Jackson County Sheriff Oregon

06/19/2026

𝙐𝙉𝘼𝙐𝙏𝙃𝙊𝙍𝙄𝙕𝙀𝘿 𝘿𝙍𝙊𝙉𝙀𝙎 𝙉𝙀𝘼𝙍 𝙒𝙄𝙇𝘿𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀𝙎: Flying unauthorized drones anywhere near wildfires is illegal and extremely dangerous.

These drones put firefighters at risk, can cause injury or death, and disrupt critical suppression operations. When a drone enters wildfire airspace, all firefighting aircraft must be grounded, stopping retardant and water dropping missions. These shutdowns give fires time to grow and threaten lives, property, and vital natural resources.

Interfering with wildfire suppression is illegal, and drone operators can face civil penalties, criminal charges, fines, and in severe cases, up to 12 months in prison and fines up to $75,000.

If you fly, we can’t.

06/18/2026

Task Force Busts Black-Market Ma*****na Grow Hidden in Pear Orchard, Uncovers 25K Plants, 16K Lbs. Cannabis; Suspect Arrested

JCSO Case 26-2842

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. - Illegal Ma*****na Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant Tuesday, June 16 at a black-market cannabis grow in the 1000 block of Old Stage Road in rural Central Point. IMET detectives seized approximately 25,000 ma*****na plants hidden in pear orchards, 16,000 lbs. of usable cannabis, and 1,470 plants in five “hoop-style” greenhouses.

IMET arrested one suspect in connection to the property. The suspect, Jorge Alexander Ruiz, 35, of Central Point, is charged with three felony counts of unlawful production, manufacture, and possession of a ma*****na item.

There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. The farm applied for an Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) license for growing h**p and concealed cannabis starter plants in the pear orchard. IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Basin Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (BINET), and Oregon State Police (OSP).

While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market ma*****na trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, OSP, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

06/17/2026

Remembering Deputy “KC” Merck One Year After His Passing

Today, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) pauses to remember Deputy Kenneth “KC” Merck one year after his passing. KC served in our Corrections Bureau from 2007 until his unexpected death on June 17, 2025, following a sudden medical event.

For nearly 18 years, Deputy Merck served Jackson County with dedication and purpose. Those who worked alongside him knew KC for his honesty and steady work ethic. He was deeply committed to serving the community, supporting his fellow deputies, and caring for his family. KC left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

Among the most experienced deputies in the Corrections Bureau, KC played an important role in guiding others throughout his career. He took pride in making the Jail safer and more effective, always looking for practical ways to improve the work being done each day. On shift, KC’s presence was felt immediately. He was respected because he was genuine, dependable, and never tried to be anyone other than himself.

Beyond his service with JCSO, KC was a loving husband and proud father of five. He is survived by his wife, Crista; his children, Shayna, Haley, Camryn, Caleb, and Caden; his father and sister; and many extended family members who loved him deeply.

A year has passed, but KC’s absence is still felt deeply throughout the JCSO family. We continue to remember his mentorship, his service, his humor, and the many ways he made a difference in the lives of those around him. His legacy remains part of our agency and the people who had the honor of knowing him.

As we reflect on KC’s life and service, we ask our community to join us in remembering him and keeping the Merck family in your thoughts and prayers. His contributions to Jackson County and the Sheriff’s Office will not be forgotten.

06/15/2026

𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝘿𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙍 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙄𝙁𝙋𝙇 𝙄𝙉𝘾𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙎𝙀: The fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District will increase to “high” (yellow) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will increase to Level 2 (two) on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

This increase is due to persistent hot temperatures and vegetation that continues to dry across Southwest Oregon. ODF Southwest responded to multiple fires in recent days, with the largest being the Spencer Gulch Fire roughly 4 miles south of Ruch. Firefighters were able to stop the forward spread at approximately 75 acres, and crews remain on scene working to fully secure and mop up the fire. This change affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties.

The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and those beginning on Thursday affects the public use of power‑driven equipment, such as chainsaws, mowers, w**d eaters, and more. The use of power‑driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal, and other spark‑emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will be prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. This does not apply to mowing green lawns.

Other fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect, include:

• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels

• No fireworks on or within 1/8th of a mile of ODF-protected land. Fireworks are prohibited on all BLM land

• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited

• Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable stoves or fire pits using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations that are clear of dry vegetation at all times

• Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain, are allowed only on improved roads; one shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling

• Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations

• Chainsaws may not be used between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chainsaws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use

• Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site

• The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger, including equipment powered by gas, electricity or batteries. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops

• Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine-use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. Use of any spark-emitting internal combustion engine is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site

• Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation

For industrial operations, under IFPL II (Two) – limited shutdown, which is entirely separate from all public fire restrictions, the following may operate after 8 p.m. and up until 1 p.m. daily:

• Power saws, except at loading sites

• Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws

• Cable yarding

• Blasting

• Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season restrictions, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:
Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541) 664-3328
Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541) 474-3152
Fire season information is also available online at our page, and our website, www.swofire.com.

06/15/2026

Graffiti Continues to be Problem in White City, Jackson County Conducts Cleanup

WHITE CITY, Ore. – Graffiti continues to be a nuisance in the White City area. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is asking for the White City community to help combat the problem. If you see vandalism being committed, call ECSO non-emergency dispatch at 541-776-7206 to report the crime to a deputy.

