Starlink Satellites - Kyra Mull - 2/28/2023
If you thought you saw a fleet of alien spaceships flying over Klamath Falls on the night of February 9th, you were not alone. The string of lights was actually a satellite internet constellation belonging to Space Explorations Technology Corporation, also known as SpaceX. The satellites, formally named Starlink satellites, are just one of the company’s major accomplishments of the 21st century.
The SpaceX company was founded by Elon Musk in 2002. Since its establishment, the company has met several groundbreaking milestones. In 2008, the company launched the first ever privately developed liquid fuel rocket, called Falcon 1, into Earth's orbit. In April 2012, SpaceX successfully brought the first private spacecraft to the International Space Station. By 2015, the Falcon 9 became the first-ever class orbital rocket to deliver 11 communications satellites into orbit and land safely back on Earth. SpaceX then accomplished the world’s first reflight of an orbital class rocket in 2017, bringing the Falcon 9 back down to Earth for a second time. In 2019, SpaceX set out to launch the Starlink satellites with the goal of providing low-cost internet to remote locations.
Starlink satellites claim to offer “high-speed, low-latency broadband internet in remote and rural locations across the globe,” according to the Starlink website. Rates start at $110 per month with a one-time hardware cost of $599.
The satellites use a low-Earth orbit to provide high-speed internet that allows the consumer to engage in activities that historically have been impossible with traditional satellite internet. The traditional geostationary satellites provide internet capabilities 35,786 km away from Earth while the Starlink satellites are a mere 550 km away. Their website claims, due to their close range, Starlink satellites have a much lower latency than traditional satellites. This gives them the ability to provide internet that consistently supports a wide range of activities including streaming, online gaming, video calls, and other high data rate activities.
As of November 2022, SpaceX has launched 3,271 Starlink satellites into orbit. Their ultimate goal is to expand the Starlink satellite constellation to 42,000.
Despite the proven benefits of the Starlink satellite constellation, some feel the matter is rather controversial. Astronomers are concerned regarding the size and scale of the Starlink satellite operation. Some believe that the orbiting objects will interfere with natural constellation observations, making star-gazing more difficult. Spaceflight safety experts see the Starlink satellites as a potential major source of collision hazard in Earth’s atmosphere. There’s also concern regarding what will happen to those satellites that stop working. The Starlink satellites have a lifespan of approximately five years. After this time, this metal will burn in Earth’s atmosphere as the satellites are deorbited and replaced with new ones. This could trigger changes in the Earth’s climate.
The Starlink website makes sure to address some potential concerns regarding the safety of the satellites. The satellites feature autonomous collision avoidance meaning they autonomously maneuver to avoid any collisions with orbital debris or any other spacecrafts. The site claims “this capability reduces human error and provides exceptional reliability, exceeding the industry standard by an order of magnitude.”
The futuristic technology used to manufacture Starlink satellites is now our reality. Only time will tell us what sorts of consequences will arise due to the increasing number of Starlight satellites. Witnessing these satellites, although frightening, was breathtaking. Knowing it could become a regular occurrence makes them less special, but for now, they are amazing to see among the stars. No special equipment is required to witness them. They’re easiest to see when they first take orbit. To see a Starlink satellite near you, plug your location into findstarlink.com and find visible times to witness the satellites.
The SpaceX company was founded by Elon Musk in 2002. Since its establishment, the company has met several groundbreaking milestones. In 2008, the company launched the first ever privately developed liquid fuel rocket, called Falcon 1, into Earth's orbit. In April 2012, SpaceX successfully brought the first private spacecraft to the International Space Station. By 2015, the Falcon 9 became the first-ever class orbital rocket to deliver 11 communications satellites into orbit and land safely back on Earth. SpaceX then accomplished the world’s first reflight of an orbital class rocket in 2017, bringing the Falcon 9 back down to Earth for a second time. In 2019, SpaceX set out to launch the Starlink satellites with the goal of providing low-cost internet to remote locations.
Starlink satellites claim to offer “high-speed, low-latency broadband internet in remote and rural locations across the globe,” according to the Starlink website. Rates start at $110 per month with a one-time hardware cost of $599.
