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.
Search Warrant Served in Ashland Child Exploitation Investigation
Investigators served a search warrant in Ashland after identifying child sexual abuse material linked to a residence. Digital evidence was seized, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Prospect Man Arrested on Child Sex Crime Charges
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested a Prospect man on five child sex crime charges, including rape and sexual abuse. The investigation remains ongoing.
Fire Crews Quickly Contain Duplex Fire
Klamath County Fire District #1 crews quickly contained a duplex fire in the Roosevelt area, preventing injuries and likely avoiding displacement of residents. The incident also marked a first working fire for two members of the department.
Bentz Pushes for Local Voice in Water Decisions
A new federal bill introduced by Congressman Cliff Bentz aims to give local water users a stronger voice in decisions that impact water access across the West. The legislation focuses on increasing transparency and participation during Endangered Species Act consultations that often influence agricultural and community water supplies.
Multi-Agency Drug Bust Seizes Meth, Cocaine, Guns, and Cash
A six-week drug investigation led to multiple arrests and the seizure of methamphetamine, cocaine, firearms, and more than $227,000 in cash across Southern Oregon and Northern California.
Crash Sparks Vehicle Fire After Attempted Firewood Theft
A vehicle caught fire after crashing on Robertson Bridge Road near Merlin Tuesday night. Officials say the driver had attempted to leave the area with firewood from private property before the crash occurred.
Vehicle Found After Rollover Crash Near Cave Junction
Emergency crews responded to a rollover crash near Cave Junction but found no occupants at the scene after searching the vehicle and surrounding area. The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon on Holland Loop Road.
North Medford Gym Rebuild Moves Forward
Construction is underway on the new North Medford High School gym, with early work completed and major structural progress expected by the start of the next school year. The rebuild follows the collapse of the original facility and aims for full completion by late 2027.
Child Exploitation Investigation Prompts Search Warrant in Eagle Point
A child exploitation investigation in Eagle Point led to a search warrant at a residence after a tip indicated illegal material had been uploaded. Investigators seized digital devices and continue to examine evidence as the multi-agency case remains active.
GP Staffer Arrested in Sex Abuse Case
A Grants Pass school support staff member has been arrested following a grand jury indictment in a sex abuse investigation involving four identified victims. Oregon State Police say the case spans multiple years and includes six counts of sexual abuse in the first degree.
Klamath Falls Schools, Classified Union Reach Tentative Agreement
Klamath Falls City Schools and its classified employees union have reached a tentative agreement following mediated negotiations, with both sides highlighting a collaborative process focused on supporting staff and students. The agreement remains subject to union ratification and school board approval.
Barricaded Suspect Taken Into Custody After Jacksonville Standoff
A barricaded suspect was taken into custody in Jacksonville following a domestic assault involving a knife that left one person injured. The incident prompted a large multi-agency response, including a shelter-in-place alert, specialized resources, and SWAT activation before the situation was resolved without further incident.
ATRIO Health Plans Placed Under State Supervision
ATRIO Health Plans has been placed under state supervision by Oregon regulators due to financial concerns, including operating losses and unpaid provider claims. The action affects more than 35,000 Medicare Advantage enrollees across multiple counties, including parts of Southern Oregon.
Oregon Cheese Festival Returns to Central Point
The Oregon Cheese Festival returns to Central Point April 25–26, bringing nearly 100 artisan vendors, cheesemakers, and specialty food producers to the Jackson County Expo. The two-day event will feature tastings, local products, beverage add-ons, and a kickoff Cheesemaker Dinner in Ashland, drawing thousands for one of the region’s largest food festivals.
Portland Man Killed in Highway 97 Crash Near Chemult
A 48-year-old Portland man was killed in a crash on Highway 97 near Chemult after his vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic at the scene of an earlier collision. The highway was impacted for several hours during the investigation.
Klamath Falls Police K9 Bullitt Retires Following Cancer Diagnosis
K9 Bullitt of the Klamath Falls Police Department has been retired following a diagnosis of aggressive cancer. The longtime police dog will spend his remaining time with his handler after nearly nine years of service to the community.
Registration Opens for Girls Police and Fire Camps
Two free summer camps in the Rogue Valley are giving young women hands-on experience in public safety careers. The Girls Police Camp and Rogue Girls Fire Camp both offer immersive training opportunities, with applications now open.
Bicyclist Killed in Collision with Delivery Truck on McAndrews Road
A 65-year-old Medford bicyclist has died after being struck by a delivery truck on East McAndrews Road. The crash occurred on a sidewalk as the truck exited a parking lot, and police say no citations have been issued as the investigation continues.
Driver Cited After Crash Damages Power Pole in West Medford
A driver was cited on multiple charges after crashing into a power pole at Oakdale Avenue and Main Street in Medford. Two passengers were injured in the crash, which left the vehicle totaled.
$10K Grant Supports Pet Food for Families in Need
Families in Jackson County facing food insecurity are receiving help caring for their pets after ACCESS received a $10,000 grant from Friends of the Animals. The funding is supporting pet food distribution at select pantries, with hundreds of bags of dog and cat food already secured through the partnership and additional community support.