MEDFORD, Ore. — Oregon’s aging bridge infrastructure is under increasing strain, with a recent state report highlighting a growing number of structures in urgent need of repair or replacement. The Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) latest findings reveal that at the current pace of repairs, it would take an estimated 900 years to replace all state-owned bridges. This situation is particularly concerning for the Medford Viaduct, a key transportation link that was built in 1962. As with many of Oregon’s aging bridges, the viaduct is showing signs of wear and will require significant attention to remain resilient, especially in the…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Medford, OR – Since the launch of Oregon’s Early Literacy Success Initiative in 2023, over 250 schools have benefited from a portion of the state’s $90 million allocation. The funds have been used to support new elementary reading curricula, hire reading tutors, fund after-school reading programs, and provide training for teachers in evidence-based reading instruction. However, with Governor Tina Kotek now proposing tweaks to the program — including an additional $100 million for the upcoming biennium — some literacy advocates are calling for a more targeted approach. Oregon Kids Read, a nonprofit advocacy group, is urging state legislators to direct…
Klamath Falls, OR – A shooting on Friday afternoon in Klamath Falls left one man injured and led to the arrest of an 18-year-old suspect, authorities reported. The incident occurred around 4:23 p.m. when Klamath County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of gunfire near the intersection of Cannon Avenue and Fargo Street. According to investigators, 19-year-old Mario Zambrano was walking toward a nature trail near the Cedar Gardens Apartments on 4500 Cannon Street when he was shot at by an individual in a blue sedan. Surveillance footage from the area captured the moments leading up to the shooting, which allowed…
Medford, Ore. — A former employee of America’s Best Kids, Blaine Howitt, pleaded not guilty to 27 criminal charges during a court appearance on Friday. Howitt, who was arrested on June 23, stands accused of taking unauthorized photographs of female staff members in a staff changing room. The charges against Howitt are severe and include counts ranging from encouraging child sex abuse to invasion of personal privacy and computer crimes. The accusations have shocked the local community and led to strong reactions from families, witnesses, and those who were affected by his alleged actions. During the court hearing, Howitt showed…
Klamath County, Ore. – A 34-year-old man is dead following a two-vehicle crash Monday morning on Highway 97 in Klamath County. Oregon State Police (OSP) responded to the scene at approximately 8:46 a.m. near milepost 176. According to OSP investigators, the driver of a northbound Buick LeSabre, identified as Leif Taylor Celusta, lost control of his vehicle and veered into the southbound lane. The LeSabre collided with a southbound Kenworth commercial motor vehicle and trailer, driven by 58-year-old Robert Emil Mewes of Madras. Celusta was declared dead at the scene, while Mewes, the driver of the Kenworth, was uninjured in…
MEDFORD, Ore. – The City of Medford is exploring potential changes to the controversial bike lanes along Main Street after a mixed public reaction to the re-striping project completed in the fall of 2023. During a recent City Council meeting, Public Works Director John Vial presented a range of options for modifications to the city’s Transportation System Plan, with a focus on the Main Street bike lanes. The re-striping, which aimed to improve bike safety and reduce traffic, has sparked debate among residents, business owners, and commuters alike, with some expressing concern about the resulting traffic delays and changes to…
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. — A 45-year-old man from White City was struck and killed by a vehicle early Tuesday morning on Foothill Road near the intersection of Corey Road in rural Central Point, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO). At approximately 4:44 a.m., ECSO Dispatch received a 911 call from the driver involved in the collision. Deputies, along with responders from Jackson County Fire District 3 and Mercy Flights, arrived at the scene shortly thereafter. The victim, later identified as Matthew Edward Davenport, was transported to a local hospital but was pronounced dead at 5:42 a.m. Authorities reported…
Medford, Ore. — A Jacksonville man is in custody after attempting to lure and sexually exploit a local teenager, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The incident began when the suspect, identified as 39-year-old Anthony Nicholas Wheeler, engaged in inappropriate communication with the underaged victim via Snapchat’s “Quick Add” feature. Authorities report that the victim’s parents became aware of the interactions on March 22 and immediately intervened by contacting law enforcement. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office then transferred the case to the Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET), which took control of the victim’s Snapchat account. Through this investigation,…
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. — The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) marked an important milestone this week with a swearing-in ceremony, where several members of the department received promotions, and a new hire was welcomed to the team. The ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Sheriff’s Office, was attended by staff, family, and community members, all gathered to recognize the achievements of the department’s personnel. Sheriff Nate Sickler led the event, swearing in the new lieutenants, sergeants, corporal, and deputy, each taking the next step in their careers within the organization. Among those promoted were Lieutenant Ainsworth, Lieutenant Richmond, Sergeant Amaya,…
Medford, OR – Curry County is continuing to deal with the aftermath of the severe weather and flooding that impacted the region earlier this month. The county’s Emergency Management team, led by Emergency Manager Jeff Hughes, has been working closely with state agencies to coordinate recovery efforts. In a statement issued Thursday, Curry County Emergency Management (CCEM) called on residents and property owners who have experienced flood-related damages to document the destruction. The county is requesting that individuals take clear photographs of the damage and compile written statements detailing the extent of the loss. To assist with the recovery process,…