The satellites use a low-Earth orbit to provide high-speed internet that allows the consumer to engage in activities that historically have been impossible with traditional satellite internet. The traditional geostationary satellites provide internet capabilities 35,786 km away from Earth while the Starlink satellites are a mere 550 km away. Their website claims, due to their close range, Starlink satellites have a much lower latency than traditional satellites. This gives them the ability to provide internet that consistently supports a wide range of activities including streaming, online gaming, video calls, and other high data rate activities.
As of November 2022, SpaceX has launched 3,271 Starlink satellites into orbit. Their ultimate goal is to expand the Starlink satellite constellation to 42,000.
Despite the proven benefits of the Starlink satellite constellation, some feel the matter is rather controversial. Astronomers are concerned regarding the size and scale of the Starlink satellite operation. Some believe that the orbiting objects will interfere with natural constellation observations, making star-gazing more difficult. Spaceflight safety experts see the Starlink satellites as a potential major source of collision hazard in Earth’s atmosphere. There’s also concern regarding what will happen to those satellites that stop working. The Starlink satellites have a lifespan of approximately five years. After this time, this metal will burn in Earth’s atmosphere as the satellites are deorbited and replaced with new ones. This could trigger changes in the Earth’s climate.
The Starlink website makes sure to address some potential concerns regarding the safety of the satellites. The satellites feature autonomous collision avoidance meaning they autonomously maneuver to avoid any collisions with orbital debris or any other spacecrafts. The site claims “this capability reduces human error and provides exceptional reliability, exceeding the industry standard by an order of magnitude.”
The futuristic technology used to manufacture Starlink satellites is now our reality. Only time will tell us what sorts of consequences will arise due to the increasing number of Starlight satellites. Witnessing these satellites, although frightening, was breathtaking. Knowing it could become a regular occurrence makes them less special, but for now, they are amazing to see among the stars. No special equipment is required to witness them. They’re easiest to see when they first take orbit. To see a Starlink satellite near you, plug your location into findstarlink.com and find visible times to witness the satellites.
Grab a Coffee in Klamath - Kelsey Kuhnhausen - 2/22/2023
A few weeks into a new term with winter in full bloom, coffee is essential for productivity (and warmth), in Klamath Falls. Klamath Falls is not specifically known for its coffee joints, but it does host some hidden gems alongside well-known chains that serve up seasonal coffee drinks and more! As a college student myself who attended OIT in person for 3 years, I have become well-versed in the best places to grab a hot or iced drink in between study breaks, classes, and work. While you can’t beat the popular chains close to campus, downtown there are other options as well.
If you are an on-campus student without the means to go far from campus, my winners for the best coffee shops close to campus go to Brevada Brewhouse and the better-known stand – Dutch Bros Coffee.
Brevada Brewhouse is not only a coffee house, café, bistro, pub, and social house, but a great location only a few minute walk from campus with both indoor and outdoor tables and couches perfect for studying (depending on the season). Brevada also serves amazing pastries and food. My favorite food items at Brevada are their Technically Turkey Sandwich, Brevada Breakfast Bagel, Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl, Garden Salad, and their Meat and Cheese Board – the perfect studying snack. Brevada uses an online reward system where you input your phone number and they track your purchases, earning you free drinks after a certain amount!
Dutch Bros is certainly not unknown and is in fact very popular. It is located about the same distance from campus as Brevada, serving up quick coffee drinks, Rebels (flavored energy drinks), smoothies, Italian sodas, lemonades, and more. While I generally opt to support local businesses, if you need a quick fix for anything caffeine-fueled and sweet, this is a good go-to. I would recommend expecting a line if you’re planning to swing by before class! My favorite drinks at Dutch include the Midnight Rebel, the Nitro Infused Cold Brew with cream, and the Strawberry Peach Iced Green Tea. Also, don’t forget to download the Dutch Bros app to rack up points on every drink you buy and unlock free drinks and stickers.
