Medford, OR – As the holiday season approaches, wildlife officials in Oregon are urging residents to take steps to prevent deer entanglements, a growing concern that could pose serious risks to the state’s deer population. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is asking homeowners to clean up their yards, especially as the late fall and winter months coincide with the peak size of deer antlers. ODFW biologists say that items often found in residential yards, such as holiday lights, hammocks, dog lines, tomato cages, and even sports nets, are frequent culprits in wildlife entanglements. Deer, particularly bucks with…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Portland, OR — A 52-year-old woman was arrested on Saturday, December 7, 2024, after allegedly threatening two individuals with a knife and stealing a sleeping bag in the Lloyd District neighborhood. The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) responded to reports of a stabbing near North Williams Avenue and Northeast Multnomah Street at 10:59 a.m. Officers arrived on scene within four minutes but were unable to locate the reported victim, described as an adult male, who had fled the area prior to their arrival. While investigating the initial reports, officers were approached by two individuals who were camping nearby. The victims told…
Medford, OR – On December 5th, emergency crews from the Medford Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire in the 1800 block of Hart Avenue. Firefighters arrived at the scene to find a blaze primarily contained to the garage area of the home. The fire was quickly brought under control, preventing it from spreading to the main structure. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. As of now, fire crews are conducting overhaul operations, ensuring the fire is completely extinguished and any potential hotspots are addressed. Fire investigators are currently on-site to determine the cause of…
Medford, OR – A 26-year-old man from Idleyld Park was killed Wednesday afternoon in a crash on Highway 138E in Glide. According to the Oregon State Police, the incident occurred when a Nissan Versa, traveling eastbound, attempted to make a left turn into the Dollar General parking lot and crossed into the path of a Honda motorcycle traveling westbound. The motorcycle, operated by Reuben James Wiles, collided with the passenger side of the Nissan. Despite efforts to save him, Wiles was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and passenger of the Nissan were uninjured in the crash. The collision…
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…
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…