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.
Driver Killed in Head-On Crash on Highway 97 Near Chiloquin
A 76-year-old Grants Pass woman was killed in a head-on crash on Highway 97 near Chiloquin after her pickup crossed into oncoming traffic, according to Oregon State Police. The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the investigation.
Shop Fire Near Tumalo Destroys Vehicles, Causes $220K in Damage
A Tumalo-area shop fire caused by a vehicle fuel leak destroyed multiple vehicles and caused an estimated $220,000 in damage Friday evening. Fire crews stopped the blaze before it reached nearby homes.
Public Meeting Set for Klamath Irrigation District Modernization Project
The Klamath Irrigation District is seeking public input on a proposed infrastructure modernization project aimed at improving water delivery efficiency and strengthening drought resilience across the basin. An in-person public meeting is scheduled for April 9 in Merrill, where community members can learn about the proposal, ask questions, and provide feedback on the draft plan.
New Daily Bus Service Planned Between Eugene and Medford
Pacific Crest Bus Lines has announced plans to launch a new daily bus route between Eugene and Medford with stops in several Southern Oregon communities, including Roseburg and Grants Pass.
PacifiCorp Plans Sale of Oregon Distribution Assets
PacifiCorp has announced plans to sell portions of its Oregon distribution system to three electric cooperatives, a move that could affect more than 8,000 customers in Wallowa County, Monroe, and Lakeview.
Nurses File Lawsuit Against Asante Over Alleged Wage Practices
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Asante by an Oregon Nurses Association member, alleging wage theft and unlawful payroll practices. The claims involve timekeeping methods, unpaid wages, and compensation disputes affecting thousands of healthcare workers.
Toxic Chemical Spill Triggers Shelter-in-Place in Dorris
A toxic chemical spill in Dorris, California triggered a shelter-in-place order, highway closure, and emergency response as crews worked to neutralize paraquat, a highly dangerous herbicide. Officials say the scene is now safe, but caution remains in effect.
Escaped Field Burn Contained East of Bend
An escaped field burn east of Bend was contained at 6.6 acres Monday afternoon after wind pushed flames beyond containment lines. Fire crews from multiple agencies responded quickly to stop the spread, preventing damage to nearby structures and keeping the fire confined to pasture land.
Driver Killed in Rollover Crash on Highway 238
A Grants Pass man died Sunday night after a rollover crash on Highway 238 in Josephine County, according to Oregon State Police. The crash occurred when a pickup left the roadway and rolled multiple times.
Merkley Town Halls Postponed
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley will host a series of town halls across Central and Southern Oregon on March 20–21, including stops in Klamath, Lake, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. The events are part of his ongoing effort to hold annual conversations in all 36 counties statewide.
Intruder Dies After Struggle During Bend Home Break-In
Bend Police are investigating a residential burglary and death after an intruder died following a confrontation with a homeowner on NW Braid Drive late March 12. Officers located the suspect on a nearby golf course with life-threatening injuries after the individual fled the scene following a struggle.
Kidnap Suspect Arrested in Grants Pass
A 51-year-old man has been arrested following a March 4 incident in Grants Pass where police say an elderly resident was held hostage inside a home on Leonard Road. Officers forced entry after hearing gunshots and safely removed the hostage before taking the suspect into custody after his release from the hospital.
Firefighters Deliver Two Babies in Klamath County
Klamath County Fire District 1 crews recently assisted with two field births within a two-week period, helping deliver both babies before the mothers could reach the hospital. Firefighters and paramedics safely delivered the newborns and transported the mothers and babies to Sky Lakes Medical Center for further care, highlighting the training and versatility of local emergency responders.
Link River Trail to Close Temporarily
A section of the Link River Trail near Link River Dam in Klamath Falls will temporarily close beginning March 17 as Pacific Power begins construction work on the West Side Canal.
Teen Driver Dies in Early Morning Siskiyou County Crash
An 18-year-old Etna driver died early Friday morning after a single-vehicle crash on Oberlin Road east of Yreka. Authorities say the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree, while a teenage passenger was transported to the hospital with injuries.
Child Exploitation Investigation Underway in Talent
A regional child exploitation task force served a search warrant Thursday morning at a residence in Talent after investigators received a tip that child sexual abuse material had been uploaded from the address.
Gunshots Reported in Medford Neighborhood
Medford police are investigating reports of gunshots Tuesday night near West 8th Street and Hamilton Street. Officers detained multiple individuals and recovered evidence consistent with shots being fired, though no injuries were reported.
Garage Fire Displaces Family in Bend
A garage fire in Bend displaced a family Tuesday night after improperly disposed woodstove ashes ignited materials inside a garage.
State Funding Announced for Chiloquin, Gilchrist Infrastructure Projects
State funding will support a new wastewater treatment plant in Chiloquin and an infrastructure study of the aging sanitation system in Gilchrist.
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.