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.
Emeralds Say No Thanks to Medford, Plan to Stay in Eugene
The Eugene Emeralds and City of Medford have ended discussions over a proposed Minor League Baseball stadium at Hawthorne Park. The decision follows months of debate over downtown redevelopment, public investment, and an alternative site at Harry & David Field.
Missing Hunter Found Safe After Three Days in Wilderness Near Prospect
A 60-year-old hunter missing for more than 72 hours in the remote wilderness near Prospect was found safe Wednesday. The search brought together crews from Southern Oregon and Northern California, with aircraft, K-9 teams, and dozens of community volunteers joining the effort.
Ammunition Found at Mazama Prompts Security Measures
The discovery of ammunition in a restroom at Mazama High School prompted a precautionary security response Monday. Klamath County deputies and school officials conducted searches as investigators worked to determine how the ammunition ended up on campus.
Woman, 71, Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash on Robertson Bridge Road
A 71-year-old woman died Friday evening, November 6, in a single-vehicle crash on Robertson Bridge Road in Josephine County. Deputies say the westbound vehicle crossed into the opposite lane, left the roadway, and overturned in a ditch. The driver, identified as Dawn Burton, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.
Ashland Massage Parlor Raided Amid Human Trafficking Investigation
Ashland police executed search warrants at 99 China massage parlor and a neighboring residence on November 6 following a three-month investigation into suspected illicit activity and possible human trafficking. Two female employees were arrested on licensing-related offenses. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
Tom Arnold Brings Stand-Up Comedy to Klamath Falls Saturday
Hollywood actor and comedian Tom Arnold brings his “My Crazy X-Wife” comedy tour to the Ross Ragland Theater in Klamath Falls on Saturday, November 7. Known for his roles in Roseanne, True Lies, and numerous television and film productions, Arnold will share stories about relationships, fatherhood, and life in Hollywood.
Riddle Bookkeeper Pleads Guilty to Nearly $1 Million Embezzlement Scheme
Christina Klauda, 53, of Riddle, Oregon, pleaded guilty to federal bank fraud and tax charges after admitting to a nine-year embezzlement scheme targeting her former employer, Tower Timber Services. Prosecutors estimate losses exceeding $1.08 million through manipulated payroll, duplicate payments, and unauthorized checks.
Oregon closes record-breaking 2026 fire season after 2.5 million acres burn statewide
Oregon’s record-breaking 2026 fire season has officially ended after more than 2.5 million acres burned across the state. From the East Evans Creek and Fielder Mountain fires west of the Cascades to the Wrights Spring and Picture Rock fires on the east side, Southern Oregon experienced its share of a historic and demanding wildfire season.
Tech Opens $4 Million Thomet Fieldhouse
Oregon Tech celebrated the opening of its $4 million Kip Thomet Memorial Fieldhouse on November 3 in Klamath Falls. The 8,500-square-foot indoor training facility was funded entirely through private donations, led by a $1.2 million gift from Glen and Sherry Thomet in memory of their son, Kip, who died in 2019.
Klamath County Man Arrested on Six Child Sex Abuse Charges Following Investigation
Klamath County deputies arrested Sean Oroake, 32, on November 3 following a months-long investigation. Deputies served a search warrant in the 5000 block of South Etna, seizing evidence related to the investigation. Oroake was lodged at the Klamath County Jail on six counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse I and an Assault III charge from Douglas County.
A Leap of Taste Expanding to Klamath Community College Campus
Downtown Klamath Falls café A Leap of Taste is expanding to Klamath Community College, with a tentative soft opening November 17. The new location in Building 4 will serve sandwiches, breakfast items, baked goods, and specialty coffee Monday through Friday, with plans for a comfortable seating area in early 2027.
Man Arrested After Hatchet Robbery at Cave Junction Store
Josephine County deputies arrested Wayne Patrick Baker, 37, following a reported hatchet robbery at Shop Smart in Cave Junction on November 1. Authorities say Baker threatened a store employee, stole more than $1,000 in merchandise, and fled on a bicycle before striking a patrol vehicle during an attempted escape. Six charges have been referred for review.
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.
Klamath Falls Man Arrested on Child Sex Abuse Charges
A Klamath Falls man was arrested October 29 following an investigation into suspected online child exploitation that began in May 2025. Johnny Long, 64, faces three counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the First Degree after investigators examined digital evidence seized during a residential search and presented the case to a grand jury.
Medford Man Sentenced to Five Years for Parking Lot Shooting
David Michael Somers, 42, was sentenced to five years in prison following his conviction on three counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm and one count of Menacing. The charges stemmed from a July 21 shooting outside Spirits World in Medford. The sentence is among the first imposed under a new Jackson County District Attorney's Office firearm prosecution policy.
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.
Eight Displaced After Fire Damages Medford Apartments
A two-alarm fire at an apartment complex on East 9th Street in Medford displaced eight residents and damaged four units on October 29. Firefighters rescued two cats, and nearby painters helped alert residents to the danger. Investigators believe the fire began on an exterior balcony, but the cause remains undetermined.
One Killed, Two Injured in Separate Josephine County Crashes
Two separate crashes in Josephine County on October 26 left one man dead and two others injured. Brent Smith, 54, died after his pickup rolled down an embankment near Murphy. Hours later, a fiery head-on collision in Wolf Creek injured two people and led to the arrest of Arthur Espinoza, 40.
Fire Season Ends in Klamath and Lake Counties
The South-Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership has officially ended the 2026 fire season in Klamath and Lake counties. Seasonal fire restrictions have been lifted, including in the Klamath River Canyon, but certain outdoor burning requirements remain in effect.
22 Arrested in Domestic Violence Sweep
Medford Police joined regional law enforcement agencies in a domestic violence warrant sweep on October 14, resulting in 22 arrests and 28 warrants cleared. The operation also connected four victims with support services.