Further off campus, located downtown is another local spot: Gathering Grounds Roastery. While I have never personally made it to this coffee spot, I have heard nothing but good reviews! Their website says they serve “high-quality coffee products sourced from around the world.” It also looks like they serve up fresh coffee, cold brew, lattes, as well as pastries. The interior window looks out to the downtown area and makes for a great potential study spot! Be sure to check this local business out if you can.
Last but not least on my radar was The Human Bean, which is a coffee chain. This coffee stand is not terribly far from campus, but not necessarily an ideal walk! I never made it around to trying many of the various coffee drinks they serve here, but I did enjoy an occasional energy drink. Their flavored Rockstar Energy drinks are decently priced, and I believe they are much cheaper than the Dutch Bros Rebels. The staff is friendly, and the line moves very quickly at this stand! If you are out grocery shopping and need some fuel to wake up, stop here.
Locations of coffee shops mentioned in this article:
Brevada Brewhouse
2229 N Eldorado Ave Klamath Falls, OR 97601
Dutch Bros Coffee
2568 Campus Dr. Klamath Falls, OR 97601
Gathering Grounds Roastery 116 S 11th St, Klamath Falls, OR
The Human Bean
2430 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, OR 97603
If you are an on-campus student without the means to go far from campus, my winners for the best coffee shops close to campus go to Brevada Brewhouse and the better-known stand – Dutch Bros Coffee.
Brevada Brewhouse is not only a coffee house, café, bistro, pub, and social house, but a great location only a few minute walk from campus with both indoor and outdoor tables and couches perfect for studying (depending on the season). Brevada also serves amazing pastries and food. My favorite food items at Brevada are their Technically Turkey Sandwich, Brevada Breakfast Bagel, Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl, Garden Salad, and their Meat and Cheese Board – the perfect studying snack. Brevada uses an online reward system where you input your phone number and they track your purchases, earning you free drinks after a certain amount!
Dutch Bros is certainly not unknown and is in fact very popular. It is located about the same distance from campus as Brevada, serving up quick coffee drinks, Rebels (flavored energy drinks), smoothies, Italian sodas, lemonades, and more. While I generally opt to support local businesses, if you need a quick fix for anything caffeine-fueled and sweet, this is a good go-to. I would recommend expecting a line if you’re planning to swing by before class! My favorite drinks at Dutch include the Midnight Rebel, the Nitro Infused Cold Brew with cream, and the Strawberry Peach Iced Green Tea. Also, don’t forget to download the Dutch Bros app to rack up points on every drink you buy and unlock free drinks and stickers.
Further off campus, located downtown is another local spot: Gathering Grounds Roastery. While I have never personally made it to this coffee spot, I have heard nothing but good reviews! Their website says they serve “high-quality coffee products sourced from around the world.” It also looks like they serve up fresh coffee, cold brew, lattes, as well as pastries. The interior window looks out to the downtown area and makes for a great potential study spot! Be sure to check this local business out if you can.
Last but not least on my radar was The Human Bean, which is a coffee chain. This coffee stand is not terribly far from campus, but not necessarily an ideal walk! I never made it around to trying many of the various coffee drinks they serve here, but I did enjoy an occasional energy drink. Their flavored Rockstar Energy drinks are decently priced, and I believe they are much cheaper than the Dutch Bros Rebels. The staff is friendly, and the line moves very quickly at this stand! If you are out grocery shopping and need some fuel to wake up, stop here.
Locations of coffee shops mentioned in this article:
Brevada Brewhouse
2229 N Eldorado Ave Klamath Falls, OR 97601
Dutch Bros Coffee
2568 Campus Dr. Klamath Falls, OR 97601
Gathering Grounds Roastery 116 S 11th St, Klamath Falls, OR
The Human Bean
2430 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, OR 97603
Support Black-Owned Businesses in Oregon and Online - Estefany Aguilar Jacobo - 02/13/2023
In the United States, we celebrate Black History Month every February. It is very important to recognize Black and African American people, their accomplishments, and all that they have contributed to this country. There are various ways of supporting Black people whether it’s the content they create on social media, advocating for them and their rights, and supporting their businesses.
