday to 24 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release;
• William Travis Cutlip, 41, of Port Orford, was sentenced July 7, 2026, to 24 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release;
• Kyle Vanalstine, 31, of Bandon, Oregon, was sentenced July 7, 2026, to 77 months in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release; and
• Matthew Knapp, 48, of Ashland, Oregon, was sentenced June 24, 2026, to five years of probation.

According to court documents, a federal firearms investigation began after a significant residential burglary. On Dec. 19, 2023, Matthew Knapp, Daniel Knapp, and Cutlip broke into the vault of a Coos County residence and stole approximately one million dollars in cash, gold, silver coins, and at least one firearm. After returning to one of their residences, Matthew Knapp was seen possessing a stolen pistol. The investigation revealed several messages showing Matthew Knapp’s history with firearms and accessories nine months prior, in March 2023. Matthew Knapp is a felon and prohibited from having a firearm. Matthew Knapp was later convicted of Aggravated Theft I in state court.

Several days later, on Dec. 23, Vanalstine broke into the same vault and stole approximately 40 firearms, including assault rifles, pistols, and at least one silencer and transferred many of them to Cutlip. Several stolen firearms stored at Cutlip’s property were later recovered in California.  On Jan. 5, 2024, law enforcement stopped and searched Vanalstine while he was driving in Curry County, Oregon. In his car, Vanalstine had more than one kilogram of methamphetamine, scales and a loaded pistol. Vanalstine was convicted in state court for the burglary of the residence and for a separate possession of a controlled substance case, and was sentenced to prison for both offenses.  On Jan. 9, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Cutlip’s residence in Port Orford and seized a stolen silencer and the assault rifles pictured below:

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

Task Force Busts Rural Black-Market Marijuana Grow outside Applegate Area

JACKSONVILLE, Ore. – Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant Thursday, July 9 at a black-market cannabis grow in the 100 block of Hogan Road near rural Applegate outside of Jacksonville. IMET detectives seized approximately 1,300 marijuana plants, 1/2 lb. of psilocybin mushrooms, and 3 ½ lbs. of THC extract.

There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Oregon State Police (OSP). Oregon Water Resources Department and Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene to conduct investigations.

While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, OSP, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

A U.S. Navy officer, Commander Gabriel Edwards, who is currently missing and presumed dead in the Arabian Sea, hails from Oakland, Oregon.

He disappeared following an emergency water landing of the helicopter he was aboard. The Navy has conducted extensive search operations, deploying multiple ships and aircraft to cover over 14,000 square miles in the search effort.

Commander Edwards is survived by his wife, Rebecca, and their two children.

 

Rural communities throughout Oregon are poised to enhance their health care services with the allocation of $97 million in new federal funding from the Trump Administration.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is distributing these funds to support 136 initiatives across all counties in the state. These investments aim to improve health care access in rural areas by expanding services, bolstering the health care workforce, promoting the use of technology such as telehealth, and encouraging regional collaborations for sustainable improvements.

State officials emphasize that these projects will aid in the recruitment and retention of health care professionals in rural regions while facilitating access to vital medical services in proximity to residents. The funded programs will tackle a diverse array of health care needs, encompassing maternal and child health, behavioral health, substance use treatment and recovery, services for the elderly, chronic disease prevention and management, emergency medical services, and other community health priorities.

 

Oregon Health Plan members can now access assistance for purchasing groceries through a new Medicaid benefit aimed at enhancing health outcomes and reducing hospitalizations.

Beginning this month, individuals with specific serious medical conditions who face food insecurity can apply for up to six months of nutrition benefits via two newly established programs. One program focuses on providing support for fruits and vegetables, while the other covers essential pantry items, including meat, fish, dairy, bread, cooking oils, canned goods, and spices. These grocery benefits represent the latest expansion of Oregon’s health-related social needs initiative, which seeks to broaden Medicaid’s coverage beyond conventional medical services.

In 2022, Oregon received federal approval to allocate Medicaid funds for various services, including housing assistance, medically tailored meals, nutrition education, and climate-related equipment, such as air conditioners and air filters, to protect individuals whose health is compromised by extreme weather conditions.

 

 

Crews are actively engaged this week in brushing, removing snags, and clearing debris at the White Rabbit Trailhead and its surrounding areas.

