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.
Medford Police Investigate School Threat Hoax
Medford Police are investigating a reported hoax threat involving South Medford High School after a student reported that their school email account may have been hacked and used to send a threatening message. Police say extra officers were assigned to the school, but investigators do not believe there is a credible threat to student safety.
Grants Pass Fire Restrictions Begin Friday
Fire season restrictions will begin inside the City of Grants Pass on Friday, May 15, at 12:01 a.m. The city will enter fire season at a low fire danger level, with rules limiting open fires, smoking near flammable vegetation, vehicle use, power saws, mowing, and other activities that can increase wildfire risk.
Car Hits SOU Building
A driver was injured Tuesday after a vehicle crashed into Stevenson Union on the Southern Oregon University campus in Ashland, rupturing a gas meter and prompting an evacuation. Ashland Fire & Rescue says the building was cleared for re-entry shortly after 2 p.m.
Fire Damages Vacant Klamath Falls Home
Klamath County Fire District 1 responded Monday morning to a structure fire at an abandoned home in the 1700 block of Arthur Street in Klamath Falls. Crews found smoke and fire coming from the vacant structure, brought the fire under control, and prevented it from spreading to nearby homes.
Siskiyou Sheriff Holds Dorris Town Hall on Wolf Concerns
Siskiyou County officials held a town hall in Dorris this week to discuss public safety concerns with Butte Valley residents, including ongoing issues involving gray wolves, livestock depredation and reported wolf habituation. The Sheriff’s Office says additional town halls are planned this month in Quartz Valley, Happy Camp, Tulelake and Hornbrook.
Medford Selects Trevor Arnold as Next Police Chief
The City of Medford has selected Deputy Chief Trevor Arnold as its next police chief, pending final City Council action. Arnold has served with the Medford Police Department for more than 27 years and would succeed Chief Justin Ivens, who announced his retirement earlier this year.
Trailer Fire Displaces Medford Resident
A resident was displaced Sunday night after a trailer fire in the 3000 block of Table Rock Road in Medford. Medford Fire says the blaze was knocked down within eight minutes, caused extensive damage to the RV, and was likely sparked by embers from an outdoor fire pit.
Forest Crews Monitor Lightning Fires
Firefighters on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest are monitoring for possible holdover fires after more than 2,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the forest area in 24 hours. The agency said crews responded to reported strikes and visible smoke while continuing prescribed fire work designed to reduce ground fuels under favorable spring conditions.
Tree Crashes Into Two Homes Near Grants Pass
Two people were rescued and taken to the hospital after a thunderstorm brought down a tree in East Grants Pass, severely damaging two homes along Rogue River Highway. Rural Metro Fire said the injuries appeared to be non-life-threatening, and crews also responded to a damaged gas line caused by the uprooted tree.
Kathmandu Fire Chief Visits Grants Pass
Grants Pass Fire & Rescue welcomed Kathmandu Fire Chief Kishor Kumar Bhattarai for a hands-on training demonstration and tour of local fire facilities. The visit gave firefighters an opportunity to share knowledge, compare emergency response practices, and strengthen connections across the global fire service community.
30-Year Sentence for Medford Man in Child Exploitation Case
A Medford man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison in a federal child exploitation case involving a minor victim in his care. Prosecutors said investigators found more than 300 videos and nearly 8,000 images of child sexual abuse material on his devices.
Man Sentenced in Medford Parking Lot Fatal Stabbing
Christopher Shane Boyce has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to First-Degree Manslaughter in the April 2025 fatal stabbing of Rory Pomeroy in the Lowe’s parking lot on Crater Lake Highway in Medford. Prosecutors said the case resolution followed consultation with Pomeroy’s family due to trial risks involving a possible self-defense claim.
Medford Fire Graduates Eight New Firefighters
Medford Fire celebrated the graduation of Recruit Academy 26-01, honoring eight recruits who completed a 13-week academy and are now transitioning into service as probationary firefighters. Family, friends, City of Medford leadership, and department officials attended the ceremony.
Outbuildings Burn in Kerby Structure Fire
Fire crews responded Friday morning to a structure fire on Hathaway Drive in Kerby, where two outbuildings were fully engulfed. Illinois Valley Fire District says the nearby home sustained only minor damage, and no injuries were reported.
Oregon Awards $6M for Wildfire Staffing
The Oregon State Fire Marshal has awarded nearly $6 million to 180 local fire agencies through the 2026 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant. The funding will help agencies add seasonal firefighters or additional shift coverage through October as Oregon prepares for the upcoming wildfire season.
Two Arrested After Gold Hill Shots-Fired Call
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested two unrelated suspects Thursday night after a shots-fired call near Gold Hill led to a pursuit and a separate arrest connected to the original report. Deputies say one suspect was arrested after fleeing in a truck, while another was later arrested after firearms were found in a second vehicle.
Klamath Falls Home Damaged in Auburn Street Fire
Klamath County Fire District 1 responded to a two-story residential structure fire Wednesday in the 1900 block of Auburn Street in Klamath Falls. Crews found heavy fire at the rear of the home extending into the second floor, but no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
Medford Reports Drop In Encampments
The Medford Police Department says illegal encampments have declined significantly since 2023, while the city’s Livability Team has expanded outreach and case support services. According to the city, Medford reported 13 illegal encampments in March 2026, down from 186 in March 2023.
Jackson County To Test Emergency Alerts May 1
Jackson County Emergency Management will conduct its annual pre-fire season test of the Jackson Alerts mass notification system on Friday, May 1. The test will include alerts sent to registered users and a live Emergency Alert System message broadcast through local radio and cable television.
Motorcyclist Injured in Lake County Crash
A 75-year-old motorcyclist was injured Tuesday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash on Old Millican Road in Lake County, about two miles from the Deschutes County line. The rider received medical care at the scene before being transferred to Life Flight Network for transport to a higher level of care.