Oregon’s Senate has voted 29-0 to repeal the state’s controversial wildfire hazard map, a tool designed to identify properties at high risk for wildfire and impose stricter building codes. The map, introduced in 2021, quickly drew criticism from rural property owners and lawmakers who argued it was inaccurate and unfairly penalized thousands of Oregonians. Many […]
The Bureau of Land Management has distributed more than $27.7 million in timber revenue to 18 western Oregon counties this week. Jackson county received $4.3 million and Josephine $3.3 million. These funds, generated from timber harvested on federal public lands, play a crucial role in supporting local services like emergency response, schools, and infrastructure. BLM […]
The Eugene Emeralds, a High-A minor league baseball team affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, are proposing a $90 million stadium in downtown Medford. Facing the need to leave their current home at PK Park in Eugene due to new Major League Baseball facility standards, the Emeralds see Medford as their top relocation option. During […]
Ashland is kicking off a new series of wildfire resiliency workshops to help residents prepare for the upcoming fire season. The city-organized program will offer four free sessions over the coming months on topics ranging from home hardening and defensible space to evacuation planning and fire-resistant landscaping. The first workshop is set for Monday, April […]
Seven new civil lawsuits have been filed in the past week against Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford and former nurse Dani Marie Schofield over an alleged drug tampering scheme. They seek roughly $57 million in damages and claim Schofield swapped hospital patients’ fentanyl pain medication with tap water, causing severe infections. Schofield was […]
Jackson County is gearing up to welcome visitors back to Emigrant Lake this summer. After years of drought, the lake is nearly full again, setting the stage for a great season. County Roads and Parks Director Steve Lambert says the park has seen significant upgrades to get ready for the crowds. Crews have replaced aging […]
Oregon drivers needing emissions tests are facing unexpected delays after a cyberattack struck the Department of Environmental Quality on Wednesday. The attack was discovered early Wednesday morning, prompting officials to immediately shut down DEQ’s networks to isolate and protect agency servers. While the full extent of the attack remains unclear, DEQ spokesperson Lauren Wirtis has […]
Jackson County, Oregon, has unveiled its proposed $660.1 million budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, reflecting a $20 million increase over the previous year. The budget prioritizes major infrastructure projects and public services while addressing rising personnel and insurance costs. Key projects include a $40.9 million allocation for the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport expansion to […]
The Ashland City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance imposing fees on the installation of fossil-fueled appliances in new residential construction, sparking both support and criticism from various community groups. The measure, supported by youth-led organizations like the Ashland Youth Electrification group, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the use of electric appliances. […]
The Medford city council is debating the future of Main Street, a project that has sparked both praise and criticism. The street was reconfigured in 2023 to include a two-way protected bike lane, reducing traffic lanes from three to two. However, public reaction has been mixed, with some residents finding the new layout confusing and […]
A 45-year-old White City bicyclist, Matthew Davenport, was killed in a collision with a vehicle early Tuesday morning on Foothill Road in rural Central Point. According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred around 4:44 a.m. near the intersection with Corey Road. Davenport was transported to a local hospital but pronounced dead at […]
Ashland officials are preparing tough budget decisions as rising costs outpace limited revenue growth. City Manager Sabrina Cotta warns that essential services—including police, fire protection, and parks—may face reductions unless new funding solutions emerge. The city’s financial strain stems from Oregon’s 3% annual cap on property tax increases, implemented in the 1990s, which hasn’t kept […]
The city of Talent is set to convert a former Asante medical building into a vital Community Resource Center after securing a $1.5 million federal grant. The facility at 49 Talent Avenue will house nonprofits like the Talent Food Project, Rogue Action Center, and Jackson County Long Term Recovery Group, providing essential services to residents […]
Medford residents can look forward to a revitalized Jackson Park by 2026, as plans move forward for a comprehensive $2.3 million renovation project. The aging west Medford park, which has served the community since the 1960s, is set for major upgrades including the city’s largest splash pad to replace the decommissioned pool. “It’s maybe our […]
A severe storm system has left the Rogue Valley reeling, with historic flooding causing widespread damage and displacement. Over the weekend, more than three inches of rain fell in just 24 hours, overwhelming local waterways and infrastructure. In Grants Pass, the Polder family was among those forced to evacuate their home as floodwaters breached their […]
Downtown Medford has lost a beloved musical landmark with the permanent closure of Johnny B’s. The venue, which operated for over 25 years in the historic Woolworth Building, announced its final shutdown this week, leaving a significant void in Southern Oregon’s live music landscape. Known for its inclusive atmosphere, Johnny B’s showcased everything from punk […]
Mt. Ashland Ski Area has announced an exciting extension to their 2024-2025 winter season, adding two bonus weekends in April. This decision comes on the heels of exceptional snowfall and strong attendance numbers, making it the second-longest season for the resort in three decades. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the slopes on April 19-20 and […]
A Phoenix, Oregon conservation group is working to officially name a local stream “Beaver Creek.” Save the Phoenix Wetlands has submitted an application to the Oregon Geographic Naming Board to recognize this waterway formed by six natural springs.
