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.
Hungry Bears Push Deeper Into Ashland Neighborhoods
Black bears are showing up across more Ashland neighborhoods as scarce mountain berries push animals toward easier food sources. ODFW says bears have been reported getting into garbage and backyard chicken coops, while residents are being urged to remove attractants and report sightings.
Medford Felon Indicted in Guns, Silencers and Explosive Device Case
A Medford man faces federal charges after investigators say they recovered nine firearms and homemade silencers from his residence. Prosecutors say the case later expanded to include alleged threats against a witness and an explosive device detonated in a vehicle at the witness’s home.
Two Face Charges in Medford Drive-By Shooting Investigation
Medford Police say two men are now facing charges in connection with an August drive-by shooting on Carnelian Street. Investigators used video evidence to identify a suspected vehicle and later developed probable cause linking Phillip Muradanes and Joel Caswell to the shooting.
Frost Advisory Signals a Chilly Start East of the Cascades
A Frost Advisory is in effect early Wednesday for parts of Klamath, Lake, and Modoc counties as a cooler air mass and clearing skies could push temperatures into the low to mid 30s. Sensitive plants, pets, livestock, and agriculture may be affected.
KFPD Welcomes New K9 Team: Cardoza and Titan
Klamath Falls Police Department has welcomed a new K9 team as Officer Zach Cardoza and 15-month-old Belgian Malinois Titan begin serving together. The pair completed six weeks of intensive training, and Titan is trained in criminal apprehension and narcotics detection.
Mt. Ashland Names Rachel Canada as New General Manager
Mt. Ashland Association has named Rachel Canada as the ski area’s new general manager. Canada brings more than 20 years of mountain operations and resort management experience and will lead Mt. Ashland as it prepares for chairlift replacement projects and continued growth beyond the winter season.
Wrights Spring Fire Moves Into the Final Stretch
Twenty-seven days after the Wrights Spring Fire ignited, the 55,134-acre fire is now 90% contained with no measurable growth in 48 hours. Crews are pulling equipment, repairing roads and dozer lines, and working through the last stubborn pockets of heat.
Red Flag Warning Covers Klamath Basin, Siskiyou County
A Red Flag Warning is in effect Monday across much of the Klamath Basin and northern California as gusty winds, very low humidity, and dry vegetation create conditions favorable for rapid fire growth. The warning continues through 8 p.m. across much of the affected area.
Cycle Oregon Rally Rolls Through Southern Oregon
Cycle Oregon Rally 2026 is bringing hundreds of cyclists through Grants Pass, Jacksonville, Ashland, and the surrounding Rogue Valley. The five-day, non-competitive event combines paved and gravel routes with live music, community connections, and a mission that reaches well beyond the ride itself.
Wrights Spring Fire Reaches 75% Containment on Day 25
The Wrights Spring Fire has reached 55,134 acres and 75% containment on its 25th day. Crews are pushing mop-up deeper into the perimeter, expanding suppression repair, and releasing personnel and equipment as confidence in containment continues to grow.
Grants Pass Courthouse Protest Turns Physical (UPDATED)
A protest outside the Josephine County Courthouse turned physical Wednesday as a protester and counter-protester grappled in the roadway. Videos capture the confrontation, while the two sides dispute what happened beforehand. No arrests had been publicly confirmed as of Friday afternoon.
Man Killed in Klamath Falls Shooting; Suspect Arrested
A 54-year-old man was killed in a shooting Thursday night in Klamath Falls. Police say the investigation led to multiple search warrants and the arrest of a 46-year-old man on charges including second-degree murder.
20-Foot Flames Threaten Homes in Klamath Falls Vegetation Fire
A vegetation fire behind Home Depot in Klamath Falls grew to about a half-acre Thursday afternoon, with flames estimated at 20 feet high threatening nearby homes and vehicles. Firefighters contained the blaze as gusty winds, very low humidity, and extreme fire danger affected the region.
Klamath County Fire District 3 Ends Ambulance Service
Klamath County Fire District 3 has voted unanimously to end its ambulance service, citing costs that insurance billing does not cover. The former service area will be divided among Chiloquin, Klamath County Fire District 1, and Basin Ambulance, with longer response times expected in some areas.
Crews Knock Down West Medford Structure Fire
Firefighters from Medford Fire, Jackson County Fire District 3, and Jacksonville Fire Department knocked down a large structure fire Wednesday evening in west Medford. Crews faced water supply challenges, and West Main Street was temporarily closed during the response.
Wrights Spring Fire Reaches 65% Containment as Repair Work Expands
The Wrights Spring Fire is now 55,133 acres and 65% contained as crews deepen mop-up, repair roads and dozer lines, and stabilize areas affected by suppression work. Staffing has dropped to 667 as resources are gradually released for other fires across the region.
Eagle Point Police Chief Resigns as City Hall Tensions Rise
Eagle Point Police Chief Jim Hamilton will resign Sept. 7, citing philosophical differences with city administration. Meanwhile, two labor groups representing police officers and other city employees have unanimously voted no confidence in City Administrator Aaron Prunty and HR/Finance Director Melissa Owens.
Crews Close Last Open Edge on Wrights Spring Fire
Firefighters have closed the last open edge of the Wrights Spring Fire near Swan Lake Point. The fire is now 54,492 acres and 55% contained as crews expand mop-up, remove hazard trees, repair roads, and restore areas affected by suppression work.
White City Man Dies After Becoming Unresponsive During JCSO Arrest
A 39-year-old White City man died Tuesday night after becoming unresponsive during a Jackson County sheriff’s DUII arrest near Table Rock Road and Orr Drive. Medford Police is leading the outside investigation, while autopsy and toxicology results remain pending.
Joel Caswell Sentenced to 42 Months for Tax, Fraud Crimes
Jacksonville businessman Joel Caswell has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for tax evasion, employment tax crimes, bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He was also ordered to pay nearly $1.2 million in restitution to the IRS.