Jefferson Archives
A living archive of stories from across Jefferson.
Fielder Mountain Fire 90% Lined, 7% Contained
Firefighters held established control lines overnight on the Fielder Mountain Fire, bringing the incident to approximately 90% lined. The fire is mapped at 548 acres and remains 7% contained as crews continue strengthening lines and mopping up near homes west of Rogue River.
Man Sought After Grants Pass Assault Arrested Within 24 Hours (UPDATED)
Michael Brinen Cutts was arrested less than 24 hours after Grants Pass police identified him as a person of interest in a major assault that left a man hospitalized. Police credit ALPR technology and regional law enforcement partnerships with helping shorten the search.
Fielder Mountain Fire Reaches 7% Containment as Crews Line 75% of Perimeter
The Fielder Mountain Fire remains estimated at 550 acres and is now 7% contained as firefighters continue securing the perimeter north of Rogue River. Crews have completed line around approximately 75% of the fire, with ODF Complex Incident Management Team 1 set to assume command Friday evening.
Fielder Mountain Fire Grows to 400 Acres as Evacuations Expand Near Rogue River
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.
Luis Puga-Mendoza Sentenced to 12½ Years for Sexually Abusing Two Minors
Luis Puga-Mendoza, 42, has been sentenced to 12½ years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree sexual abuse involving two minor victims. The consecutive Measure 11 sentences must be served day-for-day without reductions.
Extreme Fire Conditions Close Gilchrist, Sun Pass State Forests
Extreme fire conditions have prompted ODF to immediately close the Gilchrist and Sun Pass State Forests to the public. The closures affect more than 93,000 acres in Klamath County, with no reopening date announced.
Fire Damages Multiple Vehicles at Medford Storage Facility
Multiple vehicles and trailers were damaged Tuesday after a fire broke out at a storage facility along East Vilas Road in Medford. Firefighters quickly knocked down the blaze before it could spread farther through the property. No injuries were reported.
Flock Cameras Go Dark in Josephine County
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has ended its contract with Flock Safety and deactivated all 10 automated license plate reader cameras. Sheriff Dave Daniel cited public privacy concerns, potential Fourth Amendment implications, and recent vandalism.
Motorcyclist Killed in High Speed Crash on US 101 Near Cape Ferrelo
A 36 year old motorcyclist from Sisters was killed Sunday in a three vehicle crash on US 101 near Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint in Curry County. OSP says the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed before striking a turning SUV.
SWAT Standoff Ends Two-Week Manhunt in Grants Pass
A man wanted following an alleged carjacking, assault, and dangerous pursuit through Grants Pass was arrested Tuesday after barricading himself inside an RV near Cloverlawn. Police say citizen reports helped authorities locate him nearly two weeks after the July 30 incidents.
Mother, Three Children Killed in Eagle Point RV Fire
A mother and three children younger than 10 were killed Sunday in an RV fire in rural Eagle Point. One other family member escaped with minor injuries, and investigators currently believe the fire was a non-criminal accident.
Body Recovered from Rogue River Believed to Be Missing Rafter
A body recovered from the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River is believed to be that of 65-year-old Reid Litwack, who disappeared after a rafting accident at Wildcat Rapid. Final identification remains pending.
Three Killed in Separate Highway Crashes in Lake and Curry Counties
Three people were killed and another seriously injured in two separate crashes reported by Oregon State Police in Lake and Curry counties. The crashes occurred on Highway 140 in Lake County and Highway 101 near Langlois.
Evacuations Issued as Crescent Butte Fire Burns Near Gilchrist (UPDATED)
A new wildfire near Crescent and Gilchrist is sending a large smoke column over northern Klamath County and has prompted Level 2 and Level 1 evacuation notices. A temporary evacuation point has been established at La Pine High School.
Dozer Operator Killed While Fighting Wrights Spring Fire
A 47-year-old Klamath Falls man was killed while operating a bulldozer during firefighting operations on the Wrights Spring Fire. Officials say rapid fire growth cut off Jason Ensign’s escape route as crews worked near Yahwee Plateau.
Moenaert Sentenced to 50 Years for Sexually Abusing Two Children
Zach Patrick Moenaert was sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to six felony sex crimes involving two children. Prosecutors said he abused the children over about six years and created numerous recordings documenting the abuse.
Level 1 Evacuations Issued as Wrights Spring Fire Reaches 2,224 Acres
Level 1 Be Ready evacuation notices are in effect south of Sprague River Road as the Wrights Spring Fire reaches 2,224 acres. About 180 personnel are assigned, and Northwest Team 8 will assume command Friday. No road or highway closures are in effect.
Woodrat Fire Reaches 300 Acres, 50% Lined Near Ruch
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.
Search Continues for Missing Grants Pass Man Last Seen on Highway 238
Surveillance footage shows missing Grants Pass man David Wright buying water in Murphy before riding his white bicycle outbound on Highway 238 toward Hidden Valley Market. Detectives, search crews, and community members have searched surrounding areas, but his whereabouts remain unknown.
Eight Suspects Arrested in Jackson County Child Exploitation Sweep
Eight local suspects were arrested during a coordinated child exploitation operation involving separate investigations across Southern Oregon. Seven were taken into custody in Jackson County, while a Talent suspect was arrested in Washington. Together, they face 71 felony counts of encouraging child sexual abuse.