Southern Oregon & Northern California News
Latest local news from Southern Oregon and Northern California, covering Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, Jackson County, Josephine County, Klamath County, Siskiyou County, Del Norte County, and communities throughout the region.
KCC Study Shows Major Economic Impact Across Klamath Basin
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
KCC, Klamath Tribes Build Pathway to Trades Apprenticeships
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.
KCC Highlights Childcare Investment, Top Nursing Ranking
Klamath Community College is highlighting two workforce-focused updates in the Klamath Basin: a $363,000 Cascade Health Alliance award for its Childcare Learning Center and a No. 2 statewide ranking for its Licensed Practical Nursing program.
Klamath Basin Graduates Take Their Next Step
Klamath Community College and Oregon Tech celebrated their 2026 graduates in Klamath Falls last week, honoring students who earned degrees, certificates and workforce-focused credentials. The ceremonies highlighted persistence, family support, rural opportunity and the next steps for hundreds of graduates across the Klamath Basin.
KCC Names Teichert as Commencement Speaker
Klamath Community College has announced that Klamath Falls City Manager Jonathan Teichert will serve as keynote speaker for its June 12 commencement ceremony. Teichert, who credits community college with changing his own educational path, said he is honored to speak to this year’s KCC graduates.
KCC Launches $1M Childcare Campaign
Klamath Community College has launched a $1 million capital campaign to support its new Childcare Learning Center, a 29,000-square-foot facility expected to open in fall 2027. The center will serve up to 144 children while also providing training space for KCC students studying early childhood education.
KCC Names New VP of External Programs
Klamath Community College has named Lucas Ritter as its new Vice President of External Programs. Ritter is a Klamath Falls native and longtime Air Force officer who will begin the role May 4. College officials say he will oversee outreach, grants, and workforce initiatives.
French Exchange Students Attend Winter Term on KCC Campus
Nine French exchange students are spending their winter term at Klamath Community College, gaining hands-on experience while immersing themselves in American culture through a growing international partnership.
New KCC Trustee Wants Local Kids to Stay
Rejeana Jackson, newly appointed to the Klamath Community College Board of Education for Zone 5, says she wants to help strengthen career pathways so local students can build their futures in Klamath Falls instead of leaving for work elsewhere.
Soul Beauty Salon Opens With Community Support
Soul Beauty Salon has officially opened its doors in downtown Klamath Falls, where new owner Ana Mendez celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event supported by family, community members, and KCC’s Small Business Development Center.