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.
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.
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.
ODFW Offers Free Wildlife Forage Seed to Southwest Oregon Landowners
ODFW will give away free wildlife forage seed Sept. 24 to Southwest Oregon landowners in Central Point, Grants Pass, and Gold Beach. Each landowner can receive up to two 15-pound bags while supplies last.
Detectives Investigating Death of 2-Year-Old Near Central Point (VIDEO)
Jackson County sheriff’s detectives are investigating the death of a 2-year-old child in rural Central Point. The child was reported missing around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday and was found deceased about an hour later along Blackwell Road.
Moenaert Sentenced to 50 Years for Sexually Abusing Two Children
Zach Patrick Moenaert was sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to six felony sex crimes involving two children. Prosecutors said he abused the children over about six years and created numerous recordings documenting the abuse.
Eight Suspects Arrested in Jackson County Child Exploitation Sweep
Eight local suspects were arrested during a coordinated child exploitation operation involving separate investigations across Southern Oregon. Seven were taken into custody in Jackson County, while a Talent suspect was arrested in Washington. Together, they face 71 felony counts of encouraging child sexual abuse.
Woman Charged with Murder After Rural Central Point Shooting
Jackson County sheriff’s detectives are investigating after a 62-year-old man was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound inside a rural Central Point home. A 67-year-old woman who had been in a relationship with the victim was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
Weekend Forecast: Red Flag Warning, Gusty Winds Raise Fire Danger East of Cascades
A Red Flag Warning is in effect through Sunday for parts of the Klamath Basin, eastern Klamath County and Modoc County. Strong southwest winds, very low humidity and critically dry fuels could allow new fires to spread rapidly, while hot inland weather continues across the region.
F-15 Flyovers to Cross Southern Oregon on July Fourth
F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets from the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing are scheduled to make Independence Day flyovers across Oregon and southwest Washington, including stops over Ashland, Central Point, Eagle Point, Brookings and Port Orford on July 4.
Celebrate Independence in Jefferson
Fireworks over lakes, rivers and the coast will cap a busy July 3-5 Independence Day weekend across the Jefferson region, with parades, food, music, rodeos, train rides, car shows and family celebrations from Crescent City to Klamath Falls, Central Point, Lakeview, Alturas and Mt. Shasta.
Mitchell Sentenced to Nearly 10 Years in Meth Case
Allen Dale Mitchell, 62, was sentenced Tuesday to 116 months in prison after entering a no contest plea to unlawful delivery of methamphetamine. Prosecutors said a 2020 MADGE investigation led to the seizure of more than two pounds of methamphetamine in Central Point.
Illegal Marijuana Grow Found Hidden in Central Point Pear Orchard
An illegal marijuana grow hidden inside a rural Central Point pear orchard was raided this week, leading to the seizure of about 25,000 plants, 16,000 pounds of usable cannabis and additional plants from hoop-style greenhouses, according to JCSO.
Free Summer Movies Return to Local Parks
Families in the Rogue Valley will have several movie options this summer, including free outdoor screenings in Medford and Central Point parks and discounted indoor family films at Tinseltown. Movies in the park begin at dusk, with Central Point’s series opening June 5 and Medford’s series beginning June 20.
Spontaneous Heating Sparked Blackwell Road Fire
Fire investigators say the Blackwell Road Fire near Central Point was accidental and began from spontaneous heating inside a large mulch pile. Strong winds pushed the fire through nearby materials, across Tolo Road and into grass fields, burning a combined 50 acres.
Discord Child Exploitation Investigation Leads to Search Warrant
A child exploitation investigation tied to Discord led to a search warrant Wednesday morning at a rural Central Point residence. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said the case began after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children connected uploaded child sexual abuse material to the address.
Blackwell Fire Held After Wind-Driven Spread
Evacuation levels have been reduced Tuesday morning for the Blackwell Fire near rural Central Point after crews completed a containment line around the fire perimeter overnight. Jackson County Fire District 3 says no homes were lost or damaged, though several outbuildings and industrial-type buildings were damaged inside the fire area.
Two Killed in Highway 62 Motorcycle Crash
Two Central Point residents were killed Monday night in a crash involving a pickup and motorcycle on Highway 62 in Jackson County, according to Oregon State Police. OSP says impairment is considered a primary cause of the crash, and a Medford driver was arrested on DUII, reckless driving, and manslaughter charges.
Multiple Arrests Highlight Busy Week for Jacksonville Police
Jacksonville Police reported multiple arrests during the week of April 20–27, including a suspect tied to a violent assault, a convicted felon found with a firearm, and an intoxicated e-bike rider charged with DUII.
Oregon Cheese Festival Returns to Central Point
The Oregon Cheese Festival returns to Central Point April 25–26, bringing nearly 100 artisan vendors, cheesemakers, and specialty food producers to the Jackson County Expo. The two-day event will feature tastings, local products, beverage add-ons, and a kickoff Cheesemaker Dinner in Ashland, drawing thousands for one of the region’s largest food festivals.
Man Found Deceased Near Lower Table Rock Cliffs (VIDEO)
Jackson County Search and Rescue located a missing 28-year-old man deceased Wednesday morning near the Lower Table Rock cliffs. Officials say the death appears to be non-criminal and the investigation remains ongoing.