Southern Oregon News

06/03/2024

Summer Gas Prices: Potential Rise Amid Economic Factors

As summer approaches, drivers may need to prepare for a potential increase in prices. Experts are closely monitoring several factors that could contribute to a rise in in the coming months.

One significant factor is the seasonal shift to summer-grade gasoline, which is more expensive to produce due to its environmental standards. This switch is required by refiners and product terminals by May 1, with retailers completing the changeover by June 1. The limited ability to add butane to blends also decreases the overall supply of gasoline blending components, potentially leading to higher prices at the pump.

Another factor influencing gas prices is the demand during the summer season. With the start of summer vacations and road trips, the increased demand for gasoline often drives up prices. This year, however, the United States miles driven is expected to be down due to inflation and the cost of living. This decrease in travel could potentially offset some of the price increase.

The administration has taken steps to mitigate potential price hikes by releasing 1 million barrels of gasoline from a Northeast reserve established after Superstorm Sandy. This move is intended to provide relief for motorists as the summer driving season begins.

Despite these efforts, some analysts predict that gas prices will peak for the year in the upper $3 range, with a possibility of reaching $4 per gallon in some areas. However, most experts predict a 2024 peak U.S. average gas price below $4.

As we head into the summer months, it remains to be seen how these factors will ultimately impact gas prices. Motorists are advised to keep an eye on local and plan accordingly for their summer travel.

By Daniel Webster
Connect with Daniel Webster at https://x.com/danielwebster and https://www.facebook.com/danielwebster.pongo

Photo Credit: rawpixel.com

05/22/2024

Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion Faces Foreclosure Auction Amid Claims of Fraud by Granddaughter

In a dramatic turn of events, the iconic Graceland Mansion, once the home of the legendary Elvis Presley is set to be auctioned off this Thursday amid claims of fraud by Presley's granddaughter, Riley Keough. The auction is a result of a foreclosure notice issued earlier this month, alleging that Lisa Marie Presley , Elvis' daughter and Keough's mother, failed to repay a $3.8 million loan secured in 2018 using as collateral.

Keough, the sole heir to the property and a rising actress known for her roles in "Daisy Jones & the Six" and "Under the Bridge," has filed a lawsuit disputing the loan and the impending auction. In her suit, she alleges that the company behind the loan, Naussany Investments and Private Lending, presented fraudulent documents and may not actually exist. She is seeking to block the sale and declare the loan and associated deed of trust as fraudulent and unenforceable.

The legal battle has brought to light a complex web of allegations and counter-claims. Keough argues that her mother never borrowed any money from Naussany Investments and that the signatures on the loan documents are forgeries. She also alleges that Kurt Naussany, named as a defendant, has no connection to the company as he left in 2015, despite a signed email purportedly from him in 2023 being included as evidence.

The dispute over Graceland's future has drawn significant public attention, not just because of the property's historical significance as 's home but also due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved. The mansion, which became a in 2006, is a popular tourist destination and the final resting place for Elvis, his parents, Lisa Marie, and other family members.

As the legal battle unfolds, an injunction hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, between Keough and Naussany Investments. The outcome of this hearing could have a significant impact on the future of Graceland and the resolution of the fraud allegations.

For now, the fate of Elvis Presley's Graceland hangs in the balance, with the scheduled auction just days away and a determined granddaughter fighting to protect her family's legacy from what she claims is a fraudulent scheme.

Photo: Wikimedia Creative Commons

By Daniel Webster

05/21/2024

Tips and Tricks for Growing a Giant Pumpkin

By Daniel Webster

Growing a giant pumpkin is a fun and rewarding challenge for any gardener. Here's a guide I've prepared to help you get started on your journey to a .

1. Choose the right seed: The first step I use in growing a giant pumpkin is selecting the right seed. I recommend the Atlantic Giant, Pacific Giant, and BIG MAX pumpkin seed for those aiming for a large fruit. You can pick them up from SeedsNow.

2. Prepare the soil: Good preparation is crucial for growing a giant pumpkin. Till up a 10-foot diameter bed and add 6 inches of composted manure, tilling it into the soil. Shape the bed into a low broad mound and cover it with straw mulch for the winter. Keep in mind that you may need anywhere from 400 sq. ft. all the way up to 1200 sq. feet for just ONE pumpkin.

3. Start indoors: To ensure a strong start, start your seeds indoors in a warm, sunny location. I start mine in my south-facing kitchen window sill. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and keep the soil moist. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, you can transplant them outdoors.

4. Provide plenty of space: Pumpkins need a lot of space to grow, so make sure to plant them in a location with full sun and plenty of room for the vines to spread. If you're growing more than one plant, space the mounds at least 10 feet apart.

5. Water and fertilize: Pumpkins are heavy feeders and need plenty of and nutrients to grow. Water the deeply once a week, and every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. A giant pumpkin may need up to 500 gallons of water per week, once it's getting big. I use well-aged chicken manure from my chicken coop. If you don't have that available, consider using an organic fertilizer every 5-10 days, such as Seaweed (kelp) and/or fish hydrolysate are some of the fertilizers currently being used by competitive giant pumpkin growers.

