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.
Silver Rail Shooting: BPD Offers New Details as Investigation Continues
Bend Police have confirmed that four adults and five children were inside the classroom during the October 15 shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. As investigators prepare to return the building to the school district, families are recovering belongings, and officials are preparing for students to return to classes Wednesday.
Bend Police Detail Silver Rail Elementary Shooting, Identify Victims and Shooter
Bend Police released new details Friday about the Silver Rail Elementary shooting, identifying 5-year-old Rhoam Summer, teacher Megan Lambert, and the 16-year-old shooter while revealing how a teacher and parent intervened during the attack.
3 Children, Teacher Killed in Bend School Shooting; 16-Year-Old Suspect Dead
Three children and a teacher were killed in Thursday’s shooting at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend. A 7-year-old child and a teacher were critically injured, and police say a community member pursued the 16-year-old shooter into the school and fatally shot him.
ODHS Employee Arrested After Forgetting Baby in Parked Van
A Bend employee with the Oregon Department of Human Services was arrested after police say he forgot an 8-month-old baby inside a parked agency van. The child was found about 30 minutes later and released from the hospital without injury.
Two Bend Children Missing, Believed to Be in Danger (UPDATED)
The Oregon Department of Human Services is asking for help finding Julian Hawes, 10, and Mahina Hawes, 9, who have been missing from Bend since July 23. The children are believed to be in danger and may be in Bend or Redmond.
Bend, Newport, Medford/Ashland Among Top July 4 Travel Destinations
AAA expects 877,000 Oregonians to travel for Independence Day, with Bend, Newport and Medford/Ashland among the top regional destinations. The forecast also highlights Oregon gas prices, airfare and major July 4 events in Bend, Medford and Ashland.
Les Schwab Cuts 70 Jobs at Bend Headquarters
Les Schwab Tire Centers has cut approximately 70 positions at its Bend headquarters as part of a corporate restructuring. The company says affected employees will receive severance and extended benefits, while the changes will help realign headquarters resources as the Oregon-founded retailer continues expanding its network of more than 600 stores.
Locomotive Fire, Wrecking Yard Blaze Draw Bend Firefighters
Bend Fire & Rescue responded to two highly visible fires this week, including a fire on a BNSF locomotive south of Bend and a vehicle fire at an auto wrecking yard north of the city. Officials say both fires were contained quickly, with no injuries reported in the train fire and one minor injury reported at the wrecking yard.
Cascade Lakes Highway Opens Early After Low-Snow Winter
Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road are open for the season after Deschutes County crews completed snow-clearing work earlier than many years. County officials said the work moved faster because of this year’s warm winter and limited snowfall in the Central Oregon Cascades.
Oregon Expands EV Charging Network
Oregon is adding 24 new EV fast charging station sites through the latest round of federal funding, including Klamath Falls, Chemult and several key Highway 97 travel stops.
Two Hikers Rescued on South Sister
Two hikers were rescued on South Sister after one suffered a medical issue and mild hypothermia during a descent, prompting an overnight response from Deschutes County Search and Rescue crews.
Volcano Preparedness Workshop Coming to Klamath Falls, Bend
Free volcano preparedness workshops are coming to Klamath Falls and Bend next week as Oregon emergency officials work to educate residents and strengthen readiness for future Cascade volcanic hazards.
Bend School Bus Driver Arrested for DUII
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.
Bend Police Seek Help Identifying Armed Robbery Suspect
Bend Police are asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect who allegedly pointed a handgun at an employee during an attempted armed robbery at Abby’s Legendary Pizza in northeast Bend. Investigators say the man cashed out an 86-cent ticket before threatening the worker and fleeing the scene on a black BMX bicycle Wednesday night.
Black Hawk Assists Snowboarder Rescue Near Broken Top
An injured snowboarder was rescued near Broken Top after a multi-agency response involving a Black Hawk helicopter and 22 SAR volunteers. Crews navigated steep, snow-covered terrain and changing weather conditions to reach the woman. She was stabilized and flown to a Bend hospital for treatment.
Bend Man Arrested Again After Motorcycle Pursuit
A Bend man was arrested for the second time in a month after threatening a deputy and fleeing on a motorcycle in Deschutes River Woods. The incident prompted a large law enforcement response and temporarily halted train traffic in the area. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident and faces additional charges.
Early Morning Fire Causes Major Damage in Bend
An early morning structure fire in Bend caused extensive damage to a home after flames spread through the attic, leading to roof collapse. The occupant safely evacuated after being alerted by a smoke alarm, and firefighters contained the blaze within minutes. Total losses are estimated at approximately $480,000, including damage to the structure, contents, and a vehicle.
Search and Rescue Assists Hiker on Misery Ridge at Smith Rock
Search and Rescue volunteers assisted a 67-year-old hiker who experienced a medical emergency Thursday on the Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park. Responders from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Fire & Rescue, and Oregon State Park Rangers coordinated efforts to provide on-scene care and transport the patient down the trail using a wheeled litter to a waiting ambulance.
Escaped Field Burn Contained East of Bend
An escaped field burn east of Bend was contained at 6.6 acres Monday afternoon after wind pushed flames beyond containment lines. Fire crews from multiple agencies responded quickly to stop the spread, preventing damage to nearby structures and keeping the fire confined to pasture land.
Intruder Dies After Struggle During Bend Home Break-In
Bend Police are investigating a residential burglary and death after an intruder died following a confrontation with a homeowner on NW Braid Drive late March 12. Officers located the suspect on a nearby golf course with life-threatening injuries after the individual fled the scene following a struggle.