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.
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.
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.