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…
Author: Sarah Prescott
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…
Medford, OR – The Medford Police Department welcomed 18 campers as the 2026 Rogue Valley Girls Police Camp officially got underway with a full day of interactive training and team activities. According to the department, campers began the program by participating in team-building exercises, learning police radio communications, and taking part in self-defense instruction led by a multi-agency team of instructors. Police praised the campers for their enthusiasm and determination throughout the opening day, saying they brought energy and a willingness to learn as they took on the camp’s first challenges. The Rogue Valley Girls Police Camp is designed to…
Medford, OR – The Medford Fire Department spent part of the day connecting with local youth as firefighters from Engine 14 visited the Kids Unlimited Summer Camp at Jackson Elementary School, giving campers an up-close look at the work they do to protect the community. The visit featured guided tours of the fire engine, allowing children to explore the apparatus and learn about the equipment firefighters use during emergencies. Firefighters also conducted hands-on fire hose demonstrations, giving campers a chance to see how the equipment works while learning about the importance of fire safety. The outreach event was designed to…
Medford, OR – The Medford Fire Department is encouraging residents to take part in upcoming Wood Debris Chipper Days, a free community service aimed at reducing fire risks around homes. The events allow residents to drop off woody yard debris, which will be chipped and disposed of, helping to limit the buildup of flammable materials as fire season approaches. Several opportunities have been scheduled across the city. Chipper services will be available on April 29 and April 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Donahue-Frohnmayer Park and Fichtner-Mainwaring Park. An additional event is set for May 2 from 9:30…
Medford, OR – The Medford Fire Department has introduced its newest team member, recruit firefighter Eric Goodboe, highlighting his background and path to joining the agency. Goodboe is a graduate of Rogue River High School and earned associate degrees in Fire Science and Emergency Services from Rogue Community College. His career in the fire service began as a student firefighter with Grants Pass Fire Rescue, followed by positions with the Roseburg Fire Department and Jackson County Fire District #1. Before joining Medford Fire, he served with Jackson County Fire District #1, gaining additional experience in emergency response and community safety.…
Medford, OR – Earlier this week, the Medford Police Department welcomed members of the Chamber Leadership group for an inside look at its SWAT team operations. During the session, officers provided an overview of the unit’s role in responding to critical incidents, along with a demonstration and discussion of the specialized equipment used in high-risk situations. The event offered attendees a closer understanding of how the team prepares for and manages complex law enforcement scenarios. Officials said the department appreciated the opportunity to connect with local community leaders and share insight into the responsibilities and capabilities of the SWAT unit.…