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.
EDITORIAL: Why JDN Reports the Way We Do
Jefferson Daily News Publisher Brian Gailey explains the standards behind JDN’s reporting, including verification before speed, political neutrality, respect for privacy, editorial restraint, and why earning readers’ trust matters more than being first.
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.
Macdoel Man Found Shot Dead, SCSO Investigating
Siskiyou County detectives are investigating after a 63-year-old Macdoel man was found dead inside a residence Saturday evening with gunshot wounds. The victim was identified as Michael Emmett Hurlburt, and authorities are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward.
Multiple Mistakes Lead to Mount Shasta Rescue After Hikers Rely on AI
Three novice hikers from Roseville were rescued from Mount Shasta after becoming lost in Mud Creek Canyon during a nighttime descent. One suffered a knee injury, and officials say the group had relied on AI, YouTube, and AllTrails while planning the climb.
Frost Advisory Signals a Chilly Start East of the Cascades
A Frost Advisory is in effect early Wednesday for parts of Klamath, Lake, and Modoc counties as a cooler air mass and clearing skies could push temperatures into the low to mid 30s. Sensitive plants, pets, livestock, and agriculture may be affected.
Red Flag Warning Covers Klamath Basin, Siskiyou County
A Red Flag Warning is in effect Monday across much of the Klamath Basin and northern California as gusty winds, very low humidity, and dry vegetation create conditions favorable for rapid fire growth. The warning continues through 8 p.m. across much of the affected area.
Strong Winds, Single-Digit Humidity Raise Weekend Fire Risk
Strong winds and extremely low humidity will create critical fire weather conditions across parts of Southern Oregon and Northern California Friday and Saturday. Wind gusts could reach 35 mph as humidity falls into the single digits in some areas.
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.
A New Name for the Same Local Mission
HiveWire Daily has become Jefferson Daily News, a new name for the same locally owned, independent newsroom. The mission remains unchanged: providing free, accessible regional news, weather, sports, wildfire coverage, outdoors, arts, culture, public safety, and community stories for Southern Oregon and Northern California.
One Spark Can Start a Wildfire
BLM officials are urging visitors to check fire restrictions before heading onto public lands this summer, warning that local rules can vary by district and conditions. The reminder comes with a simple message for fire season: one spark can threaten firefighters, homes, and entire communities.
Siskiyou County Deputy Sent to Washington, D.C.
A Siskiyou County sheriff’s deputy is serving in Washington, D.C., as part of a temporary U.S. Marshals task force supporting high-visibility patrols and security operations around major 250th anniversary events in the nation’s capital.
Weekend Weather Shift Could Affect Outdoor Events
A noticeable shift toward cooler, breezier and somewhat wetter weather is expected Friday into Saturday across Southern Oregon and Northern California. Rain chances appear most likely west of the Cascades and along the coast, while the broader regional impact may be the sharp cooldown during a busy outdoor-event weekend.
Heat Advisory in Effect for Rogue Valley as Highs Near 100
A Heat Advisory is in effect Monday and Tuesday for much of southwest Oregon and parts of Northern California, with afternoon highs of 95 to 100 expected in the Rogue Valley and nearby low-lying valleys.
Fire Weather Watch Issued for Klamath, Lake, Modoc and Siskiyou Counties
The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Klamath, Lake, Siskiyou and Modoc counties, warning that thunderstorms could bring abundant lightning, dry fuels and gusty outflow winds late Thursday night through Friday night.
Klamath Water Users Disappointed After Appeals Court Decision on Endangered Species Act
The Klamath Water Users Association says it is disappointed after a Ninth Circuit decision affirmed that the Bureau of Reclamation has authority to operate the Klamath Project in compliance with the Endangered Species Act. KWUA says it is reviewing the ruling and evaluating possible next steps.
Siskiyou Sheriff Seeks Help Identifying Woman Found Near Hawkinsville
The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help identifying a woman whose body was found June 8 on Klamath National Forest property near Hawkinsville. Officials said the woman had dyed red hair, no visible tattoos, and was believed to be between 45 and 55 years old.
Siskiyou County Continues Crackdown on Illegal Marijuana Grows
The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office says illegal grow enforcement efforts are continuing, with NSMIT reporting 332,871 marijuana plants eradicated in 2025 and another 903 plants removed during a June 4 warrant in Mount Shasta Vista.
Fire Season Now Active Across Oregon
All Oregon Department of Forestry districts are now in fire season, triggering prevention reminders and local restrictions across the state. In Southern Oregon and Northern California, agencies are also updating fire danger levels, burn rules and equipment-use restrictions as conditions dry out.
Grange Co-op, Farm Supply Announce Proposed Merger
Grange Co-op and Farm Supply Company have announced a proposed merger that would create a 13-store agricultural cooperative across Oregon and California. The companies say the merger could strengthen purchasing power, improve product availability and expand offerings for farmers, ranchers, growers and rural customers.
Siskiyou County Traffic Stop Leads to $1.9M Cocaine Seizure
A Siskiyou County traffic stop on May 29 led to the discovery of 18 kilograms of suspected cocaine valued at $1.9 million, according to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said the suspected drugs were found inside an aftermarket hidden compartment after a Mount Shasta Police Department K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics.