Medford, Ore. – The Medford Police Department is actively investigating a shooting that occurred near the southside of Hawthorne Park earlier today. Authorities have not yet released the names of those involved, and the investigation is still in its early stages. At this time, police are working to locate the suspect. Details surrounding the shooting, including the motive and the condition of any victims, remain scarce. Law enforcement officials are urging the public to remain cautious and avoid the area. Traffic has been significantly impacted as a result of the ongoing investigation. Both directions of 8th and E Main Street…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Grants Pass, Ore. – A violent disturbance in a Grants Pass neighborhood led to the arrest of a felony suspect after a dramatic three-hour standoff with law enforcement on Wednesday morning. The incident began just after 10 a.m. when the Grants Pass 9-1-1 center received a report of a violent altercation at a residence on NE 8th Street. A female victim informed dispatchers that a man had threatened to kill her with a knife, attempted to stab her, and sprayed her with bear spray before fleeing on foot. The suspect, identified as 51-year-old Barney Clem, was described as wearing a bright…
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is alerting residents to a growing phone scam involving individuals impersonating law enforcement officers, including a caller claiming to be “Sheriff Aaron Grissom.” According to a statement from JCSO, the scammers are contacting individuals and falsely stating that there are civil documents that need to be picked up. Officials say the intent behind the calls is to pressure victims into sending money or revealing personal information. In many cases, the scammers request payment through untraceable methods such as Bitcoin or gift cards — a hallmark of fraudulent activity. Aaron Lewis,…
LAKESIDE, Ore. — The Oregon Supreme Court has upheld a $3.2 million judgment against entities owned by Josephine County Commissioner Chris Barnett and his wife, concluding a major chapter in a long-running legal battle over broken contracts and elder abuse allegations. At the center of the case is Osprey Point RV Resort, a property in Lakeside, Coos County, which Barnett purchased in 2017 — prior to his election as county commissioner. Before Barnett’s acquisition, the resort’s previous owner had sold “lifetime membership” agreements to residents, many of whom were senior citizens over the age of 65. These memberships, which cost…
MEDFORD, Ore. – Hillcrest Hardware, the new Ace Hardware store, has officially broken ground on its new location in Medford, marking a significant expansion for the family-owned business. This will be the second store for the company, which has been a staple in the Rogue Valley for nearly a quarter of a century. Following the success of Ashland Hardware, which has been in operation since 1936, Hillcrest Hardware promises to bring a wide range of products and services to the Medford community. The new location will feature 15,000 square feet of indoor retail space and an additional 5,000 square feet…
WHITE CITY, Ore. – Slayden Constructors, Inc. has been selected to lead a significant upgrade project at the Regional Water Reclamation Facility in White City, managed by the City of Medford. The upgrades are being made in response to new environmental standards issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which require stricter limits on phosphorus and nitrogen discharges into the Rogue River. The project, which is estimated to cost $302 million, will play a critical role in ensuring the facility meets the new regulatory requirements. The facility serves several communities, including White City, Central Point, and Eagle Point,…
GRANTS PASS, Ore. – The Redwood Foundation for Education is set to distribute more than $700,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Josephine County, Rogue River, and Glendale this month. The foundation’s efforts aim to support students pursuing a wide range of educational paths, with over 200 scholarship opportunities available annually. One of the highlighted awards is the Josephine County Home Builders Association Scholarship, which offers $2,500 per year and is renewable for up to four years. This particular scholarship is geared toward students pursuing careers in the trades, providing critical financial support for those interested in hands-on…
MEDFORD, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is set to begin prescribed burning operations across southwest Oregon this month, as part of an ongoing effort to reduce wildfire risks and promote forest health. The initiative will involve controlled burns on approximately 1,500 acres of public lands, strategically scheduled as temperatures rise and fuels begin to dry out. Al Mason, Fire Management Officer for the BLM Medford District, emphasized that these burns are critical for both public and firefighter safety during wildfire season. “This effort not only reduces the potential for catastrophic wildfires, but it also plays a vital…
Grants Pass, Ore. – May 6, 2025 — A 35-year-old man from Grants Pass was charged with starting a fire at the A Street resting site on Monday evening. The incident, which occurred around 5:10 p.m., prompted an immediate response from Grants Pass Police (GPPD) and Grants Pass Fire and Rescue. Witnesses at the scene were reportedly attempting to put out the fire by dousing a tarp that had caught flames. In addition to the tarp, the fire caused damage to about eight feet of screening attached to the fencing around the site. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. An investigation…
ASHLAND, Ore. – Ashland Little League has expressed significant concerns regarding a recent change in the field rental fee structure at Hunter Park, which could have a major impact on local youth sports programs. The changes, which were introduced by Ashland Parks and Recreation, replace the previous flat-rate seasonal rental fees with an hourly rate. This shift, the league argues, could create financial barriers for families and disrupt the flexibility needed for practices, games, and other community programming. The new hourly fee structure was officially implemented after a vote by the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission, but Little League officials…