Author: Tony Cooper

Medford, OR – According to the city officials, volunteers also helped clean up the parks by covering or removing graffiti, repainting restrooms and clearing natural debris.  Medford Parks, Recreation and Facilities Director, Rosenthal, reportedly said: “Volunteers in service to the Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department provide invaluable assistance and support to parks and facility maintenance. They save staff time and resources and allow paid staff to focus on our core missions.” Volunteer Coordinator, Thompson, reportedly said: “It takes a village to make a village and our community support has shown time and time again that volunteers are a crucial piece…

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Medford, OR – According to the police officials, last month, authorities were contacted by officials from Asante in regard to a former employee that they believe was involved in the theft of controlled substances prescribed to patients. Additionally, there was concern that this behavior resulted in adverse patient care, though the extent of the impact on those patients is yet to be determined. MPD is actively working on investigating these claims.  MPD has received numerous calls from individuals asking if they or a family member have been impacted by the suspected actions of the former Asante employee. Asante has informed…

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Medford, OR – According to the police officials, this unfortunate incident occurred at West 10th and South Grape St. It happened on Monday night. One pedestrian was injured and transported to the hospital. 10th/S. Holly through W. 10th/S. Fir was closed until approximately 9 p.m., police said. The Medford Police Department will provide further updates on this incident as needed.

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Medford, OR – State officials have announced that the new tax was implemented by the Oregon Legislature with the passage of House Bill 2757. According to the statement, the 988-tax rate will be 40 cents per subscriber line of telecommunications or Voice over Internet Protocol service, or device with access to the 988 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis system, and 40 cents for each prepaid wireless service or product retail transaction. These are the same transactions subject to the existing 911 Emergency Communications Tax. This tax rate will be effective for all billings or purchase of prepaid wireless service…

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Medford, OR – According to the statement, the researchers reportedly developed a sensor system for quickly testing their saliva to see if they have the correct level of anti-epileptic medicine in their system. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health and published in the Journal of Applied Biochemistry, are important because roughly 3.5 million people in the United States have epilepsy, including nearly half a million children, the authors note. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by muscle spasms, convulsions and loss of consciousness in addition to seizures, and its negative impacts to physical and mental health are…

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Portland, OR – According to the statement, for Friday customers, their collection will happen on Saturday. The City’s free garbage day reminders – available by email, app, text, and phone call – will reflect the adjusted schedule for the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s. City officials announced a quick guide on how to sort holiday waste: Garbage Envelopes with plastic padding (even if the outside is paper). Foil or glitter-covered wrapping paper and gift bags. Bubble wrap, plastic “air pillows,” and packing peanuts. Plastic gift cards and any plastic not shaped like a bottle or round tub. String lights, ribbon,…

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Portland, OR – According to the statement, the city council will reportedly hold public hearing on recommendations for the Housing Regulatory Relief package. On Nov. 14, after receiving considerable public testimony on the Housing Regulatory Relief package and deliberating about proposed zoning code amendments over the course of two work sessions, the Portland Planning Commission voted to forward their recommendation of approval with amendments to City Council. The Recommended Draft of the Housing Regulatory Relief project is now available for review. City Council will hold a public hearing on the Recommended Draft, which incorporated the Planning Commission’s changes, on Wed.,…

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Medford, OR – City officials announced the following closures: E Barnett Road at N Phoenix Road – Lane will be closed with traffic controls in place while City crews perform concrete repairs December 27 through January 4, between 8 AM – 4 PM.  Travelers should expect delays associated with this work and are advised to seek alternate routes and parking. City officials appreciate your patience and cooperation in keeping Medford’s work zones safe. Work schedules are dependent on weather conditions and other factors.

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Medford, OR – According to the state officials, during their meeting, they reportedly determined that revision of the Wolf Plan was not needed at this time, while directing staff to focus on addressing key challenges including wolf-livestock conflict, reducing illegal take, and population monitoring. ODFW policy directs that, “to the extent practicable, at least once every five years the department shall review the Plan and make recommendations to the Commission for any changes to the Plan.” The last review was initiated in 2016 and an updated Wolf Plan was adopted in 2019 after an extensive public process. During the workshop, Commissioners…

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Medford, OREGON – According to the city officials, Foldum Corporation has installed 30 structures, which will house 60 individuals. Those individuals will move into the Crossings within the next couple of weeks.  This project meets one of the City Council’s 2023-25 Biennial Goals for housing, which is to continue the implementation of the Homeless System Action Plan to increase access to shelter and transitional/permanent supportive housing.  In June 2023, City Councilors approved a contract for $586,350 with Foldum Corporation. The City’s consultant has advised staff that Foldum structures excel in their robust construction and durability, which is a critical factor for…

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