Medford, OR — An independent investigation has confirmed allegations against Medford School District (MSD) Board member Michael Williams, claiming he made threats to district staff and violated district policies. The investigation, conducted by the Portland-based law firm Miller Nash, LLC, followed a formal complaint filed by MSD Director of Security Ron Havniear in August. The findings were presented to the Medford School Board during a study session on Thursday night. After a summary of the investigation report was read by Board Chair Cynthia Wright, Williams, through his attorney, chose to leave the meeting, stating that he had been advised to…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Medford, OR – Today, Oregon state agencies issued a reminder to residents and visitors along the coast about the importance of earthquake and tsunami preparedness, following a significant seismic event off the coast of California. At 10:44 a.m. local time, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck offshore, 56 miles west of Petrolia, California. The quake triggered a tsunami warning just five minutes later, extending from the California coast north to the Douglas/Lane County border in Oregon. The warning, issued by the National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska, was in effect until 11:54 a.m., when it was canceled after no tsunami…
Josephine County, OR – Winter weather conditions created dangerous driving scenarios across Jackson and Josephine counties Tuesday morning, resulting in multiple vehicle accidents. Freezing fog and plummeting temperatures led to the formation of black ice, making roads treacherous and difficult to navigate. In Jackson County, six accidents were reported on Table Rock Road, including three rollovers. Icy overpasses in Josephine County also contributed to two additional crashes. The cold temperatures and dense fog reduced visibility, creating near-impossible driving conditions for motorists. John Richmond, Special Services Sergeant for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, explained the unique challenges posed by the winter…
Medford, OR – The Oregon State Marine Board is gathering public input on potential changes to jet boat operations on the Upper Rogue River. A public hearing was held in Medford on Wednesday to discuss proposed rule adjustments aimed at preserving the local ecosystem and regulating the growing jet boating activity on the river. The proposed changes include a 15-horsepower limit for boats traveling between the Table Rock Road Bridge and the Lost Creek Dam. The board is also considering placing a cap on the number of commercial jet boat trips in the area, proposing a limit of 300 trips…
Josephine County, OR – A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a murder that occurred on November 22 in Josephine County, Oregon. Authorities say the victim, 34-year-old Daniel Wayne Finney of Wolf Creek, was found with multiple stab wounds near his vehicle on Grave Creek Road. According to a news release from Oregon State Police, officers responded to the scene around 2 p.m. after receiving a report of a stabbing. When they arrived, they found Finney lying near his car, suffering from several stab wounds. Investigators said that Finney was able to briefly communicate with the person who…
Eugene, OR— A 52-year-old man from Brookings was arrested early Tuesday morning after allegedly firing a gunshot into the ground during an encounter with Eugene police officers. According to the Eugene Police Department (EPD), officers responded to a call at 2:39 a.m. on December 3 about a possible intoxicated driver in the area of West 6th Avenue and Van Buren Street. The caller reported that the suspect, later identified as Carl Russell Guenther, had confronted them after they followed him into the parking lot of the Signature Inn. The caller then drove around the block, and police were notified. Upon…
Central Point, OR — Early this morning, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) responded to six motor vehicle crashes, including three rollovers, on Table Rock Road in Central Point. The accidents, which occurred before 9 a.m., were primarily attributed to hazardous icy conditions and dense fog, which have drastically reduced visibility throughout the Rogue Valley. The affected area was concentrated around the notorious 90-degree corner of Table Rock Road, located south of Wheeler Road and west of Pumice Lane. This stretch of road has historically been prone to accidents in adverse weather conditions, and local officials are warning drivers to…
Eagle Point, OR – A 57-year-old Eagle Point resident was injured in a knife assault Sunday evening, leading to the arrest of a 65-year-old local man. The incident, which occurred around 5:38 p.m. on December 2, 2024, in the 300 block of Lorraine Avenue, was reportedly sparked by a dispute over money. According to the Eagle Point Police Department, authorities responded to reports of a physical altercation involving a knife. When officers and deputies from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene, they found the suspect, Anthony C. Holzhauer, being restrained by a nearby resident. The victim, identified…
Medford, OR – On the morning of November 29, emergency crews responded to a structure fire on Riverside Avenue in Medford, quickly containing a dangerous blaze that had engulfed a small home. The call came in at 9:54 AM, prompting immediate action from firefighters, who arrived at the scene to find the home heavily involved in flames. Fortunately, the occupant had already evacuated the residence before emergency responders arrived. Thanks to the swift and efficient efforts of the firefighting team, the flames were extinguished by 10:02 AM—just eight minutes after the call. Despite their prompt response, the home suffered significant…
Medford, OR – The Medford Police Department has taken a proactive stance in combating retail theft, as part of an initiative that resulted in the arrest of six individuals last month. In a joint operation with Kohl’s, local officers carried out a targeted enforcement detail aimed at preventing theft and addressing the growing concerns surrounding retail crime. This collaboration between law enforcement and the retail sector is a demonstration of the vital role community partnerships play in tackling crime. The operation not only led to arrests but also provided an opportunity to protect Kohl’s employees, who are often left to…