Eagle Point, Ore. — The Eagle Point Police Department, in collaboration with several law enforcement agencies across southern Oregon, has initiated an educational enforcement period to raise awareness about seat belt and child seat laws. Running from January 27 to February 9, the campaign aims to inform the public about the life-saving importance of using proper safety restraints while driving. The education period is part of a federally funded initiative, utilizing enforcement hours to share crucial information regarding vehicle safety. As part of the program, the police department is emphasizing the critical role of seat belts and child safety seats…
Author: Sarah Prescott
MERLIN, Ore. – A garden shed explosion in Merlin Wednesday morning left one person with serious burn injuries and a second person scrambling to extinguish the blaze with a frozen garden hose. Rural Metro Fire (RMF) responded to the incident on the 3000 block of Camp Joy Road just after 10 a.m., where they found the small structure almost entirely consumed by flames. According to officials, the injured individual was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The second person, who attempted to combat the fire with a garden hose, was unable to do so as the hose had frozen…
COOS COUNTY, Ore. – A Coos Bay man was indicted and arraigned in the Coos County Circuit Court on Wednesday, facing charges linked to the death of his 22-month-old daughter. The charges stem from an investigation into a fatal fentanyl overdose the child suffered in October of last year. David L. Sigler, 33, was indicted on charges of criminally negligent homicide and first-degree criminal mistreatment. According to the Coos Bay Police Department, the charges were filed following a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s tragic death. Sigler, who was already incarcerated at the Coos County Jail at the…
Medford, OR – Oregon State Senator Daniel Bonham, the Republican leader of the Senate, faced backlash after sharing inaccurate claims about federal government spending in his official legislative newsletter. The claims, which were widely circulated on conservative social media, originated from a parody account on X, the social media platform founded by Elon Musk, but were presented by Bonham as though they were factual examples of government waste. The newsletter, sent out on Monday night, was dedicated to “cutting through the rhetoric” surrounding President Donald Trump’s executive orders. Bonham criticized the “fear-mongering and misinformation” surrounding Trump’s spending cuts, highlighting what…
ASHLAND, Ore. — The aftermath of last week’s intense winter storm continues to impact Ashland, with several local parks still closed due to hazardous conditions. Fallen trees, snow-heavy branches, and ice have created a dangerous environment for visitors, prompting crews to work around the clock to clear debris and restore access. However, with more winter weather expected, city officials remain on edge, fearing additional damage. As of February 10, 2025, the following parks are still closed due to hazardous conditions: Siskiyou Mountain Park Hald Strawberry Park Ashland Watershed Trails Ashland Japanese Garden in Lithia Park Hunter Park Tennis Courts Lithia…
Oregon continues to lead the nation in efforts to enhance wildfire resilience, boasting the second-highest number of Firewise USA sites in the country. As of 2024, the state is home to 298 active Firewise sites, with 32 new sites added over the past year. This initiative is part of Oregon’s ongoing commitment to reduce wildfire risks and protect communities across the state. The Firewise USA program, designed to help communities become more resilient to wildfires, is a national initiative managed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The program offers resources and guidance tailored to homeowners, helping them implement fire…
KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. – The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning to the public about an ongoing Bitcoin and investment scam targeting local residents. Authorities say scammers are posing as law enforcement, government representatives, or tech support in an attempt to pressure victims into purchasing cryptocurrency. According to the sheriff’s office, the fraudsters are using deceptive tactics, claiming that the purchase of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies is necessary to secure or protect funds. In some cases, the scammers have threatened victims with arrest or other legal consequences if they refuse to comply. The sheriff’s office stressed that legitimate…
GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Weeks after shutting down the city’s largest resting site for homeless residents, Grants Pass city officials are now exploring new options for designated resting sites, as the city grapples with legal challenges and local business concerns. The closure of the J Street site in January has sparked ongoing debates over how best to address homelessness in the area, with business owners and residents expressing concerns about the impact on the community. The situation took a legal turn last week, when a judge granted an emergency restraining order in response to a lawsuit filed by Disability Rights…
MEDFORD, Ore. — Authorities are currently on the scene of a menacing incident involving a handgun in the 400 block of N Grape St. in Medford. The Medford Police Department has established a perimeter around a residence where they believe the suspect is holed up. Officers are working to make contact with the individual inside the home, but details surrounding the situation remain limited. The Medford Police have advised the public to avoid the area as roads surrounding the location have been closed to ensure safety. In response to the threat, McLaughlin Middle School was placed under a secure status…
Ashland, Ore. – The City of Ashland is gradually reopening its parks and recreational facilities after the severe storm that impacted the area last week. While most parks and amenities have resumed regular operations, city officials are urging the public to exercise caution as some areas may still have downed trees or branches. Parks that have reopened include several popular locations, with most amenities now available to the public. However, certain parks and facilities remain closed for safety reasons while crews continue with cleanup and inspection efforts. The following locations remain closed: Siskiyou Mountain Park Hald Strawberry Park Ashland Watershed…