Employers across Jackson and Josephine counties have pulled back from the rapid hiring seen after the pandemic, but thousands of positions remain open and difficult to fill, according to new data from the Oregon Employment Department. Private employers in the Rogue Valley reported 3,787 job vacancies during 2025. Of those[Read More…]
Author: Teresa Pearson
Wildfire Insurance Protections Extended Through Oct. 29
Oregon has extended temporary insurance protections for residents in designated wildfire-affected areas through Oct. 29. The emergency order limits certain insurance policy cancellations and nonrenewals. It also requires insurers to provide additional time for premium payments and gives affected policyholders more time to report damage and submit certain claims information.[Read More…]
County Removes Six Vacant Sheriff’s Office Positions
Josephine County commissioners unanimously approved the removal of six vacant positions from the Sheriff’s Office budget Sept. 29. The reductions include two patrol deputies, two corrections deputies, and two major-crimes detectives. No current employees were laid off because all six positions were unfilled. Commissioner Gary Richardson said the county’s updated[Read More…]
Two Found Dead After Williams Highway Barricade
Two people were found dead inside a residence on Williams Highway after an incident Tuesday involving Oregon State Police detectives assisting with a missing-person investigation, authorities said. At about 10 a.m. Oct. 6, detectives were conducting follow-up work at a property in the 10,400 block of Williams Highway when they[Read More…]
Medford Begins Writing Rules For Massive Data Centers
Medford officials have directed city staff to begin drafting land-use regulations aimed at restricting massive data centers while preserving smaller facilities already serving local businesses. The direction followed a Sept. 30 joint study session involving the Medford City Council and Planning Commission. The two bodies reached a consensus that the[Read More…]
Winter Ready Fair Prepare For Seasonal Emergencies
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…]
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…]
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…]