Residents can expect to see and hear their efforts throughout the week, as they aim to conclude their work by 1:00 PM to comply with fire restrictions. Significant progress has already been made, including the stacking of firewood rounds for the Jackson Fuel Committee, which will assist community members in need during the colder months.

Starting Monday, roadside snag removal will commence, necessitating the closure of the road leading to White Rabbit Trailhead from Monday to Thursday, between 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM, to ensure safety for all. While the goal is to complete this work by July 17, they appreciate your patience as the crews carry out these essential tasks.

 

Young individuals in Oregon who have faced homelessness and are seeking higher education at qualifying institutions can take advantage of the Tuition and Fee Waiver Program offered by the Oregon Department of Human Services’ Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program.

This program is available to those under 25 years old who have experienced unaccompanied homelessness for a minimum of six months between the ages of 14 and 24, provided they received services from a partner of the Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program after turning 16. There is no application deadline; however, applicants must have completed either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA).

Additionally, they must be enrolled in at least one course credit towards their undergraduate degree at an Oregon public university or community college and maintain good academic standing.

 

Tree abatement activities have commenced on two Forest Service Roads, both of which provide access to the Bolivar Lookout within the Scott River Ranger District.

To facilitate this work, a weekly closure will be implemented from Monday to Friday until the project is completed later in the summer. The roads affected by this closure are 40N02 and 40N02C.

 

 

Biologists are raising concerns regarding a significant increase in whale fatalities along the West Coast.

According to the Center for Biological Diversity, 2026 is projected to be among the most lethal years for whales in this region, which extends from California to Alaska.

To date, at least 51 whale deaths have been reported this year, and if this trend persists, 2026 could potentially rank as the second deadliest year for West Coast whales, following 2019, which recorded 122 whale deaths.

 

Small Town Store Wins with Oregon Lottery Bonus

R & R Grocery and Sporting Goods at 940 SE Combs Road in Prineville sold the winning ticket in the June 6, 2026 drawing. The prize winner is from Prineville and wanted to remain anonymous. Store owners Debi and Dennis Morton took over the store four years ago and say it’s the biggest win they’ve experienced. “I’ve been telling regulars, it’s our turn,” said Debi Morton. “So now, I’m telling everyone we’re going to concentrate on Scratch-its because we’re due for a big win there. I really believe that I manifested this.”

R & R Grocery, known by locals for its homemade fried chicken, has been an Oregon Lottery retailer since 2005. The Mortons say they shared some of the bonus money with the store’s nine employees, made a charity donation, and the rest is being saved for future business expenses.

“Our goal is to make sure when people come to our store, they are happy when they leave,” she said. “If that’s with $3.2 million, then so be it.”Oregon’s Game Megabucks has some of the most favorable big prize jackpot game odds in the world.

In April, two tickets matched the winning numbers and the $11.1 million Megabucks jackpot was split. The jackpot resets to $1 million after someone wins.

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have one year from the date of a drawing to claim their prize.

 

Cities and counties are expressing strong criticism towards the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, citing a perceived deficiency in “openness and good faith” in its operations, while the commission’s director is also facing an ethics complaint.

In a letter addressed to the commission chair on Monday, various statewide organizations representing cities, counties, community colleges, and special districts accused the commission of being excessively stringent or unreasonable in its enforcement of Oregon’s laws governing local officials, including public meeting regulations.

Additionally, in an unusual development, the commission has received a complaint against its own executive director, Susan Myers, on June 24.

Becky Maison, the commission’s senior operations manager, confirmed the existence of this complaint on Tuesday but refrained from providing further details.

 

Nordic Veneer, a timber products manufacturer located in Roseburg, has announced the permanent closure of its facilities after 72 years of operation.

The company, which has been under the ownership of the Adams family since 1954, has encountered numerous challenges in recent years, including rising taxes, stringent environmental regulations, supply chain disruptions, and pricing pressures stemming from tariffs on Canadian lumber, alongside competition from foreign firms and private landowners.

Production at Nordic Veneer ceased on Thursday, leading to the layoffs of 26 mill workers and three office staff, many of whom had dedicated decades to the company. According to statements from Adams, most of these employees were affected by the closure on that day.

