Medford, OR – A man wanted by authorities in Josephine County, Oregon, since 2019 has been arrested in Cambodia, where he had been evading capture for several years. Shawn Higbee, 48, is facing charges of first-degree sodomy. According to a statement from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, an arrest warrant for Higbee had been outstanding since 2019, but he had managed to remain at large. Law enforcement officials, however, were able to track his whereabouts after an analyst discovered that Higbee had fled to Cambodia, where he had been living for an extended period. The Sheriff’s Office stated that through…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Medford, OR – After evading authorities for several years, fugitive Shawn Christian Higbee has been apprehended in Cambodia, bringing an end to a lengthy and complex manhunt. Higbee, who was born on May 29, 1983, had been a wanted man since 2019, when an arrest warrant was issued in Josephine County, Oregon, on charges of Sodomy 1. Despite efforts by local law enforcement to track him down, Higbee managed to elude capture, reportedly fleeing the United States shortly after the warrant was issued. For years, his whereabouts remained a mystery, frustrating authorities and leaving the case unsolved. However, in recent…
Medford, OR – Oregon has officially become the third state in the nation to mandate the divestment from coal companies, following the passage of House Bill 4083. The bill, which passed with significant support from environmental organizations like Southern Oregon Climate Action Now, requires the Oregon Investment Council to divest from publicly traded coal companies, signaling the state’s continued commitment to addressing climate change. The bill’s passage was heralded as a pivotal step in aligning Oregon’s financial practices with its broader environmental goals. Alan Journet, co-facilitator of Southern Oregon Climate Action Now, testified in favor of the bill, stressing the…
Medford, OR – The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has issued a public warning about an alarming new scam targeting vehicle buyers and dealerships across the state. Scammers are using fraudulent Manufacturer Certificates of Origin (MCO) to obtain fake titles for stolen vehicles. In an effort to make the vehicles appear legitimate, the perpetrators are also creating and attaching counterfeit Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to these forged documents. According to the DMV, these deceptive practices are part of a growing trend in vehicle fraud that can result in unsuspecting buyers purchasing stolen or improperly titled vehicles. The fake MCOs,…
Medford, OR – Approximately 478 customers in the Applegate area are without power following a downed power line incident early this morning. Pacific Power reported the outage at 6:17 a.m., attributing the cause to fallen trees. The utility company has estimated that power will be restored by 9:30 a.m. In addition to the power outage, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has closed Jacksonville Highway (OR 238) at Thompson Creek Road due to the downed lines. ODOT officials have indicated that there is no local detour available and are advising drivers to seek alternate routes. At this time, Pacific Power…
Medford, OR – In response to rising concerns over highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), Wildlife Images, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center, has raised its disease prevention protocols to level three. This decision comes as part of the center’s efforts to safeguard its animals, particularly its ambassador birds, and to minimize the risk of the virus spreading. So far, no cases of HPAI have been detected at Wildlife Images, but the organization is taking extra precautions to protect its wildlife population. These measures include additional steps to prevent cross-contamination between birds and mammals, as well as temporarily removing the ambassador birds…
Medford, OR – The FBI is investigating a series of racist letters that were recently sent to officials in Coos and Lincoln counties, Oregon. The mailings have prompted widespread condemnation from local leaders, including Lincoln County Sheriff Curtis Landers and Coos County commissioners, who expressed strong opposition to the hateful messages. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum issued a statement on Friday, emphasizing the state’s commitment to being a welcoming and safe place for all. Rosenblum condemned the racist mailings, calling them a divisive attempt to intimidate both communities and their leaders. “Attempts to intimidate our communities and their leaders through…
Grants Pass, OR – The Grants Pass Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in identifying two individuals who are suspected of burglarizing and vandalizing a home on Christmas Eve. According to police, the incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. on NE 9th Street when the two burglars broke into the residence while the homeowner was inside. Authorities say the suspects fled the scene after the homeowner’s dog alerted to the break-in. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but significant damage was done to the property during the crime. The police department has referred to the suspects as “grinch wannabes” in…
Medford, OR – Residents of Jackson and Josephine counties in southern Oregon are assessing the damage after a powerful weekend storm caused significant flooding along the Rogue River. As the waters continue to rise, local authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and avoid navigating the swollen river, citing dangerous conditions. Rural Metro Fire’s water rescue team, along with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division, are advising against boating on the Rogue River due to the high water levels and swift currents. The floodwaters have created hazardous conditions in many areas, prompting fears of potential damage to homes…
Medford, OR – Oregon State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Klamath County on Monday, December 23. The incident took place around 9:45 a.m. at Collier State Park, where deputies from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office were involved in a critical event that led to the shooting of a 35-year-old man. The man was critically injured after being struck by gunfire and was quickly transported to an area hospital, where he is currently receiving medical care. Authorities have not disclosed the specific details leading up to the shooting, and the identity of the injured man has not…