Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, Local News

A solo hiker was rescued during heavy storm conditions in the Bald Hills area near Orick. At 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 3, Humboldt County authorities received an emergency signal from a 19-year-old near the Redwood Creek Trail. Emergency crews responded with a coordinated ground search with a drone as well. The hiker was found at 9:28 a.m. suffering from hypothermia. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated.

Plans for the 2026 Brookings Azalea Festival have started. Nominations for this year’s grand marshal are being sought, as organizers seeking somebody who has been an exceptional member of the community. Forms can be found on the Azalea Festival website. This year’s theme is “Living in Paradise” and street vendors are wanted, as well as sponsors. The annual event is held yearly on Memorial Day weekend.

A Selma resident was killed Jan. 8 after a single-vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 199 near milepost 10 in Josephine County. Oregon State Police reports a pickup truck swerved to miss a deer, rolled multiple times and came to rest on its roof. The passenger in the vehicle, Teddie Dianne Tibbets, age 47, died at the scene. The driver escaped with minor injuries.

In sports news:

Cold shooting in the fourth quarter doomed Del Norte High’s bid to defeat McKinleyville Thursday night, as the Warriors fell 61-52 in Big Five Conference boys basketball action. The Warriors are now 1-1 in conference play, 14-5 overall. Friday’s scheduled girls’ game between Del Norte and McKinleyville has been postponed until 6:30 p.m. Monday. The game can be heard on KPOD 97.9.