Author: Tony Cooper

Medford, OR – The City of Medford is inviting residents to attend two upcoming City Council town halls aimed at providing updates and encouraging community engagement. The meetings will offer attendees insights into key local topics, including parks, streets, and public safety, while also giving residents an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback directly with city leaders. The first town hall is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at North Medford High School, located at 1900 N. Keene Way. The session will be hosted by Ward 1 and Ward 3 councilors along with the mayor.…

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Medford, OR – The Medford Police Department marked National Public Safety Telecommunications Week by recognizing the contributions of local emergency dispatchers and their vital role in public safety operations. In a show of appreciation, patrol officers and records specialists visited Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon with a charcuterie board and handwritten notes, thanking dispatchers for their continued service. Officials highlighted the critical role dispatchers play as the link between emergency calls and first responders in the field. Operating around the clock, ECSO provides support to more than 30 public safety agencies in the region, including Medford Police. According to department…

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Medford, OR – The City of Medford has recognized Carla Paladino, Principal Planner in the city’s Planning Department, as its 2025 Employee of the Year. City officials announced the recognition, highlighting Paladino’s contributions to municipal projects, team leadership, and community engagement efforts. She was praised for her dedication to city initiatives and her role in advancing planning strategies that help guide Medford’s development. According to the city, Paladino is known for her collaborative approach and commitment to supporting both colleagues and community-focused projects. Officials also noted her involvement in outreach efforts and high-level planning initiatives aimed at shaping the city’s…

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Medford, OR – Medford Police announced they are accepting applications for the MPD Cadet Program, aimed at youth ages 14–20 interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. The program provides hands-on experience, professional training, and opportunities to serve the community alongside local officers. Cadets meet twice a month to train in areas such as investigations, patrol functions, and community relations, and participate in an annual Cadet Academy each August. Applications are open through Oct. 31, 2025. More information and applications are available on the city’s website.

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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.

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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:…

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