MEDFORD, Ore. – Buttercloud Bakery and Café has officially begun its rebuilding process following significant fire damage sustained last month. Co-owner Erik confirmed that construction work commenced last week, with an estimated timeline of four to six weeks for completion, followed by a brief ramp-up period before the café reopens its doors to the public. The popular bakery, known for its homemade pastries and hearty breakfast offerings, has been closed since January 9. The closure resulted from a fire that originated at a neighboring warehouse owned by Medford Mattress, which caused extensive damage to the bakery’s premises. The community’s response…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Medford, Oregon – As federal immigration enforcement operations continue to increase across the United States, protests against deportations are gaining significant momentum. On Saturday, local residents gathered outside the Medford Courthouse, voicing their opposition to recent changes in immigration policies that critics argue threaten the rights and safety of immigrant communities. Carrying signs that read, “We Stand Together and We Speak for Those Who Can’t,” demonstrators expressed their concerns about the growing fear and uncertainty facing many immigrants. The rally was a part of a broader wave of protests across the country, as individuals call for a halt to deportations…
GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Weeks after the closure of the city’s largest homeless resting site, city officials are evaluating new locations to serve as designated resting areas for homeless residents. The city’s efforts come in response to a legal ruling that temporarily halted any enforcement actions against homeless individuals camping in public spaces. In a recent work session, City Manager Aaron Cubic presented several potential locations for new resting sites, which included both previously used areas as well as new spaces—some publicly and others privately owned. “We’re looking for additional space and additional time,” Cubic explained during the session, emphasizing…
Medford, OR – In the wake of Oregon’s most devastating wildfire season in decades, lawmakers are looking for sustainable ways to fund the state’s firefighting efforts. In a bold proposal earlier this week, Senator Jeff Golden, a Democrat from Ashland, suggested using Oregon’s kicker tax refund to finance wildfire protection indefinitely. The 2024 wildfire season scorched over two million acres of land, with the total cost of fighting the fires reaching an eye-popping $350 million. The Oregon Department of Forestry ran out of funds, prompting Governor Tina Kotek to call a special legislative session in December to approve $218 million…
Medford, OR – The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is gearing up for its 2025 Search and Rescue Academy, offering local residents the chance to become certified volunteers in search and rescue operations. The academy will take place from February 18 through March 15, with classes scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This comprehensive training program aims to equip participants with vital skills needed for search and rescue missions. Topics covered will include basic survival techniques, first aid and CPR, land navigation, and other essential rescue operations. Upon successful…
MEDFORD, Ore. – A peaceful protest was held Saturday afternoon at the intersection of West Eighth Street and South Oakdale Avenue in Medford, drawing more than 100 people from the local Latino community and their supporters. The demonstration was a call for solidarity, safety, and inclusion, aimed at amplifying the voices of those who may feel vulnerable or marginalized in today’s political climate. Participants held signs aloft with strong messages, while flags were draped around the shoulders of many in attendance. As cars honked in support, the gathering remained calm and focused on its message of unity and justice. “We…
Medford, Ore. – A legal hearing took place Friday at the Josephine County Circuit Court in the ongoing case of John West versus Lily Morgan. The case centers around a recall petition that led to West’s removal from office as a county commissioner in December, a petition spearheaded by Morgan, his fellow former commissioner and state representative. West, a Republican, is suing Morgan, also a Republican, over the recall petition she filed against him. Morgan, who served as the chief petitioner in the recall effort, has defended the petition, stating that the recall was not politically motivated but was driven…
MEDFORD, Ore. – Medford Parks and Recreation is currently assessing the damage caused by heavy snowfall that hit the area recently. The city has reported significant damage to trees in several parks, prompting a major cleanup effort by the department. Parks and Recreation crews have been working diligently to clear debris from affected areas, but due to the widespread damage, city officials estimate that cleanup could take several weeks to complete. Fallen trees, broken branches, and other hazardous debris have been identified across multiple park locations. City representatives are urging residents to exercise caution when visiting local parks during this…
Medford, Ore. – The Applegate Valley Fire District (AVFD) has proudly announced the acquisition of a “new-to-them” Type 3 Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) engine, bolstering their firefighting capabilities for future emergencies. The purchase was made possible through the efforts of the Friends of the Applegate Fire District, a local organization dedicated to supporting the fire department. The fire engine, which was previously owned by Ashland Fire & Rescue, recently returned from a deployment to the Los Angeles wildfires. The addition of this engine represents a significant upgrade for the district, which serves a rural area vulnerable to wildfires. The Type…
Southern Oregon – The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has been working diligently to clear roadways and ensure safe driving conditions for residents and travelers in the wake of winter storms this week. The ongoing storm activity has created significant challenges for transportation officials as they focus on managing snow accumulation, icy roads, and hazardous conditions across the region. In particular, the Siskiyou Pass and Greensprings areas have experienced power outages, disrupting the functionality of several TripCheck cameras. These cameras, which provide real-time updates on road conditions, have been temporarily offline due to the outages. ODOT has reported that utility…