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.
Foundations, Les Schwab Commit $1M to Rural Wildfire Readiness
Oregon Community Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation and Les Schwab Tire Centers are partnering to provide at least $1 million in wildfire preparedness support for rural Oregon communities. The effort includes quick-response grants and $100,000 in donated tires for Rangeland Fire Protection Associations statewide.
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.
One Spark Can Start a Wildfire
BLM officials are urging visitors to check fire restrictions before heading onto public lands this summer, warning that local rules can vary by district and conditions. The reminder comes with a simple message for fire season: one spark can threaten firefighters, homes, and entire communities.
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.
Siskiyou Golden Fair Bucks Into a Big Weekend
The Siskiyou Golden Fair is underway in Yreka, with three big days still ahead. Friday brings Senior Day and rodeo action, Saturday adds Military Appreciation Day and a free grandstand jaripeo, and Sunday wraps the fair with Family Day, free admission for everyone and the Destruction Derby
Cool, Showery Weekend Ahead for Southern Oregon
A spring-like weather system is expected to bring much cooler temperatures, widespread showers, isolated thunderstorms, and gusty winds to Southern Oregon and Northern California through Saturday. Snow levels may lower near 6,000 feet late Friday into Saturday, with chilly mornings expected Sunday and Monday.
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.
Siskiyou County Deputy Sent to Washington, D.C.
A Siskiyou County sheriff’s deputy is serving in Washington, D.C., as part of a temporary U.S. Marshals task force supporting high-visibility patrols and security operations around major 250th anniversary events in the nation’s capital.
Man Killed on Highway 97 While Trying to Catch Dog
A Klamath Falls man died Monday night after being struck by a commercial vehicle on Highway 97 near Chemult, according to Oregon State Police. Investigators believe Scott Henry Beggio had entered the roadway while attempting to catch his dog.
Kruise of Klamath Returns This Weekend
Kruise of Klamath returns June 25–28 with four days of classic cars, music and community events across Klamath Falls, including Saturday’s downtown Show ’N Shine and the evening cruise through historic downtown.
Weekend Weather Shift Could Affect Outdoor Events
A noticeable shift toward cooler, breezier and somewhat wetter weather is expected Friday into Saturday across Southern Oregon and Northern California. Rain chances appear most likely west of the Cascades and along the coast, while the broader regional impact may be the sharp cooldown during a busy outdoor-event weekend.
Bear Spotted Near Phoenix
Phoenix police are urging residents to use caution after a bear continued to linger near Fern Valley Road and Grove Road, where officers say it appears to be growing more comfortable around people, traffic and the city environment.
Texas Fugitive Arrested Near Agness
A Texas fugitive wanted on a felony warrant related to child sex crimes was arrested Tuesday near Agness after a weeklong search by Curry County deputies, Oregon State Police and U.S. Marshals.
KCSD Board Recognizes Retiring Superintendent
Klamath County School District Superintendent Glen Szymoniak was recognized during the June school board meeting ahead of his June 30 retirement, closing eight years of district leadership marked by financial stability, facility improvements, expanded student opportunities and record graduation gains.
Appeals Court Overturns Keegan Manslaughter Conviction
The Oregon Court of Appeals has overturned Robert Paul Keegan’s 2023 manslaughter conviction in the shooting death of Aidan Ellison, sending the case back to Jackson County Circuit Court.
Shots Fired During Medford Break-In
A family safely escaped a Gilman Road home Sunday night after reporting a burglary in progress and shots fired by the homeowner. Medford Police say the suspect was found wounded inside the residence and taken into custody.
Grasshopper Threat Builds in the Basin
Grasshoppers and Mormon crickets are active again across the Klamath Basin, raising concern for producers already seeing hatches, crop-edge pressure and repeated treatments near the Oregon-California state line.
Sharpening Water Rescue Skills Ahead of Summer
Klamath County Fire District 1 crews trained with the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office on surface and swift water rescue operations in Klamath Falls, using the exercise to remind residents to wear personal flotation devices around local waterways.