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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obituaries Photos Videos Blogs Business Business Services NEWS NOW Chris Honoré: The kayaktivists versus Shell ... Ashland map app complements popular hard-copy version ... Aging Happens: Program offers certification of 'lifelong housing' ... Chris Honoré: The kayaktivists versus Shell ... Ashland map app complements popular hard-copy version ... Aging Happens: Program offers certification of 'lifelong housing' ... PUBLIC SAFETY New Jackson County sheriff and commissioners sworn in Comment By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune DailyTidings.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 5, 2015 at 1:58 PM By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 5, 2015 at 1:58 PM » RELATED CONTENT • City's policy, efforts aim for diversity, but numbers show shortfall... » Social News There's a new sheriff in town. And two new commissioners. A packed courtroom at the Jackson County Circuit Court greeted incoming Sheriff Corey Falls and commissioners Colleen Roberts and Rick Dyer at a Monday morning ceremony. Judge Lorenzo Mejia presided, swearing in the three new public servants. The public, along with representatives from the sheriff's department, Ashland and Medford police, Jackson County Search & Rescue, and Commissioner Doug Breidenthal, were in attendance. "It was exciting, but absolutely humbling," Falls said of the ceremony. "The response of people that were here today, that showed up, was amazing." Jackson County Clerk Chris Walker was also sworn in to her post for the fourth time after being re-elected in November. Falls, former deputy chief of the Ashland Police Department, replaces former Sheriff Mike Winters, who served as sheriff since taking office in 2003. During the most recent sheriff's race, Winters announced he was throwing his support behind then-challenger Falls, but said he would continue to be sheriff if re-elected. Falls went on to receive 77 percent of the vote in the November election, according to the Jackson County Clerk's Office. Detective Sgt. Warren Hensman will fill the void left by Falls at Ashland police. Falls said one of his key focuses going into 2015 will be on domestic violence, a recent surge in area property crimes, and the ongoing issue of illegal substances. "There are several things that I want to look at, but those issues are going to be solved collectively, and working with other agencies," Falls said, adding he also wants to help build back up public trust in law enforcement. Commissioners Dyer and Roberts step into positions 1 and 3 spots, which were vacated by John Rachor and Don Skundrick, who did not seek reelection. Both Dyer and Roberts said they want to focus on economic development that would bring more higher-paying jobs into Jackson County. "That's a real priority," Roberts said. "I want to get to work as soon as possible," Dyer said. "I've been sort of chomping at the bit.' Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or [email protected] . Follow him at www.twitter.com/ryanpfeil . By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune DailyTidings.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 5, 2015 at 1:58 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. DailyTidings.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501