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.
Klamath Falls Structure Fire Complicated by Downed Power Line
A downed power line complicated firefighting efforts at a residence on Morningside Lane in Klamath Falls early Sunday, October 18. Klamath County Fire District 1 and Kingsley Field firefighters worked together to contain the blaze. No firefighter injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.
Klamath Falls Garage Fire Contained Before Spreading Through Home
Klamath County Fire District 1 firefighters contained a Friday morning garage fire on Lincoln Street in Klamath Falls before flames could significantly spread into the attached home. All occupants had evacuated before crews arrived, no injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.
Arrest Made in Klamath Falls Hit-and-Run
Klamath Falls police have made an arrest in an Oct. 2 hit-and-run that left a man seriously injured and a dog dead on Broadmore Street. Detectives served a search warrant Oct. 14 and arrested a 32-year-old woman.
Two Structure Fires Quickly Contained in Klamath, Lake Counties
Firefighters in Klamath and Lake counties recently contained two separate structure fires before they could spread farther. KCFD1 limited a Clinton Avenue fire largely to a garage, while Lakeview crews stopped a fully involved shop fire.
KCFD1 Completes $300,000 Station 1 Improvement Project
Klamath County Fire District 1 has completed approximately $300,000 in improvements at Station 1, replacing bay doors dating to the 1930s and upgrading the station to better accommodate modern fire and EMS vehicles. The project was funded through several years of capital planning and builds on earlier remodeling and seismic upgrades.
Shasta Elementary Opens $87,000 Playground Built With Community Support
Shasta Elementary students have a new place to play after the school celebrated the opening of an $87,000 playground project. Fundraising by the Shasta Elementary School Booster Club, donated work from local contractors, and volunteer help from parents and teachers made the new equipment possible.
KCFD1 responds to two escaped fires, warns fall fire danger is not over
Klamath County Fire District 1 responded to two escaped fires Monday afternoon, including a backyard fire that damaged fencing on neighboring properties and a wind-driven brush fire along Highway 97 South. Fire officials say dry grass and brush across the Klamath Basin can still carry fire quickly despite cooler fall conditions.
Kingsley Field Cleared for F-35s, First Jets Expected Summer 2027 (UPDATED)
Kingsley Field has received final Air Force authorization for a 26-aircraft F-35A Lightning II training mission. The 173rd Fighter Wing says the transition will include major construction, infrastructure upgrades, maintenance preparation, and new training programs, with the first jets expected to arrive in summer 2027.
Pumpkin Festival Kicks Off Fall Fun Across Klamath Basin
Fall is settling into the Klamath Basin with a full slate of October events, beginning with the Klamath County Pumpkin Festival this weekend. Families can also look ahead to Bales & Ales, the Klamath Basin Potato Festival, Pumpkin Express rides, Scarecrow Row, and other seasonal activities throughout the month.
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
Cascade Comp Gives $50,000 to Ross Ragland Theater
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 with Beer, Live Music and Family Fun
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 Wins $50,000 Kubota Grant to Expand Klamath Falls Job Training
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.
Klamath Falls Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Bullet Hits Fire Truck
A Klamath Falls man faces four counts of attempted murder after authorities say he fired a handgun during a dispute on Arthur Street. The shot struck an occupied Klamath County Fire District 1 apparatus as crews were leaving the residence, but no firefighters were injured.
Stolen Fire Command Vehicle Recovered After Pursuit Across Klamath County
A stolen Klamath County Fire District No. 1 command vehicle was recovered Friday after a pursuit through southeastern Klamath County. Deputies say the suspect was also linked to an earlier arson and burglary at a Highway 97 gas station.
Early-Morning Fire Heavily Damages Wong’s Cafe in Downtown Klamath Falls
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.
Klamath IDEA Opens New Season With Two Hometown Entrepreneur Stories
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.
KCFD1 Honors Operations Chief Toni Brimmer After 28 Years of Service
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.
After Nearly 40 Years in Radio, Rob Siems Prepares to Sign Off
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.
Klamath Falls Celebration Upended After Wind Lifts Bounce House; Children Injured
A sudden burst of wind lifted a bounce house during a memorial celebration at Klamath Commons, injuring several children. Six-year-old Lilly Gailey was flown to Portland for surgery as families begin recovering from an afternoon that changed within seconds.