Rogue Community College and Oregon Tech are launching a new 2+2 pathway that will allow Southern Oregon students to earn an associate degree at RCC and continue into Oregon Tech’s Manufacturing Engineering Technology bachelor’s program without leaving the Rogue Valley.

Jackson Park in Medford is set for a major overhaul with a new splash park, dog park, expanded paths, Fagone Field upgrades, and other improvements planned across five phases beginning with work scheduled for completion in summer 2027.

A new economic analysis finds Klamath Community College supports more than 1,200 jobs and contributes tens of millions of dollars to the regional economy through college operations, student spending, and alumni who remain in the Klamath Basin workforce. KCC Economic Impact for 2026

Siskiyou County detectives are investigating after a 63-year-old Macdoel man was found dead inside a residence Saturday evening with gunshot wounds. The victim was identified as Michael Emmett Hurlburt, and authorities are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward.

Three people, including a 4-month-old girl, were killed Saturday in a head-on crash on Highway 42 in Myrtle Point. Oregon State Police says the other driver had fled an attempted police contact at high speed before losing control, crossing the center line, and striking the victims’ vehicle.

Firefighters made significant overnight progress on the Anderson Butte Road Fire in Jackson County, completing line around the entire 78-acre perimeter and extending hose along most of the fire. Crews are now beginning mop-up operations southwest of Talent and east of Ruch while the cause remains under investigation.

The Medford City Council has selected Martha Bennett as the city’s next city manager following a nationwide recruitment that drew nearly 40 applicants. Bennett, a former Ashland city administrator and Lake Oswego city manager, will begin Nov. 30.

The Merrill Rural Fire Protection District has received a 2004 Type 4 wildland fire engine through a federal readiness program. The 800-gallon engine can draft and haul water to active firelines while also strengthening local fire response in and around Merrill.

Cascade Comprehensive Care has donated $50,000 to the Ross Ragland Theater in downtown Klamath Falls. The contribution will support live entertainment and community programming while helping strengthen one of the city’s best-known cultural venues.

Klamath Basin Oktoberfest returns Saturday to the Bill Collier Ice Arena at the Running Y Resort with local beer, food, live music, competitions, and family activities. The one-day event runs from noon to 9 p.m. and includes four live bands, kids entertainment, and a full afternoon and evening of Oktoberfest traditions.

REACH, Inc. in Klamath Falls has been awarded a $50,000 Kubota Hometown Proud grant to expand its Ready Set Mow workforce program. The funding includes $25,000 in cash and $25,000 toward equipment that will support hands-on job training and employment for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Nearly 200 abandoned Dungeness crab traps found off the Del Norte County coast have led to major penalties for two commercial fishermen. California wildlife officers documented 194 abandoned traps near the Klamath and Smith rivers, along with additional violations involving reporting, gear marking, trap servicing, and the waste of hundreds of crabs.

Anthony James Blank, 44, was sentenced to 70 months in prison after pleading guilty to robbing a KeyBank on East Barnett Road in Medford. Investigators say Blank threatened a teller with a note claiming he had a gun before fleeing with $295 on a scooter.

Wong’s Cafe in downtown Klamath Falls sustained significant fire and smoke damage early Thursday after firefighters responded to heavy smoke and embers coming from the roof. The fire was contained before spreading to neighboring businesses.

New planning documents offer the clearest look yet at how a minor league baseball stadium could reshape Hawthorne Park. The concept would replace most existing park uses while creating a multi-use venue for baseball, concerts, festivals, and other events.

Klamath Community College and the Klamath Tribes are partnering to provide hands-on construction and job-readiness training for tribal members. Nineteen participants recently rebuilt park benches and picnic tables in Chiloquin as they work toward future registered apprenticeship opportunities.

ODF Southwest Oregon’s 4 Alpha Fox helicopter has completed its 75-day seasonal contract after introducing approved night-vision wildfire flights this year. One recent after-dark mission located three lightning-caused fires.

Klamath IDEA will open its 2026-27 IDEA Talks season Sept. 16 with Klamath Falls native Trevor Mauch and a surprise entrepreneur with local roots. The event also marks the debut of Watershed Row as the series’ new host venue.

ODFW will give away free wildlife forage seed Sept. 24 to Southwest Oregon landowners in Central Point, Grants Pass, and Gold Beach. Each landowner can receive up to two 15-pound bags while supplies last.

After 28 years with Klamath County Fire District 1, Operations Chief Toni Brimmer has retired. From firefighter to operations chief, Brimmer helped mentor generations of firefighters and leaders while building a legacy of service across the Klamath Basin.