There are a couple of Black-owned businesses in Klamath Falls. In town, Sammy’s Parlor is a Black-owned business that offers men’s haircuts, razor fades, classic barber cuts, and much more. This parlor is located at 2542 Shasta Way, Klamath Falls, OR 97601. Just Jo’s is a catering service run by Chef Joseph Gary. His menu consists of Saigon burger and pork lumpia. He is preferably reached by his Facebook page, Just Jo’s, where his phone number is also located.
Sasha Chang, who is the creator of Made With Sol, creates handmade goods and gifts that range from scrunchies, hats/beanies, scarves, and much more clothing. She is in Eugene, Oregon but her handmade goods can be bought online on her website madewithsol.com. There is another creator in Salem, Oregon that creates unique, lightweight polymer clay earrings. @DrippyCharmz can be found on Instagram and you can DM them to purchase earrings! Another Black-owned business that’s directed towards hair protection and comfort is Kin Apparel. They have a variety of satin lined hoodies and beanies in various colors. They can be found on their website, kinapparel.org or on their Instagram @kinapparel_.
If you’re heading further towards the Salem/Portland-Metro area, there are many food options that could satisfy your hunger! In Salem, there are a few restaurants and food trucks that are Black-owned. Epilogue Kitchen and Cocktails is a Black-owned restaurant located in Downtown Salem, Oregon. The owner, Jonathan Jones, was a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation in 2022. There is another food truck in Salem, Oregon that is owned by Ricky ‘Jojo’ Tukufu, called Jojo’s Soul Food that is in The Yard Food Park. They serve big amounts of Soul food, and their menu changes every day. In the Portland-Metro area, there are several Black-owned businesses, especially restaurants. You can use the website iloveblackfood.com to help you decide on a restaurant you’d like to try in the Portland-Metro area.
Although Black History Month is only once a year, that does not mean that you should only support Black-owned businesses that one time. You should support them all year long whether it’s giving them a like, giving them feedback, or buying from their businesses!
There are a couple of Black-owned businesses in Klamath Falls. In town, Sammy’s Parlor is a Black-owned business that offers men’s haircuts, razor fades, classic barber cuts, and much more. This parlor is located at 2542 Shasta Way, Klamath Falls, OR 97601. Just Jo’s is a catering service run by Chef Joseph Gary. His menu consists of Saigon burger and pork lumpia. He is preferably reached by his Facebook page, Just Jo’s, where his phone number is also located.
Sasha Chang, who is the creator of Made With Sol, creates handmade goods and gifts that range from scrunchies, hats/beanies, scarves, and much more clothing. She is in Eugene, Oregon but her handmade goods can be bought online on her website madewithsol.com. There is another creator in Salem, Oregon that creates unique, lightweight polymer clay earrings. @DrippyCharmz can be found on Instagram and you can DM them to purchase earrings! Another Black-owned business that’s directed towards hair protection and comfort is Kin Apparel. They have a variety of satin lined hoodies and beanies in various colors. They can be found on their website, kinapparel.org or on their Instagram @kinapparel_.
If you’re heading further towards the Salem/Portland-Metro area, there are many food options that could satisfy your hunger! In Salem, there are a few restaurants and food trucks that are Black-owned. Epilogue Kitchen and Cocktails is a Black-owned restaurant located in Downtown Salem, Oregon. The owner, Jonathan Jones, was a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation in 2022. There is another food truck in Salem, Oregon that is owned by Ricky ‘Jojo’ Tukufu, called Jojo’s Soul Food that is in The Yard Food Park. They serve big amounts of Soul food, and their menu changes every day. In the Portland-Metro area, there are several Black-owned businesses, especially restaurants. You can use the website iloveblackfood.com to help you decide on a restaurant you’d like to try in the Portland-Metro area.
Although Black History Month is only once a year, that does not mean that you should only support Black-owned businesses that one time. You should support them all year long whether it’s giving them a like, giving them feedback, or buying from their businesses!
