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.
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.
International Darknet Investigation Leads to Federal Search in Medford
A child exploitation investigation that began overseas led federal, state, and local authorities to serve a search warrant at a Medford residence Wednesday. Investigators seized digital devices and are working to identify a suspect.
Rain pushes fire danger down to moderate across Jackson, Josephine counties
Recent rainfall and unseasonably cool temperatures have pushed fire danger down to moderate across ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. Fire season remains in effect, IFPL stays at Level 2, and outdoor debris burning is still prohibited.
DUII Head-On Crash Seriously Injures Two; Driver at 2.5x Legal Limit
Two drivers were seriously injured in a head-on crash on West Griffin Creek Road after a 2025 Toyota RAV4 crossed into oncoming traffic. JCSO says the 34-year-old driver was later arrested for DUII after a blood draw showed a .20% BAC.
Suspects Identified, Charges Announced After Walgreens Robbery, I-5 Pursuit
Medford Police have identified the two people arrested after an armed robbery investigation led to a pursuit north on Interstate 5. Sharlene Elizabeth Paul, 49, and Cody Katcheech, 36, now face charges tied to the Walgreens robbery and Tuesday’s chase.
ODFW Seeks Public Input on Bear Creek Fish Passage Waiver
ODFW is seeking public comment on an ODOT request to waive fish passage requirements at an unnamed Bear Creek tributary near OR 99 and South Stage Road. The proposal would shift mitigation work to habitat restoration and another culvert project within the watershed.
Armed Robbery Investigation Leads to I-5 Pursuit, Arrests Near Grants Pass
A Medford armed robbery investigation ended with a pursuit north on Interstate 5 after officers located the suspect vehicle near Sage Road and Highway 238. Spike strips stopped the SUV near Grants Pass, where the occupants were taken into custody.
Hungry Bears Push Deeper Into Ashland Neighborhoods
Black bears are showing up across more Ashland neighborhoods as scarce mountain berries push animals toward easier food sources. ODFW says bears have been reported getting into garbage and backyard chicken coops, while residents are being urged to remove attractants and report sightings.
Medford Felon Indicted in Guns, Silencers and Explosive Device Case
A Medford man faces federal charges after investigators say they recovered nine firearms and homemade silencers from his residence. Prosecutors say the case later expanded to include alleged threats against a witness and an explosive device detonated in a vehicle at the witness’s home.
Two Face Charges in Medford Drive-By Shooting Investigation
Medford Police say two men are now facing charges in connection with an August drive-by shooting on Carnelian Street. Investigators used video evidence to identify a suspected vehicle and later developed probable cause linking Phillip Muradanes and Joel Caswell to the shooting.
Mt. Ashland Names Rachel Canada as New General Manager
Mt. Ashland Association has named Rachel Canada as the ski area’s new general manager. Canada brings more than 20 years of mountain operations and resort management experience and will lead Mt. Ashland as it prepares for chairlift replacement projects and continued growth beyond the winter season.