Author: Rogue River Press

ODOT Road Construction Update For April 29, 2026

JACKSON COUNTY • INTERSTATE 5 (Pacific Highway), MP 1-163, Southern Oregon Wrong Way Driver Mitigation project ($2.5 million) This project improves safety along Interstate 5 by adding features that alert drivers when they enter an interchange off-ramp from the wrong direction. These enhancements include permanent signs, reflective pavement markings and[Read More…]

Oregon To Appeal Hazard Mitigation Grant Denial

Courtesy of Oregon Department of Emergency Management The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) informed Gov. Tina Kotek that Oregon will not receive funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program as part of the 2025 December storms major disaster declaration. The December storms caused widespread damage across nine Oregon counties. Gov.[Read More…]

Safe Digging Month Contact 811 Before Digging

In recognition of National Safe Digging Month, the Oregon Utility Notification Center (OUNC), Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA), and Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) remind Oregonians to contact 811 before starting projects that involves digging. Whether a professional contractor or do-it-yourselfer, all play an important role in[Read More…]

Great Time To ‘Rethink The Drink’

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is recognizing Alcohol Awareness Month in April by encouraging individuals and communities across the state to consider how excessive drinking impacts health—and how drinking less can lead to health benefits that last a lifetime.   Excessive drinking, including both heavy and binge drinking, is linked to serious[Read More…]

Fish Counts At Foster Dam

Returning adult salmon and steelhead enter the fish ladder on the south side of the dam and are held in a 12’ x 40’ trap until they can be processed by ODFW’s South Santiam Hatchery staff. Hatchery employees operate the fish trap one to three times per week depending on[Read More…]

Oregon Military Hall Of Honor Ceremony

Courtesy of Oregon Military Department Six Oregon military veterans were inducted into the 2026 Oregon Military Hall of Honor during a formal ceremony held at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026, in recognition of their acts of heroism and exceptional service to the nation. The six[Read More…]

DOJ Secures 20-Year Sentence In Cold Case Homicide

Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced that Marcus Sanfratello, 73, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the 1983 homicide of Teresa Peroni, closing a case that went unsolved for more than four decades. Sanfratello pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree in Josephine County Circuit Court. Under[Read More…]

Zempel Service Notice

BARBARA CAROL ZEMPEL, age 73, of Rogue River, died April 7, 2026, at her home. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., May 9, 2026, at Grace Baptist Church. Arrangements with Hull & Hull Funeral Directors.