Jackson County SO Responded to Fatal Head-On Collision on Highway 62 in Shady Cove

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a fatal motor vehicle crash Tuesday on Highway 62 in Shady Cove. Dispatch received a call for a head-on collision at 2:18 p.m. involving multiple vehicles in the 20,000 block of Highway 62. Officers arrived along with Jackson County Fire District 4 and Mercy Flights to find one driver, John Steven Renfro, 72, of Shady Cove, deceased at the scene. Next-of-kin has been notified. Officers found another driver in serious condition. Mercy Flights transported the injured patient to a local hospital where they remain in stable condition. The Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team and JCSO Medical Examiners responded to investigate. The preliminary investigation revealed a Toyota Tundra, operated by Renfro, was traveling northbound on Highway 62 near Cindy Way in Shady Cove. He crossed over the center line for unknown reasons, and struck a southbound Dodge Durango head on. ...Read more

Eagle Point Police Responded to Bomb Threat at Eagle Point Middle School

The Eagle Point Police Department responded to a potential bomb threat at Eagle Point Middle School made by a student. The School Resource Officer was able to verify that a threat was made about a possible device at the school. Out of an abundance of caution, school officials evacuated the building while additional resources were called to assist with the investigation. The student who made the threat was located, and officers were able to narrow down a possible location within the building for the alleged bomb. Assistance was requested from the Oregon State Police Explosives Unit to help determine if there was a valid device. Officers moved the students to Eagle Rock Elementary in order to ensure safety. Staff from Fire District 3 responded to provide support for potential fires or injuries in the event of an active device. ...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