Klamath Falls, Ore. — The Klamath Falls Police Department (KFPD), in collaboration with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), is issuing a warning to residents about a new “smishing” scam targeting individuals with fake toll charge notifications. According to the authorities, scammers are sending text messages to unsuspecting individuals, claiming they have an outstanding toll balance that needs to be paid to avoid a late fee. The fraudulent texts include a link to a deceptive website designed to mimic a legitimate toll service portal. Once clicked, victims may be prompted to enter personal information or payment details, which could…
Author: Sarah Prescott
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — A suspect wanted in California for 15 counts of sex abuse died by apparent suicide following a standoff with law enforcement officers on Wednesday, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO). The incident began earlier in the day when JCSO, along with the U.S. Marshals Task Force, attempted a high-risk traffic stop on the suspect. After briefly evading officers, the suspect engaged in a standoff with law enforcement. Authorities say the situation ended when the suspect took their own life. At this time, the name of the individual involved has not been released. The suspect…
Jackson County, Ore. – Nearly five years after the Almeda Fire ravaged the Rogue Valley, two manufactured home parks in Medford and Phoenix are making strides toward becoming the first in their cities to earn Firewise recognition. San George Estates in Medford and Creekside Estates in Phoenix are both taking proactive steps to reduce fire risks and improve community resilience in the face of future wildfires. While San George Estates was fortunate enough to escape the devastation of the Almeda Fire, it was not without a sense of urgency. Residents and management understood that the wind could have shifted, putting…
MEDFORD, Ore. — Kim Dyer, a 73-year-old man from Phoenix, has pleaded guilty to several felony charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor. Dyer entered the guilty plea in Jackson County Circuit Court on Wednesday, acknowledging his involvement in crimes that occurred over a three-year period, from 2018 to 2021. Dyer was initially indicted on seven felony charges, including attempted sexual abuse, coercion, and attempted sodomy. According to court documents, between October 2018 and October 2021, Dyer unlawfully subjected a victim, under the age of 14, to sexual contact. In addition, he is accused of coercing the victim…
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – A man is dead following an apparent suicide after a brief standoff with law enforcement officers on Wednesday afternoon in Central Point. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) confirmed the incident, which occurred in the 6000 block of Table Rock Road. Authorities say the suspect had been wanted on multiple charges, including 15 nationwide extraditable warrants for child sex abuse. The warrants stemmed from incidents in California, and law enforcement had been actively searching for the suspect prior to the standoff. The man was also facing charges related to domestic violence, including menacing, and unlawful use…
JACKSONVILLE, Ore. – The City of Jacksonville is inviting residents to share their thoughts on an exciting new project that could significantly transform the heart of the historic town. A proposal to redesign North 3rd Street, creating either a Public Plaza or Festival Street, is currently under consideration by the city. This project, nearly a decade in the making, aims to breathe new life into the downtown area by creating a pedestrian-friendly space designed for community events and gatherings. The goal is to foster a vibrant and accessible public space that reflects Jacksonville’s unique history and culture. Planning Director Ian…
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – A man wanted on 15 warrants for serious sex abuse charges in California died by apparent suicide following a standoff with law enforcement officers on Wednesday, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO). The incident began when officers from JCSO, alongside members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force, attempted to carry out a high-risk traffic stop. The suspect briefly fled the scene before law enforcement was able to engage in a standoff. After an extended confrontation, the suspect was found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The suspect’s identity has not been released by…
ROSEBURG, Ore. — The Happy Tails Dog Park in Roseburg has been forced to close temporarily due to severe damage caused by recent flooding. The flooding occurred when the South Umpqua River overflowed on Sunday, impacting the park located at 100 SE Templin Street. According to the Roseburg Parks and Recreation Department, the floodwaters caused extensive destruction to the park’s fencing, which was completely torn down. In addition to the fencing damage, water and debris left behind by the flood have made the park unsafe for use. Parks and recreation crews are currently working throughout the city to assess the…
MEDFORD, Ore. — A man is behind bars after a dramatic incident Thursday night in Medford, where he crashed and flipped his car in an attempt to flee from law enforcement officers. The driver, who was on transitional leave from prison at the time of the arrest, is now facing charges related to driving under the influence. According to the Medford Police Department (MPD), an officer initially spotted the suspect driving in the continuous left turn lane on Crater Lake Avenue. The driver, who stopped at a green light and failed to maintain his lane, caught the officer’s attention. After…
Medford, Ore. — Tensions flared in the Oregon House of Representatives Monday as District 3 Representative Dwayne Yunker voiced his opposition to Senate Bill 1098, the Freedom to Read Act, in a highly provocative manner. Yunker took the unusual step of reading aloud a sexually explicit passage from the book The Haters during a House session, in an effort to make a point about what he sees as the dangers of Senate Bill 1098. The bill, which passed the Senate education committee earlier that day, aims to prevent discrimination when selecting or retaining school library materials, textbooks, or instructional content.…