JACKSONVILLE, Ore. — The Jacksonville Fire Department is currently conducting its annual fire hydrant testing, a crucial process that will continue until the end of May. This testing allows local firefighters to ensure that each hydrant is fully operational and ready to serve in the event of a fire. Fire Captain Brian Barrett emphasized the importance of these tests, saying, “Not only do we want to provide a certain level of service in an emergency, but we want to know exactly what we can count on.” Throughout the testing, the firefighters assess both the pressure and flow of the fire…
Author: Sarah Prescott
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – A Jackson County man has been sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty to charges related to a fatal crash that occurred in June 2023. The incident, which involved driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII), led to the death of 46-year-old Shasta Smith. Gary Caperna, 41, pleaded guilty on Friday morning to felony hit-and-run and DUII charges stemming from the tragic collision. According to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, the crash occurred on the night of June 6, 2023, near the Jackson County Expo. The investigation revealed that Smith, who was driving…
LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. – The search for 2-year-old Dane Paulsen, who went missing on March 1, remains a top priority for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and several local agencies. Despite an ongoing and extensive effort, there has been no new information on Dane’s whereabouts, and authorities continue to pursue all leads. The primary area of focus for the search has been the Siletz River. On March 7, a boat equipped with specialized equipment covered approximately 14 miles of the river. This operation, part of a series of methodical searches, also included the use of underwater sonar technology and remotely…
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Crews are continuing cleanup efforts at Moore Park in Klamath Falls after last month’s winter storm caused significant damage to the park. The city announced on Thursday that certain areas of the park will reopen next week. Starting Monday, March 10, the entrance road gate leading to the Gingerbread House, tennis courts, and playground areas will be open to the public. The city reminded visitors to exercise caution around trees, as some branches may still be weakened due to the storm. However, not all areas of the park will be accessible just yet. Portions of the…
CAMAS VALLEY, Ore. – A 76-year-old man from Douglas County tragically lost his life in a house fire Wednesday evening, officials confirmed. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) reported that multiple fire agencies were dispatched shortly before 9:30 p.m. on March 5 to a residence located in the 300 block of Holmes Creek Road. According to dispatch reports, callers indicated that an individual confined to a wheelchair was still inside the burning home. Witnesses made several attempts to rescue the man, but efforts to reach him were unsuccessful. Firefighters arrived at the scene and found the deceased victim inside the…
Medford, OR – Oregon lawmakers are set to spend nearly $426 million more than originally planned in the current fiscal year, responding to higher-than-expected caseloads in the state’s Medicaid program and increasing demand for services provided to seniors and people with disabilities. The additional spending is outlined in a set of amendments to five bills—Senate Bills 5550, 5049, 5050, 5051, and 10—released on Wednesday. These amendments are part of Oregon’s routine “budget rebalance” process, which adjusts the two-year budget passed by the Legislature in odd-numbered years. The rebalancing occurs in even-numbered years during a 35-day legislative session, or during special…
PORTLAND, Ore. — Three U.S. Army soldiers, including two active-duty members, have been arrested following grand jury indictments in the District of Oregon and the Western District of Washington. The charges stem from an alleged conspiracy involving bribery, theft of government property, and the illegal transmission of national defense information. Jian Zhao and Li Tian, both active-duty soldiers, are accused of conspiring to steal and bribe others for sensitive military information. Zhao is facing multiple charges in Oregon, including conspiring to collect and transmit classified U.S. military documents to individuals in China. The indictment details how Zhao allegedly stole hard…
Medford, Ore. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden will host a live online town hall on Tuesday, providing an opportunity for Oregonians to directly engage with the senator. The event, which is open to all residents of Oregon, will stream on Facebook Live starting at 6 p.m. In partnership with People’s Town Hall, the forum aims to give Oregonians the chance to ask questions, share their ideas, and discuss issues that matter most to them. Wyden emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication with his constituents during these unprecedented times in American history. “My top priority is making sure Oregonians from…
Phoenix, Ore. – A Phoenix High School cheerleader and her family are speaking out after they claim the student was the target of ongoing racial bullying by her peers, leading to an investigation by both the school and a third-party organization. Sydney Waites, a member of the Phoenix High School cheerleading team, has been a source of inspiration to younger students, who often look up to her during school events. But recent events have cast a shadow over her experience at the school. Waites, who had previously expressed pride in her role as a cheerleader, is now taking time away…
Medford, OR – In a bold move to enhance firefighter safety and improve rescue operations, the Medford Fire Department has issued Personal Rescue Devices, commonly known as “Bailout Kits,” to every member of its team. Last week, firefighters completed training on how to effectively use these essential tools, which are designed to help them quickly and safely escape dangerous situations when traditional exits are unavailable. The Bailout Kit is a compact, all-in-one package containing the equipment necessary for a rapid evacuation. The pack includes tools that allow firefighters to escape burning or collapsing buildings, but it also serves a dual…