Medford, Ore. – An accidental gunshot was fired at Lava Lanes bowling alley Wednesday evening, prompting a response from the Medford Police Department. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. when officers were dispatched to the scene after an employee reported that a gun had gone off inside the building. According to the Medford Police Department (MPD), the incident took place as a group of individuals were in the process of paying their bill. It is believed that one of the individuals, who was carrying a concealed firearm in their waistband, accidentally discharged the weapon. The bullet struck the floor, but…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Medford, OR – On Wednesday, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden took to the Senate floor to deliver a scathing critique of President Donald Trump’s recently announced tariffs, which the president rolled out as part of a broader economic strategy. The tariffs, which are set to range from 10% to as high as 50%, target countries that the U.S. has the largest trade deficits with. Trump framed the new tariffs as a necessary measure to address the nation’s trade imbalances. However, Wyden, who serves on the Senate Finance Committee, wasted no time in condemning the tariffs, calling them a “tax on things…
Medford, Ore. – A Medford man has been arrested on multiple charges of sexual abuse following a grand jury indictment. On March 3, 33-year-old Anthony James Grant was taken into custody after being indicted on charges including sodomy in the second degree and four counts of sexual abuse in the first degree. The arrest was made by the Medford Police Department, although few details surrounding the case have been made public. Authorities have not disclosed further information about the alleged victims or the circumstances of the alleged abuse. Lieutenant Geoff Kirkpatrick of the Medford Police Department emphasized the crucial role…
GRANTS PASS, Ore. — A local business in Grants Pass has become the target of recurring burglaries, leaving the owner frustrated and concerned about the growing trend of thefts in the area. Yumberry Bowls, a popular acai bowl and smoothie shop, has been broken into multiple times over the past year, with incidents occurring roughly every few months. Julie Lockman, the owner of Yumberry Bowls, says the frequency of the burglaries has dramatically increased in recent years. While the business experienced a few thefts in its early years, these were rare and spaced out over long periods. However, in the…
Medford, Ore. – Tucked behind the Medford Fire District #4 building, the Medford Railroad Park has long been a beloved local attraction, offering steam engine rides and a glimpse into the history of railroads. For nearly 45 years, dedicated volunteers have preserved and maintained the park, bringing joy to families and educating the community about the rich legacy of trains and locomotives. However, the park is now facing a significant challenge: a dwindling number of volunteers. The Southern Oregon Live Steamers, who manage the park’s track and live steam engine rides, have seen a decline in volunteer numbers, particularly after…
Crescent, Ore. – A 34-year-old Crescent man lost his life in a fatal crash on Highway 97 near milepost 176 in Klamath County on Monday morning. According to the Oregon State Police, the accident occurred just before 9:00 a.m. when a northbound Buick LeSabre, driven by Leif Taylor Celusta, veered off course. Preliminary investigations revealed that Celusta lost control of the vehicle and crossed into the southbound lane, where it collided with a semi-truck. Despite life-saving efforts, Celusta was declared dead at the scene. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured in the collision. Investigators are currently examining factors…
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…
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…