Jefferson Archives
A living archive of stories from across Jefferson.
Man Killed in Klamath Falls Shooting; Suspect Arrested
A 54-year-old man was killed in a shooting Thursday night in Klamath Falls. Police say the investigation led to multiple search warrants and the arrest of a 46-year-old man on charges including second-degree murder.
20-Foot Flames Threaten Homes in Klamath Falls Vegetation Fire
A vegetation fire behind Home Depot in Klamath Falls grew to about a half-acre Thursday afternoon, with flames estimated at 20 feet high threatening nearby homes and vehicles. Firefighters contained the blaze as gusty winds, very low humidity, and extreme fire danger affected the region.
Klamath County Fire District 3 Ends Ambulance Service
Klamath County Fire District 3 has voted unanimously to end its ambulance service, citing costs that insurance billing does not cover. The former service area will be divided among Chiloquin, Klamath County Fire District 1, and Basin Ambulance, with longer response times expected in some areas.
Crews Knock Down West Medford Structure Fire
Firefighters from Medford Fire, Jackson County Fire District 3, and Jacksonville Fire Department knocked down a large structure fire Wednesday evening in west Medford. Crews faced water supply challenges, and West Main Street was temporarily closed during the response.
Wrights Spring Fire Reaches 65% Containment as Repair Work Expands
The Wrights Spring Fire is now 55,133 acres and 65% contained as crews deepen mop-up, repair roads and dozer lines, and stabilize areas affected by suppression work. Staffing has dropped to 667 as resources are gradually released for other fires across the region.
Eagle Point Police Chief Resigns as City Hall Tensions Rise
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.
Crews Close Last Open Edge on Wrights Spring Fire
Firefighters have closed the last open edge of the Wrights Spring Fire near Swan Lake Point. The fire is now 54,492 acres and 55% contained as crews expand mop-up, remove hazard trees, repair roads, and restore areas affected by suppression work.
White City Man Dies After Becoming Unresponsive During JCSO Arrest
A 39-year-old White City man died Tuesday night after becoming unresponsive during a Jackson County sheriff’s DUII arrest near Table Rock Road and Orr Drive. Medford Police is leading the outside investigation, while autopsy and toxicology results remain pending.
Joel Caswell Sentenced to 42 Months for Tax, Fraud Crimes
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.
Witness Pulls Pilot From Burning Plane After Klamath Falls Crash
A witness pulled a pilot away from a burning aircraft Thursday morning after the plane crashed near Hill Road and Crystal Springs Road in Klamath Falls. The pilot suffered major injuries and was transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center.
Detectives Investigating Death of 2-Year-Old Near Central Point (VIDEO)
Jackson County sheriff’s detectives are investigating the death of a 2-year-old child in rural Central Point. The child was reported missing around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday and was found deceased about an hour later along Blackwell Road.
Critical Water Begins Reaching Klamath Basin Refuges
Critically needed water is beginning to reach Tule Lake and Lower Klamath national wildlife refuges after weeks of concern over drying wetlands, avian botulism, and migratory bird losses. The deliveries follow months of coordination among agriculture, Tribes, conservation groups, and federal agencies.
Wrights Spring Fire Nears Full Line
The Wrights Spring Fire has reached 54,131 acres and 55% containment as crews near a continuous containment line around the fire. Another unauthorized drone grounded firefighting aircraft Tuesday night, while evacuation levels continue to ease across southern Klamath County.
Fatal Coyote Creek Road Crash Claims Life of 68-Year-Old Man
A 68-year-old man died Monday afternoon after his vehicle left Coyote Creek Road near Wolf Creek and struck a large tree. The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office identified the driver as Mark Freeland.
Dog rescued from Klamath Falls house fire
Klamath County Fire District 1 firefighters rescued a dog and searched a Lincoln Street home Sunday after reports the resident might still be inside. Crews arrived within four minutes and confirmed no one was in the residence.
Fire Crews Close Remaining Gaps
The Wrights Spring Fire is now 54,016 acres and 53% contained as crews work to close remaining gaps along the south and southwest perimeter. Secure areas are moving into patrol and suppression repair, while Northwest Team 8 prepares for the fire’s next management transition.
Two arrested after crowbar attack
Two Grants Pass residents were arrested after an early morning fight Saturday left two people injured after they were struck with a crowbar. Police say one suspect was taken into custody immediately, while the second was found hours later inside a nearby apartment.
Medford man arrested on rape, sex abuse charges
A 20-year-old Medford man was arrested Monday on rape and sexual abuse charges following an investigation involving a 15-year-old girl. Jackson County sheriff’s detectives say they believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to contact the Special Victims Unit.
Picture Rock Fire mapped at 1,277 acres, reaches 10% containment
The Picture Rock Fire is now mapped at 1,277 acres and 10% contained near Summer Lake. Officials say the lower acreage reflects more accurate mapping, not a reduction in the fire’s footprint. Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 evacuation orders remain in place.
Fielder Mountain Fire Reaches 29% Containment; Evacuations Canceled
Containment on the Fielder Mountain Fire has increased to 29% as firefighters continue deeper mop-up west of Rogue River. All remaining evacuation levels have been canceled, while crews shift more resources to daytime operations and continue removing hazard trees.