Oregon’s expanded Waterway Access Permit requirement is now in effect for all nonmotorized boats, including kayaks, paddleboards, rafts, canoes and inflatable versions regardless of length. State officials say the fees help fund waterway access and aquatic invasive species prevention, while opponents argue the law places an unfair burden on low-risk paddlers.

An 84-year-old man has been arrested after a fatal shooting early Friday morning in the 500 block of Market Street in Klamath Falls. Police said the victim later died at Sky Lakes Medical Center, and detectives found discrepancies between the suspect’s initial account and evidence gathered during the investigation.

Fire investigators say the Blackwell Road Fire near Central Point was accidental and began from spontaneous heating inside a large mulch pile. Strong winds pushed the fire through nearby materials, across Tolo Road and into grass fields, burning a combined 50 acres.

A vacant structure near Oregon Highway 39 and Roberta Drive in Klamath Falls was destroyed in an overnight fire Thursday, according to Klamath County Fire District 1. Fire officials said crews encountered heavy fire throughout the building and later shifted to a defensive strategy because of fire conditions and structural instability.

Greater Klamath CityFest returns to Klamath Falls on Saturday, May 30, bringing free family activities, action sports demonstrations, live music, worship and a Ryan Stevenson concert to downtown Main Street and Veterans Park.

Benefit for the Basin returns Saturday, May 30, at the Klamath County Fairgrounds, bringing together a car show, vendors, family activities and dinner in support of youth, education, community programs and the fairgrounds.

Henley softball’s 2026 season has added another chapter to one of the Klamath Basin’s strongest high school sports traditions. The Hornets went unbeaten in Skyline Conference play, won their 15th straight conference title and advanced in the 4A state playoffs with a first-round win over Pendleton.

A child exploitation investigation tied to Discord led to a search warrant Wednesday morning at a rural Central Point residence. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said the case began after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children connected uploaded child sexual abuse material to the address.

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.