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.
Body Recovered From Rogue River at Baker Park (UPDATED)
The man whose body was recovered from the Rogue River at Baker Park on Sept. 11 has been identified as 48-year-old Michael Earl Tognoni. A medicolegal death investigator with the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office made the identification, and next of kin has been notified.
Fielder Mountain Fire Reaches 29% Containment; Evacuations Canceled
Containment on the Fielder Mountain Fire has increased to 29% as firefighters continue deeper mop-up west of Rogue River. All remaining evacuation levels have been canceled, while crews shift more resources to daytime operations and continue removing hazard trees.
Fielder Mountain Fire 18% Contained as Mop-Up Deepens
Firefighters are pushing deeper into mop-up on the Fielder Mountain Fire after completing control line around the entire perimeter. The fire is 18% contained and now mapped at 573 acres, with officials saying the acreage increase reflects improved mapping rather than new growth.
Fielder Mountain Fire 90% Lined, 7% Contained
Firefighters held established control lines overnight on the Fielder Mountain Fire, bringing the incident to approximately 90% lined. The fire is mapped at 548 acres and remains 7% contained as crews continue strengthening lines and mopping up near homes west of Rogue River.
Fielder Mountain Fire Reaches 7% Containment as Crews Line 75% of Perimeter
The Fielder Mountain Fire remains estimated at 550 acres and is now 7% contained as firefighters continue securing the perimeter north of Rogue River. Crews have completed line around approximately 75% of the fire, with ODF Complex Incident Management Team 1 set to assume command Friday evening.
Fielder Mountain Fire Grows to 400 Acres as Evacuations Expand Near Rogue River
The Fielder Mountain Fire north of Rogue River has grown to an estimated 400 acres as night crews move into place and additional evacuations are issued. Fifteen hand crews, 14 engines, seven dozers, and other resources are working the fire after 11 aircraft supported suppression efforts Thursday.
Body Recovered from Rogue River Believed to Be Missing Rafter
A body recovered from the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River is believed to be that of 65-year-old Reid Litwack, who disappeared after a rafting accident at Wildcat Rapid. Final identification remains pending.
U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter Rescues Injured Rafter from Remote Rogue River
An injured rafter was rescued from a remote section of the Rogue River west of Galice after suffering a severe leg injury Sunday evening. With limited access and no cell service in the area, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard to reach the rafter by helicopter.
Evans Creek Road Fire Grows to 1,550 Acres, Crosses Two Roads
The Evans Creek Road Fire surged to an estimated 700 to 1,000 acres Friday evening as multiple spot fires drove rapid growth. A Level 3 evacuation order is in place near East Evans Creek Road, while crews prepare for overnight operations under an incoming ODF incident management team.
Wimer Woman Killed in Domestic Violence Shooting
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the death of Onalea Clay, 59, of Wimer, after authorities say a man reported shooting a woman during a domestic violence altercation at a rural Sykes Creek Road home.
Wrong-Way I-5 Driver Charged After Head-On Crash
A Grants Pass man is hospitalized with serious injuries after authorities say he drove the wrong way onto Interstate 5 near Rogue River and crashed head-on into an oncoming SUV. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says the incident began when a deputy attempted to stop a speeding Toyota pickup on Rogue River Highway.
Manslaughter Charge in Rogue River DUII Hit-and-Run
Oregon State Police are investigating a fatal crash on Highway 99 near Rogue River after a pedestrian was killed while pushing a go-kart. The driver initially fled the scene but later contacted law enforcement and now faces DUII, hit-and-run, and Manslaughter charges.
Bear Camp Road Reopens Following Moon Complex Fire
Bear Camp Road has reopened following the Moon Complex Fire, restoring access between the Rogue Valley and the Southern Oregon Coast. Officials warn that hazards remain, and some trails and campsites along the Rogue River remain closed.