Murphy Dogs Hot Dog Stand Review - Kelsey Kuhnhausen - 1/14/2023
While Klamath Falls is not the busiest town, something the town does not lack is various food options full of variety. A town staple is located just a few minutes from the Oregon Tech campus -- a place called “Murphy Dogs.” Murphy Dogs is a small hot dog stand with standard hot dogs, but also some highly creative toppings as well as daily specials!
When you pull up to the stand, the staff is friendly and will hand you their specialized menu and share their new creations of the week with you. They sell individual hot dogs that are extremely filling as well as meal deals including both your choice of chips and a drink.
The regular menu includes these options for hot dogs:
Murphy Dog- Caramelized onions, bacon in a sweet sauce, topped with cheese and sour cream
Harty Dog- Chili, topped with cheese, sour cream, and onions
Snoop Dogg- Chili, Fritos, topped with cheese, onions, and slaw
Klamath Dog- Hotdog inside of a potato, topped with chili, cheese, sour cream, and onions
Sour Dog- Sauerkraut, relish, onions, and mustard
Chicago Dog- Relish, onions, sports peppers, tomato, pickle, and mustard
Lucky Dog- Onions and relish
As you can see from their menu, Murphy Dogs is no average hot dog stand! They work hard to stay original and keep Klamath Falls residents full and happy. Priced at $8 for a jumbo dog and $10 for a full meal including chips and a drink, this local food spot is also great for college students grabbing a quick bite that is worth the money! While you are at the stand, be sure to ask about any add-ons or specialties for on top of your dog; the employees are more than happy to accommodate your requests.
I recently went to Murphy’s Dog’s and tried both the original “Murphy Dog” and the “Sour Dog.” These hot dogs are giant, filling a whole square container and practically overflowing. The “Sour Dog” was more traditional and had more common toppings while the “Murphy Dog” was vastly different and unlike anything I had tried before. While I would highly recommend both, if I had to choose a favorite between the two, I would say to go outside your comfort zone and try the “Murphy Dog.” The onions are caramelized to perfection and the sweet sauce pairs perfectly with the hot dog.
Overall, I would say this food stand is a hidden gem in Klamath and worth a try! I think it would be hard to top the hotdogs from here and almost impossible to totally replicate them at home. I would rate this local business a 10/10 based on quality, taste, and service. This is another great way to support local businesses and branch out of your comfort zone.
When you pull up to the stand, the staff is friendly and will hand you their specialized menu and share their new creations of the week with you. They sell individual hot dogs that are extremely filling as well as meal deals including both your choice of chips and a drink.
The regular menu includes these options for hot dogs:
Murphy Dog- Caramelized onions, bacon in a sweet sauce, topped with cheese and sour cream
Harty Dog- Chili, topped with cheese, sour cream, and onions
Snoop Dogg- Chili, Fritos, topped with cheese, onions, and slaw
Klamath Dog- Hotdog inside of a potato, topped with chili, cheese, sour cream, and onions
Sour Dog- Sauerkraut, relish, onions, and mustard
Chicago Dog- Relish, onions, sports peppers, tomato, pickle, and mustard
Lucky Dog- Onions and relish
As you can see from their menu, Murphy Dogs is no average hot dog stand! They work hard to stay original and keep Klamath Falls residents full and happy. Priced at $8 for a jumbo dog and $10 for a full meal including chips and a drink, this local food spot is also great for college students grabbing a quick bite that is worth the money! While you are at the stand, be sure to ask about any add-ons or specialties for on top of your dog; the employees are more than happy to accommodate your requests.
I recently went to Murphy’s Dog’s and tried both the original “Murphy Dog” and the “Sour Dog.” These hot dogs are giant, filling a whole square container and practically overflowing. The “Sour Dog” was more traditional and had more common toppings while the “Murphy Dog” was vastly different and unlike anything I had tried before. While I would highly recommend both, if I had to choose a favorite between the two, I would say to go outside your comfort zone and try the “Murphy Dog.” The onions are caramelized to perfection and the sweet sauce pairs perfectly with the hot dog.
