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.
SOU Funding Request Moves Forward
Southern Oregon University’s request for up to $15 million in one-time emergency state funding moved forward this week after unanimous support from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. The SOU Board of Trustees also voted to begin a broader viability planning process, while leaving final decisions on specific academic and operational cuts for later review.
KCSD Selects Melissa Cole as Next Superintendent
The Klamath County School District Board of Directors has selected Melissa Cole as its next superintendent. Cole, a Klamath Falls resident and longtime educator with more than 25 years of experience, will succeed retiring Superintendent Glen Szymoniak and begin leading the district on July 1.
SOU Emergency Funding Request Moves to HECC
The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission is considering a request to seek up to $15 million in emergency state funding for Southern Oregon University. The money would support SOU’s cashflow needs through fiscal year 2027 as the university faces a major budget shortfall and considers long-term restructuring options.
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.
Oakdale Mural Honors First Students
Oakdale Middle School has unveiled a 16-foot mural created with help from more than 200 students and staff members. The colorful feathered-wing artwork honors the Medford school’s first generation of students and staff since opening in 2023.
KCC Names Teichert as Commencement Speaker
Klamath Community College has announced that Klamath Falls City Manager Jonathan Teichert will serve as keynote speaker for its June 12 commencement ceremony. Teichert, who credits community college with changing his own educational path, said he is honored to speak to this year’s KCC graduates.
Henley Student Wins Oregon Safety Contest
Two Henley High School students from Klamath Falls were recognized in Oregon’s 2026 young worker safety media contest. Pyper Fussell earned first place in graphic design, while Harlee Stephens was named a finalist for a separate design promoting heat illness prevention for young workers.
KCC Launches $1M Childcare Campaign
Klamath Community College has launched a $1 million capital campaign to support its new Childcare Learning Center, a 29,000-square-foot facility expected to open in fall 2027. The center will serve up to 144 children while also providing training space for KCC students studying early childhood education.
Grants Pass Schools Receive Summer Learning Grant
Grants Pass School District 7 has received state summer learning funding to support literacy, enrichment and school readiness programs for students. The funding will help continue Kinder Camps, launch Literacy Quest for invited elementary students and support a 5th- to 6th-Grade Transition Academy in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley.
Oregon Tech Students Earn National IT Honors
Oregon Tech students earned multiple top honors at America’s Innovate IT Collegiate Conference, including first place in the Analyze IT Challenge and additional recognition in cybersecurity and troubleshooting events. The national competition tested students through real-world information technology, cybersecurity, data analysis, and problem-solving challenges.
Henley Wins KCSD Iron Chef
The Henley Hornets won the second annual KCSD Iron Chef: Battle of the Schools after a full day of cooking, teamwork and competition at the Klamath County Fairgrounds. Student teams from Henley, Bonanza, Lost River, Mazama and the Klamath County Transition Program showcased their culinary skills with support from local chefs, educators and community partners.
Healthcare Pathways Grow In Klamath County
A group of southern Oregon school district superintendents and Asante Health representatives visited Klamath Falls for a closer look at a growing healthcare education partnership. The tour highlighted how local schools, Sky Lakes Medical Center and Klamath Community College are connecting students with classroom instruction, college credit and hands-on clinical experience.
Ashland READS Celebrates Young Readers
Ashland Police, the Ashland School District and Ashland Rotary partnered for the Ashland READS program, a literacy celebration for local first-grade students. The event included new books for students, a high school percussion welcome and a community BBQ served with help from Ashland Police officers.
Oregon Tech Students Win $20,500 to Launch New Business Ideas
Student entrepreneurs at Oregon Tech competed for startup funding during the 2026 Catalyze Klamath Challenge, where $20,500 was awarded to help turn product ideas into real businesses. Winning concepts included a patented deck vacuum attachment and a fog-eliminating dental mirror.
Growing Opportunities
Bonanza senior Brooklyn Latscha has helped transform the school greenhouse into a thriving student-led program focused on agriculture, business skills and hands-on learning for younger students.
Conger Third Graders Explore Nature at Moore Park
Conger Elementary third graders explored Moore Park through the Klamath Outdoor Science School, learning forestry, ecology, wildlife habitats, and how to estimate a tree’s age by counting its rings.
Six State Titles, One Team
Henley High School students captured six state championships and qualified multiple teams for nationals at the SkillsUSA Oregon State Conference, highlighting the continued strength of the school’s Career and Technical Education programs.
Millions Headed to Southern Oregon Counties
Nearly $48.7 million in federal Secure Rural Schools funding is headed to Oregon counties, with Southern Oregon communities receiving some of the largest allocations in the state. Douglas, Klamath, Jackson, and Josephine counties are among the top recipients.
SOU Raises Tuition as Budget Challenges Continue
Southern Oregon University will increase tuition and fees by nearly 5% next year for in-state undergraduate students, the maximum allowed without additional state approval. According to reporting by Jefferson Public Radio, university leaders say tuition hikes alone will not solve broader financial challenges tied to enrollment declines, rising costs, and limited public funding.
North Medford Gym Rebuild Moves Forward
Construction is underway on the new North Medford High School gym, with early work completed and major structural progress expected by the start of the next school year. The rebuild follows the collapse of the original facility and aims for full completion by late 2027.