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.
Tillamook Forest Center Celebrates 20 Years
The Tillamook Forest Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary with events and a new exhibit highlighting forest history and restoration. The Oregon Department of Forestry says the center has served as a hands-on learning facility focused on forest ecology and stewardship. A public Birthday Bash is scheduled for April 4 to mark the milestone.
PacifiCorp Customers to See Rate Increase Starting April 1
PacifiCorp residential customers in Oregon will see electricity bills increase starting April 1 after regulators approved a series of rate adjustments. Officials say the typical monthly bill is expected to rise by about $5.64, though actual impacts will vary by usage.
High-Speed Pursuit Ends with Arrest in Grants Pass
A vehicle pursuit early Tuesday morning in Josephine County ended in Grants Pass after deputies deployed spike strips multiple times and the suspect fled on foot. Authorities say the driver continued on three tires before stopping and being taken into custody.
Child Sex Abuse Suspect Arrested in White City
A Medford man wanted on multiple felony child sex abuse charges was arrested Monday in White City by a U.S. Marshals-led task force. Authorities say the arrest followed a years-long investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, and additional federal charges were added after the suspect was booked into jail.
Horizon Air Closing Medford Crew Base
Horizon Air will close its Medford crew base effective May 31, transferring 78 pilots and flight attendants to other cities as the airline opens a new base in Las Vegas. Company officials said the move is due to the Medford base being its smallest and not sustainable for growth, but emphasized that scheduled flights to and from Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport will not be affected.
Motorcyclist Airlifted; Two Fires Responded to in Josephine County
Emergency crews in Josephine County responded to multiple incidents over the weekend, including a motorcycle crash near Galice that required an airlift to a Medford-area trauma hospital. Firefighters also contained a half-acre brush fire caused by an unattended burn and extinguished a fully involved chicken coop fire ignited by a heat lamp, which resulted in the loss of eight baby chickens.
Teen Injured in Early Morning Shooting in Medford
A 16-year-old male was seriously injured in an early morning shooting Sunday near Crater Lake Avenue and Stevens Street in Medford. Police say the victim was struck in the neck when a handgun discharged during an argument with a suspect they did not know. Officers located and arrested a 21-year-old suspect nearby, and the victim is expected to recover.
Barricade Incident Ends in Fire, Suspect Arrested in Ashland
A barricade incident in Ashland escalated into a fire Saturday after authorities say a trespassing suspect threatened explosives and set a vacant home ablaze. The man, armed with an axe and claiming additional weapons, was taken into custody after SWAT negotiators and firefighters responded to the scene.
Early Morning Fire Causes Major Damage in Bend
An early morning structure fire in Bend caused extensive damage to a home after flames spread through the attic, leading to roof collapse. The occupant safely evacuated after being alerted by a smoke alarm, and firefighters contained the blaze within minutes. Total losses are estimated at approximately $480,000, including damage to the structure, contents, and a vehicle.
Major Drug Bust in Douglas County
A Douglas County narcotics investigation led to the seizure of nearly 22 pounds of methamphetamine along with cocaine, fentanyl, and bulk cash, according to authorities. Detectives conducted surveillance, deployed a K-9, and executed search warrants on both a vehicle and residence in Camas Valley. Three individuals were arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail in connection with the distribution case.
New Welcome Monument Installed at California-Oregon Border
A new welcome monument has been installed along U.S. 199 at the California-Oregon border in Del Norte County, offering travelers a refreshed gateway into California. The project, funded through Caltrans and the Clean California initiative, is part of broader statewide beautification efforts, with another monument planned along U.S. 101.
Open Burning Window Announced in Klamath County
Klamath County Fire District 1 has announced the 2026 open burning window, set for March 28 through April 12. Fire officials warn that rising fire danger and already reported escaped burns make caution critical. Residents are reminded to follow size, clearance, and supervision requirements to prevent fires from spreading.
Murder Charge Filed in Grants Pass Shooting
A suspect has been arrested following a fatal shooting in Grants Pass on Wednesday evening that left one person dead and another injured. Officers responded to the 800 block of NE E Street, where two victims were found with gunshot wounds. An 18-year-old male later died at the hospital, while a second victim survived. Authorities located the suspect hours later in a Jackson County hotel room and took him into custody without incident.
Explosion in Ashland Leads to Arrest
A pre-dawn explosion in Ashland prompted a large multi-agency response and led to the arrest of a 32-year-old man. Investigators say an explosive device detonated inside a parked vehicle, and a potential secondary device prompted officials to secure the area and advise nearby residents to shelter in place before bomb technicians cleared the scene.
Missing Man Identified After More Than 50 Years
Human remains found in Josephine County in 1978 have been identified as a man who went missing in 1974, with investigators using forensic genetic genealogy to solve the case after more than 50 years.
New Aircraft Boosts Oregon Wildfire Response Capabilities
The Oregon Department of Forestry has added a new multi-mission aircraft designed to improve wildfire detection, night operations, and all-hazards emergency response. Officials say the Twin Otter-based platform includes AI-enabled mapping, thermal imaging, and the ability to detect new fire starts earlier — even during overnight operations.
Missing Grants Pass Man Last Seen March 10
Grants Pass police are asking for the public’s help in locating a 32-year-old man who has been missing since March 10. Authorities say he may still be in Southern Oregon and could be driving a dark-colored Infiniti coupe.
Suspect Shot, Killed After Pulling Gun During I-5 Traffic Stop
A suspect was shot and killed after allegedly pulling a firearm on officers during a traffic stop on Interstate 5 in Weed, California. Authorities say suspected methamphetamine was discovered in the vehicle before the officer-involved shooting occurred.
Lab Owner Charged in $46 Million Medicare Fraud Case
Federal prosecutors say the owner of a Klamath Falls clinical laboratory submitted more than $46 million in fraudulent Medicare Advantage claims for testing services that were never performed. Investigators allege the scheme resulted in more than $28 million in payouts before the suspect was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport.
Three Arrested After Pursuit and Search in Josephine County
Josephine County deputies, assisted by a sheriff’s K-9 unit, arrested three individuals Friday after locating two suspects who had previously eluded law enforcement during pursuits in the O’Brien area and along Highway 199.