 

The Britt Music and Arts Festival in Jacksonville has established a permanent tribute to two of its founders by renaming the main stage the S. John and Elizabeth Trudeau Stage.

This change honors John and Betty Trudeau, who are recognized for their significant contributions to the festival, which has become a cherished cultural tradition in Southern Oregon over the past sixty years. The festival’s roots date back to 1963 when John Trudeau, a conductor from Portland, envisioned a summer music festival in Southern Oregon.

This vision materialized on the hillside above Jacksonville, where the festival has thrived for over six decades. Family members of the Trudeaus were present at the dedication ceremony, celebrating their enduring legacy.

 

 

Enjoy outdoors, avoid bites: OHA shares summer mosquito prevention reminder

 Simple steps can reduce risk of serious mosquito-borne illnesses

As mosquito activity increases during the summer months, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is reminding residents and visitors to take precautions against mosquito bites and reduce exposure to West Nile virus, the most common mosquito-borne disease in the state.

Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are detected in Oregon every year, primarily in eastern and southern parts of the state, though infected mosquitoes have been found throughout the Pacific Northwest. Public health works closely with local vector control districts to identify areas where the virus is circulating in the mosquito population.

West Nile virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can infect humans, birds, horses and other animals. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on infected birds and can then spread the virus through subsequent bites.

“Summer is a great time to enjoy Oregon’s outdoors, but it’s also the time of year when mosquito activity is at its highest,” said Emilio DeBess, D.V.M., public health veterinarian at OHA’s Public Health Division. “Most people infected with West Nile virus may not develop symptoms, but some can become seriously ill, especially those over 50. Taking a few simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk.”

About one in five people infected with West Nile virus develop a fever and flu-like illness that can include headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Adults 50 and older, people with weakened immune systems, and those with certain underlying health conditions are at greater risk for severe illness. In rare cases, the virus can cause severe neurological disease affecting the brain or nervous system.

People experiencing a high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, tremors or paralysis should contact a health care provider right away.

Here are tips to reduce breeding sites at home:

• Eliminate standing water around potted plants.
• Empty water from buckets, birdbaths, pet dishes and other containers at least once or twice each week.
• Clean clogged gutters and drainage areas.
• Remove old tires, unused containers and outdoor debris that can collect water.
• Regularly inspect areas under decks and shrubs, and around outbuildings where water may accumulate.

Tips to protect yourself outdoors:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent and follow label instructions.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when mosquito activity is high.
• Consider limiting outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use mosquito netting over infant carriers and strollers.
• Repair or install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of homes and buildings.

Additional information about West Nile virus, mosquito prevention and surveillance activities in Oregon is availableon OHA’s West Nile virus webpage.

 

OREGON INTRODUCES LIMITED NUTRITION BENEFITS FOR OHP MEMBERS WITH COMPLEX HEALTH NEEDS

New benefits will help improve health outcomes and reduce health care costs.

Salem, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is introducing two new nutrition benefits for eligible Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members: a fruit and vegetable benefit and a pantry stocking benefit.

These supports will help people with serious health conditions—such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer—access the healthy foods they need to help manage their conditions and avoid unnecessary emergency care. More information on eligibility requirements and how to request services is available on OHA’s Nutrition Benefits web page.

“These nutrition benefits give providers another important tool to help people stay healthy,” said OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi, MD, MBA. “When people have reliable access to nutritious food, they can better manage their health—which reduces emergency visits, lowers hospital readmissions, and helps bring down medical spending overall.”

What the nutrition benefits include

Starting July 1, 2026, eligible OHP members may receive up to six months of support through the fruit and vegetable benefit or the pantry stocking benefit. To qualify, members must meet all of the following:

• Have a qualifying health condition, such as a complex physical or behavioral health need
• Have a qualifying life situation, such as recently being discharged from incarceration or treatment, being pregnant, at-risk of homelessness, or being an OHP member with Young Adult with Special Health Care Needs benefits
• Have low or very low food security
• Any benefit-specific requirements

The fruit and vegetable benefit covers fresh, frozen, canned, or packaged options, including items like applesauce. The pantry stocking benefit includes foods such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, cooking oils, and spices. Depending on their health plan, members may receive grocery box deliveries or a preloaded card they can use at participating stores.