Overall, I would say this food stand is a hidden gem in Klamath and worth a try! I think it would be hard to top the hotdogs from here and almost impossible to totally replicate them at home. I would rate this local business a 10/10 based on quality, taste, and service. This is another great way to support local businesses and branch out of your comfort zone.
FREE ADMISSION TO AMERICAN NINJA EVENT - KIMBERLEE BRITTON - 5/10/2022
On Saturday, May 14, 100 students attending the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) will have the opportunity to try their luck at an American Ninja Warrior training course and watch the competition at Mike’s Field House at Steens Park, Klamath Falls, OR for free. Students interested in participating can find more information on the Campus Activities Board (CAB) Instagram account oitcampus_activites.
According to Allison Crowell, a CAB student employee, the American Ninja Warrior event is “a new event for CAB" and that there is “no guarantee" that the event will re-occur because an outside organization -- American Ninja Warrior -- is hosting it. As such, Crowell described the event as "a once in a lifetime experience for most.”
While the opportunity for OIT students to attend the event for free will only take place on Saturday, May 14th from 2:00 pm-2:45 pm, according to the American Ninja Warrior website, 18 general admission sessions will be open to adults, teens, and children 6 years of age or older from May 13th to May 15th. Those interested in attending the 45-minute general admission sessions can expect to pay a $10 entry fee and an additional $13 fee if they want to participate.
On Saturday, May 14th, the 100 OIT students who participated in the 45-minute session paid for by CAB will be able to watch the American Ninja Warrior Competition event at 7 pm free of charge. In this event, competitors will be racing for a chance to win $1000. Additionally, attendees have a chance to meet a “celebrity ninja” on Friday and Saturday night for an autograph and picture.
According to Crowell, this event is one of many that CAB plans to inform OIT students of for the rest of the Spring 2022 term. Crowell explained that some events OIT students have to look forward to include mini-golfing, a music festival, midterm and finals week giveaways, study nights, movie nights, and various “sporadic and random ‘challenges’ on campus each week.”
Crowell encourages students interested in learning more about the American Ninja Warrior event and other CAB events to “follow our [CAB’s] Instagram page and keep a lookout on the Oregon Tech app.”
For more information about American Ninja Warrior, students can visit the event’s website and CAB’s Instagram page. Students interested in learning more about CAB’s future events can check out CAB’s postings on the Oregon Tech app and their Instagram page for more information.
According to Allison Crowell, a CAB student employee, the American Ninja Warrior event is “a new event for CAB" and that there is “no guarantee" that the event will re-occur because an outside organization -- American Ninja Warrior -- is hosting it. As such, Crowell described the event as "a once in a lifetime experience for most.”
While the opportunity for OIT students to attend the event for free will only take place on Saturday, May 14th from 2:00 pm-2:45 pm, according to the American Ninja Warrior website, 18 general admission sessions will be open to adults, teens, and children 6 years of age or older from May 13th to May 15th. Those interested in attending the 45-minute general admission sessions can expect to pay a $10 entry fee and an additional $13 fee if they want to participate.
On Saturday, May 14th, the 100 OIT students who participated in the 45-minute session paid for by CAB will be able to watch the American Ninja Warrior Competition event at 7 pm free of charge. In this event, competitors will be racing for a chance to win $1000. Additionally, attendees have a chance to meet a “celebrity ninja” on Friday and Saturday night for an autograph and picture.
According to Crowell, this event is one of many that CAB plans to inform OIT students of for the rest of the Spring 2022 term. Crowell explained that some events OIT students have to look forward to include mini-golfing, a music festival, midterm and finals week giveaways, study nights, movie nights, and various “sporadic and random ‘challenges’ on campus each week.”
Crowell encourages students interested in learning more about the American Ninja Warrior event and other CAB events to “follow our [CAB’s] Instagram page and keep a lookout on the Oregon Tech app.”
For more information about American Ninja Warrior, students can visit the event’s website and CAB’s Instagram page. Students interested in learning more about CAB’s future events can check out CAB’s postings on the Oregon Tech app and their Instagram page for more information.
