Oregon State Parks Adds Digital Parking Permits
Oregon State Parks visitors now have a digital option for 12-month parking permits ahead of Memorial Day weekend. The new permits allow visitors to register up to two license plates, making the plate itself the proof of permit at state park day-use parking lots where fees are required.
KCFD1 Closes Open Burning as Fire Season Begins
Klamath County Fire District 1 has closed all open burning within its district boundaries due to increasing fire danger and the onset of fire season conditions. The closure applies to Klamath Falls and surrounding areas, while barbecues, cooking appliances, and certain contained fire pits remain allowed under specific safety rules.
Kingsley Field Flyovers Paused During Aircraft Conversion
The 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field says it will be unable to conduct requested flyovers until late 2027 while the base moves through its aircraft conversion process. The wing’s last F-15 Eagle departed in December 2025, and F-35A Lightning II aircraft are projected to arrive in August 2027, pending final Department of the Air Force approval.
KTA Reopens Lake of the Woods Trail Connector
Klamath Trails Alliance volunteers, working with the U.S. Forest Service Fremont-Winema National Forest, have reopened a 600-foot connector trail near Lake of the Woods. The High-Rye Connector links the High Lakes Trail with the Rye Spur Trail and Billie Creek Nature Loop near Highway 140.
Medford Court Waives Wedding Fees for June
The Medford Municipal Court will waive civil wedding ceremony fees during June in celebration of Wedding Month. Couples must schedule an appointment and obtain a valid Oregon marriage license before the ceremony.
Medford Council Changes Course on Main Street Plan
The Medford City Council voted 5-2 to ratify a revised Main Street plan after previously voting to return the downtown street to three lanes. The updated Option 2A configuration keeps two travel lanes, adds a one-way bike lane and is expected to create about 40 parking spaces.
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.
Bitzer Wins Klamath County Race as Oregon Sets November Matchups
Unofficial Wednesday morning election results show Steve Bitzer appearing to win the Klamath County Commissioner Position 2 race outright, while Oregon voters rejected Measure 120 and several major statewide races moved toward November matchups.
Henley Students Build for the Birds
Henley fourth-graders built their own birdhouses last week with help from middle and high school construction students, turning a hands-on shop project into a cross-grade learning experience.
Medford Schools Plan Staffing Cuts
The Medford School District’s approved 2026-2027 budget includes a net reduction of 20 full-time positions, with officials citing declining enrollment, growing special education needs, and long-term financial stability concerns.
Arrests, Eluding Case Highlight Busy Week for JPD
Jacksonville Police Department responded to several calls during the week of May 11 through May 17, including a reported grass fire on Highway 238, a small fire near a downtown business, traffic-related arrests, and a dirt bike eluding case. Officers also participated in wildfire preparedness and public safety events.
Fire Season Begins Friday in Klamath and Lake Counties
Fire season will officially begin Friday, May 22, in Klamath and Lake counties. The Oregon Department of Forestry Klamath-Lake District and partner agencies are moving into coordinated fire season operations, with Moderate fire danger and IFPL I restrictions taking effect.
Wrong-Way I-5 Driver Charged After Head-On Crash
A Grants Pass man is hospitalized with serious injuries after authorities say he drove the wrong way onto Interstate 5 near Rogue River and crashed head-on into an oncoming SUV. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says the incident began when a deputy attempted to stop a speeding Toyota pickup on Rogue River Highway.
$26.4 Million in Shelter Funding Coming to Southern and Central Oregon
More than $26.4 million in new state shelter funding has been awarded to regional coordinators serving Southern Oregon, the South Coast, and Central Oregon. The awards are part of more than $102 million announced statewide through Oregon’s Statewide Shelter Program.
Pedestrian Killed in Highway 97 Crash
An 18-year-old Klamath Falls resident died Saturday morning after being struck by a commercial vehicle on Highway 97 near milepost 264, according to Oregon State Police.
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.
JCSO Seeks Driver in Fatal Gold Hill Hit-and-Run (UPDATED)
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a 47-year-old pedestrian early Saturday morning in the Gold Hill area. Investigators say the suspect vehicle may have damage to the headlight, hood, or windshield.
Missing 2-Year-Old Found Safe
A missing 2-year-old child was found safe Wednesday evening after a multi-agency search in the Cal Pines subdivision of Modoc County. The Modoc County Sheriff’s Office says the child was located about 1.5 miles from her residence and treated for very minor injuries.
Klamath Falls Man Dies in South 6th Street Crash
A Klamath Falls man died Thursday afternoon in a three-vehicle crash on South 6th Street near the intersection with Wiard Street. Oregon State Police says one other driver was transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center with minor injuries, while a third driver was reportedly not injured.
KCFD1 Stops Fire From Spreading
Klamath County Fire District 1 firefighters stopped a residential fire from fully spreading to a neighboring home Friday afternoon in the 800 block of California Avenue. The primary residence sustained extensive fire and smoke damage, while the adjacent home was damaged by radiant heat and fire exposure.