Jackson County Emergency Management will host a free, family-oriented preparedness fair Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Jackson County Expo. Winter Ready: A Safety & Preparedness Fair for Families & Kids will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mace Watchable Wildlife Center, 21 Peninger Road in Central[Read More…]
Author: Teresa Pearson
Medicare Open Enrollment Scams
Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. During this time, people with Medicare can review their coverage and make changes for the following year. It is also a busy season for scammers. Fraudsters know seniors may be comparing Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug coverage, and[Read More…]
ODOT Highway Construction Update For September 30, 2026
Drivers in Jackson and Josephine counties should watch for lane closures and construction crews this week. Nighttime ramp closures are expected along Interstate 5 north of Grants Pass. JACKSON COUNTY Oregon 62, Lost Creek Lake Bridge (mileposts 35.2–35.5): Crews are repairing and upgrading the bridge deck, guardrails, surface, and joints,[Read More…]
Medford Man Jailed After Pursuits, Drug Seizures
A Medford man faces drug, firearm and eluding charges after two police pursuits ended in crashes and subsequent searches uncovered fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine and a loaded handgun, authorities said. Ismael Garcia-Nava Jr., 32, was lodged in the Jackson County Jail after his Sept. 19 arrest following an attempted traffic stop[Read More…]
OHP Members Urged To Prepare For New Federal Requirements
About 600,000 Oregon Health Plan members will begin receiving notices this month about upcoming federal changes to their health coverage, including new work or activity requirements for some adults beginning Jan. 1, 2027. The Oregon Health Authority said the initial notices are informational and do not require members to take[Read More…]
Avoiding Financial Exploitation
Financial exploitation can happen to anyone, but older adults are frequently targeted because they may have retirement savings, steady income, good credit, or valuable property. The person taking advantage may be a stranger, caregiver, friend, or even a trusted family member. Financial exploitation is the illegal or improper use of[Read More…]
Property Owners Paid For Townhomes That Were Never Built
An Oregon contractor has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud after prosecutors said property owners paid him more than $850,000 to construct townhomes in Newport that were never built. David Paul Williams, 46, pleaded guilty in federal court in a case involving construction agreements made through his companies TreeNada Co.[Read More…]
Coordinated Law Enforcement Operation Targets Drug Trafficking Organization
A large-scale law enforcement operation targeting a suspected drug trafficking organization was carried out on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at multiple locations throughout Jackson County. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said local, state and federal law enforcement agencies worked together to simultaneously serve multiple search warrants as part of the investigation.[Read More…]
West Nile Virus Detected Again In Jackson County
West Nile virus has been detected again in mosquitoes in Jackson County, serving as a reminder that cooler September temperatures don’t necessarily mean the end of mosquito season. Mosquitoes collected Sept. 15 in north Medford tested positive for West Nile virus, marking the fifth positive mosquito detection in Jackson County[Read More…]
Teen Driver Arrested Linked to East Evans Creek Fire
A 17-year-old driver has been arrested in connection with the July crash that killed his passenger and ignited the East Evans Creek Fire. Deputies arrested the juvenile Friday, Sept. 18, more than two months after the rollover crash on East Evans Creek Road in rural Rogue River. The driver faces[Read More…]