HERALD & NEWS REPORTER RESIGNS - KIMBERLEE BRITTON - 5/10/2022
After working for the Klamath Falls newspaper known as the Herald and News for over a year, reporter Alex Shwartz announced their plans to leave the company in March of 2022, making them one of four members of the reporting staff to resign this year.
“At a certain point, I realized I needed to be paid more for the work I was doing,” said Schwartz. “I had brought in tens of thousands of dollars' worth of outside support from fellowships, and it didn't seem like those efforts were being valued by the paper's management.”
Following the resignation of the company’s general assignment reporter in January, and the editor’s announcement of their resignation soon after, Schwartz and the remaining news staff had more responsibilities than could be effectively delegated, and felt that their efforts were not being valued by company leaders.
“It was just me, the sports reporter, the staff photographer, and our editor,” Schwartz said. “It's unsustainable for two reporters – both of whom have their own beats – to take on more subjects and be expected to produce content for a paper four days a week.”
For Schwartz, this loss of a staff member meant that they would be required to cover local news basics and continue covering topics related to the environment, as their Report for America contract still required them to do so.
This increase in workload and management’s decline to increase writers’ pay resulted in members of the news staff needing to make a decision.
“I understand that newspapers have to make a profit, but to me, [management’s decline to increase writers’ pay] signified a lack of value and respect for the news side of this operation,” said Schwartz, “I, and the remaining staff, handed in our resignations shortly afterward, not wanting to stick around for what would certainly be a tumultuous and stressful time following our editor's last day.”
As far as the newspaper’s plans to continue operation, Schwartz understands that the company will be outsourcing reports for the ongoing Klamath Falls water crisis and operating as a “tabloid or bulletin board that acts solely as a booster for institutions and businesses in the community.”
Despite the issues that arose towards the end of their time at the company, Schwartz found the experience working at the company to be overall positive, as they had the freedom to explore topics they were interested in and appreciated the relationships they were able to build with sources.
“I'll definitely continue reporting and writing. Despite how demoralizing the journalism industry can be, I know there are publications that value and treat their workers better.
“At a certain point, I realized I needed to be paid more for the work I was doing,” said Schwartz. “I had brought in tens of thousands of dollars' worth of outside support from fellowships, and it didn't seem like those efforts were being valued by the paper's management.”
Following the resignation of the company’s general assignment reporter in January, and the editor’s announcement of their resignation soon after, Schwartz and the remaining news staff had more responsibilities than could be effectively delegated, and felt that their efforts were not being valued by company leaders.
“It was just me, the sports reporter, the staff photographer, and our editor,” Schwartz said. “It's unsustainable for two reporters – both of whom have their own beats – to take on more subjects and be expected to produce content for a paper four days a week.”
For Schwartz, this loss of a staff member meant that they would be required to cover local news basics and continue covering topics related to the environment, as their Report for America contract still required them to do so.
This increase in workload and management’s decline to increase writers’ pay resulted in members of the news staff needing to make a decision.
“I understand that newspapers have to make a profit, but to me, [management’s decline to increase writers’ pay] signified a lack of value and respect for the news side of this operation,” said Schwartz, “I, and the remaining staff, handed in our resignations shortly afterward, not wanting to stick around for what would certainly be a tumultuous and stressful time following our editor's last day.”
As far as the newspaper’s plans to continue operation, Schwartz understands that the company will be outsourcing reports for the ongoing Klamath Falls water crisis and operating as a “tabloid or bulletin board that acts solely as a booster for institutions and businesses in the community.”
Despite the issues that arose towards the end of their time at the company, Schwartz found the experience working at the company to be overall positive, as they had the freedom to explore topics they were interested in and appreciated the relationships they were able to build with sources.
“I'll definitely continue reporting and writing. Despite how demoralizing the journalism industry can be, I know there are publications that value and treat their workers better.
MARIA'S TAQUERIA REVIEW - ESTEFANY AGUILARJACOBO - 3/15/2022
There are many places in town to try out a variety of foods, but for those of us who don’t have access to a vehicle, nearby restaurants are the most convenient. Who wouldn’t want to try out a Mexican food truck that is close to campus? Maria’s Taqueria is about a ten-minute walk from campus, but I can say that it is absolutely worth the walk.
