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.…
Author: Sarah Prescott
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…
Medford, OR – The Rogue Valley International – Medford Airport is preparing for a major expansion to accommodate a significant increase in passenger traffic over the next two decades. Airport officials have stated that the facility, which serves Southern Oregon and Northern California, is outgrowing its current infrastructure and needs substantial upgrades to meet future demand. Amber Judd, the airport’s director, revealed that the airport expects passenger numbers to double by 2042, with projections estimating approximately one million passengers annually. In order to handle this growth, Judd explained that the airport will need to nearly double in size. “Our terminal…
Medford, OR – This November, the Medford Police Department (MPD) is swapping razors for a cause, as officers and staff take part in the nationwide “No Shave November” campaign. The initiative, which encourages participants to forgo shaving for the month, aims to raise both awareness and funds for cancer research and patient care. In Medford, MPD’s team of officers and staff have committed to growing facial hair throughout the month, asking for the community’s support through donations. The funds raised from this effort will benefit the Asante Foundation for Cancer Care, a nonprofit that provides essential cancer care and funds…
Medford, OR – The deadline to apply for the 2025 Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Citizen Academy is fast approaching, offering a unique opportunity for community members to learn about law enforcement firsthand. The 11-week course will cover a variety of topics, including criminal investigations, prosecution of cases, general administration of police services, and specialized programs such as SWAT and K-9 units. Classes will take place on Wednesday nights, beginning on January 8 and running through March 19, 2025. The program is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the operations and challenges faced by local law enforcement officers, giving participants…
Medford, OR – The Coquille Indian Tribe is on the verge of a significant achievement in its decade-long pursuit of a casino in Medford, Oregon. After years of setbacks and negotiations, the tribe’s proposal has gained new momentum with the finalization of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by the U.S. Department of the Interior. This approval paves the way for the tribe to transform over two acres of its land into federal trust, a crucial step toward building the long-awaited casino. The Coquille Tribe first began its efforts to establish a gaming facility under the Obama administration, but faced several…
Medford, OR – Governor Tina Kotek has announced plans to convene a special session of the Oregon Legislature on December 12, 2024, to address the outstanding bills from the state’s record wildfire season. This year, wildfires ravaged nearly 2 million acres, a figure more than three times the 10-year average, and cost Oregon emergency response agencies nearly $350 million. While a significant portion of these costs is expected to be covered by federal disaster relief funds, Kotek is seeking immediate legislative approval for at least $218 million from the state’s general fund to settle the remaining debts. The session will…
Medford, OR – Negotiations between Providence Medford nurses and hospital administration have hit an impasse, with both sides failing to reach a new agreement during a bargaining session this week. The nurses, represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), are continuing to push for higher compensation, with a focus on retroactive pay and bonuses. A strike authorization vote is now pending as both parties approach a critical deadline. Nurses have been without a new contract since March and have been in negotiations since January, participating in at least 18 bargaining sessions. According to the ONA, a top priority for the…