6. Monitor growth: As the pumpkin grows, gently slip a large piece of cardboard or wood under the fruit to avoid rot and insect problems. Consider putting it on a pallet when it's growing -- easier to move a heavy pumpkin later. Remove the rootlets that form along the vine for several feet on either side of the pumpkin so that the vine can lift freely from the ground as the pumpkin grows.

7. Harvest: Harvest your pumpkin at the end of the season just before the first frost. Cut the stem with a sharp knife, leaving a few inches of stem attached to the pumpkin.

8. Go win your Giant Pumpkin , have the biggest jack-o'-lantern on the block, or make a heck of a lot of pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving. Enjoy.

Share with me pics of your favorite giant pumpkin.

By following these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to growing a giant pumpkin. Remember to be patient and enjoy the process, as it can take between 100 and 120 days for your pumpkin to reach its full size.

You can pick up your giant pumpkin seeds at my favorite seed supplier here:
https://www.seedsnow.com/?rfsn=5389593.7a0729&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=5389593.7a0729

Your purchase at SeedsNow helps support my news service. Thank you. Enjoy your giant pumpkin.

Photos: Creative Commons.

05/20/2024

“Living is the art of getting used to what we didn’t expect.” —Eleanor C. Wood



Photo: The Ride of Their Lives, photographer Jonno Rattman

05/18/2024

"God grants only to those who love it and are always ready to guard and defend it. Let our object be our country. And, by the blessing of God, may that country itself become a vast and splendid monument, not of oppression and terror, but of wisdom, of peace, and of liberty, upon which the world may gaze with admiration forever!"
- Daniel Webster, Statesman, Orator, Attorney

05/15/2024

Oregon Golf Association Tees Up for 'Golf Oregon' License Plates

The Oregon Golf Association (OGA) has launched a drive to introduce 'Golf Oregon' license plates to the state's motorists, in a move aimed at celebrating the organization's 100th anniversary and raising funds for Oregon Junior Golf. The OGA announced the initiative on Tuesday, marking a significant step towards promoting golfing in the state and supporting young golfers.

The license plates, featuring a design that captures the hues of Oregon's state flag and incorporates elements symbolizing the state's golf courses, will go into production once 3,000 vouchers are sold. The initial sale of these vouchers could generate more than $100,000 for Oregon Junior Golf, according to the OGA.

"The Golf Oregon license plate is not only a great way to show your love of the game, but will be essential in our mission to ensure that every young golfer, regardless of background or skill level, has equal access to playing opportunities and competitions," said Rick Rangel, CEO of the OGA.

The funds raised from the sale of these license plates will directly benefit the Oregon Junior Golf Fund, the foundation arm of the OGA that plays a crucial role in supporting the growth and development of young golfers in Oregon. The Oregon Junior Golf Fund will then use these funds to expand access to Oregon Junior Golf, subsidize rounds of golf for kids across the state, and subsidize tournament registration fees.

In addition to supporting Oregon Junior Golf, the license plate's design is intended to help golfers celebrate the game in general, the state's golf facilities, and all the supporting businesses that contribute to making Oregon golf special in a truly visible way. The license plate design includes a putting green and flag, undulating hills, clouds, a silhouette of an evergreen tree, and hints of the rain and sea.

"We are thrilled to launch this initiative as part of our centennial celebrations," Rangel added. "It's a unique opportunity for golf enthusiasts to give back to the game and support the next generation of golfers."

The cost to purchase the license plate will be $40 annually, in addition to Oregon DMV's regular fees. The OGA is confident that the initiative will receive a positive response from the state's golfing community and beyond, given the widespread love for the sport and the significant impact it has on the state's economy and culture.

The OGA, a 501(c)(6) non-profit membership association, was founded in 1924 with the sole purpose of conducting the Oregon Amateur Championship. Since its founding 100 years ago, the OGA has expanded its efforts to tirelessly to promote, foster, and grow the game of golf providing a multitude of benefits and services to 50,000 individual men, women, senior, and junior members at more than 300 member golf clubs throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.

This initiative is another testament to the OGA's commitment to promoting the game of golf and providing opportunities for all who wish to learn and play the game. It reflects the organization's dedication to remaining at the forefront of the industry by being progressive in promoting its sport as having material economic, ecologic, and healthy impacts for the region.

As the OGA tees up for the 'Golf Oregon' license plates, it sets a new benchmark in sports philanthropy, demonstrating how sports organizations can leverage their influence to make a positive impact on society.

06/25/2022

Sentry Eagle Ready for Takeoff Tomorrow, Saturday, in Klamath Falls

https://www.klamathfallsnews.org/news/sentry-eagle-ready-for-takeoff

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - The Sentry Eagle open house returns tomorrow for the first time since 2017. This is without a doubt Klamath Falls’ premier must-do, can’t miss, free event of the year. The open house event takes off at 9:00 AM at Kingsley Field, Saturday, June 25.

05/16/2022

Last night's flower moon over Mt. Shasta, with full lunar eclipse.

I will post a video later of how we captured this shot. I love photography.

- Jay Martin, Photographer