Klamath Falls has been named a 2026 IMBA Trail Town, a national designation recognizing communities that prioritize trail development, outdoor recreation access, and long-term stewardship. The city was one of just 28 selected nationwide and one of only two in Oregon, highlighting the growing role of trails in supporting tourism, economic development, and community engagement.

The initial irrigation water allocation for the Klamath Project in 2026 is expected to fall significantly short of agricultural needs, according to the Klamath Water Users Association. The Bureau of Reclamation announced 221,000 acre-feet from Upper Klamath Lake, just over half of what is typically required. Officials say drought conditions, minimal snowpack, and regulatory constraints are contributing factors, and more than 40,000 acres may need to be idled this season.

Ride the Rim at Crater Lake National Park has been cancelled for 2026 due to major construction projects affecting roads, trails, and visitor areas. Officials say the work includes improvements to East Rim Drive, Cleetwood Cove Trail and Marina, and other park facilities. While the event will not take place this year, the park will remain open to visitors, and planning is already underway to bring Ride the Rim back in 2027.

The Bonanza Clinic is marking 30 years of service after a grassroots community effort built the rural healthcare facility from the ground up in 1996. Following the sudden retirement of the area’s only physician, residents across Bonanza, Bly, Beatty, Dairy, Olene, and Sprague River mobilized to restore access to primary care. Volunteers donated labor, materials, and expertise to convert a former restaurant into a clinic, which has since provided more than 120,000 patient visits over three decades.

Klamath County Fire District 1 has announced the 2026 open burning window, set for March 28 through April 12. Fire officials warn that rising fire danger and already reported escaped burns make caution critical. Residents are reminded to follow size, clearance, and supervision requirements to prevent fires from spreading.

A 76-year-old Grants Pass woman was killed in a head-on crash on Highway 97 near Chiloquin after her pickup crossed into oncoming traffic, according to Oregon State Police. The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the investigation.

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley will host a series of town halls across Central and Southern Oregon on March 20–21, including stops in Klamath, Lake, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. The events are part of his ongoing effort to hold annual conversations in all 36 counties statewide.

Klamath County Fire District 1 crews recently assisted with two field births within a two-week period, helping deliver both babies before the mothers could reach the hospital. Firefighters and paramedics safely delivered the newborns and transported the mothers and babies to Sky Lakes Medical Center for further care, highlighting the training and versatility of local emergency responders.

State funding will support a new wastewater treatment plant in Chiloquin and an infrastructure study of the aging sanitation system in Gilchrist.

Three suspects have been arrested after a man died from injuries following an assault discovered inside a vacant residence on Cypress Avenue in Klamath Falls.

Rejeana Jackson, newly appointed to the Klamath Community College Board of Education for Zone 5, says she wants to help strengthen career pathways so local students can build their futures in Klamath Falls instead of leaving for work elsewhere.

An assault reported earlier this month in Klamath Falls has been reclassified as a homicide investigation after the victim died from his injuries. Authorities say a suspect has been arrested and is facing multiple felony charges.

Oregon State Police reported three separate fatal crashes across the state over the weekend, including a deadly commercial vehicle collision in Klamath County that serves as a stark reminder of ongoing roadway safety concerns.

One person was killed and another seriously injured following a single-vehicle crash Sunday morning on Highway 31 in Klamath County, according to Oregon State Police.

Two people were killed in separate crashes reported by Oregon State Police over the weekend, including a three-vehicle collision on Highway 97 in Klamath County where icy road conditions were a contributing factor.

Four people were killed in separate highway crashes across Oregon over a two-day period, with Oregon State Police investigating fatal incidents in Klamath, Deschutes, Josephine, and Columbia counties.

The Klamath County Economic Development Association will host its 5th Annual Economic Summit on January 28, 2026, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and regional experts to discuss economic trends, workforce development, and strategies for long-term growth in Klamath County.

From snowmobiling and skiing to winter festivals, caving, and ice skating, Klamath County offers a wide range of cold-weather adventures for visitors looking to embrace winter in Southern Oregon.

The DeHoop family’s journey from Dutch immigrants to Klamath Basin agricultural leaders spans generations, shaping both the region’s dairy industry and its economic resilience. Their story reflects the promise of the American Dream and the challenges facing modern agriculture in the Basin.

Two Klamath Falls residents were killed Wednesday in a rollover crash on Highway 140E after a passing attempt triggered a collision, according to Oregon State Police.