MEDFORD, Ore. — A coordinated law enforcement operation targeting a suspected drug trafficking organization brought an increased police presence to Medford and several other Jackson County communities Tuesday. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said multiple local, state and federal law enforcement agencies simultaneously served several search warrants on Sept. 23 as part of the ongoing investigation. Residents may have noticed tactical police vehicles at several locations during the operation. Authorities also confirmed that a helicopter seen near West Main Street and Hanley Road was connected to a federal search warrant. Law enforcement activity took place at residences and businesses in…
Author: Sarah Prescott
ROGUE RIVER, Ore. — A 17-year-old driver has been arrested following an investigation into a rollover crash that killed an 18-year-old passenger and sparked the East Evans Creek Fire, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies arrested the teen on Sept. 18 in connection with the July 10 crash on East Evans Creek Road in rural Rogue River. The 18-year-old passenger, who was traveling in a 2002 Ford Ranger, died July 18 at a local hospital from injuries sustained in the crash, authorities said. The victim’s name has not been released. The 17-year-old was lodged at the Jackson County…
MEDFORD, Ore. — The Medford Police Department is accepting applications for its free Cadet Program, offering local teens and young adults an opportunity to gain hands-on experience while exploring careers in law enforcement and public safety. The program is open to applicants ages 14 through 20. According to Medford Police, participants receive training and mentorship while developing leadership skills and learning more about careers in public safety. Applicants must have completed eighth grade, although 14-year-old applicants must currently be enrolled in high school. They must also have a GPA of at least 2.5, live in Jackson County and successfully complete…
MEDFORD, Ore. — The City of Medford is inviting residents to weigh in on the possible creation of a new urban renewal area known as MURA 2.0. A community meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Prescott Room at the Medford Police Department, 219 S. Ivy Street. City officials said the meeting will give community members an opportunity to learn about accomplishments under MURA 1.0, the proposed boundary for MURA 2.0 and potential projects that could be included in the new urban renewal effort. The meeting will also provide information about how urban…
Medford, OR – Medford Parks and Recreation volunteers donated 262 hours and removed more than 1,300 pounds of trash and debris in August The City of Medford is recognizing Medford Parks and Recreation volunteers for their work throughout the community during August, highlighting hundreds of hours of service and cleanup efforts. According to the city, volunteers donated a total of 262 hours during the month while taking on a variety of projects across Medford. The volunteers removed 1,305 pounds of trash and debris from local areas, helping clean and maintain public spaces throughout the community. Their work also included weeding…
Medford, OR – Changes are taking shape along Main Street in Medford as night crews continue work on new pavement markings and parking spaces. According to the City of Medford, the updated layout will include angled parking along the left curb and parallel parking along the right side of the street. The work is being completed in phases, meaning portions of Main Street may look different as crews continue installing the new markings and completing the updated parking layout. The city said residents and visitors can follow its updates for more information about the Main Street project, as well as other…
Medford, OR – Medford firefighters responded to a reported structure fire in a detached garage on West Main Street around 9 p.m., with assistance from Jacksonville Fire Department and Jackson County Fire District 3. Crews arrived within five minutes of the Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon 911 dispatch and quickly extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading beyond the interior of the garage. The garage remained intact, but the interior and its contents sustained significant heat and smoke damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Medford Fire Department thanked its mutual aid partners for assisting crews during the…
Medford, OR – Medford Police Department Lieutenant Rebecca Pietila has been named a recipient of the 2026 International Association of Chiefs of Police 40 Under 40 Award. Pietila has more than 17 years of experience in law enforcement and has been with the Medford Police Department since 2010. Throughout her career, she has served in several leadership roles within the department. Since 2023, Pietila has led MPD’s Community Engagement Division, overseeing teams focused on livability, traffic safety, schools, code enforcement and community outreach. Her work also extends beyond the police department. Pietila serves as the primary law enforcement liaison and…
Medford, OR – The Oregon State Police joined law enforcement agencies across the Portland metropolitan area for a weekend traffic safety operation aimed at reducing crashes by targeting impaired and reckless drivers. The enforcement effort, scheduled for July 24 through July 26, focused on identifying dangerous driving behaviour before it could lead to serious injuries or fatal crashes. Troopers worked alongside local agencies to increase patrols and improve road safety during the coordinated operation. Officials said the initiative was part of an ongoing effort to reduce traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by encouraging drivers to make safer choices behind the…
Medford, OR – The City of Medford joined The Salvation Army Jackson County to celebrate the opening of Hope Lofts, a new housing facility that expands the Hope House Transitional Living Program and increases support for people experiencing homelessness. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a significant milestone, coming about a year after construction began on the project. Hope Lofts more than doubles the number of studio apartments available through the transitional housing program, providing additional safe and stable housing for individuals working toward long-term independence. City officials said the project was made possible in part through a $300,000 award from Medford’s…