Grants Pass, Ore. — Three individuals, including two teenagers and one adult, were taken into custody on Thursday, May 22, following an alleged robbery involving a knife. According to the Grants Pass Police Department, officers responded to a report of a robbery on the 1200 block of Rogue River Highway. Upon arrival, they made contact with a 15-year-old boy who reported that he had been robbed by three suspects. The victim told officers that he was selling clothing through Facebook Marketplace when the suspects confronted him. During the encounter, a 14-year-old suspect allegedly held a knife to the victim’s throat…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Medford, Ore. — Southern Oregon is bracing for a challenging wildfire season as hotter and drier conditions are expected to persist through the summer months, officials warn. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon expressed concerns over federal resource shortages that could hamper wildfire response efforts. “Above average temperature during the key months and below average precipitation… I think that’s a wake-up call,” Wyden said, highlighting the heightened risk posed by climate conditions this year. Local fire officials report staffing levels remain consistent with last year’s, but worries persist over reductions in the National Weather Service. Wyden noted that some local meteorologists…
KERBY, Ore. — Firefighters responded swiftly to a grass fire Tuesday afternoon on Holton Creek Road that initially began as an uncontrolled burn but rapidly escalated into a two-alarm blaze. The Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD) reported that the fire expanded quickly, prompting calls for mutual aid from multiple agencies, including the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Unit, Rural Metro Fire, and Grants Pass Fire. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all responding teams, the fire was contained after burning roughly three acres. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the initial burn remains under investigation. Officials remind residents…
COOS COUNTY, Ore. — Authorities have arrested Brian Tenney, 52, owner of the West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon, following a major seizure of illegal drugs, firearms, and cash during an ongoing investigation. The South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team (SCINT) executed search warrants at the park on Tuesday, uncovering approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine. An additional warrant revealed eight grams of cocaine, 44 firearms—including one modified into a machine gun—and roughly $1.6 million in cash, cashier’s checks, bonds, and certificates. Tenney was taken into custody and booked into the Coos County Jail on charges including methamphetamine possession, manufacturing, and…
Medford, OR — In an effort to increase homeownership and promote economic stability, Oregon lawmakers have passed legislation setting ambitious state goals to raise homeownership rates across the state by 2030 and beyond. On Tuesday, the Oregon Senate approved House Bill 2698 in a 23-6 vote. The bill establishes a statewide target to increase the homeownership rate to 65% by 2030, followed by incremental increases over the next 15 years. It also mandates the Oregon Housing and Community Services Department to create a publicly accessible dashboard that tracks homeownership rates by race and ethnicity, aiming to close persistent disparities. Sen.…
MEDFORD, Ore. — A vegetation fire has erupted on Samike Drive in South Medford, prompting a rapid response from local fire crews. NewsWatch 12 was first to report the incident shortly after it began. The fire was initially spotted via the StormTracker 12 weather camera stationed at the Compass Hotel in South Medford, which captured visible smoke rising from the area. Firefighters are currently on scene working to contain the blaze. Officials have not yet released information regarding the cause of the fire or if any evacuations are necessary. Residents in the vicinity are advised to stay clear of the…
Medford, Ore. — Fire crews are actively responding to a structure fire reported in the 1300 block of Sequoia Circle in Medford. Witnesses and NewsWatch 12 reporters observed a large plume of smoke rising from the scene as firefighters worked aggressively, including venting through the roof of the building. Authorities have blocked off parts of the surrounding area for safety, advising residents and motorists to avoid nearby streets, including Arbor Drive and Driftwood Place. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes while emergency responders manage the incident. Medford Fire officials have not yet released information on the cause of the…
Medford, OR – As Memorial Day weekend begins, Oregon drivers are seeing a modest increase in gas prices, though costs remain significantly lower compared to the same time in 2024. According to data from GasBuddy, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Oregon has risen to $3.90, an increase of 5.3 cents from the previous week. Despite this uptick, prices are still nearly 44 cents cheaper than last year’s Memorial Day weekend. Across the state, gas prices vary widely, ranging from $3.39 to $4.59 per gallon. Nationally, the average price for regular unleaded gas stands at $3.14…
MEDFORD, Ore. — All off-pavement areas of the Bear Creek Greenway will close beginning June 1 as Jackson County prepares for the 2025 fire season. The closure, announced by Jackson County Roads and Parks, is aimed at reducing the risk of wildfire along the popular recreational corridor. The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) declared last week that fire season will officially begin June 1 for Jackson and Josephine counties. In response, county officials are implementing preventative measures, including limiting access to areas of the Greenway that pose heightened fire danger. “We want folks to use the trail for biking, walking, running,…
MEDFORD, Ore. — The Medford School Board is delaying approval of the district’s budget for the upcoming school year as state funding levels remain unclear, raising concerns about financial planning just weeks before the July 1 fiscal year begins. While district officials say they are not currently expecting a significant budget shortfall, the uncertainty surrounding Oregon’s general fund has created complications in finalizing financial plans. Brad Earl, Assistant Superintendent of Operations for Medford School District, said recent projections from state economists indicate a $750 million drop in expected state revenue — a development that could have widespread implications for public…