The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued several updates ahead of the holiday weekend, including two statewide free fishing days, expanded public access on the restored Klamath River, and a coastwide delay to the commercial Dungeness crab season. Recreational crabbing and clamming remain open in many areas, while winter weather may affect river site access.

Governor Tina Kotek has announced that philanthropic partners in the Oregon Disaster Funders Network have matched the state’s $6 million investment in hunger relief, identifying more than $6.4 million to support food banks, pantries, and community organizations statewide. The partnership expands resources identified through the Governor’s emergency food order.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has released a detailed FAQ explaining the temporary emergency rules aimed at reducing the risk of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) at equine events. The guidance clarifies registration requirements, isolation expectations, veterinarian availability, recordkeeping, and misinformation circulating within the equine community.

Oregon Tech is celebrating enrollment gains for the second year in a row, including its largest freshman class in more than 40 years. Total enrollment reached 5,444 students this fall, driven by growth in online programs, the Klamath Falls campus, and expanded dual credit opportunities for high school students.

The Ross Ragland Theater has opened registration for its winter classes, offering seven arts and enrichment programs beginning January 12 for students, teens, and adults. Prices vary, and scholarships are available.

Medford Police say an early morning crisis call involving an armed suicidal subject led to an officer-involved shooting on Mallard Lane. The individual is in stable condition, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is now overseeing the investigation.

South Fork Forest Camp crews removed 12 trailer loads of debris from a large illegal dump site in the Tillamook State Forest, a weeklong effort officials say highlights the growing problem of illegal dumping across Oregon’s state forests.

Mt. Bachelor has postponed its planned Nov. 28 opening day due to warm, dry weather and limited snowpack. With only a 2-inch base reported, the resort says it will open as soon as conditions allow and will announce a new date once sufficient snowfall arrives.

AAA projects a record 81.8 million people will travel for Thanksgiving this year, with the majority hitting the road. Concerns over recent flight cancellations may drive even more travelers to switch from air to car trips. AAA and transportation experts are urging early departures and caution on the roads.

Klamath Music and Watershed Row have announced a new partnership for the 2026 Klamath Music Festival, scheduled for July 24–25. Organizers expect to release the full lineup in February and encourage community members to follow updates at KlamathMusic.com.

Oregon has enacted emergency rules to prevent the spread of Equine Herpes Virus following outbreaks linked to events in Texas and Oklahoma. In response, the Klamath County Fairgrounds has issued a full suspension of all equine use while awaiting further guidance from state officials.

A multi-agency law enforcement sweep in Shasta County led to 14 arrests as officers conducted parole compliance checks at 22 locations. The Nov. 14 operation, known as Operation Shasta Shield, focused on high-risk supervised individuals, including registered sex offenders.

Washington health officials have confirmed the first human case of the H5N5 strain of avian influenza in Grays Harbor County, marking the first known infection of its kind. The patient remains hospitalized, but officials say the public risk is low and no human-to-human transmission has been identified.

TriMet has eliminated 68 administrative positions and reduced internal spending by $17.7 million as part of a long-term plan to close a projected $300 million budget shortfall. The agency says more service cuts and additional revenue measures will be needed through 2028.

Students and staff at Chiloquin Junior/Senior High School gathered for a traditional salmon bake and round dance as part of a day dedicated to celebrating Native American Heritage Month. Hosted in partnership with the Klamath Tribes and community organizations, the event highlighted cultural traditions, salmon’s ecological and spiritual importance, and the value of connecting students with their Indigenous heritage.

The 2025 Klamath Snowflake Festival returns Nov. 29–Dec. 14 with two weeks of parades, performances, family fun, and this year’s theme, Arctic Adventures. The festival also honors longtime Salvation Army leader Debi Leighton as this year’s Grand Marshal.

Transportation agencies across the region are preparing for winter weather and urging the public to plan ahead. Crews are gearing up for snow and ice while reminding travelers to check conditions, carry chains, and use caution on the roads.

More than $28 million in federal funding will support new wildfire-mitigation projects across Oregon. The USDA-funded grants, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help communities reduce hazardous fuels, strengthen evacuation routes, and expand prescribed fire and defensible space work.

ODOT is hosting a Dec. 2 open house in Bend to share updated designs for the Hawthorne Crossing bicycle and pedestrian bridge. Community members can view the new truss-style concept, meet the project team, and submit feedback in person or online.

Klamath IDEA will host Southern Oregon entrepreneur and innovation leader Dr. Kim Freeze as the featured IDEA Talks! speaker on November 20. The event will explore innovation, mindset, and the power of community collaboration.