ROGUE RIVER, Ore. – A local teacher was arrested Friday following an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving a former student. Jesse Rex Orndoff, 30, of Selma, Ore., was taken into custody by deputies from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO). He is facing 10 charges each of second-degree sex abuse, third-degree rape, and third-degree sodomy. The investigation began after a woman reported on Thursday, February 13, that she had been sexually abused by Orndoff during his time as a teacher and coach at Rogue River Junior-Senior High School. According to the victim, the abuse occurred over a span…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Medford, OR – As the fire season in Southern Oregon officially concluded on October 26th, concerns are mounting among lawmakers in Oregon and California about the potential effects of the federal hiring freeze on the upcoming wildfire season. This freeze, which was implemented during the Trump administration, restricts the hiring of seasonal firefighters, leaving local communities worried about their preparedness for the next wave of wildfires. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley of Oregon, alongside other local officials, have publicly voiced strong opposition to the freeze, describing it as “irresponsible and dangerous.” The freeze, while exempting military and public safety…
ASHLAND, Ore. — Ashland Parks and Recreation (APR) has been working tirelessly to restore the city’s parks and facilities following significant weather impacts that caused damage and debris accumulation. In a recent update, APR provided the community with the latest status of several parks, trails, and recreational spaces. As of February 15, vehicle access through Lithia Park has reopened, allowing visitors to drive through Winburn Way. However, parking in the area may be limited due to lingering snow and debris from the storm. The Oak Knoll Golf Course has also seen adjustments to its operations. The driving range will operate…
Jacksonville, Ore. – As wildfires continue to devastate communities across the United States, Jacksonville, Oregon, is emerging as a beacon of resilience and preparedness. With 40 Firewise USA sites, Jacksonville, a small town of just 3,000 residents, has become a national leader in wildfire readiness. The town now ranks fourth in the nation for the most Firewise communities, a significant achievement that underscores its commitment to protecting both homes and lives from the increasing threat of wildfires. The driving force behind this success is Linda Davis, Jacksonville’s Firewise coordinator. Under her leadership, the number of Firewise neighborhoods in the town…
MEDFORD, Ore. – Authorities are currently on the scene of a menacing incident involving a handgun in the 400 block of North Grape Street. The Medford Police Department confirmed that officers are attempting to make contact with a suspect believed to be inside a residence in the area. A perimeter has been established around the home, and officers are actively working to communicate with the individual. As a precaution, roads in the surrounding area have been closed to ensure public safety while the situation remains ongoing. Local schools have been affected by the incident. McLaughlin Middle School, located nearby, was…
Eagle Point, Ore. — The Eagle Point Police Department, in collaboration with several law enforcement agencies across southern Oregon, has initiated an educational enforcement period to raise awareness about seat belt and child seat laws. Running from January 27 to February 9, the campaign aims to inform the public about the life-saving importance of using proper safety restraints while driving. The education period is part of a federally funded initiative, utilizing enforcement hours to share crucial information regarding vehicle safety. As part of the program, the police department is emphasizing the critical role of seat belts and child safety seats…
MERLIN, Ore. – A garden shed explosion in Merlin Wednesday morning left one person with serious burn injuries and a second person scrambling to extinguish the blaze with a frozen garden hose. Rural Metro Fire (RMF) responded to the incident on the 3000 block of Camp Joy Road just after 10 a.m., where they found the small structure almost entirely consumed by flames. According to officials, the injured individual was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The second person, who attempted to combat the fire with a garden hose, was unable to do so as the hose had frozen…
COOS COUNTY, Ore. – A Coos Bay man was indicted and arraigned in the Coos County Circuit Court on Wednesday, facing charges linked to the death of his 22-month-old daughter. The charges stem from an investigation into a fatal fentanyl overdose the child suffered in October of last year. David L. Sigler, 33, was indicted on charges of criminally negligent homicide and first-degree criminal mistreatment. According to the Coos Bay Police Department, the charges were filed following a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s tragic death. Sigler, who was already incarcerated at the Coos County Jail at the…
Medford, OR – Oregon State Senator Daniel Bonham, the Republican leader of the Senate, faced backlash after sharing inaccurate claims about federal government spending in his official legislative newsletter. The claims, which were widely circulated on conservative social media, originated from a parody account on X, the social media platform founded by Elon Musk, but were presented by Bonham as though they were factual examples of government waste. The newsletter, sent out on Monday night, was dedicated to “cutting through the rhetoric” surrounding President Donald Trump’s executive orders. Bonham criticized the “fear-mongering and misinformation” surrounding Trump’s spending cuts, highlighting what…
ASHLAND, Ore. — The aftermath of last week’s intense winter storm continues to impact Ashland, with several local parks still closed due to hazardous conditions. Fallen trees, snow-heavy branches, and ice have created a dangerous environment for visitors, prompting crews to work around the clock to clear debris and restore access. However, with more winter weather expected, city officials remain on edge, fearing additional damage. As of February 10, 2025, the following parks are still closed due to hazardous conditions: Siskiyou Mountain Park Hald Strawberry Park Ashland Watershed Trails Ashland Japanese Garden in Lithia Park Hunter Park Tennis Courts Lithia…