Medford, OR – The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has issued a public warning about an alarming new scam targeting vehicle buyers and dealerships across the state. Scammers are using fraudulent Manufacturer Certificates of Origin (MCO) to obtain fake titles for stolen vehicles. In an effort to make the vehicles appear legitimate, the perpetrators are also creating and attaching counterfeit Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to these forged documents. According to the DMV, these deceptive practices are part of a growing trend in vehicle fraud that can result in unsuspecting buyers purchasing stolen or improperly titled vehicles. The fake MCOs,…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Medford, OR – Approximately 478 customers in the Applegate area are without power following a downed power line incident early this morning. Pacific Power reported the outage at 6:17 a.m., attributing the cause to fallen trees. The utility company has estimated that power will be restored by 9:30 a.m. In addition to the power outage, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has closed Jacksonville Highway (OR 238) at Thompson Creek Road due to the downed lines. ODOT officials have indicated that there is no local detour available and are advising drivers to seek alternate routes. At this time, Pacific Power…
Medford, OR – In response to rising concerns over highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), Wildlife Images, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center, has raised its disease prevention protocols to level three. This decision comes as part of the center’s efforts to safeguard its animals, particularly its ambassador birds, and to minimize the risk of the virus spreading. So far, no cases of HPAI have been detected at Wildlife Images, but the organization is taking extra precautions to protect its wildlife population. These measures include additional steps to prevent cross-contamination between birds and mammals, as well as temporarily removing the ambassador birds…
Medford, OR – The FBI is investigating a series of racist letters that were recently sent to officials in Coos and Lincoln counties, Oregon. The mailings have prompted widespread condemnation from local leaders, including Lincoln County Sheriff Curtis Landers and Coos County commissioners, who expressed strong opposition to the hateful messages. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum issued a statement on Friday, emphasizing the state’s commitment to being a welcoming and safe place for all. Rosenblum condemned the racist mailings, calling them a divisive attempt to intimidate both communities and their leaders. “Attempts to intimidate our communities and their leaders through…
Grants Pass, OR – The Grants Pass Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in identifying two individuals who are suspected of burglarizing and vandalizing a home on Christmas Eve. According to police, the incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. on NE 9th Street when the two burglars broke into the residence while the homeowner was inside. Authorities say the suspects fled the scene after the homeowner’s dog alerted to the break-in. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but significant damage was done to the property during the crime. The police department has referred to the suspects as “grinch wannabes” in…
Medford, OR – Residents of Jackson and Josephine counties in southern Oregon are assessing the damage after a powerful weekend storm caused significant flooding along the Rogue River. As the waters continue to rise, local authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and avoid navigating the swollen river, citing dangerous conditions. Rural Metro Fire’s water rescue team, along with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division, are advising against boating on the Rogue River due to the high water levels and swift currents. The floodwaters have created hazardous conditions in many areas, prompting fears of potential damage to homes…
Medford, OR – Oregon State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Klamath County on Monday, December 23. The incident took place around 9:45 a.m. at Collier State Park, where deputies from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office were involved in a critical event that led to the shooting of a 35-year-old man. The man was critically injured after being struck by gunfire and was quickly transported to an area hospital, where he is currently receiving medical care. Authorities have not disclosed the specific details leading up to the shooting, and the identity of the injured man has not…
Medford, OR – Rural Metro Fire and the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office are urging residents to stay off the Rogue River as it experiences dangerously high water conditions. Despite this official warning, officials acknowledge that people continue to enter the river, often resulting in emergency situations that require significant resources. As of 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, search crews were actively looking for an individual seen floating downstream on a pallet. The person was observed below the 4500 block of Riverbanks Road, but efforts to locate them have been hampered by the fast-moving water. Authorities have not confirmed whether the person…
Medford, OR – A landslide has caused the closure of Ramsey Road near milepost 8, disrupting traffic in the area. The closure affects the stretch of road between Old Sams Valley Road and Meadows Road. Authorities have advised drivers to avoid the affected section, as thru traffic is not permitted. Motorists are being urged to find alternate routes to reach their destinations. At this time, it is unclear when the road will reopen, and crews are working to assess the damage and clear the area. Local officials are advising residents and travelers to stay updated on the situation and adjust…
Medford, OR — A 25-year-old Medford man is in stable condition after undergoing emergency surgery following a violent, unprovoked stabbing at a residence on Beatty Street on December 26, 2024. Medford Police responded to the scene shortly before 6 p.m., where they found the victim, severely injured and covered in blood, on the front porch of the home. Officers quickly began administering first aid to control the bleeding until Medford Fire Department personnel and Mercy Flights arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he underwent immediate surgery and remains in stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit…