Sky Lakes Medical Center and Klamath Falls Police continue to expand the region’s first Hospital Resource Officer program, with veteran officer Jeff Hutcheson serving full-time on campus to improve safety and response coordination.

Medford’s “Big X” intersection is nearing the end of a major upgrade project that repaved roads, repaired bridges, added new traffic signals, and improved bicycle and pedestrian safety ahead of holiday travel.

Roseburg Forest Products has closed its Weed, Calif., veneer plant as it consolidates production at upgraded Oregon facilities. The company says the move strengthens long-term competitiveness and affects about 140 employees.

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.

A collaborative effort between ODF, ODFW, and the Oregon Hunters Association is helping the Walker Point meadow near Veneta flourish with native pollinators and wildlife in its second year of restoration.

Deschutes County Solid Waste has added new drop-off containers for hard-to-recycle materials—including plastic bags, lids, shredded paper, and aluminum trays—at transfer stations and Knott Landfill beginning December 2.

Mayor Michael Zarosinski has appointed longtime public service leader John Vial as Interim City Manager, bringing decades of experience to guide Medford through its transition.

Deschutes County will conduct winter pile burns on up to 24 acres near Seventh Mountain Resort and Points West, with weekday ignitions planned between December and February.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is honoring Detective Ryan Groom, who has retired after 28 years in Oregon law enforcement and 22 years serving the Jackson County community.

The Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office has completed cleanup operations at several trespass sites, removing abandoned RVs, trailers, debris, and hazardous materials with help from county partners.

Oregon Tech has received a $500,000 gift from the Beavers Charitable Trust to support workforce development within the university’s new Construction Management program. The funding will provide scholarships and expand the program’s Heavy Construction Management option.

Medford’s Winter Lights Festival returns to Pear Blossom Park on Dec. 6 with a full evening of holiday activities, including a candy cane hunt, illuminated parade, tree lighting, live performances, Santa photos, and Polar Express-themed fun.

ODOT has announced two major updates for December: a public meeting on proposed speed limit reductions in Eugene and on U.S. 101, and overnight closures on I-205 for Abernethy Bridge construction. Additional daytime lane restrictions will also affect the Oregon City–West Linn Arch Bridge.

A prohibited Chinese mitten crab was found in the Willamette River near Portland, marking the second confirmed sighting of the invasive species in Oregon this year. ODFW is urging residents to report any suspected mitten crab sightings to help prevent potential environmental damage.

Oregon State Parks is seeking public input on proposed changes to reservations, fee ranges, and Special Access Pass rules as the agency works to address a projected $8 million operational shortfall. A virtual public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 15, with comments accepted through Jan. 15, 2026.

A lithium battery ignited inside a custodians’ workshop at Miller Elementary School in Bend on Sunday night, triggering the fire sprinkler system and limiting damage to the small room. Crews cleared smoke and water from the gym as the district works toward reopening the school safely.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued 10 civil penalties totaling $462,425 in October for violations involving air quality, water protection, stormwater management, and underground fuel tanks across the state.

Medford Police arrested a woman Wednesday morning who investigators believe set multiple arson fires across North Medford, including vehicle fires and a blaze at a local restaurant.

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.

Medford Police recovered more than $141,000 in stolen radio equipment and arrested a suspect following two burglaries at Medford Fire Department storage facilities. Detectives say the investigation also cleared several additional theft cases throughout Jackson County.