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.
Spontaneous Heating Sparked Blackwell Road Fire
Fire investigators say the Blackwell Road Fire near Central Point was accidental and began from spontaneous heating inside a large mulch pile. Strong winds pushed the fire through nearby materials, across Tolo Road and into grass fields, burning a combined 50 acres.
Vacant Building Destroyed in Highway 39 Fire
A vacant structure near Oregon Highway 39 and Roberta Drive in Klamath Falls was destroyed in an overnight fire Thursday, according to Klamath County Fire District 1. Fire officials said crews encountered heavy fire throughout the building and later shifted to a defensive strategy because of fire conditions and structural instability.
Discord Child Exploitation Investigation Leads to Search Warrant
A child exploitation investigation tied to Discord led to a search warrant Wednesday morning at a rural Central Point residence. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said the case began after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children connected uploaded child sexual abuse material to the address.
Driver Seriously Injured in I-5 Rollover
A driver was seriously injured Tuesday afternoon in a single-vehicle rollover crash on Interstate 5 near Wolf Creek. Rural Metro Fire, responding on behalf of Wolf Creek Rural Fire Protection District, said firefighters removed the vehicle’s roof and windshield to extricate the driver.
Blackwell Fire Held After Wind-Driven Spread
Evacuation levels have been reduced Tuesday morning for the Blackwell Fire near rural Central Point after crews completed a containment line around the fire perimeter overnight. Jackson County Fire District 3 says no homes were lost or damaged, though several outbuildings and industrial-type buildings were damaged inside the fire area.
Blackwell Fire Prompts Evacuations
Evacuation levels will remain in place overnight for the Blackwell Road fire near rural Central Point, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Forward progression of the grassfire has been stopped, but firefighters remain active in the area, with overnight roadblocks continuing near Tolo Road, Nellis Road and Merita Terrace.
Phoenix Woman Arrested After Gun Threat
Phoenix Police say a Saturday morning domestic violence call involving a firearm led to the arrest of a 23-year-old woman after officers responded to a residence in northwest Phoenix. Police said officers safely detained the involved people and later located the firearm after it had initially been hidden.
SWAT Standoff Ends in Medford Arrest
Medford Police say an early morning shots-fired call on South Holly Street led to a SWAT response after several people refused to come out of a residence. Officers reported no injuries and said one man was jailed on multiple firearm and domestic violence-related charges.
Memorial Day Events Set Across the Region
Memorial Day observances across Southern Oregon and Northern California include parades, cemetery services, flag displays, a river wreath ceremony, a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall dedication and a statewide livestream honoring Oregon’s fallen service members.
KU Digital Media Celebrates National Recognition
Klamath Union High School’s Digital Media program celebrated a standout year during its Digital Media Awards Night, recognizing students for creative work, leadership and national achievement. The evening highlighted student films, community partnerships, a new scholarship and growing opportunities tied to professional-level media projects.
KCFD1 Closes Open Burning as Fire Season Begins
Klamath County Fire District 1 has closed all open burning within its district boundaries due to increasing fire danger and the onset of fire season conditions. The closure applies to Klamath Falls and surrounding areas, while barbecues, cooking appliances, and certain contained fire pits remain allowed under specific safety rules.
KTA Reopens Lake of the Woods Trail Connector
Klamath Trails Alliance volunteers, working with the U.S. Forest Service Fremont-Winema National Forest, have reopened a 600-foot connector trail near Lake of the Woods. The High-Rye Connector links the High Lakes Trail with the Rye Spur Trail and Billie Creek Nature Loop near Highway 140.
Medford Court Waives Wedding Fees for June
The Medford Municipal Court will waive civil wedding ceremony fees during June in celebration of Wedding Month. Couples must schedule an appointment and obtain a valid Oregon marriage license before the ceremony.
Medford Council Changes Course on Main Street Plan
The Medford City Council voted 5-2 to ratify a revised Main Street plan after previously voting to return the downtown street to three lanes. The updated Option 2A configuration keeps two travel lanes, adds a one-way bike lane and is expected to create about 40 parking spaces.
Thousands Face New Insurance Search as Providence Shifts Course
Providence Health Plan will leave most individual, family and employer group insurance plans beginning in 2027. Current coverage remains unchanged through 2026, but many Oregon members and employers will need new coverage options next year.
Bitzer Wins Klamath County Race as Oregon Sets November Matchups
Unofficial Wednesday morning election results show Steve Bitzer appearing to win the Klamath County Commissioner Position 2 race outright, while Oregon voters rejected Measure 120 and several major statewide races moved toward November matchups.
Henley Students Build for the Birds
Henley fourth-graders built their own birdhouses last week with help from middle and high school construction students, turning a hands-on shop project into a cross-grade learning experience.
Medford Schools Plan Staffing Cuts
The Medford School District’s approved 2026-2027 budget includes a net reduction of 20 full-time positions, with officials citing declining enrollment, growing special education needs, and long-term financial stability concerns.
Arrests, Eluding Case Highlight Busy Week for JPD
Jacksonville Police Department responded to several calls during the week of May 11 through May 17, including a reported grass fire on Highway 238, a small fire near a downtown business, traffic-related arrests, and a dirt bike eluding case. Officers also participated in wildfire preparedness and public safety events.
Fire Season Begins Friday in Klamath and Lake Counties
Fire season will officially begin Friday, May 22, in Klamath and Lake counties. The Oregon Department of Forestry Klamath-Lake District and partner agencies are moving into coordinated fire season operations, with Moderate fire danger and IFPL I restrictions taking effect.