A coordinated statewide launch

To help ensure the nutrition benefits reach eligible members who need them most, especially in rural areas of the state where provider availability and nutrition resources can be limited, OHA has been working closely with Oregon’s 15 coordinated care organizations (CCOs) and nutrition providers. Throughout this process, OHA used direct feedback from CCOs and providers to simplify key operational steps, including eligibility requirements and authorization processes. These steps will help reduce administrative burden and make it easier for eligible members to access services quickly.

As part of a statewide readiness review, each CCO identified nutrition providers in its region and worked to build network capacity to meet expected demand when the benefits launch. This included partnering with community-based organizations—such as Rogue Food Unites—that are already deeply connected to local food systems and community needs.

“Access to food is a fundamental human right. At Rogue Food Unites, our mission has always been to use food as a tool for healing and resilience, especially during times of crisis,” said Amber Ferguson, Executive Director of Rogue Food Unites. “We’re excited to serve as a HRSN nutrition provider and to expand access to food for community members who are economically insecure and living with underlying health conditions. By partnering with locally invested businesses, we’re able to provide fresh, nutritious food that supports individual and community health while also strengthening local economies.”

Reaching communities with the greatest needs

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Oregon’s ability to provide these benefits, along with nutrition education and Medically Tailored Meals, under Oregon’s 1115 OHP Demonstration Waiver, which remains in effect through September 30, 2027. Oregon’s 1115 waiver also includes housing benefits and access to devices to keep eligible OHP members healthy during extreme weather, such as air conditioners and air filters.

Recent HRSN data highlight both strong need for and broad reach of HRSN benefits across the state. Several rural counties—including Josephine, Wallowa, Linn, and Columbia—have some of the highest rates of members receiving HRSN benefits. Additionally, more than half of members who have received an HRSN benefit report having one or more disabilities, compared with 24 percent of the overall OHP population, underscoring the importance of these services in supporting members with higher and more complex needs. Additional data can be found on OHA’s Data about Medicaid Health-Related Social Needs Benefits web page.

How OHP members can request benefits

Members can learn more about eligibility and how to request services on OHA’sNutrition Benefits web page.

• Members enrolled in a CCO can access CCO request forms from OHA’sHRSN Nutrition web page or can contact their CCO
• Open Card members can contact Acentra at 1‑888‑834‑4304 or email ORHRSN@Acentra.com.

For general questions, members can call OHP Client Services at 1‑800‑273‑0557.

Additional food resources

The Oregon Department of Human Services’Food Resources in Oregon web page offers additional resources for people who may not qualify for the nutrition benefits or who need immediate support.

 

Check out Oregon State Parks with your library card

Borrow an Oregon State Parks parking permit for free at 82 libraries statewide.

(SALEM, Ore.) – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD) and the State Library of Oregon are partnering to offer free state parks parking permits to Oregon public libraries. There are currently 200 parking permits available at 82 libraries across the state.

“Oregon’s state parks are for everyone,” said OPRD deputy director JR Collier. “As we assess ways to manage our budget responsibly, we also want to uplift equitable access to our parks.”

Each participating library received up to four parking permits. These are the physical hang tags you check out from the library and put in your car. The permit covers parking in all Oregon State Parks day-use areas for one vehicle. Go to the Oregon State Parks websiteto find participating libraries. All you need to participate is your library card.

“Libraries help make life more affordable for Oregonians. This program leverages the existing borrowing system to help connects folks of all income levels with the beauty and splendor of Oregon’s State Parks,” said Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian.

Both OPRD and the State Library contributed 100 parking permits to the program to distribute to libraries. The agencies determined how many passes each library would receive based on interest from the library, its proximity to a park charging a day use fee, and the size of the population it serves. The State Library purchased permits with Library Services and Technology Act funds from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

OPRD first distributed parking permits to 28 libraries as part of a year-long pilot program starting in August 2024. Those passes were checked out more than 2,100 times. At the pilot’s conclusion, OPRD evaluated how to best move the program forward in the context of its changing fees. In 2027, OPRD and the State Library will continue to explore options for an expanded long-term program that will serve even more libraries and people in Oregon.

Learn more about the OPRD Library Pass Program.