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.
Man Arrested After Hatchet Robbery at Cave Junction Store
Josephine County deputies arrested Wayne Patrick Baker, 37, following a reported hatchet robbery at Shop Smart in Cave Junction on November 1. Authorities say Baker threatened a store employee, stole more than $1,000 in merchandise, and fled on a bicycle before striking a patrol vehicle during an attempted escape. Six charges have been referred for review.
Red Flag Warning Arrives Ahead of Triple-Digit Heat Wave
A Red Flag Warning will cover the Rogue, Illinois, and Applegate valleys from Monday afternoon through Tuesday evening as dry, gusty weather raises fire danger. A Heat Advisory follows Tuesday through Thursday, with some inland communities forecast to reach 105 to 110 degrees.
Waldo, Ridge Vista Fires Hold Steady as Crews Deepen Mop-Up Near Cave Junction
Firefighters made additional progress overnight on the Waldo and Ridge Vista fires near Cave Junction, pushing mop-up deeper into both fire areas while preparing for another day of extreme heat and critically dry fuels.
Waldo, Ridge Vista Fires Near Cave Junction Fully Lined After Overnight Push
Firefighters made significant overnight progress on the Waldo and Ridge Vista fires near Cave Junction, completing line and hose around both incidents. The Waldo Fire has been remapped at just over 30 acres, while the Ridge Vista Fire remains at 15 acres as crews shift deeper into mop-up operations.
Heat Advisory Issued as First Summer Heat Wave Builds Across Region
The first significant heat wave of the summer is expected to bring 90-degree and triple-digit temperatures to much of Southern Oregon and Northern California this weekend, prompting heat advisories across several west side valleys, coastal areas and parts of far Northern California.
Two Incidents Impact Redwood Highway Near Cave Junction
Two separate incidents along Redwood Highway near Cave Junction—a trailer crash and a rockfall event—temporarily disrupted traffic over a two-day period, officials said.
Vehicle Found After Rollover Crash Near Cave Junction
Emergency crews responded to a rollover crash near Cave Junction but found no occupants at the scene after searching the vehicle and surrounding area. The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon on Holland Loop Road.
Lions Club Building Damaged in Cave Junction Structure Fire
Fire crews from multiple agencies responded Sunday morning to a structure fire at the Lions Club building in Cave Junction. Smoke was observed coming from the roofline upon arrival, and firefighters entered the building to confirm and extinguish the blaze. Utility crews and traffic control support were also requested, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Four Accused in Southern Oregon Firearms Case
Four individuals accused of unlawfully residing in the United States appeared in federal court in Medford after prosecutors alleged they made false statements while purchasing firearms and illegally possessed dozens of weapons in Southern Oregon.