COOS BAY, Ore. – Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) is responding to growing concerns over the 2010 hiring of a faculty member who is a registered sex offender. The college issued a statement on February 12, 2025, to address public scrutiny regarding Curtis Buell, the current director of adult and pre-college education and tutoring, whose criminal history dates back to 2007. Buell, a former chemistry teacher at Churchill High School in Eugene, Oregon, was convicted on 18 counts of sexual abuse involving underaged female students. Court records show Buell was found guilty of inappropriate touching, instructing students to touch him,…
Author: Sarah Prescott
GRANTS PASS, Ore. – The Mobile Integrative Navigation Team (MINT), a vital outreach organization serving the unhoused community in Josephine County, has announced changes to its operations due to warmer weather in the forecast. The MINT’s inclement weather shelter, which has been a crucial resource during the colder months, will be closing as temperatures rise. The shelter had provided temporary relief to individuals experiencing homelessness during severe weather conditions, but with milder weather expected, MINT is shifting its focus. Despite the shelter’s closure, the MINT Navigation Center will continue to operate as a resource hub, remaining open Monday through Friday…
Medford, OR – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is currently accepting appeals to the statewide wildfire hazard map, with the deadline set for March 10. Governor Tina Kotek has directed the pause in the referral of appeals until after this year’s legislative session, allowing additional time for public input and transparency on the matter. This pause is part of the governor’s broader effort to address the state’s need for long-term, sustainable funding for wildfire response and mitigation. While this decision has been made to foster a more transparent process, it comes amid increasing resistance from Oregon Republicans, who are…
GOLD HILL, Ore. — Railroad employees are investigating a crash that occurred on Monday morning when a train collided with an abandoned truck parked on the tracks in rural Gold Hill. At approximately 9:25 a.m., Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon dispatch received a report of the incident. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) stated that the truck, which was left on the tracks, had been driven to the location via a dirt road about a mile off of Gold Ray Road. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and no individuals were present at the scene when the crash occurred. Upon further…
Medford, OR — The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission (OFWC) held a virtual meeting on February 14 to discuss several important updates to the state’s fish and wildlife regulations. Among the key decisions made was a new daily catch limit for recreational harvesters of purple sea urchins and an approval for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to issue Letters of Authorization for controlled culling of sea urchins to protect critical kelp and seaweed ecosystems. The Commission voted to allow a daily limit of 35 purple sea urchins for recreational harvesters, a move aimed at promoting sustainable harvesting…
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…
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…