The Oregon Cheese Festival returns to Central Point April 25–26, bringing nearly 100 artisan vendors, cheesemakers, and specialty food producers to the Jackson County Expo. The two-day event will feature tastings, local products, beverage add-ons, and a kickoff Cheesemaker Dinner in Ashland, drawing thousands for one of the region’s largest food festivals.

A 48-year-old Portland man was killed in a crash on Highway 97 near Chemult after his vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic at the scene of an earlier collision. The highway was impacted for several hours during the investigation.

K9 Bullitt of the Klamath Falls Police Department has been retired following a diagnosis of aggressive cancer. The longtime police dog will spend his remaining time with his handler after nearly nine years of service to the community.

Two free summer camps in the Rogue Valley are giving young women hands-on experience in public safety careers. The Girls Police Camp and Rogue Girls Fire Camp both offer immersive training opportunities, with applications now open.

A 65-year-old Medford bicyclist has died after being struck by a delivery truck on East McAndrews Road. The crash occurred on a sidewalk as the truck exited a parking lot, and police say no citations have been issued as the investigation continues.

A driver was cited on multiple charges after crashing into a power pole at Oakdale Avenue and Main Street in Medford. Two passengers were injured in the crash, which left the vehicle totaled.

Families in Jackson County facing food insecurity are receiving help caring for their pets after ACCESS received a $10,000 grant from Friends of the Animals. The funding is supporting pet food distribution at select pantries, with hundreds of bags of dog and cat food already secured through the partnership and additional community support.

Southern Oregon communities are included in a new rural healthcare funding initiative that could expand school nursing services, support local hospitals and clinics, and create new grant opportunities for regional providers.

Jackson County Search and Rescue located a missing 28-year-old man deceased Wednesday morning near the Lower Table Rock cliffs. Officials say the death appears to be non-criminal and the investigation remains ongoing.

A driver was arrested following a multi-vehicle crash on Crater Lake Highway in the Medford area that caused congestion and prompted a reconstruction investigation. Police said intoxication contributed to the collision, which resulted in injuries to other drivers. The roadway has since reopened.

A fatal crash on Interstate 5 near Canyonville left one person dead and three others injured after a stalled commercial motor vehicle was struck on an uphill grade, according to Oregon State Police. The collision caused the involved vehicles to catch fire, and investigators said impairment is believed to be a contributing factor. The commercial truck driver was arrested and charged with DUII and manslaughter following the incident.

Klamath Falls has been named a 2026 IMBA Trail Town, a national designation recognizing communities that prioritize trail development, outdoor recreation access, and long-term stewardship. The city was one of just 28 selected nationwide and one of only two in Oregon, highlighting the growing role of trails in supporting tourism, economic development, and community engagement.

A Bend-La Pine Schools bus driver was arrested on suspicion of DUII and reckless endangering after transportation staff reported concerns that she appeared intoxicated while operating a school bus. According to Bend Police, the driver had completed one student route and was preparing for another when she was removed from duty. Authorities later reported she registered a 0.16 percent blood alcohol content approximately seven hours after initial testing.

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.