Medford, Ore. – A high-speed crash involving a white pickup truck on West Main Street this morning has prompted an investigation by Medford Police, who are looking into the possibility of driving under the influence (DUI). At approximately 8:30 a.m., the Medford Police Department (MPD) received multiple reports of a reckless driver traveling at high speeds and driving head-on into oncoming traffic. Responding officers found the vehicle had crashed into a nearby tree, and the driver, identified as 30-year-old Austin Meyer of Medford, was seriously injured. Meyer was immediately transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Despite the severity…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Medford, Ore. – The City of Medford is inviting residents to an open house at the Holly Theatre this Thursday evening to discuss updates on the Downtown 2040 Plan. The event, which will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., will provide an opportunity for the public to review the draft of the plan, highlight areas of concern, and offer feedback on the vision for downtown’s future. The Downtown 2040 Plan is part of a long-term initiative aimed at revitalizing and improving the downtown area. City officials have been gathering input from the community over the past few months, and…
Josephine County, Ore. – The Josephine County Public Health Department is alerting residents to an increase in cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, across the region. The highly contagious respiratory disease, caused by bacteria that spread through coughs and sneezes, has been reported in several individuals, prompting health officials to take action. Pertussis is particularly dangerous for infants and young children, who are at the highest risk of severe, life-threatening complications. Symptoms often begin with cold-like signs, followed by persistent coughing fits that can last for weeks or even months. During these coughing episodes, children may experience gagging,…
COOS COUNTY, Ore. – A fatal crash on Highway 101 Monday night left one woman dead and another man seriously injured, according to the Oregon State Police (OSP). At approximately 6:30 p.m., a 79-year-old woman, identified as Judy Marie Scharf of Bandon, was driving a Ford Ranger northbound just outside of Coos Bay. For reasons still under investigation, Scharf’s vehicle crossed the center line and collided head-on with a southbound Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 71-year-old man from Sixes. Scharf was pronounced dead at the scene, while the male driver of the Silverado was transported to a nearby hospital with…
JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. – Local officials are inviting the public to participate in an upcoming town hall to discuss the newly released Wildfire Hazard Map by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). The event is scheduled for Thursday, February 1, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Josephine County Fairgrounds Pavilion. The forum, organized by the Josephine County Board of Commissioners, will give residents an opportunity to learn about the Wildfire Hazard Map, which categorizes properties into low, moderate, and high wildfire risk zones. Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions during a Q&A session and share their…
JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. — As February draws near, the newest recruits of Rural Metro Fire are nearing the end of their rigorous training program, preparing for their graduation and future careers as firefighters. These dedicated men and women are pushing through challenging drills and real-world simulations designed to hone their skills and prepare them for the unpredictable nature of emergency response. The recruits are part of the Rogue Valley Interagency Training Academy, where they spend their weekends attending classroom sessions before heading back to the fire station for hands-on exercises with seasoned firefighters. This combination of theoretical learning and practical…
EUGENE, Ore. — The Eugene Police Department and Animal Services are asking for the public’s help following a violent dog attack that left a woman with serious injuries on January 11. According to authorities, the incident occurred just after noon near the 2500 block of Tyler Street. The woman, whose identity has not been released, was walking in the area when she was attacked by two dogs. Police say the first dog, a Rottweiler mix, jumped on the woman’s back, biting her right shoulder and causing her to fall to the ground. While on the ground, the Rottweiler severely bit…
In a special legislative session held on Thursday, the Oregon Legislature approved a $218 million funding allocation to assist the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office in paying vendors who supported firefighting efforts during the state’s record-breaking wildfire season. The bill was passed overwhelmingly, with the Senate approving it 25-2 and the House following shortly after with a 42-2 vote, though 15 lawmakers were excused. The allocation comes after a summer of intense wildfires that burned 1.9 million acres of land, more than any other fire season on record for the state. The fires,…
Medford, Ore. — The cities of Ashland and Medford are actively engaging the public in a conversation about the economic opportunities and challenges facing the Rogue Valley. Both cities are encouraging residents and business owners to participate in a community survey that will inform an important Economic Opportunities Analysis (EOA). The EOA, a key component in long-term planning for the region, will assess the current economic landscape and provide forecasts for growth over the next two decades. The analysis will help local governments make data-driven decisions about how to best utilize available land, attract businesses, and create job opportunities. The…
Medford, OR – Controlled pile burning is currently underway in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, as part of ongoing forest management efforts aimed at reducing wildfire risk. The Forest Service announced that the burns are taking place in the Palmer Creek area and along the Chetco River, near Nook and Redwood Bar. The burning process involves carefully setting fire to small, pre-accumulated piles of debris and vegetation, which helps clear excess fuel from the forest floor. This step is critical for preventing larger, uncontrolled wildfires in the future by reducing the amount of flammable material available. The Forest Service has…