Direction Given for Jail and Juvenile Levy, Potential District at Legal Counsel Update

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners gave Legal Counsel direction regarding the Jail and Juvenile Levy, and the potential formation of a County Service District. The board convened for a Legal Counsel Update at 10 a.m., and discussed the levy and potential district for Juvenile Delinquency Enforcement. It was determined Counsel will get the board's sanction to initiate the process of forming the district, and then could initiate the process of renewing the levy. Further discussion will follow, and it was highlighted that the public will have the opportunity to comment on the matter. The board also informed Counsel that talking points for public comment regarding the Oregon Groundwater Rulemaking Process had been received. A draft letter was created, with a copy to go to Legal Counsel. A Snell and Wilmer Invoice was next on the agenda. The organization is handling defense of the surplus proceeds that counties throughout the state have realized based on sale tax for closed real properties. Josephine County is among nine other counties paying a portion of the invoice. The Finance Department received sanction to raise the limit on the defense firm to $20,000 without objection from the board. Following this decision, the board and Legal Counsel proceeded into Executive Session. ...Read more

Fatal Parking Lot Crash Claims 81-Year-Old Central Point Woman

Phoenix Police Department officers were dispatched to the report of a vehicle vs. pedestrian crash that claimed the life of an 81-year-old Central Point Woman Wednesday at 7:04 p.m. The crash occurred in the parking lot of a business in the 4400 block of South Pacific Highway in Phoenix. First responders and bystanders attempted life saving measures, but the woman was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 62-year-old Medford man driving the involved 2019 Toyota Tundra remained on scene and cooperated with officers. Due to the ongoing investigation into the circumstances leading up to the collision, no further details will be released at this time. This case is being investigated with the assistance of the Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team. More information will be released as the investigation continues. ...Read more

Klamath Falls Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Distribution of Explosive Devices

A Klamath Falls, Oregon, man pleaded guilty Monday for illegally distributing explosive devices, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon. Jason Edward Lowery, 52, pleaded guilty to distribution of explosives by a non-licensee. According to court documents, in June 2025, Lowery sold multiple illegal M-type explosive devices at his residence and at his place of business in Klamath Falls. Pursuant to a search warrant for Lowery’s residence, business, and vehicle, investigators seized over 200 homemade explosive devices and materials for constructing more explosives. Police seized a destructive device that had a large amount of explosive powder and nails strapped to it. At Lowery’s residence, police also seized firearms and methamphetamine. Lowery’s phone revealed texts showing he was selling devices to multiple individuals. On July 17th, 2025, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a two-count indictment charging Lowery with distribution of explosives by a non-licensee and manufacture of explosives by a non-licensee. Lowery faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on October 8th, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge. ...Read more