Medford, OR – Hillcrest Road, located between Foothill Road and Urano Lane, is closed to through traffic from January 14 through March 9, as part of a significant road reconstruction project. The closure will also facilitate the installation of a new storm drainage system, which aims to improve infrastructure in the area. During the closure, drivers will be directed to detour routes via North Phoenix Road and Stanford Road. Access to local businesses along Hillcrest Road will remain open and will be clearly marked with signage throughout the construction period. Motorists are advised to anticipate delays, particularly during peak travel…
Author: Sarah Prescott
Medford, Ore. – Southern Oregon University (SOU) is playing an integral role in the development of a new wildlife crossing that will be built through the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, just south of Ashland. The project, which is funded by federal resources, aims to improve wildlife movement across a busy stretch of the I-5 highway, specifically near the Siskiyou Summit. The wildlife crossing, set to be completed between late 2028 and early 2029, is part of a broader initiative to mitigate the dangers wildlife face when attempting to cross highways in the region. SOU’s involvement has been key, with 14 undergraduate…
MEDFORD, Ore. – Firefighters from the Rogue Valley are currently working tirelessly to combat the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area, as part of a specialized strike team. This team, made up of 20 firefighters and five fire engines, represents several local fire districts, including the Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD), Medford Fire, Ashland Fire and Rescue, Jackson County Fire District 3, and Chiloquin Fire and Rescue. The team, which began its third 24-hour shift on Tuesday, is focused on the fires in the Topanga Canyon area. With the fire already stretching over 23,000 acres, the Rogue Valley firefighters…
MEDFORD, OR– A car crashed through the front doors of Great Clips on Biddle Road in Medford just before the salon was set to open Monday morning. The incident occurred around 9:50 a.m., moments before the salon was ready to welcome customers. Amber Garrett, an employee at the salon, was inside at the time of the crash. She described the terrifying moment, saying she was counting the till when she suddenly felt glass shatter around her, and the desk was pushed down to the floor as the vehicle entered the building. “I was opening the shop today and I saw…
MEDFORD, OR – A significant milestone was reached this weekend in the push for a casino in Medford, as the U.S. Department of the Interior issued a record of decision approving the Coquille Tribe’s request to move forward with plans to build a casino in the city. The Coquille Tribe, based in Coos County, has owned the land on South Pacific Highway in South Medford for more than a decade. In addition to the land, the tribe also owns the nearby Bear Creek golf center and the Compass by Margaritaville hotel. The tribe’s existing operation, the Mill Casino in North…
MEDFORD, OR– Nurses represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) have returned to the picket lines at Providence Medford Medical Center, marking the second strike in less than a year. The strike, which began on January 14, 2025, follows over a year of contentious contract negotiations between ONA and Providence Health & Services. The current contract expired in March 2024, and the primary issues fueling the strike include safe staffing levels, employee benefits, and competitive wages. Providence Health & Services has stated that it is prepared to resume negotiations with ONA at six hospital locations across Oregon, including Providence Medford,…
Medford, OR – In her 2025 State of the State address on Monday, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek outlined several key initiatives she hopes will define her leadership in the coming year. The Governor focused on a range of pressing issues, including homelessness, mental health and addiction care, education reform, and climate resilience. Kotek’s message emphasized a collaborative effort to tackle these challenges head-on. Homelessness and Housing Governor Kotek began by addressing the ongoing homelessness crisis, stating that by July 2025, actions tied to her homelessness state of emergency are expected to rehouse 3,300 households and prevent another 24,000 households from…
Medford, OR – The Oregon State Fire Marshal continues to provide critical support to California as the state battles the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires. In a recent development, Oregon is sending an additional six strike teams, composed of approximately 70 firefighters from various counties, to assist in the firefighting efforts. These teams will bolster the 15 strike teams that were deployed earlier in the week. The initial wave of strike teams arrived in California on Thursday, and by Friday, they were quickly assigned by CAL FIRE to begin their 24-hour shifts. During these shifts, Oregon firefighters have already made…
Medford, OR – Nurses at Providence Medford Medical Center are on day two of their open-ended strike, continuing their fight for a fair contract. The strike, which began earlier this week, has seen strong turnout from healthcare workers advocating for improved working conditions, better pay, and more support for patient care. Although the number of striking nurses decreased on day two due to the start of the weekend, the atmosphere remained charged with determination. Nurses expressed their commitment to the cause, noting that the community’s support had been overwhelming. “As the days go on, more and more people have come…
Medford, OR – Rogue Valley Medford International Airport (MFR) is working toward enhancing its flight offerings in 2025, with a potential new route to Dallas-Fort Worth in the works. The airport, which serves southern Oregon, is currently in discussions with American Airlines regarding the possibility of launching a direct connection between Medford and Texas’ largest city. The push for the new route is backed by significant financial support. Earlier reports revealed that Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley secured a $600,000 federal grant to help fund the expansion project. This grant is part of a broader strategy to improve MFR’s infrastructure…