OSP Troopers Respond to Fatal Single Vehicle Crash over Weekend

Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 140, near milepost 9, in Jackson County early Saturday morning. On November 1, at 3:50 a.m., the preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Ford F350, operated by a juvenile male, 17, of Eagle Point, failed to negotiate a curve, crashed through a guardrail, and rolled into an adjacent creek. The operator of the vehicle, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was declared deceased at the scene. A passenger of the Ford, Mitchel Frank Thorpe, 18, of Eagle Point, was not wearing a seatbelt and was also declared deceased at the scene. Two additional passengers, a male juvenile, 17, of Eagle Point and a female juvenile, 17, of Medford, were transported to an area hospital with critical injuries. The highway was impacted for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation. Impairment and speed are considered the primary factors of the crash. ...Read more

JCSO Deputies Investigating Rural Gold Hill Homicide

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating a homicide next to Interstate 5 in the area of Old Stage Road and Galls Creek Road in rural Gold Hill. The suspect has been taken into custody, and there is no danger to the public. The victim is Steven Jason Worthington, 47, of Shady Cove. Next-of-kin have been notified. Dispatch received multiple calls for an injured person attempting to flag down cars on Southbound I-5 near mile post 42 on Thursday, at 8:01 a.m. JCSO deputies and Fire District 1 Rogue River paramedics arrived on scene and attempted life saving measures but the victim was pronounced deceased at 8:36 AM. Oregon State Police, Rogue River Police Department, and the Jackson County Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit responded to assist. Multiple law enforcement units searched the area attempting to locate the suspect and an unknown involved vehicle. ...Read more

Rogue Valley Organizations Coordinate Rapid Response as SNAP Benefits Stall

The Rogue Valley Food System Network and its regional partners will hold a press briefing to address SNAP disruptions and the rising food insecurity across Southern Oregon. On Monday, November 3, at 4:00 p.m. via webinar, RVFSN will be joined by the Medford Food Project, Josephine County Food Bank, Josephine County Farm Collective, Family Nurturing Center, Rogue Food Unites, and Farmers Market Fund. With thousands of households bracing for delayed or reduced SNAP benefits, leaders from food banks, farms, pantries, community organizations, health systems, and public agencies will outline urgent needs, share rapid-response efforts, and announce the Rogue Valley Good Food Fund—a local fund to keep fresh, healthy food flowing to families during this period of uncertainty. The meeting is virtual. Those wanting to attend can register by following the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__GYFYcSyRbCbs-8wbQgQhA#/registration ...Read more