Medford, OR – Recent findings from a study led by Dan Jaffe, Haebum Lee, Daniel Goldberg, and Katelyn O’Dell have revealed troubling news for residents of Oregon. The study, which focused on the period from 2019 to 2023, found that the three smokiest cities in the United States were all located in Oregon—Medford, Bend, and Grants Pass. Among them, Medford was ranked as the most smoke-affected city in the country. The research, which utilized an advanced algorithm, aimed to measure the impact of wildfire smoke with a speed and precision not previously seen. By analyzing satellite imagery and particulate matter…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Medford, Ore. – The Medford School Board remains embroiled in controversy following a series of complaints, apologies, and accusations of unfair treatment among board members. The February 22nd meeting saw Board Member Jeff Kinsella publicly apologize after an outburst during a previous meeting, while fellow Board Member Michael Williams filed additional complaints against Board Chair Cynthia Wright and Superintendent Bret Champion. The tensions began during the January 23rd school board meeting when Nathanial Swan, a parent previously escorted out of a December meeting, raised concerns about Director of Security Ron Havniear. Board Chair Cynthia Wright quickly interrupted Swan’s comments, citing…
Gold Beach, Ore. – A police officer in Gold Beach responded to a disturbance Saturday night, which ultimately led to a shooting involving the suspect. The incident is under investigation by the Curry County Major Crimes Team, with the Oregon State Police taking the lead in the inquiry. According to initial reports, the suspect was transported to Curry General Hospital following the shooting, where he was stabilized before being transferred to Springfield for further treatment. Authorities have not disclosed the extent of the suspect’s injuries. As per protocol for officer-involved shootings, the Curry County Major Crimes Team is handling the…
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. — The Eagle Point Police Department (EPPD) and Central Point Police Department (CPPD) are joining forces to offer a public education session aimed at helping residents identify and protect themselves from scams. The seminar, which will focus on current scam tactics and prevention strategies, will be held on February 27 at 5:00 p.m. in the Ashpole Center at Eagle Point City Hall, located at 17 S. Buchanan Ave. Lieutenant Josh Abbott, a seasoned investigator with CPPD, will lead the presentation. Abbott, who currently oversees the department’s detective division, has extensive experience in scam prevention and has conducted…
Medford, Ore. – In a significant legal development, a U.S. District Court has issued a preliminary injunction preventing the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s DOGE Team from accessing sensitive personal information, such as bank account details and Social Security numbers, from the Treasury Department’s central payment system. The decision comes after a lawsuit filed by Oregon and 18 other states over concerns about the security risks posed by the DOGE Team’s involvement. Attorney General Dan Rayfield of Oregon welcomed the ruling, emphasizing the protection it provides to Oregonians. In a statement, Rayfield described the Trump administration’s decision to allow DOGE…
Medford, Ore. — The Applegate Fire District has recently bolstered its wildfire response capabilities with the addition of a new Type 3 Wildland Urban Interface Engine, just in time for the upcoming fire season. Purchased from Ashland Fire & Rescue, the engine is designed to enhance the district’s ability to effectively tackle wildfires, particularly in remote areas that are often difficult to access. This new engine brings critical features to the district, including four-wheel drive and a shorter wheelbase, allowing firefighters to navigate rugged terrain that larger engines may struggle to reach. Lieutenant Dalton Koontz of the Applegate Fire District…
EUGENE, Ore. – A Eugene man was sentenced to more than 36 years in prison for child pornography charges, according to court documents released on February 20. Paul David Howard, 53, was convicted on four counts of using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct. He was sentenced to 435 months in prison, followed by three years of post-prison supervision. Howard was initially facing 19 charges related to child sex abuse following a secret indictment in July 2024. However, he reached a plea agreement, admitting guilt to the four charges, and the remaining 15 charges were dismissed. The…
Lakeview, Ore. – The Lake County Board of Commissioners has officially declared a Public Safety and Livestock Emergency as of February 18, 2025, in response to ongoing concerns over Wolf OR158’s impact on local livestock and public safety. According to Lake County officials, Wolf OR158, a lone wolf that has traveled across Oregon and into California, has become a significant threat to the region’s cattle industry. The wolf has been linked to the deaths of five confirmed calves and three probable kills in less than ten days. These incidents are particularly troubling, as the county’s cattle operations are currently in…
Lakeview, OR – Oregon State Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a juvenile in Lakeview. Authorities arrested Amanda Edwards, 38, and her boyfriend Nathaniel Cullins, 31, in connection to the tragic incident. Both individuals face multiple serious charges, including Criminally Negligent Homicide, Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree, Abuse of a Corpse in the Second Degree, and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Cullins is also charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon. The case began to unfold when police responded to reports of a juvenile’s death under suspicious circumstances. Investigators, after conducting a thorough inquiry, believe the juvenile’s…
LAKEVIEW, Ore. – Authorities in Lake County have launched a death investigation following the death of a juvenile in Lakeview. The incident, which took place Tuesday in the 300 block of South G Street, has prompted the involvement of the Lake County Major Crime Team. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation is being led by the Oregon State Police (OSP), with additional support from local law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office. While details remain scarce at this time, officials have assured the public that there is no threat to the community. The Lake County Major Crime…