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.
New Regional Emergency Radio System Goes Live Across Jackson County
Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon has completed the transition to a new regional public safety radio system serving Jackson County and surrounding areas. The multi-year project includes 20 new or upgraded radio sites and nearly 1,800 mobile and portable radios, replacing aging infrastructure that included components more than 30 years old.
Another Fire Hits The Loring as Medford Moves Toward Eminent Domain
Another fire has damaged The Loring on Biddle Road as Medford moves toward eminent domain proceedings for the former hotel property. The city says the building remains unsafe and uninhabitable after years of water damage, fires, unauthorized occupancy, and repeated police calls.
Amazon Delivery Contractor to Close Central Point Operation, 170 Jobs Affected (UPDATED)
Rainforest Routes LLC plans to permanently close its Central Point delivery operation at Amazon’s WOR1 station, eliminating 170 jobs on Dec. 7. The closure affects the contractor, not necessarily Amazon’s recently built Central Point delivery facility, where other delivery partners also operate.
Missing Nevada Man Found Buried at Property Tied to Williams Highway Deaths
The search for missing Nevada man Andrew Forrest Odom has ended at the same Williams Highway property where two members of his family were found dead earlier this week. Oregon State Police says Odom’s remains were discovered buried on the property Thursday, two days after a barricaded incident involving gunfire directed at detectives.
KCFD1 Completes $300,000 Station 1 Improvement Project
Klamath County Fire District 1 has completed approximately $300,000 in improvements at Station 1, replacing bay doors dating to the 1930s and upgrading the station to better accommodate modern fire and EMS vehicles. The project was funded through several years of capital planning and builds on earlier remodeling and seismic upgrades.
Shasta Elementary Opens $87,000 Playground Built With Community Support
Shasta Elementary students have a new place to play after the school celebrated the opening of an $87,000 playground project. Fundraising by the Shasta Elementary School Booster Club, donated work from local contractors, and volunteer help from parents and teachers made the new equipment possible.
Medford Man Pleads Guilty in Fentanyl Case Linked to Two Deaths
A Medford man has pleaded guilty to possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute and admitted the fentanyl he supplied caused two overdose deaths in 2025. Federal investigators later seized fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, a handgun, and more than $5,000 in cash.
Kingsley Field Cleared for F-35s, First Jets Expected Summer 2027 (UPDATED)
Kingsley Field has received final Air Force authorization for a 26-aircraft F-35A Lightning II training mission. The 173rd Fighter Wing says the transition will include major construction, infrastructure upgrades, maintenance preparation, and new training programs, with the first jets expected to arrive in summer 2027.
Henley, Lost River Win $250K for Hands-On Career Programs
Henley High School and Lost River Jr./Sr. High School have each received $125,000 CTE Revitalization Grants. Henley plans to launch a hands-on cattle program, while Lost River will modernize its wood and metal fabrication shops.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Medford Bank Robber Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison
Anthony James Blank, 44, was sentenced to 70 months in prison after pleading guilty to robbing a KeyBank on East Barnett Road in Medford. Investigators say Blank threatened a teller with a note claiming he had a gun before fleeing with $295 on a scooter.
New Plans Show How Minor League Stadium Could Transform Hawthorne Park
New planning documents offer the clearest look yet at how a minor league baseball stadium could reshape Hawthorne Park. The concept would replace most existing park uses while creating a multi-use venue for baseball, concerts, festivals, and other events.
KCC, Klamath Tribes Build Pathway to Trades Apprenticeships
Klamath Community College and the Klamath Tribes are partnering to provide hands-on construction and job-readiness training for tribal members. Nineteen participants recently rebuilt park benches and picnic tables in Chiloquin as they work toward future registered apprenticeship opportunities.