BCC Meets for County Communication Discussion
The Board of Commissioners held a meeting to discuss County communication needs. The meeting began at 10 a.m., with the purpose laid out to cover department needs, potentially create a coordinated plan, and find out where coverage can be increased. It is yet to be determined if other tower sites can be added for communication coverage. The possibility to purchase property for added sites was mentioned, with another option to co-locate with other sites and lease the space. Day Wireless' recommendation to the board was to build out a controlled communication system as the base with a backup system. The ballpark cost could be around $5 million with added support services and no additional sites. To qualify for grant funding to support the ballpark cost, a P25 system would be required. Any users of the system must have digital P25 radio equipment. It was highly suggested the County have a primary and secondary form of communication. A list will be provided by Day Wireless of all considerations made today for the board to narrow down. Further collaboration and deliberation will take place.
...Read more
Progress on East Evans Creek Fire Brings 66% Containment, Florida Team Takes Over
Firefighters made steady progress throughout the weekend on the East Evans Creek Fire, with containment lines being further reinforced, continued suppression repairs, and more than 300 feet of mop-up taking place along the perimeter. The latest Oregon Department of Forestry update reports the fire is 15,580 acres and is 66% contained. Crews took advantage of good overnight relative humidity recoveries to continue mop-up operations. Light interior smoke remains as pockets of unburned vegetation continue to smolder. Infrared mapping was used to assist with today's mop-up efforts. The Florida Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the East Evans Creek Fire this morning. Weather will again elevate fire conditions, with mid to upper 80s temperatures and breezy winds. Firefighters will watch for changes and remain ready for any new starts. The following evacuations are active by level:
- Evacuation Level 1 Be Ready: Zones JAC-016, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-109, JAC-124, JAC-126, JAC-147, JAC-148, JAC-149, JAC-158, and JAC-203-B.
...Read more
Search Warrant Served After Child Sexual Abuse Material Sent to Undercover Agent
The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) along with the Oregon Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Ashland Police Department served a search warrant Wednesday morning in Ashland. The warrant was served after investigators received over 2000 images of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) directly from an unidentified suspect. Potential witnesses and involved parties were interviewed, and investigators are working to identify the suspect. Once identified, criminal charges will be referred to the Jackson County District Attorney's Office. SOCET served the search warrant at an apartment in the 400 block of Russell Street in Ashland. During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined for further evidence of child exploitation. No further details will be released at this time.
...Read more
