JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — Seven months after the passage of House Bill 4002, which recriminalized the possession of hard drugs and reversed the effects of Measure 110, Jackson County officials are reporting progress in both law enforcement and rehabilitation efforts. Sheriff Nate Sickler of Jackson County expressed cautious optimism regarding the law’s impact, noting that the county has become one of the most active in the state for drug-related arrests. Since the law took effect last September, the county has recorded more than 800 arrests for misdemeanor drug possession. “We’ve made a lot of progress,” Sheriff Sickler said in an…
Author: Sarah Prescott
COLESTIN VALLEY, Ore. — Southern Oregon conservation groups have taken a significant step toward enhancing the region’s wildlife preservation efforts with the recent purchase of a 142-acre parcel in Bear Creek Gulch. The acquisition by the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (SOLC) strengthens ongoing initiatives to create a connected network of protected habitats for migratory species. The newly acquired land, one of the largest properties within the conservancy’s network, is a critical addition to a broader conservation strategy aimed at protecting Southern Oregon’s diverse ecosystems. The region, known for its varied topography and rich biological diversity, includes a mixture of rocky…
Grants Pass, Ore. – April 29, 2025 – The Grants Pass Major Crimes Team and accident reconstruction specialists are investigating a disturbing incident that occurred Tuesday afternoon in a local parking lot. At approximately 1:20 p.m., the Grants Pass Police Department (GPPD) responded to a call reporting that a car had struck a woman in the parking lot of the Albertsons store on Allen Creek Road. Upon arrival, officers were joined by Oregon State Police, Grants Pass Fire & Rescue, and American Medical Response units. Emergency responders quickly transported the injured woman to Three Rivers Medical Center. She is currently…
LAKEVIEW, Ore. — A single-engine aircraft veered off course and crashed Monday afternoon near Lake County Airport, leaving both occupants with minor injuries, authorities said. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) received a report of the accident around 1:34 p.m. on April 28. According to investigators, the plane was preparing to land on Runway 35 when it went off the runway and came to rest on the opposite side in a ditch located east of the runway. Emergency responders from several local agencies were quickly on the scene, including the Lake Health District EMS, the Lakeview Fire Department, and the…
Medford, Ore. — A portion of Interstate 5 northbound will be closed at Exit 30 to Biddle Road in Medford for scheduled maintenance work on Tuesday, April 29, beginning at 9 p.m. The closure will last until Wednesday, April 30, at 6 a.m. During this time, drivers will be unable to access the northbound off-ramp to Biddle Road. However, other lanes at Exit 30 will remain open and unaffected by the closure. Travelers are advised to use alternate routes during the closure. Detours will be available via Bullock Road and Poplar Road, providing access to the Biddle Road area. Motorists…
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – The Oregon Cheese Festival, a beloved annual event, is in full swing at the Jackson County Expo, drawing cheese enthusiasts and food lovers from across the region. The festival, which runs through Sunday, April 27, has become a key highlight for those who appreciate the art of cheese making, alongside a variety of locally crafted foods and beverages. With over 100 artisan cheese makers on hand, the event offers a diverse selection of handcrafted cheeses that range from creamy to tangy, with something to satisfy every palate. Attendees can also enjoy a curated selection of specialty…
EAGLE POINT, Ore. — Jim Hamilton, the Chief of Police for the Eagle Point Police Department (EPPD), was recently named Police Chief of the Year by the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police (OACP) at the organization’s annual conference in Pendleton. Hamilton’s nomination for the prestigious award came through strong recommendations from department and city staff, as well as numerous letters of support from members of the local community. The city of Eagle Point expressed its pride in Hamilton’s achievements, noting that he has demonstrated exemplary leadership since taking the helm of the EPPD. “Chief Hamilton is innovative, collaborative, and a…
MEDFORD, Ore. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden joined local educators, parents, and officials on Saturday morning to celebrate a significant victory for the Head Start program in Southern Oregon, as federal funding for the program was preserved. Wyden hailed the outcome as a major triumph but cautioned that the fight to protect early education is far from over. At the gathering, which took place at a Southern Oregon Head Start center, Wyden expressed relief that a potential funding cut, which he described as a “head spinner,” had been averted. The senator credited grassroots advocacy and outreach efforts to federal agencies…
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — A mother and daughter were arrested in Jackson County on Saturday, April 28, after being accused of passing counterfeit money at several businesses in the Rogue Valley. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) reported that the two women, identified as 42-year-old Samantha Jo Ann O’Neil and 18-year-old Jamie Aileen O’Neil, were taken into custody following an investigation into the use of counterfeit $20 bills in White City. According to JCSO, deputies first received reports on Saturday morning about a woman wearing an orange sweatshirt who was using fake bills at local businesses. Surveillance footage from the…
Medford, Ore. — The Medford Police Department (MPD) recently hosted its annual “Drug Take Back & Rogue Shred” event, providing a valuable service to the local community. Held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the City Hall parking lot at 411 W 8th St, the event ran from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., offering a safe and secure opportunity for residents to dispose of unused prescription medications and shred sensitive documents. Community members were encouraged to bring in outdated or unwanted prescription drugs for proper disposal, ensuring that these potentially harmful substances did not end up in the wrong hands…