Roseburg, OR – The Roseburg Fire Department responded to two fires early Monday morning in the area of West Harvard Avenue, with both incidents occurring in quick succession. At approximately 3 a.m., crews were called to a report of a transient fire burning near a commercial structure located at 1693 West Harvard Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that the fire had spread to the building, which houses multiple businesses, including Harvard Shoe Repair. Firefighters quickly worked to contain the blaze, but the structure sustained significant damage, including structural, smoke, and water damage. Fortunately, no one was inside the building at…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Medford, OR – A new initiative, Future Ready Oregon, is set to provide students from rural and low-income communities with opportunities to pursue high-wage careers in Oregon’s manufacturing sector. Launched by Umpqua Community College (UCC), the program seeks to address educational and employment barriers for students across various grade levels, from elementary through college. The program will select 100 students from disadvantaged communities to participate in a series of programs, including competitive paid internships, mentorship opportunities, scholarships, workshops, and workplace tours. These initiatives are designed to help participants gain the skills and experience needed to enter some of Oregon’s most…
Medford, OR – Governor Tina Kotek has unveiled her proposed budget for the 2025-2027 biennium, emphasizing continued progress on Oregon’s most pressing issues. Titled Building on Progress, the budget plan reflects Kotek’s steadfast commitment to addressing homelessness, housing, behavioral health, and education. In her presentation, Kotek outlined the primary goals of the budget, stating that it builds on the foundation laid by her previous budget. “My budget does not lay off people or cut services,” she said, adding that it instead “strategically deepens our commitment to building progress on Oregonians’ top priorities.” A major highlight of the plan includes over…
Medford, OR – On November 29, crews from the Medford Fire Department were called to the scene of a house fire on Table Rock Road. Initially, reports indicated that the fire was located in the attic, but upon arrival, firefighters quickly determined that the flames were coming from the front living room of the home. Firefighters acted swiftly to contain the blaze, extinguishing the flames and clearing thick smoke from the building. In a remarkable effort, they also rescued the family’s pet, ensuring its safety amid the chaos. Fortunately, no one was home at the time of the fire, and…
Medford, OR – The Medford Congregational United Church of Christ is hosting a candlelight observance this evening to commemorate World AIDS Day, providing an opportunity for the Rogue Valley community to come together in reflection and support. The event, which will run from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., is free and open to the public. It will feature a performance by the Rogue Valley Peace Choir, along with contributions from local organizations such as the HIV Alliance and OnTrack Rogue Valley. Candles will be distributed to attendees, symbolizing remembrance and solidarity. World AIDS Day, observed globally on December 1, serves…
Medford, OR – A Medford man was arrested on Monday night after driving recklessly at speeds of up to 100 mph on Highway 26 while his truck was running on its rims. Authorities say the driver, identified as 35-year-old Skylar Peplinski, was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. At approximately 8:27 p.m., Hillsboro Police received multiple reports of a white pickup truck driving erratically near Brookwood Parkway. Witnesses stated the vehicle was speeding at dangerously high speeds and appeared to be traveling on its rims, with no tires left on the vehicle. Shortly after, emergency…
Medford, OR – The Medford Police Department, in collaboration with Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and the Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section, is asking the public for assistance in identifying a woman involved in a petit larceny incident. The suspect is accused of stealing merchandise from a Target store in Medford late last month. According to authorities, the alleged theft took place on October 29, 2024, at approximately 8:25 p.m. The woman is reported to have stolen various items from the Target located at 2975 Horseblock Road. Surveillance footage from the store may provide valuable clues to her identity.…
Medford, OR – A serious crash early Saturday morning led to the closure of the McAndrews Overpass in Medford, between Court Street and Sage Road. The accident, involving two vehicles, left four individuals injured, ranging from minor to serious injuries. The Medford Fire Department responded promptly to the scene, where road conditions were reported to be a contributing factor. Firefighters were able to extricate two people from one of the vehicles, and emergency medical teams transported the injured to a local hospital. Authorities are advising drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes while emergency crews work to clear…
Medford, OR — Oregon lawmakers will convene for an emergency legislative session on December 12 to approve $218 million in funding to help cover the costs of the state’s record-breaking 2024 wildfire season. Governor Tina Kotek made the announcement on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for swift action to ensure that state agencies and contractors involved in firefighting efforts are compensated before the end of the year. The decision follows a significant shortfall in funding for the Oregon Department of Forestry, which faces over $133 million in outstanding costs. The Oregon State Treasury recently denied a request for a $60 million…
Medford, OR – Oregon’s push to diversify its construction workforce is showing early signs of success, as women and people of color now represent a growing share of new apprentices in the industry. According to a new report evaluating the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries’ Highway Construction Workforce Development Program, over half of the nearly 2,000 individuals who began apprenticeships in construction-related jobs between 2022 and 2023 were women or people of color. The report, which assesses the program’s progress since its inception in 2010, reveals that 14% of new apprentices were…