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.
Pacific Power Outage Affects 1,403 Medford-Area Customers
A Pacific Power outage is affecting 1,403 customers in parts of Medford, including ZIP codes 97504 and 97524. The utility attributes the interruption to enhanced wildfire safety settings and estimates service will be restored before 2 p.m. Monday.
Evans Creek Road Fire Grows to 1,550 Acres, Crosses Two Roads
The Evans Creek Road Fire surged to an estimated 700 to 1,000 acres Friday evening as multiple spot fires drove rapid growth. A Level 3 evacuation order is in place near East Evans Creek Road, while crews prepare for overnight operations under an incoming ODF incident management team.
Two Arrested in Smith River Drug and Firearm Investigation
Two Smith River residents were arrested after Del Norte County deputies served a search warrant on Fred Haight Drive. Investigators reported finding suspected narcotics, cash, a firearm and illegal fireworks at the property.
Task Force Seizes 1,300 Plants at Illegal Grow Near Applegate
Jackson County officials said IMET detectives seized approximately 1,300 marijuana plants, half a pound of psilocybin mushrooms and 3 1/2 pounds of THC extract during a July 9 search at an illegal grow near the Applegate area outside Jacksonville.
SAR Patrol Helps Dozens of Hikers on Mount McLoughlin
Jackson County Search and Rescue volunteers assisted about 25 hikers during a Fourth of July preventative patrol on Mount McLoughlin, including a 39-year-old man who became weak, dehydrated and unable to continue descending on his own.
Lake County Deputies Report Busy Fourth of July Weeken
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office says deputies handled a busy Fourth of July weekend, making arrests, issuing citations, conducting boat inspections and assisting with fires during a holiday enforcement period.
Medford Fire Station 15 Enters Final Phase
Medford Fire crews are moving into the new Fire Station 15 on Roberts Road as the rebuild enters its final phase. The project replaces Medford’s oldest fire station and is expected to add modern space for crews, EMS response and logistics support.
Burglary Suspect Arrested After Medford SWAT Standoff
Medford police said 44-year-old Richard Estrada Jr. was arrested Monday after a SWAT standoff at a Grandview Drive residence. Police said he was wanted in connection with a July 1 burglary on Lawnridge Street involving stolen firearms.
Three Arrested After Douglas County Meth Investigation
Three Roseburg men were arrested after DINT detectives concluded a months-long methamphetamine distribution investigation in Douglas County. The agency says a July 2 search on Kermanshah Street led to the seizure of methamphetamine, firearms, cash and other evidence.
Bonanza Man Dies in Highway 140 Motorcycle Crash
A 74-year-old Bonanza man died Tuesday afternoon in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Oregon Highway 140 near Kingfisher Drive in Klamath County. Oregon State Police said the crash happened in the Bly Mountain area and remains under investigation.
Roseburg Man Faces 120 Counts in Sexual Abuse Case
A Roseburg man has been lodged at the Douglas County Jail on 120 charges, including rape, sexual abuse, unlawful sexual penetration, sodomy and incest. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says the case involves a report of juvenile sexual abuse spanning approximately 11 years.
Mitchell Sentenced to Nearly 10 Years in Meth Case
Allen Dale Mitchell, 62, was sentenced Tuesday to 116 months in prison after entering a no contest plea to unlawful delivery of methamphetamine. Prosecutors said a 2020 MADGE investigation led to the seizure of more than two pounds of methamphetamine in Central Point.
UPDATED: Two Jailed on Attempted Murder Charges After Sprague River Road Shooting
Two people have been lodged at the Klamath County Jail on attempted murder charges after deputies responded Tuesday night to a shooting report on Sprague River Road. One person was treated for a gunshot wound, and investigators say one suspect remains at large.
Jackson County Jail to Reduce Bed Capacity July 1
Jackson County Sheriff Nate Sickler says the county jail will close its basement housing unit beginning July 1, reducing operational capacity from about 292 beds to 230. Sickler said rising medical, staffing and operational costs have forced difficult decisions across the agency.
Data Center Rumor Leads to Threats, Warning From Chief Gibson
Mount Shasta Police Chief Robert Gibson says online misinformation about a rumored data center has led to threats of violence against city leaders, staff and their families. Gibson said the city has no interest in pursuing the proposal and warned that threats are criminal acts, not protected speech.
Man Arrested on Child Sex Abuse-Related Charges in Klamath County
A 25-year-old man was arrested after Klamath County deputies served a search warrant in the 2300 block of Garden Avenue. The sheriff’s office says evidence related to child sex abuse-related charges was located and seized during the search.
Woman Found Dead Near Selma; 42-Year-Old Man Charged
A Josephine County homicide investigation is underway after authorities say a woman was found dead in a remote area near Upper Deer Creek Road outside Selma. Investigators say poor cell service and an unclear location complicated the initial search. A 42-year-old man has been arrested on manslaughter and firearm charges.
Wimer Woman Killed in Domestic Violence Shooting
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the death of Onalea Clay, 59, of Wimer, after authorities say a man reported shooting a woman during a domestic violence altercation at a rural Sykes Creek Road home.
Central Point Woman Dies After Parking Lot Crash in Phoenix
An 81-year-old Central Point woman died Wednesday evening after she was struck by a vehicle in a Phoenix business parking lot. Police said bystanders and first responders attempted life-saving measures, and the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Klamath Falls Man Pleads Guilty After 200 Explosives Seized
A Klamath Falls man pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to illegally distributing explosive devices, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. Prosecutors say investigators later seized more than 200 homemade explosive devices, firearms and methamphetamine during searches in Klamath Falls.