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.
Injured Climber Rescued After Two Nights on Mount Shasta Glacier
A 39-year-old Florida man was rescued from Mount Shasta after following an incorrect GPS route onto Whitney Glacier, falling through a snow bridge, and suffering a serious leg injury. The three-day rescue involved dozens of personnel battling freezing temperatures, high winds, and dangerous terrain before a CHP helicopter airlifted him to safety.
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.
Two Hikers Rescued After 36 Hours on Mount Shasta
Two young hikers were rescued from Mount Shasta after spending roughly 36 hours on the mountain. Their phones died overnight before a wrong turn near Horse Camp led them several miles into Cascade Gulch, where they became stranded between steep cliffs.
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.
Mount Shasta Vista Shooting Sends Man to Hospital, Leads to Arrest
A Mount Shasta Vista shooting sent a 49-year-old man to Fairchild Medical Center with birdshot injuries to his head, shoulder, face, and torso. Siskiyou County deputies later arrested a neighboring property owner after investigators said they found no evidence supporting his claim that the victim had fired a handgun.
Mount Shasta Climber Crawls Through Night After 500-Foot Fall
An overdue Mount Shasta climber was found alive Friday after authorities say he slid roughly 500 feet while descending Avalanche Gulch. Despite significant injuries, he crawled through the night to Horse Camp before rescuers located him and arranged an airlift to a hospital.
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.
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.
Flock Cameras Go Dark in Josephine County
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has ended its contract with Flock Safety and deactivated all 10 automated license plate reader cameras. Sheriff Dave Daniel cited public privacy concerns, potential Fourth Amendment implications, and recent vandalism.
Red Flag Warning Arrives Ahead of Triple-Digit Heat Wave
A Red Flag Warning will cover the Rogue, Illinois, and Applegate valleys from Monday afternoon through Tuesday evening as dry, gusty weather raises fire danger. A Heat Advisory follows Tuesday through Thursday, with some inland communities forecast to reach 105 to 110 degrees.
Siskiyou County Sheriff Halts Flock Camera Plan Over Privacy Concerns
Siskiyou County Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue says his office will not move forward with a planned Flock Safety camera program after identifying privacy concerns. No sheriff’s cameras were installed, and the owner of a reported camera in Central Weed remains unknown.
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.
Two Forest Service Employees Safely Released After Armed Hostage Standoff
Two U.S. Forest Service employees were safely released after being held at gunpoint for roughly 15 hours near Gumboot Lake. A father and son surrendered following an overnight multi-agency response involving the FBI, local sheriff’s offices and federal tactical teams.
Weekend Forecast: Red Flag Warning, Gusty Winds Raise Fire Danger East of Cascades
A Red Flag Warning is in effect through Sunday for parts of the Klamath Basin, eastern Klamath County and Modoc County. Strong southwest winds, very low humidity and critically dry fuels could allow new fires to spread rapidly, while hot inland weather continues across the region.
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.