JCSO White City Community Action Team deputies, Corrections deputies, Jackson County Roads and Parks, and Community Justice worked together last week to identify locations in and around White City that needed attention. Over several hours, JCSO teams painted over and pressure washed graffiti at 10 locations around town. Roads and Parks, Community Justice, and deputies also cleared overgrown w**ds to improve sidewalk and bike path accessibility and enhance the appearance of the surrounding areas.

As graffiti continues to be a persistent nuisance within the community, JCSO asks residents to call dispatch if you see or hear of vandalism happening in your area. Call ECSO non-emergency dispatch at 541-776-7206 to report the crime to a deputy.

06/15/2026

Spencer Gulch Fire UPDATE 6/15/26 4 PM

Due to successful firefighting efforts, JCSO has canceled the LEVEL 1: BE READY to evacuate for Zones JAC-427, JAC-428, and JAC-436.

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Monday Morning 6/15/2026 Update:

Evacuation Level 1 BE READY for JAC-427, JAC-428, and JAC-436 will remain in effect.

Firefighting partners continue to make progress on the 75 acre Spencer Gulch Fire. Weather conditions today will be hot and dry, keeping zones JAC-427, JAC-428 and JAC-436 at a Level 1 BE READY.

For the most up to date fire fighting efforts please follow ODF Southwest Oregon District.

06/14/2026

Spencer Gulch Fire UPDATE 6/15/26 4 PM

Due to successful firefighting efforts, JCSO has canceled the LEVEL 1: BE READY to evacuate for Zones JAC-427, JAC-428, and JAC-436.

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Original Post:

Spencer Gulch Fire Evacuation Level 1 for JAC-427, JAC-428 and JAC-436, 500 block of Spencer Gulch, Upper Applegate Road.

JCSO has issued a LEVEL 1: BE READY to evacuate for Zones JAC-427, JAC-428 and JAC-436 for a 3 to 5 acre fire.

For information on firefighting efforts go to ODF Southwest Oregon District

For more information on the Evacuation Levels go to: https://wildfire.oregon.gov/Pages/evacuations.aspx

Do you Know Your Zone? Visit Genasys Protect https://protect.genasys.com/ to find your zone

06/11/2026

UPDATE 6/10/2026

The individual suspected of stealing funds from Jackson County parks was arrested earlier today after being located at the Takelma boat ramp.

PARKS THEFT SUSPECT: DO YOU RECOGNIZE THIS PERSON?

If you recognize the person pictured here, please contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 541-776-7206 and ask to speak with a deputy.

This individual is suspected of stealing funds collected for the operation and maintenance of the Jackson County park system. Every dollar stolen is a dollar that cannot be invested back into our parks through improvements, maintenance, and visitor services.

As always, if you witness suspicious activity or see someone tampering with fee collection boxes in our parks, please report it immediately to ECSO Dispatch at 541-776-7206.

06/09/2026

𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝘿𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙍 𝙄𝙉𝘾𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙎𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙏𝙊 𝙈𝙊𝘿𝙀𝙍𝘼𝙏𝙀: Fire danger on Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District-protected land will increase to moderate (blue) on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 12:01 a.m. Lands affected by this declaration include 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at one.

Although the region has seen a brief stretch of cooler days, vegetation continues to dry, and the increasing heat this week will accelerate that drying as temperatures climb toward the 100 degree mark. This combination of ongoing drying and rising heat is increasing fire danger and prompting the shift to moderate on Thursday.

Beginning Thursday at 12:01 a.m., the following new public fire restrictions will take effect:

• Open fires are prohibited, which includes campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at locations deemed a designated campground. Portable cooking stoves or firepits using liquefied or bottled fuels are still allowed in areas clear of flammable vegetation;

• Chainsaws may not be used between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chainsaws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8 ounce or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use;

• Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is a cleared area and a charged garden hose or one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher is at the job site;

• The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops;

• Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, will be allowed only on improved roads free of flammable vegetation. One shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher;

• Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling, except on state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher. As noted above, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher;

• Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. Use of any spark-emitting internal combustion engine is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is a cleared area and a charged garden hose or one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher is at the job site;

Public fire restrictions currently in effect, which will remain in effect, include:

• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
• No fireworks on or within one eighth of a mile of ODF-protected land.
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
• Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.
• Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.

Following fire season regulations helps to decrease the number of human-caused fires, as these activities are known to create sparks and start fires.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Season regulations, visit our page, or our website, www.swofire.com. You can also call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point – (541) 664-3328 Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass – (541) 474-3152

06/08/2026

PARKS THEFT SUSPECT: DO YOU RECOGNIZE THIS PERSON?

If you recognize the person pictured here, please contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 541-776-7206 and ask to speak with a deputy.

This individual is suspected of stealing funds collected for the operation and maintenance of the Jackson County park system. Every dollar stolen is a dollar that cannot be invested back into our parks through improvements, maintenance, and visitor services.

As always, if you witness suspicious activity or see someone tampering with fee collection boxes in our parks, please report it immediately to ECSO Dispatch at 541-776-7206.