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.
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.
Oregon Libraries Offer Free State Parks Parking Permits
Oregon State Parks and the State Library of Oregon are offering free day-use parking permits through public libraries, helping families and residents on tight budgets access parks without paying day-use parking fees.
Lightning Threat Prompts Red Flag Warning East of Cascades
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect Monday, July 6, for parts of south-central Oregon, including the Klamath Basin, Fremont-Winema National Forest and eastern Lake County. Thunderstorms could bring abundant lightning, hail and gusty winds, creating the risk of new fire starts on dry fuels.
UPDATED: Hole in the Ground Fire Holds at 83 Acres in Northern Lake County
The Hole in the Ground Fire held at 83 acres overnight near Hole in the Ground Vista Point in northern Lake County, with crews continuing mop-up and line security Sunday.
UPDATED: Red Flag Warning Extended Into Monday for Lightning Risk
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect Sunday for parts of Klamath and Lake counties, and the National Weather Service has issued a new Monday warning for abundant lightning on dry fuels.
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.
Wildlife Bridge Over I-5 Gets Green Light South of Ashland
Federal funding has cleared for the Mariposa Wildlife Crossing, a planned $37 million wildlife bridge over Interstate 5 south of Ashland. The project would reconnect habitat in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, reduce wildlife crashes and give SOU students years of research work.
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.
F-15 Flyovers to Cross Southern Oregon on July Fourth
F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets from the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing are scheduled to make Independence Day flyovers across Oregon and southwest Washington, including stops over Ashland, Central Point, Eagle Point, Brookings and Port Orford on July 4.
Celebrate Independence in Jefferson
Fireworks over lakes, rivers and the coast will cap a busy July 3-5 Independence Day weekend across the Jefferson region, with parades, food, music, rodeos, train rides, car shows and family celebrations from Crescent City to Klamath Falls, Central Point, Lakeview, Alturas and Mt. Shasta.
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.
A New Name for the Same Local Mission
HiveWire Daily has become Jefferson Daily News, a new name for the same locally owned, independent newsroom. The mission remains unchanged: providing free, accessible regional news, weather, sports, wildfire coverage, outdoors, arts, culture, public safety, and community stories for Southern Oregon and Northern California.
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.
KCC Highlights Childcare Investment, Top Nursing Ranking
Klamath Community College is highlighting two workforce-focused updates in the Klamath Basin: a $363,000 Cascade Health Alliance award for its Childcare Learning Center and a No. 2 statewide ranking for its Licensed Practical Nursing program.
New Trustees Join Oregon Tech Board
Oregon Tech has added three new members to its Board of Trustees: Arnel Fajardo, Ph.D., Christine “Chris” Mangan and current student Cruz Collin. The trustees were nominated by Gov. Tina Kotek, confirmed by the Oregon Senate on June 17 and will begin their service July 1.
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.