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.
Ammunition Found at Mazama Prompts Security Measures
The discovery of ammunition in a restroom at Mazama High School prompted a precautionary security response Monday. Klamath County deputies and school officials conducted searches as investigators worked to determine how the ammunition ended up on campus.
Tom Arnold Brings Stand-Up Comedy to Klamath Falls Saturday
Hollywood actor and comedian Tom Arnold brings his “My Crazy X-Wife” comedy tour to the Ross Ragland Theater in Klamath Falls on Saturday, November 7. Known for his roles in Roseanne, True Lies, and numerous television and film productions, Arnold will share stories about relationships, fatherhood, and life in Hollywood.
Oregon closes record-breaking 2026 fire season after 2.5 million acres burn statewide
Oregon’s record-breaking 2026 fire season has officially ended after more than 2.5 million acres burned across the state. From the East Evans Creek and Fielder Mountain fires west of the Cascades to the Wrights Spring and Picture Rock fires on the east side, Southern Oregon experienced its share of a historic and demanding wildfire season.
Tech Opens $4 Million Thomet Fieldhouse
Oregon Tech celebrated the opening of its $4 million Kip Thomet Memorial Fieldhouse on November 3 in Klamath Falls. The 8,500-square-foot indoor training facility was funded entirely through private donations, led by a $1.2 million gift from Glen and Sherry Thomet in memory of their son, Kip, who died in 2019.
Klamath County Man Arrested on Six Child Sex Abuse Charges Following Investigation
Klamath County deputies arrested Sean Oroake, 32, on November 3 following a months-long investigation. Deputies served a search warrant in the 5000 block of South Etna, seizing evidence related to the investigation. Oroake was lodged at the Klamath County Jail on six counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse I and an Assault III charge from Douglas County.
A Leap of Taste Expanding to Klamath Community College Campus
Downtown Klamath Falls café A Leap of Taste is expanding to Klamath Community College, with a tentative soft opening November 17. The new location in Building 4 will serve sandwiches, breakfast items, baked goods, and specialty coffee Monday through Friday, with plans for a comfortable seating area in early 2027.
Two Weather Systems Bring Rain Chances to Southern Oregon This Week
Two Pacific weather systems will bring light rain to portions of Southern Oregon and Northern California November 3–4. Siskiyou and Modoc counties have the best rain chances Tuesday, followed by the Oregon Coast and Umpqua Valley Wednesday. Warmer weather is expected Saturday before another system arrives Sunday.
Klamath Falls Man Arrested on Child Sex Abuse Charges
A Klamath Falls man was arrested October 29 following an investigation into suspected online child exploitation that began in May 2025. Johnny Long, 64, faces three counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the First Degree after investigators examined digital evidence seized during a residential search and presented the case to a grand jury.
Cooler Weather, Rain Chances Ahead for Southern Oregon
Southern Oregon and Northern California face a cooler, unsettled weekend, with Halloween showers, near-freezing temperatures in inland valleys, and an increased sneaker-wave risk along the Oregon Coast. The National Weather Service expects a brief return to drier conditions before rain chances increase later next week.
Man Critically Injured in Klamath Falls Motel Shooting
A shooting Monday evening at the Holliday Motel in Klamath Falls left 25-year-old Ethan Kammerer hospitalized in critical condition. Klamath County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested Zander Snider, 25, on assault and weapons-related charges as the investigation continues.
Fire Season Ends in Klamath and Lake Counties
The South-Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership has officially ended the 2026 fire season in Klamath and Lake counties. Seasonal fire restrictions have been lifted, including in the Klamath River Canyon, but certain outdoor burning requirements remain in effect.
Small Fire at KUHS Quickly Contained
A small equipment fire at Klamath Union High School was contained Thursday afternoon after school staff used a fire extinguisher to prevent the flames from spreading before firefighters arrived.
Scarecrow Row Returns Saturday to Downtown Klamath Falls
Downtown Klamath Falls will celebrate Scarecrow Row on Saturday, October 24, with a costume parade, trick-or-treating, and family-friendly activities along Main Street. The celebration coincides with the final Klamath Falls Farmers Market of the 2026 season, bringing a morning of fall festivities, local shopping, and community traditions.
Klamath Falls to Dedicate Park Honoring John Bellon
Klamath Falls will dedicate a new downtown park in memory of John Bellon, a longtime city employee who spent more than 30 years supporting local parks, trails, and urban forestry. The October 24 ceremony at 39 Main Street will include the unveiling of a large elk statue. The park remains under construction and is not yet open.
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.
Freeze Warnings Issued Across Southern Oregon, Northern California
The National Weather Service has issued frost advisories and freeze warnings across parts of Southern Oregon and Northern California as the coldest temperatures of the season arrive. Frost and freezing conditions are expected Sunday and Monday mornings, with possible slick roads in Lake and Modoc counties and sneaker wave danger along the coast.
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.