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…
Author: Sarah Prescott
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…
Medford, OR— Two weeks after being dispatched to Southern California to aid in the fight against the Palisades and Eaton Fires near Los Angeles, 17 of Oregon’s 21 strike teams are heading back home. The teams, consisting of 370 firefighters and 105 fire engines and water tenders, have completed their mission, marking the largest out-of-state deployment in Oregon’s firefighting history. According to a statement from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, two strike teams are returning today, while 15 others will head home tomorrow. The deployment, which began in early January, saw Oregon firefighters work alongside teams from across the…
CURRY COUNTY, Ore. — The Curry County Board of Commissioners has taken legal action against Sheriff John Ward in an effort to resolve ongoing disputes over their roles and responsibilities within the county’s government. In a press release, Commissioners Brad Alcorn, Patrick Hollinger, and Jay Trost announced they are filing a declaratory judgment lawsuit to bring clarity to their relationship with the sheriff. The lawsuit comes after what the commissioners describe as long-standing disagreements that have yet to be resolved. The board expressed frustration over the sheriff’s office’s failure to meet multiple requests for cooperation, information, and records. Despite repeated…
Medford, OR – In his first few hours back in office, President Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders aimed at expanding fossil fuel production, mining on federal land, and rolling back environmental regulations. This swift action, while expected, has raised concerns among state leaders in Oregon, where federal land accounts for more than half of the state’s territory, including 60% of its forests. The federal government controls more than 32 million acres in Oregon, an area larger than the state of Kentucky, and is a significant source of funding for environmental conservation and land management programs. Governor Tina…
AZALEA, Ore. – A local man is behind bars after law enforcement officials uncovered hidden cameras inside a private residence on Upper Cow Creek Road. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), 48-year-old Stephen Hughes was arrested on Wednesday following an investigation into the unlawful placement of surveillance devices within the home. The cameras were discovered in areas of the residence without the knowledge or consent of the occupants. Detectives executed multiple search warrants as part of their investigation, during which they uncovered additional hidden cameras as well as a firearm suppressor. Authorities noted that Hughes was in possession…
Medford, OR – The Hospital Association of Oregon (HAO) held a press conference Wednesday to address the growing challenges hospitals across the state are facing in maintaining quality care for patients. The association highlighted that since 2021, the total cost of patient care has outpaced the payments hospitals receive, putting access to care at significant risk. The three primary factors driving hospital distress, according to the HAO, are rising operational costs, longer hospital stays, and reimbursements that fail to cover the actual cost of care. The financial strain is exacerbated by an increase in patient demand, particularly as the state expands…
GREEN, Ore. – A motorhome caught fire late Monday afternoon on Highway 42, prompting a swift response from local emergency crews. According to Battalion Chief Ryan Felker of Central Douglas Fire and Rescue, the fire was reported around 4:30 p.m., with crews arriving to find the engine compartment of the motorhome fully engulfed in flames. Despite initial reports from witnesses who believed the owner was present, Felker confirmed that the individual was not at the scene when responders arrived. “It’s a pretty busy highway, and multiple people initially said there was someone around, but by the time we got there,…
Klamath County, Ore. – Brixner Junior High and Mazama High School were placed in secure status this morning after authorities received a tip about a potential threat. The lockdown, which began at approximately 10:35 a.m., prompted an immediate response from law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and staff. According to a statement from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, a firearm was discovered at Mazama High School during the investigation. A student from the high school was taken into custody and subsequently transported to the Klamath County Juvenile Detention Center. The sheriff’s office confirmed that both schools were secure…