How Ashland Little League built a state tournament team

Why Crater Lake's new superintendent says now is a good time to visit

Crater Lake National Park Superintendent Curt Dimmick. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3f855bd/2147483647/strip/false/crop/981x731+0+0/resize/709x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff2%2Ff9456c6343c4bcd00032245750e1%2Fcurt-dimmick-crater-lake-national-park.png]Crater Lake National Park Superintendent Curt Dimmick. (Photo courtesy of Curt Dimmick ) Crater Lake National Park [https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm] has a new superintendent as the park navigates one of its busiest construction seasons in years. Curt Dimmick has returned to Crater Lake after a 30-year career with the National Park Service that included assignments at 12 national park units. He previously served as the park's chief ranger from 2012 to 2015 and called the appointment a career homecoming. "This is kind of a dream of mine to actually be in this position and working back at Crater Lake," Dimmick said. Dimmick takes over as the park continues several major infrastructure projects, including rebuilding the Cleetwood Cove Trail [https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/cleetwood-cove-trail-and-marina-rehabilitation.htm] and boat docks. The trail is the park's only route to the shore of Crater Lake and the only access point for boat tours. While construction has changed some visitor experiences, he said the park remains open and welcomes visitors. "Crater Lake National Park is open, and we're seeing a lot of folks come and visit," Dimmick said. "We encourage everybody to come up to the park." The Cleetwood Cove Trail is scheduled to remain closed through 2029 while crews rebuild the trail and boat docks to improve long-term safety and access. Although boat tours are suspended during construction, visitors can still explore nearly 100 miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks and popular destinations such as the Watchman Trail. In addition to overseeing the park's construction projects, Dimmick is responsible for park operations, including staffing, budgeting and visitor services. He said one of his first priorities is spending time with employees and learning more about their work. "I'm a big believer in getting out and meeting my staff and spending time with them and talking and finding out what's happening in their work areas," he said. Looking ahead, Dimmick said planning is underway for a new south entrance station designed to better handle heavy visitation while protecting park resources for years to come. GUEST * Curt Dimmick, superintendent, Crater Lake National Park

How Ashland Little League built a state tournament team

Ashland Little League All Stars are district champions and will compete in the state tournament. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/aae5e48/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1201+0+0/resize/703x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff9%2Fca%2Fabdd7a954d8ea9b0fbd18840b8ad%2Fashland-all-stars-26.jpeg]Ashland Little League All Stars are district champions and will compete in the state tournament. (https://www.ashlandoregonlittleleague.org/ ) The Ashland Little League [https://www.ashlandoregonlittleleague.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1350378] 10-12 All-Stars are headed to the state tournament after winning the district championship and are now raising money to help cover the cost of the trip. The team, made up of players from Ashland, Phoenix and Talent, will compete against Oregon's top eight teams in a double-elimination tournament later this month. League President Keri Pennell said Ashland Little League has grown to 208 players this season, its highest enrollment since 2020. She credits part of that growth to making T-ball free this year, which attracted 77 new players. "Our vision is to keep kids passionate about something," Pennell said. "We do this through baseball and softball." Coach Peter Bolton said the team's success comes after a difficult season last year and reflects how the players have grown together. "What I try to bring to the team is really focusing on supporting your teammate," Bolton said. The league is trying to raise about $20,000 to cover travel and tournament expenses. Players will participate in Ashland's Fourth of July parade and host a car wash at Northwest Pizza on July 11 to help fund the trip. Pennell encouraged the players to enjoy the opportunity. "Give it your all and have fun!" she said. GUESTS * Keri Pennell, Ashland Little League [https://www.ashlandoregonlittleleague.org/], president * Peter Bolton, Ashland Little League [https://www.ashlandoregonlittleleague.org/], coach and fundraising chair

