Jackson County News

A Medford man has pleaded guilty to possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute and admitted the fentanyl he supplied caused two overdose deaths in 2025. Federal investigators later seized fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, a handgun, and more than $5,000 in cash.

Rogue Community College and Oregon Tech are launching a new 2+2 pathway that will allow Southern Oregon students to earn an associate degree at RCC and continue into Oregon Tech’s Manufacturing Engineering Technology bachelor’s program without leaving the Rogue Valley.

Firefighters made significant overnight progress on the Anderson Butte Road Fire in Jackson County, completing line around the entire 78-acre perimeter and extending hose along most of the fire. Crews are now beginning mop-up operations southwest of Talent and east of Ruch while the cause remains under investigation.

Anthony James Blank, 44, was sentenced to 70 months in prison after pleading guilty to robbing a KeyBank on East Barnett Road in Medford. Investigators say Blank threatened a teller with a note claiming he had a gun before fleeing with $295 on a scooter.

New planning documents offer the clearest look yet at how a minor league baseball stadium could reshape Hawthorne Park. The concept would replace most existing park uses while creating a multi-use venue for baseball, concerts, festivals, and other events.

ODFW will give away free wildlife forage seed Sept. 24 to Southwest Oregon landowners in Central Point, Grants Pass, and Gold Beach. Each landowner can receive up to two 15-pound bags while supplies last.

Recent rainfall and unseasonably cool temperatures have pushed fire danger down to moderate across ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. Fire season remains in effect, IFPL stays at Level 2, and outdoor debris burning is still prohibited.

ODFW is seeking public comment on an ODOT request to waive fish passage requirements at an unnamed Bear Creek tributary near OR 99 and South Stage Road. The proposal would shift mitigation work to habitat restoration and another culvert project within the watershed.

Black bears are showing up across more Ashland neighborhoods as scarce mountain berries push animals toward easier food sources. ODFW says bears have been reported getting into garbage and backyard chicken coops, while residents are being urged to remove attractants and report sightings.

Mt. Ashland Association has named Rachel Canada as the ski area’s new general manager. Canada brings more than 20 years of mountain operations and resort management experience and will lead Mt. Ashland as it prepares for chairlift replacement projects and continued growth beyond the winter season.

Eagle Point Police Chief Jim Hamilton will resign Sept. 7, citing philosophical differences with city administration. Meanwhile, two labor groups representing police officers and other city employees have unanimously voted no confidence in City Administrator Aaron Prunty and HR/Finance Director Melissa Owens.

Jacksonville businessman Joel Caswell has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for tax evasion, employment tax crimes, bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He was also ordered to pay nearly $1.2 million in restitution to the IRS.

The Fielder Mountain Fire north of Rogue River has grown to an estimated 400 acres as night crews move into place and additional evacuations are issued. Fifteen hand crews, 14 engines, seven dozers, and other resources are working the fire after 11 aircraft supported suppression efforts Thursday.

The Woodrat Fire has grown to approximately 300 acres and is 50% lined near Ruch. Six hand crews, four dozers, engines, water tenders, and falling modules are taking over overnight operations as firefighters work to limit movement toward Sterling Creek Road.

The East Evans Creek Fire reached 90% containment 21 days after igniting west of Shady Cove. Photographs submitted by residents, firefighters, and fire command capture the smoke, evacuations, aircraft, public meetings, community support, and crews who worked to protect life and property.

Medford’s monthly utility charge for single-family homes increased from $76.53 to $85.91 on July 1. The higher rate will first appear on August bills and helps fund sewer service, public safety, storm drains, street maintenance and parks across the city.

Medford Fire crews are moving into the new Fire Station 15 on Roberts Road as the rebuild enters its final phase. The project replaces Medford’s oldest fire station and is expected to add modern space for crews, EMS response and logistics support.

Rural Metro Fire says a fast mutual-aid response helped stop the West Jones Fire at 17 acres Monday evening near Grants Pass. Several homes were threatened along West Jones Creek Road and Rancho Vista Drive, but officials said all residences were protected.

A Jacksonville man pleaded guilty to nine federal tax and fraud charges involving unpaid employment taxes, fraudulent loan applications and identity theft. He agreed to pay nearly $1.2 million in restitution to the IRS and is scheduled for sentencing Oct. 9.

Medford police are investigating an animal neglect case after officers responding to a welfare check Thursday in the 1800 block of Roxy Ann Place found evidence that led to a search warrant. Investigators said multiple live and deceased cats were later located on the property, with Jackson County Animal Control taking custody of the surviving animals.

Medford police have identified the woman killed in Tuesday’s fatal assault as 43-year-old Nicole Marie Dominguez. Investigators say 19-year-old Darius McCree-Santangelo was located about 20 minutes after the initial call and lodged at the Jackson County Jail on a second-degree murder charge.

Medford police are investigating a homicide after an adult woman was found with significant injuries Tuesday afternoon near Welch Street and West Jackson Street. Police said a person of interest is in custody and there is no known threat to the public.

The National Interagency Fire Center’s June outlook shows above-normal significant wildland fire potential across Northern California and parts of the Northwest, with the risk expanding across Oregon as summer progresses. The forecast does not predict specific fires, but it signals a greater-than-usual likelihood of significant wildfires during the June through September outlook period.

The Ashland Police Department has introduced Cisco, a 20-month-old yellow lab donated by Dogs For Better Lives, as its new facility service dog. Cisco will support APD’s wellness program, assist in community settings and help create a calming environment during sensitive interactions.

A DUII crash Sunday night caused significant structural damage to the nearly 100-year-old Lampman Road Bridge over Galls Creek in Gold Hill, forcing Jackson County officials to close the bridge indefinitely to all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

ODF Southwest says forward progress has been stopped on the Hilt Fire burning near the 2000 block of Colestin Road in southern Jackson County. The grass fire is estimated at 15 to 20 acres, with Level 1 evacuation notices issued for zones JAC-564 and JAC-566.

Medford Police arrested 21-year-old Ivan Ortiz after a Friday night shooting near In-N-Out on Crater Lake Highway left a 19-year-old man hospitalized with a gunshot wound.

Fire investigators say the Blackwell Road Fire near Central Point was accidental and began from spontaneous heating inside a large mulch pile. Strong winds pushed the fire through nearby materials, across Tolo Road and into grass fields, burning a combined 50 acres.

Evacuation levels have been reduced Tuesday morning for the Blackwell Fire near rural Central Point after crews completed a containment line around the fire perimeter overnight. Jackson County Fire District 3 says no homes were lost or damaged, though several outbuildings and industrial-type buildings were damaged inside the fire area.