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.
Car Hits SOU Building
A driver was injured Tuesday after a vehicle crashed into Stevenson Union on the Southern Oregon University campus in Ashland, rupturing a gas meter and prompting an evacuation. Ashland Fire & Rescue says the building was cleared for re-entry shortly after 2 p.m.
Fire Damages Vacant Klamath Falls Home
Klamath County Fire District 1 responded Monday morning to a structure fire at an abandoned home in the 1700 block of Arthur Street in Klamath Falls. Crews found smoke and fire coming from the vacant structure, brought the fire under control, and prevented it from spreading to nearby homes.
Gerber And Topsy Campgrounds Open May 13
The Bureau of Land Management will open Gerber and Topsy campgrounds for the 2026 recreation season on Wednesday, May 13. The two Klamath-area public lands destinations offer camping, fishing, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, and day-use access ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
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.
Klamath River Dam Removal Project Earns International Award
The Klamath River Renewal Project has received international recognition for its role in restoring fish passage and river connectivity following the removal of four hydroelectric dams. Project partners say the effort reopened more than 400 miles of historic habitat for salmon, steelhead and lamprey.
Siskiyou Sheriff Holds Dorris Town Hall on Wolf Concerns
Siskiyou County officials held a town hall in Dorris this week to discuss public safety concerns with Butte Valley residents, including ongoing issues involving gray wolves, livestock depredation and reported wolf habituation. The Sheriff’s Office says additional town halls are planned this month in Quartz Valley, Happy Camp, Tulelake and Hornbrook.
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.
Cascade Lakes Highway Opens Early After Low-Snow Winter
Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road are open for the season after Deschutes County crews completed snow-clearing work earlier than many years. County officials said the work moved faster because of this year’s warm winter and limited snowfall in the Central Oregon Cascades.
Medford Selects Trevor Arnold as Next Police Chief
The City of Medford has selected Deputy Chief Trevor Arnold as its next police chief, pending final City Council action. Arnold has served with the Medford Police Department for more than 27 years and would succeed Chief Justin Ivens, who announced his retirement earlier this year.
Asante to Pay Ashland $4M as Hospital Agreement Ends
Asante is expected to pay the City of Ashland $4 million by June 18 as the two parties work to end a long-running affiliation agreement tied to Ashland Community Hospital. The agreement comes as Asante prepares to close inpatient services in Ashland and convert the facility into a satellite campus of Rogue Regional Medical Center.
Asante Says Hospitals Will Remain Open Amid Layoffs and Financial Cuts
Asante says its hospitals, emergency departments and immediate care locations will remain open as the health system moves forward with layoffs and cost-cutting efforts. The organization says 300 or more employees may be affected in fiscal year 2026 as it works to address rising expenses, lower reimbursement rates and other financial pressures.
Oregon Warns of Severe Wildfire Risk
Governor Tina Kotek and state wildfire leaders are urging Oregonians to prepare now for what may be a difficult 2026 wildfire season. Officials cited severe drought, record-low snowpack, and forecasts for warmer, drier conditions as major concerns, with above-normal fire risk expected to reach southwestern Oregon in July.
KBBH Expands Youth Prevention Events
Klamath Basin Behavioral Health is expanding its youth prevention programming with a series of free, age-specific community events throughout 2026. The substance-free activities are designed to help children and teens build positive connections, strengthen resilience, and have safe recreational opportunities in Klamath County.
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.
Trailer Fire Displaces Medford Resident
A resident was displaced Sunday night after a trailer fire in the 3000 block of Table Rock Road in Medford. Medford Fire says the blaze was knocked down within eight minutes, caused extensive damage to the RV, and was likely sparked by embers from an outdoor fire pit.
Salad Recall Issued Over Sesame Allergen
Market of Choice has recalled its 9.5-ounce Vegan Kale Caesar Salad because sesame was included in the product but not listed on the label. The affected salads were sold at Oregon stores, including Ashland and Medford, between April 16 and May 4, 2026, with expiration dates ranging from April 20 through May 8.