The Oregon Air National Guard activated 44 Airmen Aug. 7 to help battle the Grasshopper Fire in the Mount Hood National Forest, marking the first time Air National Guard personnel have led Oregon’s ground firefighting response. Two 22-person hand crews were activated, one from the 142nd Wing at Portland Air[Read More…]
Author: Teresa Pearson
Oregon’s First I-5 Wildlife Overcrossing Moves Forward
Plans for Oregon’s first wildlife overcrossing are moving forward, with more than $33 million in federal funding secured for a structure that will allow animals to safely cross Interstate 5 near the Oregon-California border. The Southern Oregon wildlife crossing will be constructed in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument along I-5 south[Read More…]
Juvenile Detained After Grass Fire
A juvenile was taken into custody after allegedly starting a grass fire along Highway 62 in White City that firefighters extinguished before it could spread to nearby businesses and homes. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 8000 block of Highway 62 at approximately 7:22 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4,[Read More…]
Rogue Valley Comic Expo Draws Fans To Phoenix
Comic book fans from around Southern Oregon gathered in Phoenix Saturday for a day devoted to superheroes, artwork, collecting and the people who bring comic book stories to life. The Rogue Valley Comic Expo was held Aug. 8 at the Phoenix Civic Center, bringing comic sellers, artists, writers, collectors and[Read More…]
Deadline Approaching For Oregon Summer Food Benefits
Oregon families have until Sept. 1 to apply for Summer EBT benefits, a program providing $120 per eligible child to help families purchase groceries while children are out of school. The Oregon Department of Human Services and Oregon Department of Education are encouraging families who have not received benefits to[Read More…]
Man Pleads Guilty In Southern Oregon Firearms Trafficking Investigation
A 27-year-old Mexican national pleaded guilty in federal court to firearms charges stemming from an investigation that authorities say uncovered the purchase of dozens of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition in Southern Oregon. Samuel Rodrigo Melo Santos pleaded guilty to being an alien in possession of a firearm[Read More…]
Utility Company Scams: Don’t Let A Fake Threat Fool You
The phone rings and the caller has frightening news: Your electricity or gas bill is overdue, and unless you make an immediate payment, your service will be disconnected. For an older adult who depends on electricity for heating, cooling, refrigeration, medical equipment, or simply feeling safe at home, that threat[Read More…]
ODOT Road Construction Update For August 5, 2026
Road Construction Continues Across Jackson and Josephine Counties Motorists traveling through Jackson and Josephine counties should prepare for lane closures, detours, and nighttime ramp closures as several highway construction projects continue across Southern Oregon. JACKSON COUNTY • Oregon 62 – Lost Creek Lake: Work continues on the $6.1 million Lost[Read More…]
Eight Arrested In Child Exploitation Sweep
Eight men were arrested Aug. 5 following a coordinated Southern Oregon law enforcement operation involving multiple investigations into alleged child exploitation. The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET), working with the Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and other agencies, conducted arrests throughout Jackson County, including[Read More…]
Body Recovered Following Rogue River Rafting Accident
JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. — Search crews recovered a body Saturday believed to be that of a 65-year-old man who disappeared after a rafting accident in the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River four days earlier. The incident began at approximately 1:16 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, when 911 dispatchers[Read More…]