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…
Author: Sarah Prescott
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…
EAGLE POINT, Ore. — In an effort to promote safer driving practices and reduce fatalities, the Eagle Point Police Department, along with other law enforcement agencies in Southern Oregon, is conducting an education enforcement period focused on safety belt and child restraint laws. The initiative, which began on January 27 and will run through February 9, aims to inform the public about the critical importance of seat belt use and proper child car seat safety. The education period, made possible through federally funded enforcement hours, is designed to raise awareness about the laws governing seat belt and child seat use.…
LAKEVIEW, Ore. — Authorities are actively searching for 39-year-old Donald Jones, an inmate with the Oregon Department of Corrections, who walked away from a work crew in Lakeview early this morning. The incident occurred at approximately 7:36 a.m., according to a news release issued by the Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC). Jones, described as a white male weighing approximately 275 pounds and standing around 6 feet tall, has blue eyes and brown hair. He had been incarcerated at the Warner Creek Correctional Facility, a minimum-security prison in Lakeview, which houses around 486 inmates nearing their release dates. Jones was serving…
MEDFORD, Ore. – The Medford Police Department (MPD) is currently investigating a serious crash involving a motor vehicle and a bicyclist near the intersection of West Jackson Street and North Columbus Avenue. According to a Facebook post from the MPD, emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene following the collision. While details surrounding the incident remain limited at this time, authorities are actively working to determine the circumstances of the crash. In response to the ongoing investigation, traffic is being diverted around the affected area, and drivers are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid congestion. Officers are asking…
Medford, Ore. – New research has uncovered a massive aquifer hidden beneath the snow-covered peaks of the Oregon Cascades, revealing an unexpectedly large source of groundwater that could have significant implications for the region’s water future. For decades, scientists knew of an aquifer in the Santiam Pass area, nestled between Eugene and Bend. However, recent research has revealed that this underground water reserve is far larger than previously imagined. Researchers now estimate the aquifer’s capacity to be nearly three times that of Lake Mead, one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, which spans parts of Nevada and Arizona.…
GRANTS PASS, Ore. – Early Friday morning, at precisely 12 a.m., the City of Grants Pass began the process of permanently closing the J Street site, which had been home to over 200 unhoused individuals. By 9 a.m., people were seen walking away from the site for the final time, as the city took steps to restrict access to the area, with anyone who enters now subject to citation or arrest for criminal trespass. The closure comes as part of a decision by the newly elected Grants Pass City Council, which voted to shut down the J Street location and…
ASHLAND, Ore. – A 76-year-old man tragically lost his life Friday morning after colliding with a tree at Mount Ashland Ski Area. The incident occurred on the Windsor Chairline, a trail known for its challenging terrain and categorized as “most difficult.” According to the ski area’s press release, the man was skiing when he struck the tree. Ski patrol responded promptly, arriving at the scene and transporting him to the ski area’s medical room. Despite efforts to save him, including the arrival of a Mercy Flights helicopter to assist with life-saving measures, the skier succumbed to his injuries. Mount Ashland…
Medford, OR – Months after receiving a scathing “F” on its national report card for the confusing and convoluted presentation of key education metrics, Oregon’s Department of Education has introduced a revamped tool designed to improve transparency and accessibility of educational data. The new platform, revealed Thursday, is intended to offer a more user-friendly experience for parents, educators, and policymakers looking to track student performance and other critical metrics. The overhaul of the state’s education data presentation comes after a federal audit found significant shortcomings in how Oregon communicated important statistics. The audit, which was a major catalyst for the…
Medford, OR – A Medford man was arrested following a road rage incident on January 16 that involved threats and gunfire. According to reports from the Medford Police Department, the incident unfolded around 8:30 p.m. in the 2100 block of Crater Lake Avenue when a driver reportedly threatened victims with a handgun before fleeing the scene. The victims, who were able to provide detailed statements, immediately contacted authorities, prompting a swift investigation. About 30 minutes later, the same suspect allegedly returned to the area. After a brief verbal exchange, the suspect fired a gun from his vehicle while fleeing the…