Medford, Ore. — The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) held a swearing-in ceremony this week to celebrate several promotions and the addition of a new team member. The event, which took place Wednesday at the Sheriff’s Office, recognized the hard work and dedication of individuals advancing within the department. Sheriff Nate Sickler led the ceremony, where Lieutenant Ainsworth, Lieutenant Richmond, Sergeant Amaya, Sergeant Grissom, Sergeant Kolkemo, Corporal Auchard, and Deputy Wilson were officially sworn in. Their promotions reflect their commitment and performance within the department, and the ceremony marked a significant milestone in their careers. In addition to the promotions,…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Medford, OR – Oregon’s ability to respond to and recover from disasters is at risk as more than $2 billion in FEMA funds remain frozen. The funds, which are essential for disaster response, recovery, and preparedness, have been held up, creating significant challenges for state and local agencies. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) administers 29 separate FEMA grants for federal disaster assistance, many of which directly impact Southern Oregon, a region already grappling with severe weather conditions this year, including snowstorms and flooding. Erin McMahon, Director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, emphasized the widespread consequences of…
GRANTS PASS, Ore. – Residents of the Water’s Edge RV Park along the Rogue River are standing firm against an impending eviction deadline, despite receiving formal notice from Jackson County earlier this year. The county has ordered the property owners to remove additional residents by April 1, following a notification in January. The eviction notice has sparked concern and frustration among those who call the park home, many of whom are now facing the prospect of being displaced. However, despite the looming deadline, residents are making it clear they have no intention of leaving the property. “We’re not leaving,” said…
Medford, OR – Oregon’s unemployment rate saw another increase in February, rising to 4.5%, up from 4.1% during the same period last year. This marks a notable rise in the state’s unemployment rate, bringing it 0.4% above the national average. Despite the overall increase in unemployment, some sectors in the state saw job gains. The professional and business services, information, and government sectors were among the top performers, collectively adding more than 500 jobs. However, other industries faced setbacks. Construction, private educational services, and financial services all experienced job losses over the past month. Gail Krumenauer, Oregon’s state employment economist,…
Medford, OR – Nearly five years after the devastating Almeda Fire ravaged the Rogue Valley, two manufactured home parks in Medford and Phoenix have become the first in their cities to apply for Firewise recognition, signaling a significant step toward increasing fire safety and resilience in the region. San George Estates, located in Medford, and Creekside Estates, situated in Phoenix, are working diligently to make their communities safer and more fire-adapted. Both parks have already undertaken extensive efforts to reduce fire risks, with more improvements planned for the coming weeks. The Firewise program, aimed at reducing wildfire risks and increasing…
Medford, OR – The Oregon Senate has passed a landmark piece of legislation aimed at protecting immigrant tenants from discrimination based on their immigration status. Senate Bill 599, described by supporters as a “moral imperative,” was approved on Monday and is now headed to the Oregon House for further consideration. The bill prohibits landlords from asking about or disclosing a tenant’s immigration status, closing a gap in existing state law that already prohibits housing discrimination based on national origin or race. While the legislation is part of a broader effort to strengthen protections for immigrants, it also comes in response…
Applegate Valley, OR – Detectives from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) are continuing their investigation into the suspicious death of a woman whose remains were discovered in the Applegate Valley in April 2024. Authorities have confirmed that Merkel, the deceased, died under circumstances they are treating as suspicious. While her identity was confirmed through DNA testing, the exact cause of death remains under investigation. The discovery of Merkel’s remains was made by mushroom hunters, who stumbled upon the site after the body had been exposed to the elements for a prolonged period. JCSO officials noted that the remains had been…
ASHLAND, Ore. — Early Sunday morning, Ashland resident Tom Baker had a startling encounter when he spotted a bear and its cub rummaging through his trash cans. The sighting, which took place around his property, left Baker in awe of the animals’ size. “I was shocked by the size of the bear,” Baker said. “Standing next to my car, it was enormous—almost at the top line of my car. When I saw the cub, I thought, ‘That’s almost 150 pounds, and this one is at least 350 or more.'” This recent sighting marks the third reported instance of wildlife in…
Medford, Ore. – In an effort to help residents reduce wildfire risks ahead of fire season, the City of Medford is hosting two free wood debris chipper days. The initiative allows residents to clear excess wood debris from their properties, a crucial step in reducing fire hazards. On Wednesday, March 26, residents are encouraged to bring clean tree branches and limbs to Donohue-Frohnmayer Park, and on Thursday, March 27, Fichtner-Mainwaring Park will serve as the drop-off site. Both events will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The City of Medford has emphasized that only clean wood debris, such as…
MEDFORD, Ore. – In an innovative effort to address the growing issue of homelessness among seniors, Set Free Church in Medford is building mini homes for elderly individuals, particularly widows, who are experiencing homelessness. The initiative, named “Joy Community,” has already raised over $500,000 through the support of local churches, businesses, and private investors. The funds will be used to construct a safe, permanent housing solution for at least 10 people over the age of 60. The project is a direct response to a pressing issue highlighted by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, which reports that people aged 50…