Author: Tony Cooper

Medford, OR – State officials have announced that this declaration allows the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to mobilize resources to support local fire service agencies in Lane County to carry out their plan to protect lives, homes, and critical infrastructure. Fire activity significantly increased because of weather and the fire was estimated at 33,100 acres as of Friday morning. Lane County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation orders for areas near the fire. “The Cedar Creek Fire grew rapidly towards Oregon communities this morning, and the fire’s growth potential in the coming days is troubling, requiring additional resources to…

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Medford, OR – According to the state officials, this will be the first Medicaid SPA approval since the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law. The approval will allow the Oregon Health Authority to work with community partners to provide consistent and timely crisis and treatment services to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis in communities across the state. The program will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. “Oregon’s model for community-based mobile crisis intervention teams is centered on the value that a behavioral health crisis should be met with…

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Medford, OR – City officials have announced that the Navigation Center is not offering coordinated service delivery yet, individuals residing at the shelter, operated by Rogue Retreat, are able to experience a number of enhancements offered at the new facility: Larger congregate space to allow for more room for persons with medical conditions and seniors. Five non-congregate family rooms to provide families with separate accommodations. Larger shower areas to accommodate families and persons with disabilities. Improved accommodations for service dogs including bathing area and indoor kennel area. Larger indoor recreation room for guests, including a separate area for families with…

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Medford, OR – According to the city officials, this includes knowing where you can sign up to receive Citizen Alert, which is the City’s primary emergency notification system. Citizen Alert will only be sent to individual contact information provided in registered accounts. When you verify your account, please keep the following in mind: Each family member should have their own account. You can select up to five addresses per account (home, work, school, etc.). Add Citizen Alert to your contacts! Add the following phone numbers to your phone’s contacts so you know when you’re receiving an alert from the City…

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Medford, OR – On September 6, 2022 at approximately 9:43 p.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of Pinecroft Avenue in response to a bear sighting. The resident reported a bear was in a tree in her front yard. Upon arrival, officers set up a perimeter and called Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for assistance with the incident. The bear was in the general area of the prior night’s attack incident. As officers were waiting for assistance from OSP and ODFW, the bear started to climb out of the tree to flee. Officers on…

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Medford, OR – On Friday, at approximately 1:25 p.m., Medford Police Detectives, assisted by MADGE Detectives and the MPD SWAT Team, located and arrested homicide suspect, Shawn Robert Conte. After being located in Ashland in the first block of Lowe Road, Conte was taken into custody without incident and is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail. Conte is facing a second-degree murder charge and Felon in Possession of a Weapon. Around 8:30 a.m. Thursday, September 8, MPD Officers responded to the 200 block of Lincoln St. for a report of gunshots and a disturbance heard in the area. Officers…

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Medford, OR – According to the Medford Fire Department, this unfortunate incident occurred on Thursday. It happened near the Rogue Valley Country Club at 2660 Hillcrest Rd. The fire appeared to have started from maintenance equipment and extended into nearby trees and an exterior building on the property. Officials later released a statement and said that the fire is out and crews are working on getting Hillcrest Road cleared. This incident remains under investigation.

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Medford, OR – “Twenty-one years later, September 11 remains a day we will never forget,” said Governor Brown. “In memory of those we lost, we recommit ourselves to building a just, equitable, and peaceful future. I encourage all Oregonians to take a moment to reflect on that day, and to honor all those we lost, as well as the brave first responders and volunteers who saved lives.” In remembrance of those lost and to honor the first responders and families impacted by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, the White House has called for a national moment of silence beginning at…

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Medford, OR – According to the statement, the City of Medford is partnering with ACCESS to open and operate a cooling shelter. The cooling shelter will be located at the former Kelly Shelter (324 West 6th Street) and will be open from 12 – 8 p.m. The cooling shelter will provide water, restrooms, snacks, and cooling area and water for pets. Individuals may come and go. The City has set up text notifications for citizens who would like to be notified when warming or cooling shelters are opened. Text MED4SHELTERS to 888777 to receive the latest on severe weather event…

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Medford, OR – Once upon a time, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on an issue, that was the final legal word on the matter. Apparently, not anymore. Times have become so partisan in America, even Supreme Court precedence doesn’t matter to some lower federal courts, and that is especially true of the oft-overturned Ninth U.S. Circuit Court. Despite previous rulings on the matter by SCOTUS, Ninth Circuit courts have ruled that Hawaiians’ Second Amendment rights don’t extend beyond their personal residences, a goofy ruling that flies in the face of the landmark Supreme Court decision in 2008, District of…

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