Eagle Point Police and OSP Explosives Unit Respond to Middle School Bomb Threat

A bomb threat was made at a school in Eagle Point this afternoon. Eagle Point Police Officers were on scene today at the Eagle Point Middle School for a reported threat of an explosive device. The school was evacuated and students were moved to Eagle Rock Elementary. The Oregon State Police Explosives Unit verified there was no device in the building. The school is remaining closed until tomorrow, and will resume for normal school hours. ...Read more

Budget Cuts Affect CASA of Josephine and Jackson County Programs

The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program could serve 20% fewer children this year due to budget cuts. According to The Daily Courier, the combined Rogue Valley CASA programs lost $68,000 after Oregon cut Victims of Crime Act funding. CASA's executive director of Josephine and Jackson County Jennifer Mylenek said this same cut happened years ago, but local programs helped gather governmental support to fill the gaps. CASA reached out at the state and federal level for financial assistance, but those options either didn't last, or couldn't provide necessary funds. In 2024, 616 children in the Rogue Valley were assigned a CASA, with 120 going to a wait list. This year, Mylenek says she expects they will be able to serve 510 children and placing everyone else on the wait list. ...Read more

Kelsey Peak Fire Transitions to Mop-Up Operations, Warm Temperatures Return

Crews on the Kelsey Peak Fire completed control lines along the eastern edge of the fire and will transition to mop-up operations today. These operations will help firefighters secure the perimeter. Crews will use infrared maps to focus work on hot spots adjacent to the control line. Aircraft will be supporting operations today as needed. Fire behavior is expected to increase through Saturday as temperatures warm and fuels begin to dry out. Oregon Department of Forestry’s Complex Incident Management Team 1 continues to focus on minimizing impacts of the Kelsey Peak Fire on the Lower Rogue River corridor, surrounding historic and private structures, cultural and environmental resources, and communities near the fire. The Rogue River remains open for permitted boaters near the Kelsey Peak Fire. Firefighting activities may cause delays; boaters are encouraged to use caution on this part of the river. ...Read more