Memorial Day Events Set Across the Region
Memorial Day observances across Southern Oregon and Northern California include parades, cemetery services, flag displays, a river wreath ceremony, a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall dedication and a statewide livestream honoring Oregon’s fallen service members.
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.
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.
Forest Crews Monitor Lightning Fires
Firefighters on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest are monitoring for possible holdover fires after more than 2,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the forest area in 24 hours. The agency said crews responded to reported strikes and visible smoke while continuing prescribed fire work designed to reduce ground fuels under favorable spring conditions.
New Border Monument Added On U.S. 101
A new California welcome monument has been added along U.S. 101 at the California-Oregon border in Del Norte County. The project, made possible through Caltrans and Clean California, follows a similar border monument along Highway 199 and is intended to create a stronger first impression for travelers entering the state.
Prairie Creek Restoration Nears Public Opening (VIDEO)
The Yurok Tribe has planted thousands more native species at Prairie Creek as the future ‘O Rew Redwoods Gateway and Restoration Project moves closer to opening to the public.
Klamath Basin Agriculture Faces Severe Irrigation Shortfall
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.
Wolf Sightings Near Homes Raise Concerns in Siskiyou County
The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office is reporting an increase in gray wolf sightings near homes and a rise in livestock depredations this spring. Officials say at least 16 confirmed depredations have occurred since early February, including a recent incident in Butte Valley where two wolves were reported stalking dogs near a residence. Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue is calling for changes to California’s gray wolf management plan and urging residents to take precautions.
HWD Introduces Regional Weather Camera Hub
HWD has introduced a new regional Weather Camera Hub that brings together more than 140 live cameras across Southern Oregon and Northern California into one convenient page. The collection includes feeds from transportation agencies, media outlets, and other providers, allowing readers to quickly check real-time road and weather conditions across major highways, mountain passes, and coastal routes.
Winter Storm Warning Continues for Oregon Cascades
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Oregon Cascades with heavy snow and strong winds expected through Thursday. Forecasters say up to 30 inches of snow is possible in some higher elevations with difficult travel conditions. Additional watches, warnings, and advisories have been issued across Southern Oregon and Northern California.
New Welcome Monument Installed at California-Oregon Border
A new welcome monument has been installed along U.S. 199 at the California-Oregon border in Del Norte County, offering travelers a refreshed gateway into California. The project, funded through Caltrans and the Clean California initiative, is part of broader statewide beautification efforts, with another monument planned along U.S. 101.
Suspect Shot, Killed After Pulling Gun During I-5 Traffic Stop
A suspect was shot and killed after allegedly pulling a firearm on officers during a traffic stop on Interstate 5 in Weed, California. Authorities say suspected methamphetamine was discovered in the vehicle before the officer-involved shooting occurred.
Midday Highway Closures Planned for U.S. 199 and Route 197
Travelers along U.S. Highway 199 and State Route 197 in Del Norte County should prepare for four-hour midday closures starting as early as May as Caltrans begins major upgrades along the corridor. The multi-year project aims to improve safety and bring the route up to national truck standards, with closures expected Tuesdays through Thursdays for about one year.
Toxic Chemical Spill Triggers Shelter-in-Place in Dorris
A toxic chemical spill in Dorris, California triggered a shelter-in-place order, highway closure, and emergency response as crews worked to neutralize paraquat, a highly dangerous herbicide. Officials say the scene is now safe, but caution remains in effect.
Teen Driver Dies in Early Morning Siskiyou County Crash
An 18-year-old Etna driver died early Friday morning after a single-vehicle crash on Oberlin Road east of Yreka. Authorities say the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree, while a teenage passenger was transported to the hospital with injuries.
Injured Climber Rescued After 700-Foot Fall on Mount Shasta
Two climbers were rescued from Mount Shasta after one fell roughly 700 feet during a descent from the summit, suffering multiple injuries.
Human Remains Found at Mount Shasta Vista Fire Site
Human remains were discovered at the site of a suspected structure fire in the Mount Shasta Vista area, prompting an investigation by the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office.
Pedestrian Injured in Mount Shasta Hit-and-Run; Driver Arrested
An elderly woman was seriously injured in a hit-and-run collision Saturday afternoon in Mount Shasta. Police say the driver, later identified as a 45-year-old man, was located, arrested, and booked on felony DUI and hit-and-run charges.
Northern California Congressman Doug LaMalfa Dies at 65
Northern California Congressman Doug LaMalfa has died at the age of 65 after suffering a medical emergency and undergoing emergency surgery at a Chico hospital, according to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. Officials confirmed his death Monday evening but have not released a cause.