Senator Jeff Merkley continues his longstanding tradition of visiting every Oregon county with two Southern Oregon town halls scheduled for this Sunday
Demolition of North Medford High School’s gymnasium began this week, marking a significant step forward in recovery efforts after February’s catastrophic roof collapse.
The housing market in Jackson County has continued its upward trend according to the latest figures released by the Rogue Valley Association of Realtors.
The Britt Music & Arts Festival has unveiled an impressive lineup for summer 2025, featuring Grammy-winning artists and beloved musical acts across diverse genres.
The James A. Redden U.S. Courthouse in Medford has been identified as one of hundreds of federal properties across the country “designated for disposal” by the federal government.
A a recent study reveals Medford, Grants Pass, and Bend as the nation’s most smoke-impacted cities, with Southern Oregon accounting for six of the top 10 smokiest locales.
Jackson County is advancing a $5.9 million plan to overhaul the 22.4-mile Bear Creek Greenway, aiming to enhance safety, reduce wildfire risks, and restore the popular trail system after years of challenges tied to homelessness, crime, and vegetation overgrowth.
The Medford School Board declared the collapsed North Medford High School gym an “emergency” during a February 25 special meeting, allowing expedited repairs without standard bidding protocols.
After 46 days on picket lines, nearly 5,000 nurses at eight Providence hospitals in Oregon, including Medford Medical Center, approved new labor contracts on February 24, concluding the state’s largest healthcare strike.
Following up on the North Medford high’s gym roof collapse we covered on the last show. The over 3 million dollars in seismic upgrades that had been recently done on the roof has currently been ruled out as being related to the collapse.
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has issued a public warning about an increase in Bitcoin-related scams targeting local residents.
In the Rogue Valley we are feeling some of the pains from the nationwide egg shortage caused by bird flu outbreaks. Local stores have a limited inventory of eggs and most are restricting the number of cartons you can buy.
North Medford High School’s gymnasium roof collapsed on February 11, due to an unprecedented accumulation of snow from a recent storm.
Sen. Jeff Golden, D-Ashland, is advocating for significant changes to Oregon’s Wildfire Hazard Map, aiming to address growing concerns and misinformation among rural property owners.
Providence Medford Medical Center have overwhelmingly voted to reject the latest contract offer from Providence management
Joann’s, the national fabric retailer, has filed for bankruptcy and plans to close over half of its 800 U.S. stores. The Grants Pass store and The Klamath Falls are closing. The Joann store at Poplar Square in north Medford will remain open. MedfordAlert.com
Winter storms have caused significant disruptions to trash collection services across Medford, Oregon, and the broader Rogue Valley. While regular residential garbage pickup resumed Thursday, many neighborhoods remain inaccessible due to lingering snow and ice, prompting delays.
Forty flights, including cargo services, were canceled, delayed, or diverted due to heavy snowfall and thick fog over the past few days.
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) has reached a tentative agreement with Providence Oregon to end a 26-day strike.
Pacific Power has made substantial progress in restoring electricity to customers affected by severe winter storms in southern Oregon and northern California.