As June comes to a close, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is highlighting the importance of family reunification and the programs designed to help children safely return home after involvement with the child welfare system. State officials say child welfare practices have changed dramatically over the past two[Read More…]
Author: Teresa Pearson
Jackson County Jail Reduces Capacity
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office will reduce the operational capacity of the Jackson County Jail beginning July 1, citing rising operating costs and ongoing budget constraints that Sheriff Nate Sickler says can no longer be absorbed without affecting other public safety services. The change includes the closure of the jail’s[Read More…]
Oregon National Guard Tests Drone To Improve Battlefield Safety
Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers recently demonstrated a new use for drone technology that could make one of the military’s most hazardous engineering missions significantly safer. During annual training on June 22, Soldiers from Bravo Company, 741st Brigade Engineer Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team successfully used a heavy-lift drone[Read More…]
State Marks Five Years of Wildfire Preparedness Improvements
Five years after the passage of Senate Bill 762, Oregon officials say the state has made significant progress in preparing communities for wildfire while strengthening the ability of local fire agencies to respond when fires break out. The Department of the State Fire Marshal recently highlighted the accomplishments of its[Read More…]
Job Scams Are Targeting Seniors Looking For Extra Income
Many seniors seek part-time work after retirement to supplement their income, stay active, or pursue new interests. Unfortunately, scammers know this and increasingly target older adults with fake job opportunities designed to steal money, personal information, and even identities. While legitimate employers rarely ask applicants to pay money, job scammers[Read More…]
Part 3: Mining, Gold And Forgotten Graves
For nearly two months in 1851, rich gold discoveries along Jackson Creek near present-day Jacksonville drew prospectors from across the West. Within a few years, mining activity had spread throughout Southern Oregon, including the rugged hills and stream valleys surrounding Evans Creek and Wimer. Today, most travelers passing through the[Read More…]
ODOT Road Construction Update For July 1, 2026
Highway Projects Continue Across Jackson and Josephine Counties Drivers traveling through Jackson and Josephine counties should expect lane restrictions, detours and intermittent delays as several Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) construction projects continue this summer. Lost Creek Lake Bridge Improvements A $6.1 million rehabilitation project is underway on Oregon Highway[Read More…]
Woodville Museum To Celebrate 40 Years
The Woodville Museum will celebrate four decades of preserving the history of the Rogue River Valley with a free community celebration on Friday, July 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will commemorate the museum’s 40th anniversary with exhibits, demonstrations, historical displays and family-friendly activities highlighting the area’s[Read More…]
Part 2: Searching For Evans Valley Cemetery
Last week, the Rogue River Press began investigating a local story that has circulated through the Evans Creek and Wimer area for generations. According to local recollections, a small cemetery near a mining operation may have been relocated many years ago, with some believing the graves were eventually moved to[Read More…]
Summer Fishing Opportunities Despite Drought Concerns
Despite ongoing drought conditions and warming temperatures across parts of Oregon, state fish biologists say anglers will still find plenty of opportunities this summer, particularly for warmwater game fish and trout in Southern Oregon reservoirs. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is monitoring drought and heat impacts on[Read More…]