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.
Cascade Lakes Highway Opens Early After Low-Snow Winter
Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road are open for the season after Deschutes County crews completed snow-clearing work earlier than many years. County officials said the work moved faster because of this year’s warm winter and limited snowfall in the Central Oregon Cascades.
Youth ATV and Motorcycle Safety Classes Set for Lakeview
Youth ages 6 through 15 can take part in hands-on ATV, motorcycle and side-by-side safety evaluation classes May 30 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeview. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office says pre-registration is required, a parent or guardian must be present, and riders must bring their own properly fitted vehicle and required safety gear.
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.
Pedestrian Killed in Douglas County Crash on Highway 42
A Eugene woman was killed late Saturday night after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Highway 42 in Douglas County, according to Oregon State Police. The crash temporarily impacted traffic for about four hours as investigators worked the scene.
Two Hikers Rescued on South Sister
Two hikers were rescued on South Sister after one suffered a medical issue and mild hypothermia during a descent, prompting an overnight response from Deschutes County Search and Rescue crews.
Lake County DA Resigns, Citing Severe Funding Crisis
Lake County District Attorney Paul Charas is resigning just over a year into his term, saying chronic underfunding has made it increasingly difficult to prosecute cases. According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, Charas cited staffing shortages, minimal trial resources, and the strain of serving as the county’s only prosecutor.
Fatal I-5 Crash Near Canyonville; CMV Driver Charged with Manslaughter, DUII
A fatal crash on Interstate 5 near Canyonville left one person dead and three others injured after a stalled commercial motor vehicle was struck on an uphill grade, according to Oregon State Police. The collision caused the involved vehicles to catch fire, and investigators said impairment is believed to be a contributing factor. The commercial truck driver was arrested and charged with DUII and manslaughter following the incident.
Missing Lake County Man Found Deceased
A missing and endangered Lake County man has been located deceased in a remote area of Green Mountain. Warren Sherman, 70, had been reported missing after last being seen March 31 in the Christmas Valley area. Officials say no foul play is suspected, and multiple agencies assisted in the coordinated search effort.
Bend Man Arrested Again After Motorcycle Pursuit
A Bend man was arrested for the second time in a month after threatening a deputy and fleeing on a motorcycle in Deschutes River Woods. The incident prompted a large law enforcement response and temporarily halted train traffic in the area. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident and faces additional charges.
Man Rescued After 20-Foot Fall Near Frankport
A Beaverton man was rescued after falling approximately 20 feet onto rocks near Frankport along the Curry County coast. First responders located the injured hiker in a cave and transported him to Curry General Hospital for treatment.
Midday Highway Closures Planned for U.S. 199 and Route 197
Travelers along U.S. Highway 199 and State Route 197 in Del Norte County should prepare for four-hour midday closures starting as early as May as Caltrans begins major upgrades along the corridor. The multi-year project aims to improve safety and bring the route up to national truck standards, with closures expected Tuesdays through Thursdays for about one year.
Search and Rescue Assists Hiker on Misery Ridge at Smith Rock
Search and Rescue volunteers assisted a 67-year-old hiker who experienced a medical emergency Thursday on the Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park. Responders from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Fire & Rescue, and Oregon State Park Rangers coordinated efforts to provide on-scene care and transport the patient down the trail using a wheeled litter to a waiting ambulance.
Drivers Cited for Speeds Over 100 MPH on Highway 97
Deschutes County deputies say multiple drivers have been stopped traveling more than 100 mph on Highway 97 in the past week, including one driver arrested for DUII. Officials are urging drivers to slow down as enforcement increases.
Merkley Town Halls Postponed
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley will host a series of town halls across Central and Southern Oregon on March 20–21, including stops in Klamath, Lake, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. The events are part of his ongoing effort to hold annual conversations in all 36 counties statewide.
Roseburg Man Charged With Murder of Infant Son
A Roseburg man has been arrested and charged with murder after authorities say he killed his 11-month-old son and disposed of the child’s body in the South Umpqua River. Divers located the child’s body Sunday evening as investigators with the Douglas County Major Crimes Team continue the homicide investigation.
Skier Dies After Crash at Mt. Bachelor
A 65-year-old Portland man died Monday afternoon after a skiing accident on the Wanoga Way trail at Mt. Bachelor, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.
BLM Timber Sales Bring in $8.3 Million in Oregon
BLM timber sales across Oregon in February generated more than $8.3 million, with bids exceeding appraised values by over $3 million.
La Pine Man Arrested in Mother’s Homicide
A La Pine man has been arrested after deputies say he reported involvement in the homicide of his mother at their shared residence early Monday morning.
Sisters Man Arrested in Multi-City Vehicle Theft Case
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Sisters man in connection with a series of stolen vehicle and burglary investigations spanning multiple Central Oregon communities.
Armed Threat at Lakeview RV Park Ends Without Injuries
A reported armed threat at a Lakeview RV park was resolved peacefully after hours of de-escalation, with a woman taken into custody and firearms and drugs seized.