Wind and dry weather raise fireworks concerns in Medford

Sign in Medford warns residents against using fireworks in prohibited regions. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/07e376c/2147483647/strip/false/crop/480x321+0+0/resize/480x321!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbe%2F7e%2Fbce7b80f4818990564221d66fbf4%2Fmedford-fireworks-sign.jpg]Sign in Medford warns residents against using fireworks in prohibited regions. (https://www.medfordoregon.gov/News-Articles/Celebrate-Safely-This-Fourth-of-July ) Dry, windy weather expected over the Fourth of July weekend has Medford fire and medical officials warning that fireworks could spark both wildfires and serious injuries. Medford Fire Marshal Tanner Farrington said recent rain has given way to dry conditions, and forecast wind gusts of up to 20 mph could make it easier for fireworks to ignite vegetation and spread fire quickly. "With some potential gusts up to 20 miles an hour, that increases the risk of ignition happening from fireworks and more rapid fire progression and greater risk of damage," Farrington said. Fireworks are legal within Medford city limits only from July 1-6, Farrington said. They are prohibited in wildland hazard areas and public greenways [https://www.medfordoregon.gov/Government/Departments/Fire/Fire-Life-Safety-Division/Fireworks], where violations can result in fines of up to $2,500. Fire danger isn't the only concern. Dr. Cameron Phillips of Southern Oregon Orthopedics said the Fourth of July is the busiest holiday for orthopedic hand injuries. His practice typically treats about 50 fireworks-related hand injuries during the holiday week. He said sparklers, which many people consider safe for children, account for the highest number of injuries to kids. "A sparkler gets up to about 2,000 degrees and has a metal component to it that can really burn people," Phillips said. Both men urged residents to be considerate of neighbors, including veterans and pet owners, who may be affected by fireworks noise. Farrington also recommends soaking used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight before throwing them away to prevent them from reigniting in trash cans. GUESTS * Tanner Farrington, Fire Marshal, Medford Fire Department [https://www.medfordoregon.gov/Government/Departments/Fire/Fire-Life-Safety-Division/Fireworks] * Dr. Cameron Phillips [https://www.oregonortho.com/provider/cameron-j-phillips-md], Southern Oregon Orthopedics

Montague mayor aims to preserve the city's small-town character

Montague is a small town of 1,200 residents in northern California near Yreka. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/66d51bf/2147483647/strip/false/crop/999x604+0+0/resize/792x479!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdc%2F8e%2F86c30e6a4531897b9730717e9e83%2Fmontague-ca-downtown.jpg]Montague is a small town of 1,200 residents in northern California near Yreka.(https://www.siskiyou-housing.com/montague-california/) The Northern California city of Montague [https://cityofmontagueca.gov/], east of Yreka, has about 1,200 residents. Mayor Takeshi Murakami said his goal is to make it a recreation destination while preserving its small-town character. One of those efforts is the Montague Freedom Festival, a three-day Independence Day celebration featuring a carnival, parade and fireworks display. Organizing the event can be a challenge, Murakami said, because vendors often overlook a city of Montague's size. "They don't necessarily think this is a place where they can make money," he said. Murakami is also focused on preserving community amenities, including the city's public pool, which operates at an annual deficit of about $20,000 and depends on regular fundraising. He said he hopes to make Montague a recreation destination while preserving the qualities residents value. Maintaining the city's public pool and expanding community events are part of that effort. Murakami, who moved to Montague in 2009 to raise his family, said his public service is rooted in a desire to give back to the community. "I just feel the need to give back to my community," he said. "I feel like I've been supported by the community so much over the years." In addition to serving as mayor, Murakami also serves in several other local leadership roles, including police commissioner and parks and recreation commissioner. Murakami said his leadership is about ensuring Montague remains a place where people can enjoy themselves.

Northwest news: A rebuilt hatchery, a river restoration and increasing access to the outdoors

Efemmera Gendera talks with Amanda Giel, left, of Vancouver, WA during a Drag Me Outside drag nature hike at Mt. Tabor Park in Portland, Ore., on May 10, 2026. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2e06b79/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1148x793+0+0/resize/764x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F97%2F98%2F4f2755854ff4943259a8e9e29f6e%2Fportland-drag-me-outside-nature-walk.png]Efemmera Gendera talks with Amanda Giel, left, of Vancouver, WA during a Drag Me Outside drag nature hike at Mt. Tabor Park in Portland, Ore., on May 10, 2026. (Amanda Loman for OPB) This week's stories explore how communities across the Pacific Northwest are rebuilding, restoring natural landscapes and expanding access to the outdoors. Klamath fish hatchery rises from the ashes [https://www.ijpr.org/outdoors-leisure-and-sports/2026-06-11/klamath-fish-hatchery-reopens-after-two-four-two-fire] The Klamath Fish Hatchery near Chiloquin has reopened after the 2020 Labor Day fires destroyed its century-old facility. The new concrete hatchery produces about 1 million fish each year for more than 50 Oregon lakes. The hatchery raises sterile fish to support recreational fishing while protecting wild fish populations. Healing the McKenzie River corridor [https://www.opb.org/article/2026/06/15/mckenzie-river-restoration-projects/] Along the McKenzie River, a coalition is converting hundreds of acres into "connected wetland complexes" to improve water quality and create fire breaks. At the 120-acre Quartz Creek site, a $10 million project is reshaping the landscape to mimic natural flooding and create habitat for fish and wildlife. Dragging the community outdoors [https://www.opb.org/article/2026/06/14/portland-oregon-outdoors-hiking-group-drag-performance/] A Portland program called "Drag Me Outside" combines nature walks with science education to create a more welcoming outdoor experience for LGBTQ+ participants. The twice-monthly walks blend ecology lessons with community building, encouraging more people to explore the region's parks and natural areas.