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.
Soul Beauty Salon Opens With Community Support
Soul Beauty Salon has officially opened its doors in downtown Klamath Falls, where new owner Ana Mendez celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event supported by family, community members, and KCC’s Small Business Development Center.
DEA Launches National Initiative Targeting Fentanyl Supply and Demand
The DEA has launched a nationwide enforcement and education campaign called Fentanyl Free America, aimed at reducing both the supply and demand fueling the country’s ongoing synthetic opioid crisis.
Task Force Serves Search Warrant in Child Exploitation Case
A joint child exploitation task force served a search warrant in rural Central Point after CSAM images were traced to a residence. Investigators seized digital devices, and the case remains under active investigation.
Hospital Resource Officer Program Now Active at Sky Lakes
Sky Lakes Medical Center and Klamath Falls Police continue to expand the region’s first Hospital Resource Officer program, with veteran officer Jeff Hutcheson serving full-time on campus to improve safety and response coordination.
Big X Improvements Near Finish Line
Medford’s “Big X” intersection is nearing the end of a major upgrade project that repaved roads, repaired bridges, added new traffic signals, and improved bicycle and pedestrian safety ahead of holiday travel.
Weed Lumber Mill Closing; 140 Workers Jobless
Roseburg Forest Products has closed its Weed, Calif., veneer plant as it consolidates production at upgraded Oregon facilities. The company says the move strengthens long-term competitiveness and affects about 140 employees.
Vial Named Interim City Manager
Mayor Michael Zarosinski has appointed longtime public service leader John Vial as Interim City Manager, bringing decades of experience to guide Medford through its transition.
JCSO Detective Retires After 28 Years in Oregon Law Enforcement
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is honoring Detective Ryan Groom, who has retired after 28 years in Oregon law enforcement and 22 years serving the Jackson County community.
Cleanup Completed at Tillamook County Trespass Sites
The Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office has completed cleanup operations at several trespass sites, removing abandoned RVs, trailers, debris, and hazardous materials with help from county partners.
OIT Accepts $500k Donation for Workforce Development
Oregon Tech has received a $500,000 gift from the Beavers Charitable Trust to support workforce development within the university’s new Construction Management program. The funding will provide scholarships and expand the program’s Heavy Construction Management option.
Invasive Chinese Mitten Crab Confirmed in Willamette River
A prohibited Chinese mitten crab was found in the Willamette River near Portland, marking the second confirmed sighting of the invasive species in Oregon this year. ODFW is urging residents to report any suspected mitten crab sightings to help prevent potential environmental damage.
State Parks Seeks Public Comments on Proposed Changes
Oregon State Parks is seeking public input on proposed changes to reservations, fee ranges, and Special Access Pass rules as the agency works to address a projected $8 million operational shortfall. A virtual public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 15, with comments accepted through Jan. 15, 2026.
Fire Contained at Miller Elementary After Lithium Battery Ignites in Workshop
A lithium battery ignited inside a custodians’ workshop at Miller Elementary School in Bend on Sunday night, triggering the fire sprinkler system and limiting damage to the small room. Crews cleared smoke and water from the gym as the district works toward reopening the school safely.
DEQ Issues 10 Penalties Totaling $462,425 for October Violations
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued 10 civil penalties totaling $462,425 in October for violations involving air quality, water protection, stormwater management, and underground fuel tanks across the state.
Medford Police Arrest Suspect in Series of Early-Morning Arson Fires
Medford Police arrested a woman Wednesday morning who investigators believe set multiple arson fires across North Medford, including vehicle fires and a blaze at a local restaurant.
Fatal crash on 140E kills two from Klamath Falls
Two Klamath Falls residents were killed Wednesday in a rollover crash on Highway 140E after a passing attempt triggered a collision, according to Oregon State Police.
Medford Police Recover More Than $141,000 in Stolen Radio Equipment; Suspect Arrested
Medford Police recovered more than $141,000 in stolen radio equipment and arrested a suspect following two burglaries at Medford Fire Department storage facilities. Detectives say the investigation also cleared several additional theft cases throughout Jackson County.
Man Shot by Medford Police Now Booked into Jail
The man injured in a Nov. 23 officer-involved shooting with Medford Police has been released from the hospital and lodged in the Jackson County Jail. Shane Wesley Smith, 30, of Medford, is facing multiple charges as the case heads to a Jackson County Grand Jury for review.
Officials Urge Safe Travel This Week
ODOT is urging travelers to prepare for heavy holiday traffic, winter weather, and potential delays as Oregonians hit the roads for Thanksgiving week. Crews will be working throughout the holiday to keep highways clear, but drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, check conditions, and travel with caution.
Wrong-Way Driver Killed in I-5 Head-On Crash Near Grants Pass
A wrong-way crash on I-5 near Grants Pass early Saturday left one person dead and two injured, according to Oregon State Police. Northbound traffic was impacted for about four hours during the investigation.