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.
Fair Board Openings Available in Deschutes County
Deschutes County is seeking volunteers to serve on the Deschutes County Fair Board, with three unpaid positions opening in March 2026. Applications are open to residents from across the county.
Two Fatal Crashes Reported on Oregon Highways
Oregon State Police are investigating two separate fatal crashes that occurred earlier this week on highways in Lake County and Josephine County. The incidents, reported on January 8, resulted in two fatalities and involved single-vehicle rollovers under differing circumstances.
Man Arrested in Early-Morning Homicide Investigation Near Bend
A man has been arrested following an early-morning homicide investigation near Bend after deputies discovered a woman deceased at a property north of the city, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.
County Commissioners to Hold Public Hearing on Wildfire Mitigation Standards for New Construction
The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Jan. 14 to consider proposed wildfire mitigation standards for new residential construction in unincorporated areas of the county.
Northern California Congressman Doug LaMalfa Dies at 65
Northern California Congressman Doug LaMalfa has died at the age of 65 after suffering a medical emergency and undergoing emergency surgery at a Chico hospital, according to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. Officials confirmed his death Monday evening but have not released a cause.
Pedestrian Killed in Christmas Week Crash on Highway 42 in Coos County
A 29-year-old Myrtle Point woman was killed in a pedestrian crash on Highway 42 in Coos County on December 22, 2025, according to Oregon State Police. The incident involved a single vehicle and remains under investigation.
Fatal Plane Crash in Remote Lake County (UPDATED)
A fatal single-engine aircraft crash is under investigation after authorities located wreckage in a remote area of Lake County Tuesday morning. The pilot was found deceased, while a dog on board survived.
Crescent City Man Arrested in Connection to Fireworks Explosion that Killed Seven
A Crescent City man was arrested after investigators seized a large cache of illegal fireworks and explosives during a search tied to the deadly July 1 Esparto explosion that killed seven people.
Four Dead in Series of Oregon Highway Crashes
Four people were killed in separate highway crashes across Oregon over a two-day period, with Oregon State Police investigating fatal incidents in Klamath, Deschutes, Josephine, and Columbia counties.
Workplace Dispute Leads to Shooting at Sisters Restaurant
A shooting tied to a workplace dispute at a Sisters restaurant Tuesday morning ended with a suspect’s arrest following a short police pursuit along Highway 20, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.
Kidnapped Child Safely Recovered After Central Oregon Pursuit
A 9-year-old child reported kidnapped out of Multnomah County was safely recovered Monday night following a nearly 30-minute, multi-agency pursuit through Central Oregon that ended in Redmond, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.
One Dead in Three-Vehicle Crash on Highway 38
Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash Tuesday evening on Highway 38 that left one driver dead and another injured. The highway was closed for several hours during the investigation.
Deschutes County Expands Options for Hard-to-Recycle Items
Deschutes County Solid Waste has added new drop-off containers for hard-to-recycle materials—including plastic bags, lids, shredded paper, and aluminum trays—at transfer stations and Knott Landfill beginning December 2.
Deschutes County Plans Winter Pile Burns Near Resorts
Deschutes County will conduct winter pile burns on up to 24 acres near Seventh Mountain Resort and Points West, with weekday ignitions planned between December and February.
ODOT Announces December Speed Zone Hearing and Weekend I-205 Bridge Closures
ODOT has announced two major updates for December: a public meeting on proposed speed limit reductions in Eugene and on U.S. 101, and overnight closures on I-205 for Abernethy Bridge construction. Additional daytime lane restrictions will also affect the Oregon City–West Linn Arch Bridge.
Democrat Mike McGuire challenges GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa for new Prop. 50 seat
McGuire, who terms out of the Legislature next year, hopes to capitalize on Democrats’ new voter registration advantage in LaMalfa’s post-Prop. 50 district to flip a congressional seat from red to blue. His launch video appears to preemptively address the criticism that he’s out of touch with rural Californians.
Redmond, Deschutes County to Co-Manage Homeless Camp Near Airport
The City of Redmond and Deschutes County have approved a joint plan to co-manage a 10-acre homeless camp near the Redmond Airport. The managed site will include 72 campsites with utilities and services, and is expected to open by January 2026.
King Tides and High Surf Collide This Week
The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory for the South Central Oregon Coast as powerful King Tides roll in this week. Waves up to 25 feet and potential flooding are expected along beaches and low-lying areas, prompting safety warnings for residents and visitors alike.