Medford, Ore. – In an effort to help residents reduce wildfire risks ahead of fire season, the City of Medford is hosting two free wood debris chipper days. The initiative allows residents to clear excess wood debris from their properties, a crucial step in reducing fire hazards. On Wednesday, March 26, residents are encouraged to bring clean tree branches and limbs to Donohue-Frohnmayer Park, and on Thursday, March 27, Fichtner-Mainwaring Park will serve as the drop-off site. Both events will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The City of Medford has emphasized that only clean wood debris, such as…
Author: Sarah Prescott
MEDFORD, Ore. – In an innovative effort to address the growing issue of homelessness among seniors, Set Free Church in Medford is building mini homes for elderly individuals, particularly widows, who are experiencing homelessness. The initiative, named “Joy Community,” has already raised over $500,000 through the support of local churches, businesses, and private investors. The funds will be used to construct a safe, permanent housing solution for at least 10 people over the age of 60. The project is a direct response to a pressing issue highlighted by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, which reports that people aged 50…
Medford, Ore. — Authorities in Oregon are grappling with the growing misuse of thermal imaging devices in illegal hunting activities. These high-tech tools, which detect heat signatures, provide hunters with an unfair advantage by making animals visible in low-light conditions or through cover. The increasing prevalence of these devices has prompted concerns from both wildlife officials and the broader hunting community. Mathew Vargas, a wildlife biologist with Oregon Fish and Wildlife’s Rogue District, explained that thermal scopes enable hunters to spot animals even when they are camouflaged or hiding in dense cover. “When you look at them through a thermal…
MEDFORD, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is reminding drivers to remove their studded tires by April 1st, 2025, in accordance with state law. Studded tires, which are equipped with metal studs designed to provide better traction on icy roads, have been found to contribute to road damage. The metal studs can cause pavement rutting and accelerate wear on both asphalt and concrete, leading to higher maintenance costs. Under Oregon law, studded tires are permitted from November 1st through March 31st. However, starting on April 1st, drivers with studded tires on their vehicles may face a fine of…
Klamath County, Ore. – Klamath County is taking crucial steps to address ongoing staffing shortages at its correctional facilities, which have severely impacted the operation of its county jail. Since June 2024, the jail has been operating at a reduced capacity, with only one of its three pods open due to a shortage of correctional staff. This downsized operation has limited the facility’s ability to house inmates, reducing its capacity from 150 to just 50, sparking concerns about public safety and placing a strain on law enforcement across the county. Recent leadership changes have brought renewed focus to resolving these…
Medford, OR – In a historic move, the Oregon State Senate has passed a bill that could significantly impact labor disputes in the state. Senate Bill 916, which was approved by the Senate with a narrow vote, would allow public employees on strike to collect unemployment benefits if they are without pay for two weeks. The legislation is now set to head to the Oregon House of Representatives for further review. Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step toward creating fairness between businesses and unions. Advocates claim that providing striking workers with unemployment benefits will help…
Trail, Ore. – A landslide caused by recent flooding has left a Trail family shaken after a portion of their property was swept away, blocking access to their home and raising concerns for the future of the property. Rylie Bacon, who had traveled from Portland to visit her grandmother, arrived in Trail to find that half of the yard had collapsed into a ravine, leaving the driveway impassable. The landslide, which occurred last week, caused significant damage, making it impossible to drive up to the house. “We showed up to her property and half of the yard just completely collapsed…
Klamath Falls, Ore. — The Klamath Falls Police Department (KFPD), in collaboration with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), is issuing a warning to residents about a new “smishing” scam targeting individuals with fake toll charge notifications. According to the authorities, scammers are sending text messages to unsuspecting individuals, claiming they have an outstanding toll balance that needs to be paid to avoid a late fee. The fraudulent texts include a link to a deceptive website designed to mimic a legitimate toll service portal. Once clicked, victims may be prompted to enter personal information or payment details, which could…
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — A suspect wanted in California for 15 counts of sex abuse died by apparent suicide following a standoff with law enforcement officers on Wednesday, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO). The incident began earlier in the day when JCSO, along with the U.S. Marshals Task Force, attempted a high-risk traffic stop on the suspect. After briefly evading officers, the suspect engaged in a standoff with law enforcement. Authorities say the situation ended when the suspect took their own life. At this time, the name of the individual involved has not been released. The suspect…
Jackson County, Ore. – Nearly five years after the Almeda Fire ravaged the Rogue Valley, two manufactured home parks in Medford and Phoenix are making strides toward becoming the first in their cities to earn Firewise recognition. San George Estates in Medford and Creekside Estates in Phoenix are both taking proactive steps to reduce fire risks and improve community resilience in the face of future wildfires. While San George Estates was fortunate enough to escape the devastation of the Almeda Fire, it was not without a sense of urgency. Residents and management understood that the wind could have shifted, putting…