Southern Oregon & Northern California News
Latest local news from Southern Oregon and Northern California, covering Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, Jackson County, Josephine County, Klamath County, Siskiyou County, Del Norte County, and communities throughout the region.
RCC and Oregon Tech Partner to Meet Southern Oregon’s Manufacturing Workforce Needs
Rogue Community College and Oregon Tech are launching a new 2+2 pathway that will allow Southern Oregon students to earn an associate degree at RCC and continue into Oregon Tech’s Manufacturing Engineering Technology bachelor’s program without leaving the Rogue Valley.
Southern Oregon Takes Shape in New Downtown Medford Mural
Southern Oregon wildlife and landscapes are taking shape in a new four-panel mural being created for downtown Medford. Artist Anthony Vella’s “Connection” project features meadowlarks, salmon, butterflies, frogs, pears, morel mushrooms, Table Rocks, and other imagery tied to the region.
Jackson Park Overhaul Will Add Splash Park, Dog Park and More
Jackson Park in Medford is set for a major overhaul with a new splash park, dog park, expanded paths, Fagone Field upgrades, and other improvements planned across five phases beginning with work scheduled for completion in summer 2027.
Two Police Eludes, Two Crashes, Major Drug Seizure
A Medford man is jailed after authorities say repeated attempts to flee police ended in two crashes and multiple search warrants. Investigators say the searches uncovered more than 100 grams of fentanyl, nearly 400 grams of heroin, methamphetamine, drug-dealing supplies, and a loaded handgun.
KCC Study Shows Major Economic Impact Across Klamath Basin
A new economic analysis finds Klamath Community College supports more than 1,200 jobs and contributes tens of millions of dollars to the regional economy through college operations, student spending, and alumni who remain in the Klamath Basin workforce. KCC Economic Impact for 2026
Macdoel Man Found Shot Dead, SCSO Investigating
Siskiyou County detectives are investigating after a 63-year-old Macdoel man was found dead inside a residence Saturday evening with gunshot wounds. The victim was identified as Michael Emmett Hurlburt, and authorities are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward.
Multi-Agency Drug Trafficking Operation Spans Jackson County Communities
A coordinated law enforcement operation targeting a drug trafficking organization brought tactical vehicles, federal agents, and a helicopter to several Jackson County communities Wednesday. Multiple search warrants were served simultaneously, but authorities have not yet released details about arrests, seized evidence, or the organization under investigation.
Teen Arrested After Crash Killed Passenger, Sparked 15,000-Acre East Evans Creek Fire
A 17-year-old driver has been arrested more than two months after a rollover crash on East Evans Creek Road killed his 18-year-old passenger and sparked the East Evans Creek Fire. JCSO says the teen was driving at high speed, did not have a valid license, and now faces criminally negligent homicide and other charges.
Passing Attempt Ends in Fatal Head-On Crash on Highway 97
A 27-year-old Chiloquin man was killed Sunday night after Oregon State Police says his SUV crossed into oncoming traffic while attempting to pass another vehicle on Highway 97. The SUV collided head-on with a semi-truck; a passenger suffered minor injuries.
Three Killed When Driver Fleeing Police Crosses Center Line
Three people, including a 4-month-old girl, were killed Saturday in a head-on crash on Highway 42 in Myrtle Point. Oregon State Police says the other driver had fled an attempted police contact at high speed before losing control, crossing the center line, and striking the victims’ vehicle.
78-acre Anderson Butte Road Fire fully lined near Talent
Firefighters made significant overnight progress on the Anderson Butte Road Fire in Jackson County, completing line around the entire 78-acre perimeter and extending hose along most of the fire. Crews are now beginning mop-up operations southwest of Talent and east of Ruch while the cause remains under investigation.
Medford Selects Martha Bennett as Next City Manager
The Medford City Council has selected Martha Bennett as the city’s next city manager following a nationwide recruitment that drew nearly 40 applicants. Bennett, a former Ashland city administrator and Lake Oswego city manager, will begin Nov. 30.
Merrill Gets 800-Gallon Wildland Fire Engine Through Federal Program
The Merrill Rural Fire Protection District has received a 2004 Type 4 wildland fire engine through a federal readiness program. The 800-gallon engine can draft and haul water to active firelines while also strengthening local fire response in and around Merrill.
Cascade Comp Gives $50,000 to Ross Ragland Theater
Cascade Comprehensive Care has donated $50,000 to the Ross Ragland Theater in downtown Klamath Falls. The contribution will support live entertainment and community programming while helping strengthen one of the city’s best-known cultural venues.
Klamath Basin Oktoberfest Returns Saturday with Beer, Live Music and Family Fun
Klamath Basin Oktoberfest returns Saturday to the Bill Collier Ice Arena at the Running Y Resort with local beer, food, live music, competitions, and family activities. The one-day event runs from noon to 9 p.m. and includes four live bands, kids entertainment, and a full afternoon and evening of Oktoberfest traditions.
REACH Wins $50,000 Kubota Grant to Expand Klamath Falls Job Training
REACH, Inc. in Klamath Falls has been awarded a $50,000 Kubota Hometown Proud grant to expand its Ready Set Mow workforce program. The funding includes $25,000 in cash and $25,000 toward equipment that will support hands-on job training and employment for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Mount Shasta Vista Shooting Sends Man to Hospital, Leads to Arrest
A Mount Shasta Vista shooting sent a 49-year-old man to Fairchild Medical Center with birdshot injuries to his head, shoulder, face, and torso. Siskiyou County deputies later arrested a neighboring property owner after investigators said they found no evidence supporting his claim that the victim had fired a handgun.
Nearly 200 Abandoned Crab Traps Lead to Multi-Year Suspensions off Del Norte Coast
Nearly 200 abandoned Dungeness crab traps found off the Del Norte County coast have led to major penalties for two commercial fishermen. California wildlife officers documented 194 abandoned traps near the Klamath and Smith rivers, along with additional violations involving reporting, gear marking, trap servicing, and the waste of hundreds of crabs.
Mount Shasta Climber Crawls Through Night After 500-Foot Fall
An overdue Mount Shasta climber was found alive Friday after authorities say he slid roughly 500 feet while descending Avalanche Gulch. Despite significant injuries, he crawled through the night to Horse Camp before rescuers located him and arranged an airlift to a hospital.
Klamath Falls Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Bullet Hits Fire Truck
A Klamath Falls man faces four counts of attempted murder after authorities say he fired a handgun during a dispute on Arthur Street. The shot struck an occupied Klamath County Fire District 1 apparatus as crews were leaving the residence, but no firefighters were injured.