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 Weather Systems Bring Rain Chances to Southern Oregon This Week
Two Pacific weather systems will bring light rain to portions of Southern Oregon and Northern California November 3–4. Siskiyou and Modoc counties have the best rain chances Tuesday, followed by the Oregon Coast and Umpqua Valley Wednesday. Warmer weather is expected Saturday before another system arrives Sunday.
Cooler Weather, Rain Chances Ahead for Southern Oregon
Southern Oregon and Northern California face a cooler, unsettled weekend, with Halloween showers, near-freezing temperatures in inland valleys, and an increased sneaker-wave risk along the Oregon Coast. The National Weather Service expects a brief return to drier conditions before rain chances increase later next week.
Nearly 100 Pounds of Meth Seized in Siskiyou County Traffic Stop
A Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office sergeant seized 99.64 pounds of methamphetamine during an October 22 traffic stop in northern Yreka. Juan Collado Penazola, 44, of Washington state, was arrested on drug-related charges. The seizure came one day after deputies discovered 2,254 pounds of illegal marijuana inside a U-Haul trailer on Interstate 5.
Siskiyou County Deputy Seizes 2,254 Pounds of Illegal Marijuana
A Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office sergeant discovered 2,254 pounds of illegally transported marijuana inside a U-Haul trailer during an October 21 traffic stop on Interstate 5. The driver, Omar Jacob Gonzalez, 36, was arrested and booked into the Siskiyou County Jail on marijuana transportation and possession-for-sale allegations.
Gallagher Seeks FBI Action on Illegal NorCal Marijuana Grows
Congressman James Gallagher is urging the FBI to investigate criminal networks behind illegal marijuana cultivation in Siskiyou and Shasta counties. The request targets suspected foreign financing, hazardous pesticides, and the need for additional federal resources as local sheriffs continue years of enforcement efforts.
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.