Several Southern Oregon airports, including Medford, Grants Pass, Ashland, and Klamath Falls, are set to receive federal funding as part of a more than $27 million statewide investment aimed at improving aviation infrastructure. Projects include runway and taxiway resurfacing, lighting upgrades, pavement rehabilitation, and safety enhancements designed to support emergency response, business travel, and regional connectivity across Southern Oregon and nearby coastal communities.

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.

A missing and endangered Lake County man has been located deceased in a remote area of Green Mountain. Warren Sherman, 70, had been reported missing after last being seen March 31 in the Christmas Valley area. Officials say no foul play is suspected, and multiple agencies assisted in the coordinated search effort.

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.

Construction on Medford Fire Station 15 continues to advance, with interior drywall nearing completion and kitchen cabinets now being installed. Exterior work is also progressing, including siding installation and preparation for concrete sidewalks and apparatus bay access. Crews continue responding from a temporary apparatus bay while the project moves forward.

Oregon Tech has received a $310,000 funding increase to expand its User Experience certificate programs, supporting scholarships, industry tools, and summer training opportunities. The grant will fund 66 full-tuition scholarships and provide students access to professional UX software used in the field. Officials say the program is designed for working professionals, career changers, and students looking to build practical UX skills.

Fire crews from multiple agencies responded Sunday morning to a structure fire at the Lions Club building in Cave Junction. Smoke was observed coming from the roofline upon arrival, and firefighters entered the building to confirm and extinguish the blaze. Utility crews and traffic control support were also requested, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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.

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.

Warmer-than-normal temperatures are expected across Southern Oregon and Northern California this holiday weekend, with highs running 10 to 20 degrees above average. The National Weather Service says the warmest conditions are expected on Easter Sunday, with a Minor HeatRisk possible for heat-sensitive individuals.

Bend Police are asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect who allegedly pointed a handgun at an employee during an attempted armed robbery at Abby’s Legendary Pizza in northeast Bend. Investigators say the man cashed out an 86-cent ticket before threatening the worker and fleeing the scene on a black BMX bicycle Wednesday night.

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.

A Medford man accused of 18 child sex crimes was arrested Thursday after an hours-long standoff in south Medford. Investigators say the case began after the suspect allegedly sent child sexual abuse material to undercover officers, leading to a search warrant and discovery of additional evidence.

A juvenile female was taken into custody Wednesday evening following a stabbing in Medford. Police say two juveniles were involved in a physical altercation in the roadway when one produced a knife, leaving the victim with multiple serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The Klamath Water Users Association is warning of reduced irrigation water deliveries for the 2026 season due to extremely low snowpack. Officials say up to 40,000 acres may need to remain unirrigated to preserve water later in the year. A community meeting is planned to discuss conditions and next steps.

An injured snowboarder was rescued near Broken Top after a multi-agency response involving a Black Hawk helicopter and 22 SAR volunteers. Crews navigated steep, snow-covered terrain and changing weather conditions to reach the woman. She was stabilized and flown to a Bend hospital for treatment.

Klamath Community College has named Lucas Ritter as its new Vice President of External Programs. Ritter is a Klamath Falls native and longtime Air Force officer who will begin the role May 4. College officials say he will oversee outreach, grants, and workforce initiatives.

A Bend man was arrested for the second time in a month after threatening a deputy and fleeing on a motorcycle in Deschutes River Woods. The incident prompted a large law enforcement response and temporarily halted train traffic in the area. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident and faces additional charges.

The Tillamook Forest Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary with events and a new exhibit highlighting forest history and restoration. The Oregon Department of Forestry says the center has served as a hands-on learning facility focused on forest ecology and stewardship. A public Birthday Bash is scheduled for April 4 to mark the milestone.

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.