Raiders’ World Series Game Moved to Monday
Southern Oregon’s second game at the NAIA Softball World Series has been rescheduled for 10 a.m. PT Monday against Southeastern of Florida after thunderstorms continued to disrupt tournament play in Columbus, Georgia.
SWAT Standoff Ends in Medford Arrest
Medford Police say an early morning shots-fired call on South Holly Street led to a SWAT response after several people refused to come out of a residence. Officers reported no injuries and said one man was jailed on multiple firearm and domestic violence-related charges.
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.
Used Outdoor Gear Gets a Second Life
A new used outdoor goods and consignment store is now open in Klamath Falls, offering a place for residents to sell, donate and shop for gently used outdoor gear. The store was created to make outdoor recreation more affordable while keeping usable equipment, clothing and bikes in circulation.
Medford Splash Pads Open for Summer
Medford’s splash pads opened for the season Friday, May 22, giving families and residents another way to cool off heading into the holiday weekend. The city is also reminding residents to stay hydrated, use sunscreen and check on vulnerable neighbors as temperatures rise.
KU Digital Media Celebrates National Recognition
Klamath Union High School’s Digital Media program celebrated a standout year during its Digital Media Awards Night, recognizing students for creative work, leadership and national achievement. The evening highlighted student films, community partnerships, a new scholarship and growing opportunities tied to professional-level media projects.
Raiders Open World Series Run with Win, Weather Delay
Southern Oregon opened its NAIA Softball World Series run with a 4-2 win over Cumberlands, extending the Raiders’ winning streak to 16 games. Severe weather in Columbus, Georgia, has since pushed SOU’s next game to Sunday against Southeastern or College of Idaho.
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.
Oregon State Parks Adds Digital Parking Permits
Oregon State Parks visitors now have a digital option for 12-month parking permits ahead of Memorial Day weekend. The new permits allow visitors to register up to two license plates, making the plate itself the proof of permit at state park day-use parking lots where fees are required.
KCFD1 Closes Open Burning as Fire Season Begins
Klamath County Fire District 1 has closed all open burning within its district boundaries due to increasing fire danger and the onset of fire season conditions. The closure applies to Klamath Falls and surrounding areas, while barbecues, cooking appliances, and certain contained fire pits remain allowed under specific safety rules.
Kingsley Field Flyovers Paused During Aircraft Conversion
The 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field says it will be unable to conduct requested flyovers until late 2027 while the base moves through its aircraft conversion process. The wing’s last F-15 Eagle departed in December 2025, and F-35A Lightning II aircraft are projected to arrive in August 2027, pending final Department of the Air Force approval.
KTA Reopens Lake of the Woods Trail Connector
Klamath Trails Alliance volunteers, working with the U.S. Forest Service Fremont-Winema National Forest, have reopened a 600-foot connector trail near Lake of the Woods. The High-Rye Connector links the High Lakes Trail with the Rye Spur Trail and Billie Creek Nature Loop near Highway 140.
Medford Court Waives Wedding Fees for June
The Medford Municipal Court will waive civil wedding ceremony fees during June in celebration of Wedding Month. Couples must schedule an appointment and obtain a valid Oregon marriage license before the ceremony.
Medford Council Changes Course on Main Street Plan
The Medford City Council voted 5-2 to ratify a revised Main Street plan after previously voting to return the downtown street to three lanes. The updated Option 2A configuration keeps two travel lanes, adds a one-way bike lane and is expected to create about 40 parking spaces.
Thousands Face New Insurance Search as Providence Shifts Course
Providence Health Plan will leave most individual, family and employer group insurance plans beginning in 2027. Current coverage remains unchanged through 2026, but many Oregon members and employers will need new coverage options next year.
Bitzer Wins Klamath County Race as Oregon Sets November Matchups
Unofficial Wednesday morning election results show Steve Bitzer appearing to win the Klamath County Commissioner Position 2 race outright, while Oregon voters rejected Measure 120 and several major statewide races moved toward November matchups.
Henley Students Build for the Birds
Henley fourth-graders built their own birdhouses last week with help from middle and high school construction students, turning a hands-on shop project into a cross-grade learning experience.
Raiders Collect National, Conference Honors
Southern Oregon University athletics received two major honors this week, with three Raider wrestling greats selected for the NWCA NAIA Hall of Fame and SOU’s athletic training staff named the Cascade Conference Athletic Training Staff of the Year.
Medford Schools Plan Staffing Cuts
The Medford School District’s approved 2026-2027 budget includes a net reduction of 20 full-time positions, with officials citing declining enrollment, growing special education needs, and long-term financial stability concerns.
Arrests, Eluding Case Highlight Busy Week for JPD
Jacksonville Police Department responded to several calls during the week of May 11 through May 17, including a reported grass fire on Highway 238, a small fire near a downtown business, traffic-related arrests, and a dirt bike eluding case. Officers also participated in wildfire preparedness and public safety events.