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.
Foundations, Les Schwab Commit $1M to Rural Wildfire Readiness
Oregon Community Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation and Les Schwab Tire Centers are partnering to provide at least $1 million in wildfire preparedness support for rural Oregon communities. The effort includes quick-response grants and $100,000 in donated tires for Rangeland Fire Protection Associations statewide.
Klamath Coffee Business Earns SBA Honor
A Klamath Falls coffee business has been named the Portland District SBA Rural Business of the Year, marking the first time the award has been presented to a rural business in Oregon. Owners Carly and Ryan Lynch were honored during a ceremony at their Spring Street location and credited the Klamath Community College Small Business Development Center for helping them build and grow the business.
Lake County DA Resigns, Citing Severe Funding Crisis
Lake County District Attorney Paul Charas is resigning just over a year into his term, saying chronic underfunding has made it increasingly difficult to prosecute cases. According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, Charas cited staffing shortages, minimal trial resources, and the strain of serving as the county’s only prosecutor.
State Funding Announced for Chiloquin, Gilchrist Infrastructure Projects
State funding will support a new wastewater treatment plant in Chiloquin and an infrastructure study of the aging sanitation system in Gilchrist.
Oregon to Receive $197.3 Million in Federal Funding to Strengthen Rural Healthcare
Oregon will receive $197.3 million in federal funding beginning in 2026 to strengthen rural healthcare, with investments focused on access to care, workforce support, disease prevention, and health technology across rural and frontier communities.