Fatal Crash Reported on Coyote Creek Road
The 911 Dispatch Center received a report Monday around 2:08 p.m. of a fatal vehicle crash in the 2500 block of Coyote Creek Road. First responders arrived and located a single vehicle that had left the roadway and struck a large tree. The driver, identified as Mark Freeland, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The initial investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling outbound on Coyote Creek Road when, for an unknown reason, it left the roadway and collided with the tree. Next of kin has been notified. No further information is available at this time. ...Read more

SVU Detectives Arrest Medford Man, Believe Suspect Has More Victims
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit detectives arrested a Medford man yesterday at a business in the 500 block of the Medford Center. The suspect, Evan James Sutherlin, 20, of Medford, is lodged in the Jackson County Jail. He is charged with First-Degree Rape, Third-Degree Sexual Abuse, and First-Degree Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse. The case started June 2nd, 2026, when deputies responded to a report of a then 19-year-old man sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl in the Jacksonville area. From there, SVU detectives took over the investigation leading to his arrest. As SVU detectives continue their investigation, they believe Sutherlin may have more victims. Anyone with information is asked to call SVU Detective Jill Wenzel at 541-770-8928. ...Read more

Mop-Up Momentum on Fielder Mountain Fire Top Priority

Fielder Mountain Fire crews continued mop-up work overnight, with today's goal to keep momentum going by strengthening the fire line and working deeper into burned areas of the 29% contained blaze. All remaining evacuations have been canceled, and evacuation shelters at North Middle School and the Jackson County Expo Fairgrounds have been closed, per the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, as containment increases, some crews are being released to rest and recover for future assignments. Firefighters during the night shift pinpointed hotspots with thermal imaging cameras and Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Today, crews will continue extinguishing areas of heat. Rugged terrain in the northern part of the fire and poor road access are limiting water delivery for mop-up activities. Helicopters are continuing to provide support by filling up portable tanks for hose lays, ensuring enough water for a thorough mop-up. ...Read more