Maria’s Taqueria is located right next to The Falls Taphouse and Wubba’s BBQ Shack. They are in a blue food truck with yellow lettering to showcase their phone number and menu. They share outdoor seating with The Falls Taphouse, so customers can enjoy their meals near the business they aresupporting.
As someone who is Mexican-American, it is difficult to come by Mexican cuisine when I am limited to restaurants that are only on delivery services. Maria’s Taqueria is convenient for people like me who are feeling a bit homesick and miss those meals that are near and dear to our hearts. It was a sense of relief to find a food truck that took me home without having to physically leave town.
The items on their menu are very familiar to me, but for those who aren’t, they serve tacos, quesadillas, burritos, tortas, taquitos, and gringas. They also have a variety of meats that you can incorporate to your specific dish: asada (steak), pastor (pork shoulder), lengua (tongue), carnitas (like pulled pork), chorizo, chicharron, buche (pork stomach), and pollo (chicken).
The staff was very friendly, and they also speak Spanish, which reminded me of the restaurants back home that provided most of their services in Spanish. Each taco is $3. In total, I ordered seven asada tacos and two pollo tacos. The average person should expect to spend around $12 here. For some of the tacos, I asked for the salsa on the side since I had heard through acquaintances that their salsa is spicy. The tacos were topped with cilantro and onion with a side of lime and grilled onion. These tacos gave me flashbacks to all the home cooked meals I had back home. With the guacamole, red and green salsa, lime, and grilled onions, all the flavors melted in my mouth bite after bite. The salsa was spicy, but they balanced the spice out with the guacamole and lime that was provided with the tacos.
If you’re looking for a day to treat yourself, or just try some Mexican cuisine, Maria’s Taqueria is a great option to explore off campus! I recommend trying out the tacos or perhaps a torta or quesadilla. It is also a great place to enjoy the view while savoring those amazing Mexican dishes.
Maria’s Taqueria is located at 2215 Shallock Avenue, which is approximately 0.6 miles from campus, or a 10 minute walk.
Maria’s Taqueria is located right next to The Falls Taphouse and Wubba’s BBQ Shack. They are in a blue food truck with yellow lettering to showcase their phone number and menu. They share outdoor seating with The Falls Taphouse, so customers can enjoy their meals near the business they aresupporting.
As someone who is Mexican-American, it is difficult to come by Mexican cuisine when I am limited to restaurants that are only on delivery services. Maria’s Taqueria is convenient for people like me who are feeling a bit homesick and miss those meals that are near and dear to our hearts. It was a sense of relief to find a food truck that took me home without having to physically leave town.
The items on their menu are very familiar to me, but for those who aren’t, they serve tacos, quesadillas, burritos, tortas, taquitos, and gringas. They also have a variety of meats that you can incorporate to your specific dish: asada (steak), pastor (pork shoulder), lengua (tongue), carnitas (like pulled pork), chorizo, chicharron, buche (pork stomach), and pollo (chicken).
The staff was very friendly, and they also speak Spanish, which reminded me of the restaurants back home that provided most of their services in Spanish. Each taco is $3. In total, I ordered seven asada tacos and two pollo tacos. The average person should expect to spend around $12 here. For some of the tacos, I asked for the salsa on the side since I had heard through acquaintances that their salsa is spicy. The tacos were topped with cilantro and onion with a side of lime and grilled onion. These tacos gave me flashbacks to all the home cooked meals I had back home. With the guacamole, red and green salsa, lime, and grilled onions, all the flavors melted in my mouth bite after bite. The salsa was spicy, but they balanced the spice out with the guacamole and lime that was provided with the tacos.
If you’re looking for a day to treat yourself, or just try some Mexican cuisine, Maria’s Taqueria is a great option to explore off campus! I recommend trying out the tacos or perhaps a torta or quesadilla. It is also a great place to enjoy the view while savoring those amazing Mexican dishes.
Maria’s Taqueria is located at 2215 Shallock Avenue, which is approximately 0.6 miles from campus, or a 10 minute walk.
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