Congressman Bentz Introduces 2026 O&C Renewal Act
Congressman Cliff Bentz introduced the O&C Renewal Act of 2026. The legislation will reaffirm timber production as the primary purpose of Oregon & California (O&C) lands and restore responsible, sustained-yield forest management across more than two million acres of federal timberlands in western Oregon. The bill amends the 1937 Oregon and California Lands Act to clarify that permanent timber production under the principle of sustained yield is the primary purpose of O&C lands. Revenues generated from responsible timber harvests are intended to directly support county governments and fund schools, roads, public safety, and other essential services, while sustaining rural jobs, improving forest health, and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire. The legislation restores O&C lands to healthier, more resilient forest conditions while providing long-term economic stability for Oregon's timber industry.
...Read more
Richardson and Martin Sworn In, Upcoming Meeting's Scheduled
Gary Richardson and Colleen Martin have been officially sworn in to the Josephine County Board of Commissioners positions one and two respectively. A call to the Commissioner's Office revealed the two were sworn in by Judge Robert S. Bain today at 8:15 a.m., and that the next official meeting of the Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for Thursday the 26th at 1:30 p.m. There will be a quorum of the board Wednesday when the Commissioners tour the Josephine County Animal Shelter at 2 p.m. According to the county website, the next Weekly Business Session will take place at 10 a.m. this Friday. Commissioner Ron Smith is scheduled to appear on KAJO's Tuesday Talk Show tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.
...Read more
Fatal Crash Claims Two Ashland High School Students, Emergency Crews Respond
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a single-vehicle crash that claimed the lives of two teenagers early Sunday morning. On February 22nd around 12:44 a.m., deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash in the 1350 block of East Nevada Street in rural Ashland. Upon arrival, emergency personnel located an Audi A6 that had struck a tree. The car was occupied by five 17-year-old juveniles. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. Jackson County Fire District 5 and Ashland Fire & Rescue personnel conducted a complex extrication to remove the remaining occupants from the vehicle. The Ashland Police Department responded to assist with the investigation. Mercy Flights transported the four remaining occupants to a local hospital with critical injuries. Shortly after arrival, a passenger was pronounced deceased. The three remaining occupants continue to receive care at the hospital and are in stable condition. The families of those involved have been notified. Out of respect for their privacy, the names of the juveniles are being withheld. All five occupants were students at Ashland High School.
...Read more
