Klamath County residents have been encouraged to take precautions through at least 10 a.m. Thursday.
Smoke from wildfires across the state is pushing air quality into dangerous levels in parts of Central and Southern Oregon.
Advertisement
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory as air quality index readings topped 150 Wednesday morning near Bend and La Pine, made worse by smoke from the Cram Fire near Madras.
In a photo provided by the Wasco County Sheriffs Department, the Cram Fire burns a hillside. Smoke from the fire is worsening air quality in Central Oregon.
Courtesy of Wasco Sheriffs Department
Further south in Klamath and Jefferson counties, the AQI climbed over 170, affected by smoke from fires burning across Southern Oregon.
The Klamath County Public Health Department issued a health alert Wednesday for county residents. That DEQ advisory is in effect until at least 10 a.m. Thursday, while conditions are expected to slightly improve before then in Deschutes and Crook counties with intermediate smoke remaining.
Advertisement
AQI levels range from 0-50 for “good” air quality to 300-500 for “hazardous” conditions.
Public health officials are encouraging people affected by poor air quality to stay safe by:
Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity
Using air purifiers
Running air conditioning on recirculate mode
Keeping windows and doors closed
Using N95 masks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly
Keeping pets indoors — as much as possible
“Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can be harmful to your health. People at the highest risk are those with health conditions, older adults, children and infants,” Deschutes County Public Health Director Heather Kaisner said in a press release. “People who have asthma or other lung conditions should keep medications available and contact their healthcare provider if necessary.”
Multiple counties are also providing the public with cleaner air-conditioned locations to visit,such as local libraries to avoid the smoke and heat.
Resources: Stay safe and informed during wildfire season with OPB’s wildfire guide at opb.org/wildfires. This resource offers essential safety tips and preparedness guidance to help you navigate fire and smoke events. This resource was created as part of our commitment to serving the public as wildfire seasons become longer and more dangerous.
Sign up today for OPB’s “First Look” – your daily guide to the most important news and culture stories from around the Northwest.
What does the Oregon Government Ethics Commission do?
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission is responsible for enforcing Oregon Government Ethics Law, Lobby Regulation Law and Public Meetings Law.
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted March 6 to fine Keizer City Councilor Soraida Cross $500 after an investigator found she tried to use her position to avoid a criminal citation.
In a stipulated final order signed by Cross, an OGEC investigator detailed a May 14, 2025, incident in which Cross attempted to call Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter on his personal cellphone when police responded to a domestic dispute at the home Cross shared with her ex-husband.
Advertisement
During the incident, first reported by Keizertimes, a woman accused Cross of pushing her off a barstool.
Salem Police responded to the 911 call in Keizer to avoid a possible conflict of interest. Video footage obtained by Keizertimes shows Cross telling the officer she is a city councilor, played golf with Keizer Police Chief Andrew Copeland and is friends with Hunter.
The body camera footage was later shared on social media by Marion County Democrats.
Paige Barton, chair for Marion County Democrats, filed a complaint against Cross with the ethics commission.
Advertisement
When Cross told the officer she was a councilor, she attempted to “use her official position to avoid the financial detriment associated with a criminal citation,” according to the order.
The order said Cross “used confidential information in an attempt to obtain a personal gain” when she called Hunter on his personal cellphone to involve him in the Salem Police investigation.
“The personal phone number of Mr. Hunter is not publicly available information, such that any member of the public may contact him when dealing with law enforcement matters,” the order said.
The criminal citation for harassment was forwarded to the Polk County District Attorney’s Office due to a possible conflict of interest. The office declined to prosecute.
Advertisement
Cross told OGEC that she did not willingly or intentionally violate Oregon ethics law.
“She further asserts that she is a victim of domestic violence and that the police were called to her home on May 14, 2025, by her ex-husband as a form of retaliation and that was not the only time,” officials said in the order. “Ms. Cross further contends that on the evening of May 14th, she needed to call her friends, which is why she contacted Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter whom she called for advice out of fear and there was no malicious intent.”
Commission investigator Daniel Pacheco said in a preliminary investigation that Cross appeared to try to use her position to avoid financial detriment, such as legal fees associated with a criminal charge.
The commission voted 5-0 in October to find a substantial objective basis for believing Cross violated Oregon law. A more in-depth investigation ensued.
In the order, OGEC officials said the results of the investigation pointed to a preponderance of evidence that Cross violated Oregon ethics law.
Advertisement
Cross signed the stipulated final order on Feb. 17, waiving her right to a contested hearing and judicial review. She will pay a $500 civil penalty to settle the matter.
The commission approved accepting the final order in a 6-0 vote with one abstention.
For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-910-6616 or follow on X at @wmwoodworth
The Oregon Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at March 5, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 5 drawing
1PM: 6-6-8-1
4PM: 7-4-6-0
Advertisement
7PM: 5-6-5-2
10PM: 3-5-4-4
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Oregon Lottery drawings held?
Powerball: 7:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 7:59 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 4: 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily.
Win for Life: 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Megabucks: 7:29 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oregon editor. You can send feedback using this form.
With the winter evaluation period of high school football recruiting now behind us, we’ve seen some of the top recruiting sites update their rankings over the past few weeks and start to reset their boards for the 2027 class. In February, On3 shifted players around after getting fresh looks at the class, and 247Sports did the same earlier this week.
So with Oregon’s handful of commits getting new ratings, where does the Ducks’ class rank nationally in this cycle?
If you look at sites individually, it looks different, with 247Sports having Oregon sitting at No. 13 in the nation. At Rivals, though, they take the industry ranking, which factors in their own rankings, plus an average from 247Sports and ESPN.
In the industry rankings, Oregon sits at No. 9 in the nation, with five commitments.
Advertisement
Going into the summer months, the Ducks are in a great spot, leading or among the top schools for a handful of the top prospects in the nation, like 5-star QB Will Mencl or 5-star WR Dakota Guerrant. We will see what movement Oregon can make in the coming months after official visits take place early in the summer.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
