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.
Passing Attempt Ends in Fatal Head-On Crash on Highway 97
A 27-year-old Chiloquin man was killed Sunday night after Oregon State Police says his SUV crossed into oncoming traffic while attempting to pass another vehicle on Highway 97. The SUV collided head-on with a semi-truck; a passenger suffered minor injuries.
Three Killed When Driver Fleeing Police Crosses Center Line
Three people, including a 4-month-old girl, were killed Saturday in a head-on crash on Highway 42 in Myrtle Point. Oregon State Police says the other driver had fled an attempted police contact at high speed before losing control, crossing the center line, and striking the victims’ vehicle.
78-acre Anderson Butte Road Fire fully lined near Talent
Firefighters made significant overnight progress on the Anderson Butte Road Fire in Jackson County, completing line around the entire 78-acre perimeter and extending hose along most of the fire. Crews are now beginning mop-up operations southwest of Talent and east of Ruch while the cause remains under investigation.
Medford Selects Martha Bennett as Next City Manager
The Medford City Council has selected Martha Bennett as the city’s next city manager following a nationwide recruitment that drew nearly 40 applicants. Bennett, a former Ashland city administrator and Lake Oswego city manager, will begin Nov. 30.
Merrill Gets 800-Gallon Wildland Fire Engine Through Federal Program
The Merrill Rural Fire Protection District has received a 2004 Type 4 wildland fire engine through a federal readiness program. The 800-gallon engine can draft and haul water to active firelines while also strengthening local fire response in and around Merrill.
Cascade Comp Gives $50,000 to Ross Ragland Theater
Cascade Comprehensive Care has donated $50,000 to the Ross Ragland Theater in downtown Klamath Falls. The contribution will support live entertainment and community programming while helping strengthen one of the city’s best-known cultural venues.
Klamath Basin Oktoberfest Returns Saturday with Beer, Live Music and Family Fun
Klamath Basin Oktoberfest returns Saturday to the Bill Collier Ice Arena at the Running Y Resort with local beer, food, live music, competitions, and family activities. The one-day event runs from noon to 9 p.m. and includes four live bands, kids entertainment, and a full afternoon and evening of Oktoberfest traditions.
REACH Wins $50,000 Kubota Grant to Expand Klamath Falls Job Training
REACH, Inc. in Klamath Falls has been awarded a $50,000 Kubota Hometown Proud grant to expand its Ready Set Mow workforce program. The funding includes $25,000 in cash and $25,000 toward equipment that will support hands-on job training and employment for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Mount Shasta Vista Shooting Sends Man to Hospital, Leads to Arrest
A Mount Shasta Vista shooting sent a 49-year-old man to Fairchild Medical Center with birdshot injuries to his head, shoulder, face, and torso. Siskiyou County deputies later arrested a neighboring property owner after investigators said they found no evidence supporting his claim that the victim had fired a handgun.
Nearly 200 Abandoned Crab Traps Lead to Multi-Year Suspensions off Del Norte Coast
Nearly 200 abandoned Dungeness crab traps found off the Del Norte County coast have led to major penalties for two commercial fishermen. California wildlife officers documented 194 abandoned traps near the Klamath and Smith rivers, along with additional violations involving reporting, gear marking, trap servicing, and the waste of hundreds of crabs.
Mount Shasta Climber Crawls Through Night After 500-Foot Fall
An overdue Mount Shasta climber was found alive Friday after authorities say he slid roughly 500 feet while descending Avalanche Gulch. Despite significant injuries, he crawled through the night to Horse Camp before rescuers located him and arranged an airlift to a hospital.
Klamath Falls Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Bullet Hits Fire Truck
A Klamath Falls man faces four counts of attempted murder after authorities say he fired a handgun during a dispute on Arthur Street. The shot struck an occupied Klamath County Fire District 1 apparatus as crews were leaving the residence, but no firefighters were injured.
Medford Bank Robber Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison
Anthony James Blank, 44, was sentenced to 70 months in prison after pleading guilty to robbing a KeyBank on East Barnett Road in Medford. Investigators say Blank threatened a teller with a note claiming he had a gun before fleeing with $295 on a scooter.
58-Year-Old Man Dies After ATV Crash in Josephine County
A 58-year-old man died after an ATV crash Saturday afternoon near Monument Drive and Mary Harris Way in Josephine County. Deputies say Barry Fell suffered serious injuries in the crash and was transported to an area hospital, where he later died.
Body Recovered From Rogue River at Baker Park (UPDATED)
The man whose body was recovered from the Rogue River at Baker Park on Sept. 11 has been identified as 48-year-old Michael Earl Tognoni. A medicolegal death investigator with the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office made the identification, and next of kin has been notified.
88-Year-Old Pedestrian Dies After Merlin Road Crash
An 88-year-old pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle Friday evening on Merlin Road in Josephine County. The driver remained at the scene, and deputies say the investigation is still active as evidence is reviewed for possible referral to the District Attorney’s Office.
Bonanza Man Arrested in Klamath County Homicide Investigation
A Bonanza man has been arrested in connection with a homicide investigation after a 52-year-old man was found shot to death inside a vehicle on Whitetail Lane. Oregon State Police are leading the investigation and are asking anyone with additional information to come forward.
Cave Junction Man Killed in Highway 199 Crash
A 72-year-old Cave Junction man was killed Friday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 199 in Josephine County. Oregon State Police say the pickup crossed the centerline and northbound lane before leaving the roadway and striking several trees.
Stolen Fire Command Vehicle Recovered After Pursuit Across Klamath County
A stolen Klamath County Fire District No. 1 command vehicle was recovered Friday after a pursuit through southeastern Klamath County. Deputies say the suspect was also linked to an earlier arson and burglary at a Highway 97 gas station.
Three injured in five-vehicle crash on Crater Lake Highway
Three people were injured and five vehicles were damaged Wednesday after a driver traveled against traffic on Crater Lake Highway, crossed the median near Poplar Drive, and struck vehicles stopped at a red light. Medford Police say the driver showed signs of impairment and later indicated the crash was intentional.