Les Schwab Cuts 70 Jobs at Bend Headquarters
Les Schwab Tire Centers has cut approximately 70 positions at its Bend headquarters as part of a corporate restructuring. The company says affected employees will receive severance and extended benefits, while the changes will help realign headquarters resources as the Oregon-founded retailer continues expanding its network of more than 600 stores.
Pollution Violations in Brookings, Charleston and Wolf Creek Lead to DEQ Fines
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued 13 civil penalties in April totaling more than $3.4 million. The enforcement actions included major wastewater penalties tied to Pacific Seafood facilities in Charleston and Brookings, along with a solid waste case in Wolf Creek.
Leadership Klamath Opens Enrollment
Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Leadership Klamath program through the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce. The long-running program connects emerging and established leaders with monthly sessions focused on government, education, economic development, healthcare, natural resources, public safety and community engagement.
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.
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.
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.
Straus Ice Cream Recalled in Oregon, California
Straus Family Creamery has voluntarily recalled select production runs of its organic ice cream due to the potential presence of metal foreign material. The recalled products were distributed to retailers in 17 states, including Oregon, California, and Washington.
Klamath Coffee Business Earns SBA Honor
A Klamath Falls coffee business has been named the Portland District SBA Rural Business of the Year, marking the first time the award has been presented to a rural business in Oregon. Owners Carly and Ryan Lynch were honored during a ceremony at their Spring Street location and credited the Klamath Community College Small Business Development Center for helping them build and grow the business.
Basin Transit, KCC Partner on CDL Training Effort
Basin Transit Service says it partnered with Klamath Community College to help a staff member earn a commercial driver license with a passenger endorsement. The agency says the training will allow the employee to operate a college vehicle used to support student and athletic transportation needs.
Asante Warns of $50M Shortfall
Asante President and CEO Tom Gessel told employees that the health system is facing a $16 million operating loss for the first half of the fiscal year and could face a $50 million shortfall in 2027 without action. The memo says Asante expects to eliminate 300 or more roles while reviewing costs, services, and operations.
Ashland, ODOT Address Downtown Construction Concerns
The City of Ashland and Ashland Chamber of Commerce say they are working with ODOT to address concerns about downtown curb construction and its impact on small businesses. After a joint letter and meeting, ODOT agreed to adjust staging, improve signage, review work zones and increase communication during the project.
Oregon Orders ClearShare to Halt Health Plan Operations
Oregon regulators have ordered ClearShare Health to halt operations in the state, alleging the company ran an insurance-like health plan without proper authorization. Officials are also warning consumers to carefully review non-ACA coverage options.
ATRIO Health Plans Placed Under State Supervision
ATRIO Health Plans has been placed under state supervision by Oregon regulators due to financial concerns, including operating losses and unpaid provider claims. The action affects more than 35,000 Medicare Advantage enrollees across multiple counties, including parts of Southern Oregon.
Horizon Air Closing Medford Crew Base
Horizon Air will close its Medford crew base effective May 31, transferring 78 pilots and flight attendants to other cities as the airline opens a new base in Las Vegas. Company officials said the move is due to the Medford base being its smallest and not sustainable for growth, but emphasized that scheduled flights to and from Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport will not be affected.
PacifiCorp Plans Sale of Oregon Distribution Assets
PacifiCorp has announced plans to sell portions of its Oregon distribution system to three electric cooperatives, a move that could affect more than 8,000 customers in Wallowa County, Monroe, and Lakeview.
Lithia Acquires Mercedes-Benz of Medford
Lithia & Driveway has acquired Mercedes-Benz of Medford, expanding its luxury brand portfolio while reinforcing its presence in the Southern Oregon community where the company was founded.
Oregon Sees Historic Wave of Layoffs in 2025 as Unemployment Climbs
Oregon faced a historic surge in layoffs in 2025, surpassing Great Recession levels and pushing unemployment to its highest point since the pandemic. New data highlights the industries hit hardest and the broader economic implications for the state.
KCEDA Announces 2026 Economic Summit
The Klamath County Economic Development Association will host its 5th Annual Economic Summit on January 28, 2026, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and regional experts to discuss economic trends, workforce development, and strategies for long-term growth in Klamath County.
Weed Lumber Mill Closing; 140 Workers Jobless
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.
DEQ Issues 10 Penalties Totaling $462,425 for October Violations
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.