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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Siskiyou Golden Fair Bucks Into a Big Weekend
The Siskiyou Golden Fair is underway in Yreka, with three big days still ahead. Friday brings Senior Day and rodeo action, Saturday adds Military Appreciation Day and a free grandstand jaripeo, and Sunday wraps the fair with Family Day, free admission for everyone and the Destruction Derby
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.
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.
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.
Wolf Sightings Near Homes Raise Concerns in Siskiyou County
The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office is reporting an increase in gray wolf sightings near homes and a rise in livestock depredations this spring. Officials say at least 16 confirmed depredations have occurred since early February, including a recent incident in Butte Valley where two wolves were reported stalking dogs near a residence. Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue is calling for changes to California’s gray wolf management plan and urging residents to take precautions.
Injured Climber Rescued After 700-Foot Fall on Mount Shasta
Two climbers were rescued from Mount Shasta after one fell roughly 700 feet during a descent from the summit, suffering multiple injuries.
Human Remains Found at Mount Shasta Vista Fire Site
Human remains were discovered at the site of a suspected structure fire in the Mount Shasta Vista area, prompting an investigation by the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office.