Medford, OR – Nearly five years after the devastating Almeda Fire ravaged the Rogue Valley, two manufactured home parks in Medford and Phoenix have become the first in their cities to apply for Firewise recognition, signaling a significant step toward increasing fire safety and resilience in the region. San George Estates, located in Medford, and Creekside Estates, situated in Phoenix, are working diligently to make their communities safer and more fire-adapted. Both parks have already undertaken extensive efforts to reduce fire risks, with more improvements planned for the coming weeks. The Firewise program, aimed at reducing wildfire risks and increasing…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Medford, OR – The Oregon Senate has passed a landmark piece of legislation aimed at protecting immigrant tenants from discrimination based on their immigration status. Senate Bill 599, described by supporters as a “moral imperative,” was approved on Monday and is now headed to the Oregon House for further consideration. The bill prohibits landlords from asking about or disclosing a tenant’s immigration status, closing a gap in existing state law that already prohibits housing discrimination based on national origin or race. While the legislation is part of a broader effort to strengthen protections for immigrants, it also comes in response…
Applegate Valley, OR – Detectives from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) are continuing their investigation into the suspicious death of a woman whose remains were discovered in the Applegate Valley in April 2024. Authorities have confirmed that Merkel, the deceased, died under circumstances they are treating as suspicious. While her identity was confirmed through DNA testing, the exact cause of death remains under investigation. The discovery of Merkel’s remains was made by mushroom hunters, who stumbled upon the site after the body had been exposed to the elements for a prolonged period. JCSO officials noted that the remains had been…
ASHLAND, Ore. — Early Sunday morning, Ashland resident Tom Baker had a startling encounter when he spotted a bear and its cub rummaging through his trash cans. The sighting, which took place around his property, left Baker in awe of the animals’ size. “I was shocked by the size of the bear,” Baker said. “Standing next to my car, it was enormous—almost at the top line of my car. When I saw the cub, I thought, ‘That’s almost 150 pounds, and this one is at least 350 or more.'” This recent sighting marks the third reported instance of wildlife in…
Medford, Ore. – In an effort to help residents reduce wildfire risks ahead of fire season, the City of Medford is hosting two free wood debris chipper days. The initiative allows residents to clear excess wood debris from their properties, a crucial step in reducing fire hazards. On Wednesday, March 26, residents are encouraged to bring clean tree branches and limbs to Donohue-Frohnmayer Park, and on Thursday, March 27, Fichtner-Mainwaring Park will serve as the drop-off site. Both events will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The City of Medford has emphasized that only clean wood debris, such as…
MEDFORD, Ore. – In an innovative effort to address the growing issue of homelessness among seniors, Set Free Church in Medford is building mini homes for elderly individuals, particularly widows, who are experiencing homelessness. The initiative, named “Joy Community,” has already raised over $500,000 through the support of local churches, businesses, and private investors. The funds will be used to construct a safe, permanent housing solution for at least 10 people over the age of 60. The project is a direct response to a pressing issue highlighted by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, which reports that people aged 50…
Medford, Ore. — Authorities in Oregon are grappling with the growing misuse of thermal imaging devices in illegal hunting activities. These high-tech tools, which detect heat signatures, provide hunters with an unfair advantage by making animals visible in low-light conditions or through cover. The increasing prevalence of these devices has prompted concerns from both wildlife officials and the broader hunting community. Mathew Vargas, a wildlife biologist with Oregon Fish and Wildlife’s Rogue District, explained that thermal scopes enable hunters to spot animals even when they are camouflaged or hiding in dense cover. “When you look at them through a thermal…
MEDFORD, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is reminding drivers to remove their studded tires by April 1st, 2025, in accordance with state law. Studded tires, which are equipped with metal studs designed to provide better traction on icy roads, have been found to contribute to road damage. The metal studs can cause pavement rutting and accelerate wear on both asphalt and concrete, leading to higher maintenance costs. Under Oregon law, studded tires are permitted from November 1st through March 31st. However, starting on April 1st, drivers with studded tires on their vehicles may face a fine of…
Klamath County, Ore. – Klamath County is taking crucial steps to address ongoing staffing shortages at its correctional facilities, which have severely impacted the operation of its county jail. Since June 2024, the jail has been operating at a reduced capacity, with only one of its three pods open due to a shortage of correctional staff. This downsized operation has limited the facility’s ability to house inmates, reducing its capacity from 150 to just 50, sparking concerns about public safety and placing a strain on law enforcement across the county. Recent leadership changes have brought renewed focus to resolving these…
Medford, OR – In a historic move, the Oregon State Senate has passed a bill that could significantly impact labor disputes in the state. Senate Bill 916, which was approved by the Senate with a narrow vote, would allow public employees on strike to collect unemployment benefits if they are without pay for two weeks. The legislation is now set to head to the Oregon House of Representatives for further review. Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step toward creating fairness between businesses and unions. Advocates claim that providing striking workers with unemployment benefits will help…