Ashland Police Arrested Suspect Following Early Morning Explosion

The Ashland Police Department, Ashland Fire & Rescue, and the Talent Police Department responded to the 300 block of Morton Street to investigate a loud explosion at 4:43 this morning. Officers found that an explosive device had been detonated inside of a parked and unoccupied vehicle, and what was thought to be a potential secondary explosive device was found inside as well. The area was secured with neighbors being advised to shelter in place. Bomb disposal techs from the Oregon State Police Department arrived on scene to assist, and verified that there was no further threat of explosion in the area. Evidence indicated that the crime was committed by a known male suspect. He had also been the focus of investigations by the Medford Police Department, and was wanted on charges stemming from said investigation. Detectives were quick to locate the suspect at a residence in the 100 block of Fork Street in Ashland and took him into custody. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspect, Michael Scott Beugli, 32, of Ashland, was arrested. Law enforcement charged him with First and Second Degree Arson, Unlawful Possession and Manufacture of a Destructive Device, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, Reckless Endangering, and Reckless Burning. ...Read more

Fatal Vehicle Crash near Monument Drive Investigated by JoCo Sheriff's Office

On Tuesday at 10:57 p.m., the 911 dispatch center was notified of a fatal vehicle crash on Three Pines Road near Monument Drive. Josephine County Sheriff's deputies arrived and located a single vehicle. The driver, identified as Richard David Johnson, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The initial investigation shows the vehicle was travelling towards Monument Drive and, for an unknown reason, veered off the roadway and struck a fence and a large tree. Three Pines Road was closed for approximately two and a half hours while deputies investigated the crash and had the vehicle removed from the scene. Next of kin has been notified. ...Read more

Board Appoints Interim Manager, will Send 2025 Budget Officer Contract Letter

The Board of Commissioners moved to send a letter to Simon Hare regarding the 2025 Budget Officer Contract, citing breaches of said contract, then appointed Sheriff Dave Daniel as Interim Emergency Manager at today's workshop. Commencing at 1:30 p.m., the board began with Legal Counsel business, moving 2-1 to sign both Dimmick property documents as presented, with Commissioner Ron Smith dissenting. A decision to transfer 250 E Hanby Lane to Cave Junction was moved to the next Weekly Business Session. A motion passed 3-0 to send out the notice of termination for the 210 Tacoma rental agreement. The board agreed to approve the board order regarding the News Media Attendance Policy, and to have legal counsel move forward with drafting an Administrative Policy change without objection. Public Health presented their Health Assessment and Plan, with a contract needing approval with a business referred to as Exhibit A. Funds would be covered by the Modernization Grant. The board approved the contract, as well as Public Works' WECO invoice and amendment to a Wolf Creek Bridge agreement with ODOT. ...Read more