Jacksonville Man Jailed for Attempting to Lure and Sexually Corrupt Local Teen

A Jacksonville man was jailed this week after attempting to lure and sexually corrupt a local teen. The suspect and under-aged victim connected via the Snapchat "Quick Add" feature. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office reports the juvenile's parents learned of the communications on March 22nd, intervened and reported it to them. Detectives with the Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) took over the child's Snapchat account and learned a local man was sexually communicating with the teen. On Wednesday, the suspect arranged to meet with a SOCET detective posing as the teen. Undercover detectives from the Sheriff's Office, SOCET, Oregon State Police and Medford Police Department positioned themselves at the suspect's prearranged meet-up location in the 2900-block of Crater Lake Highway. The suspect -- 39-year-old Anthony Nicholas Wheeler of Jacksonville -- was arrested without incident. Wheeler is charged with 1st-Degree and 2nd-Degree Online Sexual Corruption of a Child as well as Luring a Minor. He was lodged at the Jackson County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the Jackson County District Attorney's Office. Detectives said this case is a reminder of the importance for parents to be aware of what their children are doing online. ...Read more

Commissioners Seeking Applicants for One Seat on Josephine County Fair Board

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners is accepting applications for one vacant seat on the Fair Board. The Josephine County Fair Board is made up of seven volunteers who serve three-year terms and meet monthly. The Fair Board is a governing body that is charged with oversight of the annual County Fair and year-round management of the Josephine County Fairgrounds. The County Fair is a time-honored tradition that brings the community together for education and entertainment -- 2025 will serve as the 111th annual event. Recreation Director Tamra Martin said the Fair Board is a hard-working, dedicated group that is a vital part of the Fairgrounds' success. You can apply online at "josephinecounty.gov" under the Committee and Advisory Board tab or use the link "Advisory Committee Application for Board Appointment." For more information, contact the Josephine County Fairgrounds Office at (541)-476-3215 or email the Recreation Director at "tmartin@josephinecounty.gov." ...Read more

SOREDI Reinstated Annual "Prosper Awards" at 2025 State of Rogue Valley Breakfast

Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SOREDI), recently reinstated its annual Prosper Awards following a five-year pause that started in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During its State of the Rogue Valley Breakfast last month, SOREDI recognized businesses and individuals in five separate categories: Ingenuity, Prosperity, Tenacity, Collaboration and Inspiration. The 2025 Ingenuity Award was presented to NIC Industries. The Prosperity Award was presented to Pacific Wall Systems. The Tenacity Award went to Club Northwest in Grants Pass. The award is given to businesses with a remarkable ability to overcome obstacles, leveraging them into opportunities to thrive. The Collaboration Award went to CraterWorks Makerspace and Talent Maker City. These companies are the epitome of the phrase "a rising tide lifts all boats. The Inspiration Award was presented to Sunny Spicer. ...Read more