Longtime Klamath Falls broadcaster Rob Siems will retire from full-time duties at Basin Mediactive in December after 39 years in radio. Siems has spent 32 years with the company, including 20 years as general manager, while remaining a familiar morning voice on KLAD.

Recent rainfall and unseasonably cool temperatures have pushed fire danger down to moderate across ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. Fire season remains in effect, IFPL stays at Level 2, and outdoor debris burning is still prohibited.

ODFW is seeking public comment on an ODOT request to waive fish passage requirements at an unnamed Bear Creek tributary near OR 99 and South Stage Road. The proposal would shift mitigation work to habitat restoration and another culvert project within the watershed.

Black bears are showing up across more Ashland neighborhoods as scarce mountain berries push animals toward easier food sources. ODFW says bears have been reported getting into garbage and backyard chicken coops, while residents are being urged to remove attractants and report sightings.

A Frost Advisory is in effect early Wednesday for parts of Klamath, Lake, and Modoc counties as a cooler air mass and clearing skies could push temperatures into the low to mid 30s. Sensitive plants, pets, livestock, and agriculture may be affected.

Mt. Ashland Association has named Rachel Canada as the ski area’s new general manager. Canada brings more than 20 years of mountain operations and resort management experience and will lead Mt. Ashland as it prepares for chairlift replacement projects and continued growth beyond the winter season.

A protest outside the Josephine County Courthouse turned physical Wednesday as a protester and counter-protester grappled in the roadway. Videos capture the confrontation, while the two sides dispute what happened beforehand. No arrests had been publicly confirmed as of Friday afternoon.

Klamath County Fire District 3 has voted unanimously to end its ambulance service, citing costs that insurance billing does not cover. The former service area will be divided among Chiloquin, Klamath County Fire District 1, and Basin Ambulance, with longer response times expected in some areas.

Eagle Point Police Chief Jim Hamilton will resign Sept. 7, citing philosophical differences with city administration. Meanwhile, two labor groups representing police officers and other city employees have unanimously voted no confidence in City Administrator Aaron Prunty and HR/Finance Director Melissa Owens.