Jefferson Archives
A living archive of stories from across Jefferson.
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.
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.
Rogue Regional, Three Rivers Earn National Hospital Recognition
Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center and Three Rivers Medical Center have earned national recognition from Forbes, while Rogue Regional also received a U.S. News distinction for community access. The honors come during a challenging year for the health system.
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.
Grange Co-op Members Approve Merger With Farm Supply Company
Members of White City-based Grange Co-op and Farm Supply Company have approved a merger expected to take effect Oct. 1. Grange CEO Neil Itzen will lead the combined 13-store cooperative, which will employ about 460 people across Oregon and California. More than 90% of combined members supported the agreement.
Grange Co-op, Farm Supply Announce Proposed Merger
Grange Co-op and Farm Supply Company have announced a proposed merger that would create a 13-store agricultural cooperative across Oregon and California. The companies say the merger could strengthen purchasing power, improve product availability and expand offerings for farmers, ranchers, growers and rural customers.
Les Schwab Cuts 70 Jobs at Bend Headquarters
Les Schwab Tire Centers has cut approximately 70 positions at its Bend headquarters as part of a corporate restructuring. The company says affected employees will receive severance and extended benefits, while the changes will help realign headquarters resources as the Oregon-founded retailer continues expanding its network of more than 600 stores.
Pollution Violations in Brookings, Charleston and Wolf Creek Lead to DEQ Fines
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued 13 civil penalties in April totaling more than $3.4 million. The enforcement actions included major wastewater penalties tied to Pacific Seafood facilities in Charleston and Brookings, along with a solid waste case in Wolf Creek.
Leadership Klamath Opens Enrollment
Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Leadership Klamath program through the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce. The long-running program connects emerging and established leaders with monthly sessions focused on government, education, economic development, healthcare, natural resources, public safety and community engagement.
Used Outdoor Gear Gets a Second Life
A new used outdoor goods and consignment store is now open in Klamath Falls, offering a place for residents to sell, donate and shop for gently used outdoor gear. The store was created to make outdoor recreation more affordable while keeping usable equipment, clothing and bikes in circulation.
Cal-Ore Plans Fiber Expansion in Weed
Cal-Ore Communications has announced plans to expand broadband service in Siskiyou County with a fiber-optic overlay of the City of Weed. The company says large-scale engineering is already underway, with the goal of beginning customer connections in fall 2026.
Thousands Face New Insurance Search as Providence Shifts Course
Providence Health Plan will leave most individual, family and employer group insurance plans beginning in 2027. Current coverage remains unchanged through 2026, but many Oregon members and employers will need new coverage options next year.
Straus Ice Cream Recalled in Oregon, California
Straus Family Creamery has voluntarily recalled select production runs of its organic ice cream due to the potential presence of metal foreign material. The recalled products were distributed to retailers in 17 states, including Oregon, California, and Washington.
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.
Basin Transit, KCC Partner on CDL Training Effort
Basin Transit Service says it partnered with Klamath Community College to help a staff member earn a commercial driver license with a passenger endorsement. The agency says the training will allow the employee to operate a college vehicle used to support student and athletic transportation needs.
Asante Warns of $50M Shortfall
Asante President and CEO Tom Gessel told employees that the health system is facing a $16 million operating loss for the first half of the fiscal year and could face a $50 million shortfall in 2027 without action. The memo says Asante expects to eliminate 300 or more roles while reviewing costs, services, and operations.
Ashland, ODOT Address Downtown Construction Concerns
The City of Ashland and Ashland Chamber of Commerce say they are working with ODOT to address concerns about downtown curb construction and its impact on small businesses. After a joint letter and meeting, ODOT agreed to adjust staging, improve signage, review work zones and increase communication during the project.
Oregon Orders ClearShare to Halt Health Plan Operations
Oregon regulators have ordered ClearShare Health to halt operations in the state, alleging the company ran an insurance-like health plan without proper authorization. Officials are also warning consumers to carefully review non-ACA coverage options.
ATRIO Health Plans Placed Under State Supervision
ATRIO Health Plans has been placed under state supervision by Oregon regulators due to financial concerns, including operating losses and unpaid provider claims. The action affects more than 35,000 Medicare Advantage enrollees across multiple counties, including parts of Southern Oregon.
Horizon Air Closing Medford Crew Base
Horizon Air will close its Medford crew base effective May 31, transferring 78 pilots and flight attendants to other cities as the airline opens a new base in Las Vegas. Company officials said the move is due to the Medford base being its smallest and not sustainable for growth, but emphasized that scheduled flights to and from Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport will not be affected.