Family Searches for Missing Child, Seeks Public's Help

The family of a 15-year-old Medford girl is asking for the public’s help after she was reported missing late Friday night, reports Medford Alert News. Ava Wall was last seen between 8:20 p.m. and 8:40 p.m. Friday on Coleman Creek Road in rural SW Medford. She is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing about 120 pounds, with blue-green eyes and brown hair. She was last seen wearing light blue jeans and a brown puffy jacket. A witness reported seeing a gray sedan with its hazard lights on in the same area and time frame, with a male driver and a young girl in the front seat. Authorities say the sighting aligns with the period when Ava disappeared. The case is currently classified as a runaway, but her family says they are deeply concerned for her safety. Ava reportedly left a note saying she was with a “trusted adult,” though no such adult has been identified despite extensive outreach. Ava may have had access to an older phone that works only on Wi-Fi and was previously used for Snapchat communication. Anyone with information, sightings, or security footage from the Coleman Creek Road area between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday is urged to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and reference Case Number 26-270. As of the latest update today (January 19th), the search is ongoing. ...Read more

Wednesday Recall Election Results Show Little Change

The latest election results for Commissioner Chris Barnett's recall are in. By 5 p.m. Wednesday, results showed 61.75% voted yes for the recall with 38.25% dissenting. The total numbers as of the latest update were yes 13,709 to the no votes 8,493. Should contested ballots be needed, that count will be released by 5 p.m. January 23rd. Certified results will be released no later than February 2nd but no sooner than January 28th. ...Read more

Business Session Ends with Allegations and Disagreements on Appointment Process

The Board of Commissioners responded to the public, allegations, and disagreed on the appointment process during last night's Weekly Business Session. The meeting commenced at 5:37 p.m. with a Public Hearing in the Matter of Library Annexations. Motions to pass both annexations were not seconded. Topics brought to the board during public comment included 2 Guys 1 Truck, recusals and quorums, emails against fair fees, with some questioning Commissioner Ron Smith's reasoning for not voting on the vacancy and his responsibilities. Other topics included wanting elected officials to work as a team, in-person voting, the homeless, a time capsule, appreciation for both Smith and Commissioner Chris Barnett, questioning Barnett for not seconding the Library Annexation motions, and a document brought by former Commissioner John West regarding Smith and alleged sexual harassment. In response, Smith said ...Read more