An 81-year-old Central Point woman died Wednesday evening after she was struck by a vehicle in a Phoenix business parking lot. Police said bystanders and first responders attempted life-saving measures, and the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.

A Central Point elder mistreatment investigation has led to animal abuse and neglect charges after police say more than 60 cats were found inside a Valley Oak Boulevard home, including several that were deceased. Investigators said hazardous conditions required officers and animal control staff to wear protective suits and respirators.

Fair season is getting closer in the Rogue Valley. The 2026 Jackson County Fair returns July 14–19 at The Expo in Central Point with opening night bull riding, four nights of headline entertainment, carnival rides, food vendors and the 4-H and FFA youth activities that remain the heart of the county fair tradition.

Evacuation levels will remain in place overnight for the Blackwell Road fire near rural Central Point, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Forward progression of the grassfire has been stopped, but firefighters remain active in the area, with overnight roadblocks continuing near Tolo Road, Nellis Road and Merita Terrace.

The City of Central Point and the Jackson County Expo have announced that Boomfest 2026 will be the final Independence Day fireworks celebration held at the Expo grounds, citing increased development and rising wildfire risk in the area.

A joint child exploitation task force served a search warrant in rural Central Point after CSAM images were traced to a residence. Investigators seized digital devices, and the case remains under active investigation.

A Central Point man was arrested late Tuesday night after deputies say he sexually abused a 13-year-old girl he had met on Snapchat. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says the suspect attempted to flee but was stopped and taken into custody.