A child exploitation investigation that began overseas led federal, state, and local authorities to serve a search warrant at a Medford residence Wednesday. Investigators seized digital devices and are working to identify a suspect.

Longtime Klamath Falls broadcaster Rob Siems will retire from full-time duties at Basin Mediactive in December after 39 years in radio. Siems has spent 32 years with the company, including 20 years as general manager, while remaining a familiar morning voice on KLAD.

Two drivers were seriously injured in a head-on crash on West Griffin Creek Road after a 2025 Toyota RAV4 crossed into oncoming traffic. JCSO says the 34-year-old driver was later arrested for DUII after a blood draw showed a .20% BAC.

ODFW is seeking public comment on an ODOT request to waive fish passage requirements at an unnamed Bear Creek tributary near OR 99 and South Stage Road. The proposal would shift mitigation work to habitat restoration and another culvert project within the watershed.

A sudden burst of wind lifted a bounce house during a memorial celebration at Klamath Commons, injuring several children. Six-year-old Lilly Gailey was flown to Portland for surgery as families begin recovering from an afternoon that changed within seconds.

A Medford armed robbery investigation ended with a pursuit north on Interstate 5 after officers located the suspect vehicle near Sage Road and Highway 238. Spike strips stopped the SUV near Grants Pass, where the occupants were taken into custody.

Black bears are showing up across more Ashland neighborhoods as scarce mountain berries push animals toward easier food sources. ODFW says bears have been reported getting into garbage and backyard chicken coops, while residents are being urged to remove attractants and report sightings.

A Frost Advisory is in effect early Wednesday for parts of Klamath, Lake, and Modoc counties as a cooler air mass and clearing skies could push temperatures into the low to mid 30s. Sensitive plants, pets, livestock, and agriculture may be affected.

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.

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.

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.

Firefighters have completed line around 100% of the Woodrat Mountain Fire near Ruch. Updated infrared mapping places the fire at 282 acres, with 60% of the perimeter hose lined as crews continue securing the fire through steep terrain and dense timber.

The Woodrat Fire has grown to approximately 300 acres and is 50% lined near Ruch. Six hand crews, four dozers, engines, water tenders, and falling modules are taking over overnight operations as firefighters work to limit movement toward Sterling Creek Road.

Fire danger remains high to extreme across Southern Oregon as crews increase containment on the 100-acre I-5 MM 57 NB Fire near Grants Pass to 23%. Evacuations have eased to Level 1, both northbound lanes are open, and firefighters continue mop-up under Red Flag conditions.

Industrial fire restrictions are increasing across Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, and Lake counties as extreme heat, dry fuels, low humidity, and gusty winds raise the risk of new fire starts and rapid growth.

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.

A Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning for much of Southern Oregon as forecasters expect thunderstorms, abundant lightning and gusty outflow winds Wednesday over fuels already primed for rapid fire growth.

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.

Members of White City-based Grange Co-op and Farm Supply Company have approved a merger expected to take effect Oct. 1. Grange CEO Neil Itzen will lead the combined 13-store cooperative, which will employ about 460 people across Oregon and California. More than 90% of combined members supported the agreement.

Sky Lakes Medical Center has become the first hospital in Oregon to win the American Hospital Association’s Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service, a national honor recognizing years of community health work in the Klamath Basin.