Author: Teresa Pearson

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…]

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…]

Oregon Regulators Warn of AI-Powered Investment Scams

Artificial intelligence is giving scammers new ways to create convincing investment pitches, fake websites, realistic videos, and persuasive messages, according to a warning from the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation. Although AI can help consumers learn about investing and financial products, fraudsters are using the same technology to make scams[Read More…]