Firefighters Continue Aggressive Woodrat Firefight, Estimated at 300 Acres
The Oregon Department of Forestry reports the Woodrat Mountain Fire is estimated at 300 acres and is 50% lined. Firefighters remain focused on limiting its movement toward Sterling Creek Road. Night resources are on scene for overnight operations. Resources assigned for the night shift include six 20-person hand crews, four dozers, six water tenders, three falling modules, seven Type 6 engines, and one Type 3 engine. Crews are making great progress with the support of dozers. The right shoulder and the head of the fire remain active. Aircraft will continue supporting firefighters with retardant and water drops as long as daylight allows. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 3: GO NOW Evacuation order for Zones JAC-428-A and JAC-436, a Level 2: BE SET for Zone JAC-428-B, and a Level 1: BE READY to evacuate for Zones JAC-421, JAC-422, JAC-423, JAC-427, JAC-429, JAC-434, JAC-437, and JAC-438. An evacuation shelter for people & pets is set up at Jacksonville Elementary School, 655 Hueners Lane. If there are individuals looking to shelter that need extra medical care and/or assistance, call 541-776-7206. A small domestic pet shelter is also at Jacksonville Elementary School. The Red Cross will set up an area on the property to accommodate pets. The livestock shelter is at the Jackson County Expo Fairgrounds, 21 Peninger Road in Central Point. Call EXPO livestock at 541-864-0546 if you need assistance.
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JoCo Sheriff's Office Updates Public on Search for Missing Man
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update after receiving a report of missing adult, David Wright back on July 26th. The initial investigation indicates that David left on his own accord on July 21st between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on a white bicycle, leaving his cell phone and personal financial documents on the desk in his office. Detectives with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office continued their investigation July 27th and located camera footage of David at Dollar General in Murphy around 9:25 a.m. on the bicycle, where he purchased a bottle of water. Five minutes later, additional footage was observed of Wright riding his bicycle outbound on Highway 238 towards Hidden Valley Market. This was the last time Wright was seen in the area. Detectives have continued searching daily since his disappearance. Cameras and roadways in all the surrounding areas, including Provolt, Williams, and Wilderville have been searched.
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Eight Arrested for 71 Felony Counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse
The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) along with the Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested eight suspects Wednesday on a total of 71 encouraging child sex abuse felony charges. The first arrest was around 6:30 a.m. when deputies pulled over a suspect near his residence in the 1500 block of Clear Springs Drive in Medford. Eric Richard Rand, 58, of Medford, was arrested. The task force then located and arrested Charles Harvey McMillan, 33, of Talent at 6:40 a.m. Just before 8 a.m., Medford Police located the next suspect sleeping in his car at Holmes Park. Jermaine “JJ” Owens, 53, of Medford, was then arrested for his charges. Around 8:04 a.m., Joel Vincente Leal, 21, was arrested for his charges at his apartment in the 1000 block of Spring Street in Medford. Minutes later, investigators located and arrested Robert Paul Phillips, 74, at his residence in the 300 block of West Gregory Road in rural Central Point.
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