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.
Jackson County Fire Districts Expand Services Without Raising Taxes
Jackson County Fire Districts 3 and 5 have signed an expanded agreement to share personnel, equipment, and emergency operations beginning in 2027. The partnership will increase staffing at District 5 stations while maintaining separate tax districts and governance.
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.
Smoke visible across Rogue Valley from prescribed burn near Tiller
A large smoke column visible Monday from parts of Medford, Central Point, Eagle Point, White City, Shady Cove, and surrounding areas is coming from a planned prescribed burn near Tiller. Crews are burning Unit 710 at Long Prairie on the Umpqua National Forest.
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.
Southern Oregon Takes Shape in New Downtown Medford Mural
Southern Oregon wildlife and landscapes are taking shape in a new four-panel mural being created for downtown Medford. Artist Anthony Vella’s “Connection” project features meadowlarks, salmon, butterflies, frogs, pears, morel mushrooms, Table Rocks, and other imagery tied to the region.
Medford Selects Martha Bennett as Next City Manager
The Medford City Council has selected Martha Bennett as the city’s next city manager following a nationwide recruitment that drew nearly 40 applicants. Bennett, a former Ashland city administrator and Lake Oswego city manager, will begin Nov. 30.
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.
Cycle Oregon Rally Rolls Through Southern Oregon
Cycle Oregon Rally 2026 is bringing hundreds of cyclists through Grants Pass, Jacksonville, Ashland, and the surrounding Rogue Valley. The five-day, non-competitive event combines paved and gravel routes with live music, community connections, and a mission that reaches well beyond the ride itself.
Fire Weather Watch Issued as Lightning Threat Builds Across Southern Oregon
A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for much of Southern Oregon as monsoonal moisture increases thunderstorm chances Wednesday. Forecasters say abundant lightning, gusty outflow winds and critically dry fuels could lead to new wildfire starts across the region.
Task Force Seizes 1,300 Plants at Illegal Grow Near Applegate
Jackson County officials said IMET detectives seized approximately 1,300 marijuana plants, half a pound of psilocybin mushrooms and 3 1/2 pounds of THC extract during a July 9 search at an illegal grow near the Applegate area outside Jacksonville.
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.
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.
Bend, Newport, Medford/Ashland Among Top July 4 Travel Destinations
AAA expects 877,000 Oregonians to travel for Independence Day, with Bend, Newport and Medford/Ashland among the top regional destinations. The forecast also highlights Oregon gas prices, airfare and major July 4 events in Bend, Medford and Ashland.
Jackson County Fair Just Around the Corner
Fair season is getting closer in the Rogue Valley. The 2026 Jackson County Fair returns July 14–19 at The Expo in Central Point with opening night bull riding, four nights of headline entertainment, carnival rides, food vendors and the 4-H and FFA youth activities that remain the heart of the county fair tradition.
Free Summer Movies Return to Local Parks
Families in the Rogue Valley will have several movie options this summer, including free outdoor screenings in Medford and Central Point parks and discounted indoor family films at Tinseltown. Movies in the park begin at dusk, with Central Point’s series opening June 5 and Medford’s series beginning June 20.
OSF Announces 2027 Season
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival has announced its 2027 season, featuring nine productions across its Ashland stages from March through October. The lineup includes Shakespeare classics, contemporary drama, comedy, musical theater and a solo portrait of Frida Kahlo.
Smoke in Rogue Valley Linked to Prescribed Burn Near Jacksonville
Smoke visible in parts of the Rogue and Applegate valleys today is coming from a prescribed fire operation on BLM-administered land near Jacksonville. Fire officials say burn operations were expected between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., with patrol and mop-up continuing after hours and through the weekend.
Oregon Cheese Festival Returns to Central Point
The Oregon Cheese Festival returns to Central Point April 25–26, bringing nearly 100 artisan vendors, cheesemakers, and specialty food producers to the Jackson County Expo. The two-day event will feature tastings, local products, beverage add-ons, and a kickoff Cheesemaker Dinner in Ashland, drawing thousands for one of the region’s largest food festivals.
Registration Opens for Girls Police and Fire Camps
Two free summer camps in the Rogue Valley are giving young women hands-on experience in public safety careers. The Girls Police Camp and Rogue Girls Fire Camp both offer immersive training opportunities, with applications now open.
Medford Contractor Fined $128,345 for Exposing Workers to Fall and Ladder Hazards
Oregon OSHA has fined Medford-based Shrader Homes Inc. more than $128,000 after an inspection found workers exposed to multiple hazards on a White City jobsite, including fall risks and unsafe ladder use.