Medford, OR – Fishery managers from Oregon and Washington have announced the sturgeon retention seasons for the Columbia River upstream of Bonneville Dam for 2025. During a hearing today, it was confirmed that the sturgeon retention fisheries in The Dalles Pool and Bonneville Pool will open for two days per week, Wednesdays and Saturdays, from January 1 to January 29. The season will remain open until the pool-specific quotas are reached. Anglers are advised that, in recent years, fisheries in both pools have closed earlier than expected due to high angler effort and catch rates, which led to the harvest…
Author: Tony Cooper
Medford, OR – As the holiday season approaches and online shopping continues to rise, the Medford Police Department is reminding residents to take extra precautions to protect their packages from theft. With more packages being left on doorsteps and porches, thieves, often referred to as “porch pirates,” are on the lookout for easy targets. To help deter these criminals, the police department recommends using package delivery services that provide secure drop-off options. Some services offer the ability to schedule deliveries for specific times or place packages in discreet, secure locations. For those who may not be home to receive their packages,…
Medford, OR – With the cold weather settling in, many residents of Medford may be reaching for their space heaters to stay warm. The Medford Fire Department is urging the community to follow some important safety tips to prevent accidents and ensure a safe heating season. First and foremost, fire officials stress the importance of never leaving a space heater running unattended. Whether you’re heading to bed or simply leaving the room, turning off the heater when it’s not in use can help avoid potential hazards and save on electricity costs. Residents are also reminded to plug space heaters directly…
Medford, OR – According to the officials, this real-world opportunity allowed firefighters to hone their ventilation skills, a crucial technique in firefighting that improves safety and visibility during fire operations. When a fire occurs, smoke quickly fills a structure, creating low visibility and heightened risk for both victims and responders. Ventilation techniques help remove smoke and heat, making it easier for crews to locate trapped individuals and extinguish the fire more efficiently. Training on an actual structure is particularly beneficial, as each house presents unique challenges with varying roof pitches, layouts, and construction materials. This practical experience is key to…
Medford, OR – Per reports, the Medford Police Department recently teamed up with Rogue Valley Adventist Academy for a successful community service project. Thirty-one high school students joined four Community Service Officers (CSOs) and an officer from the Livability Team to clean up graffiti along the greenway. In just one hour, the group was able to tackle the area near the 12th Street Bridge and Hawthorne Park, making a noticeable impact on the community. Great work, students! Thank you for your dedication to keeping Medford beautiful and safe.
Medford, OR – According to the city officials, the changes, approved by the Medford City Council, aim to balance fairness for residents and businesses while addressing rising costs and maintaining quality services. Key updates include: Business License Fees: A tiered structure based on the number of employees, ensuring a fairer distribution across businesses of different sizes. Fleet Service Charges: Revised rates to support city fleet services and external clients, such as local fire districts and school programs. Development and Building Permit Fees: A simplified structure and a final phased increase to maintain efficient city development services. Parks and Recreation Fees:…
Medford, OR – According to the police officials, this 33-hour course will be offered every Wednesday evening from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, running through March 12, 2025. Held in the Prescott Community Room at the Medford Police Department (219 S. Ivy Street), the academy is open to selected residents and those who work in the community. Participants will gain insight into various aspects of law enforcement, including: – General Administration and Philosophy of Services – Criminal Investigation and Prosecution of Cases – Patrol and Traffic Operations – Recruitment, Selection, and Training of Police Personnel – Use of Force and…
Medford, OR – According to the police officials, expert mechanics from RVTD and First Student provided an in-depth overview of their buses and how they function, offering valuable insights for the officers. The training also included vehicle barricade scenarios where officers faced off against “suspects,” some of whom were cooperative, while others were not so much. The role players had a bit of fun keeping the officers on their toes, adding an element of unpredictability to the exercises. This training was crucial in helping officers develop quick-response strategies, adapt to high-stakes situations, and think creatively to utilize the right tools…
Medford, OR – According to the statement, the training allowed the crews to hone their ventilation skills, which are crucial in improving safety and visibility during firefighting operations. When a fire occurs, smoke rapidly fills a structure, severely limiting visibility and creating a high-risk environment for both victims and responders. Ventilation plays a key role by allowing smoke and heat to escape, making it easier and faster for firefighters to locate and rescue individuals who may be trapped and to extinguish the fire. Since each house varies in roof pitch, layout, and construction materials, training on a real structure provided…
Medford, OR – According to the officials, the City of Medford launched the Downtown 2040 Plan, a significant initiative aimed at revitalizing and enhancing the downtown area for residents. Announced earlier this week, the plan is set to guide downtown development for the next 20 years. As part of the initiative, the city invited community members to contribute their thoughts and ideas through a detailed survey and an upcoming open house event. The survey seeks input on various aspects of downtown improvement, including housing options, business growth, walkability, and the overall sense of place in Downtown Medford. Residents were encouraged…