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.
Pacific Power Outage Affects 1,403 Medford-Area Customers
A Pacific Power outage is affecting 1,403 customers in parts of Medford, including ZIP codes 97504 and 97524. The utility attributes the interruption to enhanced wildfire safety settings and estimates service will be restored before 2 p.m. Monday.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 3,628 Acres, 5% Contained
The East Evans Creek Fire grew to an estimated 3,628 acres and remains 5% contained after hot, windy conditions increased fire activity Sunday. Nearly 1,000 personnel are supporting the response, while officials said established control lines continued to hold.
East Evans Creek Fire Lines Hold Despite Increased Activity, Large Smoke Plume
Hot and windy conditions increased fire activity on the north end of the East Evans Creek Fire Sunday evening, producing a large smoke plume visible across the valley. Officials said established lines continued to hold and the fire was not gaining ground. All evacuation levels remain in place overnight.
East Evans Creek Fire Remains at 2,656 Acres as Wind Gusts Test Lines
The East Evans Creek Fire remains estimated at 2,656 acres and 0% containment west of Shady Cove. Crews strengthened southern fire lines overnight as officials warned gusts up to 30 mph could challenge suppression efforts Sunday. Evacuation levels remain unchanged.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 2,656 Acres as Lines Hold, Teams Take Command
Containment lines held Saturday on the Evans Creek Road Fire as crews limited additional growth and state incident management teams assumed unified command. The fire is estimated at 2,656 acres, with an infrared flight planned to confirm its size.
‘End of the Eagle’ Honors 27 Years of F-15 Eagles at Kingsley Field
The 173rd Fighter Wing’s new film “End of the Eagle” looks back on 27 years of F-15 operations at Kingsley Field, honoring the pilots, maintainers, support personnel, families and community members who sustained the mission and carried its standards into the wing’s next chapter.
East Evans Creek Fire Grows to 2,000 Acres as 400 Firefighters Mobilize
The Evans Creek Road Fire has grown to approximately 2,000 acres, with more than 400 personnel assigned Saturday. Crews are preparing for warm, dry and breezy conditions as ODF Incident Management Team 1 mobilizes to take command of the fire.
Crews Work Through Night on Evans Creek Road Fire
Firefighters worked through the night on the Evans Creek Road Fire after hot, dry conditions and multiple spot fires drove rapid growth Friday. The fire was last estimated at approximately 1,550 acres, with Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation notices still active Saturday morning.
State Reinforcements Head to Evans Creek Road Fire
State reinforcements are headed to the Evans Creek Road Fire after Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is deploying its Blue Incident Management Team and four structural task forces to support local crews.
Evans Creek Road Fire Grows to 1,550 Acres, Crosses Two Roads
The Evans Creek Road Fire surged to an estimated 700 to 1,000 acres Friday evening as multiple spot fires drove rapid growth. A Level 3 evacuation order is in place near East Evans Creek Road, while crews prepare for overnight operations under an incoming ODF incident management team.
Grange Co-op Members Approve Merger With Farm Supply Company
Members of White City-based Grange Co-op and Farm Supply Company have approved a merger expected to take effect Oct. 1. Grange CEO Neil Itzen will lead the combined 13-store cooperative, which will employ about 460 people across Oregon and California. More than 90% of combined members supported the agreement.
Two Arrested in Smith River Drug and Firearm Investigation
Two Smith River residents were arrested after Del Norte County deputies served a search warrant on Fred Haight Drive. Investigators reported finding suspected narcotics, cash, a firearm and illegal fireworks at the property.
Chalk About Medford Returns Saturday After Rain Delay
Chalk About Medford returns Saturday at Rogue X after a rain delay pushed the event back from June. Artists of all ages will receive chalk and a sidewalk square to create their work, with prizes awarded before a free outdoor showing of “Hoppers” at dusk.
Weekend Forecast: Red Flag Warning, Gusty Winds Raise Fire Danger East of Cascades
A Red Flag Warning is in effect through Sunday for parts of the Klamath Basin, eastern Klamath County and Modoc County. Strong southwest winds, very low humidity and critically dry fuels could allow new fires to spread rapidly, while hot inland weather continues across the region.
Task Force Seizes 1,300 Plants at Illegal Grow Near Applegate
Jackson County officials said IMET detectives seized approximately 1,300 marijuana plants, half a pound of psilocybin mushrooms and 3 1/2 pounds of THC extract during a July 9 search at an illegal grow near the Applegate area outside Jacksonville.
Sky Lakes Wins National Award for Work Beyond Hospital Walls
Sky Lakes Medical Center has become the first hospital in Oregon to win the American Hospital Association’s Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service, a national honor recognizing years of community health work in the Klamath Basin.
Fireworks Beach Cleanup Turns Into Life-Changing Emergency Near Crescent City
Jason Turner was picking up fireworks trash at Point St. George Beach near Crescent City when an explosive device went off, causing severe injuries. His family says Turner lost a hand, is facing more surgeries and is dealing with vision and hearing loss.
SAR Patrol Helps Dozens of Hikers on Mount McLoughlin
Jackson County Search and Rescue volunteers assisted about 25 hikers during a Fourth of July preventative patrol on Mount McLoughlin, including a 39-year-old man who became weak, dehydrated and unable to continue descending on his own.
Oregon Tech Grants Support Healthcare Training, Accessible History Project
Oregon Tech students stand with mammography equipment used in the university’s Medical Imaging program. New grant support from the Roundhouse Foundation will help Oregon Tech purchase its first 3D mammography unit, expanding hands-on training for students preparing for healthcare careers. Photo courtesy of Oregon Tech.
Klamath Falls Utility Card Fee Begins August 1
Klamath Falls utility customers who pay by credit or debit card will see a new 3% processing charge beginning Aug. 1. The city says the fee is charged by its payment processing provider and can be avoided by paying through ACH, check or cash.