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.
281-acre West Fork Evans Creek Fire 95% lined near Sams Valley
Firefighters have pushed the 281-acre West Fork Evans Creek Fire near Sams Valley to 95% lined and 15% contained after aggressive overnight work. Crews are expanding mop-up operations, reinforcing firelines ahead of stronger winds, and continuing a substantial ground and air response in northern Jackson County.
Woman Rescued From Domestic Well After Two Hours in Water
A woman was rescued after falling about 20 feet into a domestic well and spending roughly two hours in 12 feet of standing water. Jackson County Fire District 3 and Central Point police brought her to the surface in about 30 to 35 minutes.
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.
Howard Prairie Resort Gets New Tables, Fire Pits as $10M Upgrade Push Continues
Howard Prairie Resort is getting another round of upgrades as Jackson County Parks installs more than 200 new concrete picnic tables and steel fire pits. The project continues nearly $10 million in improvements made since 2013 at the longtime mountain recreation destination east of Ashland.
Freeze Warnings Issued Across Southern Oregon, Northern California
The National Weather Service has issued frost advisories and freeze warnings across parts of Southern Oregon and Northern California as the coldest temperatures of the season arrive. Frost and freezing conditions are expected Sunday and Monday mornings, with possible slick roads in Lake and Modoc counties and sneaker wave danger along the coast.
Lost Soda Project Could Bring Forest Treatments to 1,600 Acres Near Eagle Point
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on the proposed Lost Soda Forest Management Project, which could bring thinning, limited timber harvest, prescribed fire, riparian treatments, and new access routes to about 1,600 acres roughly 10 miles east of Eagle Point. The project is intended to improve forest resilience and northern spotted owl habitat while maintaining healthy stream conditions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Night-Vision Helicopter Wraps Seasonal Contract With ODF Southwest Oregon
ODF Southwest Oregon’s 4 Alpha Fox helicopter has completed its 75-day seasonal contract after introducing approved night-vision wildfire flights this year. One recent after-dark mission located three lightning-caused fires.
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.
Rogue Regional, Three Rivers Earn National Hospital Recognition
Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center and Three Rivers Medical Center have earned national recognition from Forbes, while Rogue Regional also received a U.S. News distinction for community access. The honors come during a challenging year for the health system.
Early-Morning Garage Fire Damages Medford Home
An early-morning garage fire damaged a Medford home Tuesday and sent two residents for medical evaluation. Medford Fire says one person experienced minor smoke inhalation, while two dogs escaped safely and damage inside the living area was minimal.