A coalition of Oregon conservation and community organizations is urging Gov. Tina Kotek to closely review a proposed gravel mining operation in Sunny Valley, arguing the project could harm fish habitat, reduce stream flows and threaten local drinking water supplies. The groups sent a letter Monday to the governor outlining[Read More…]
Author: Teresa Pearson
Oregon Allocates Opioid Settlements
Funding Supports Prevention, Treatment And Recovery Programs Statewide. More than $90 million from Oregon’s opioid settlement funds has been distributed across the state over the past two years to expand addiction prevention, treatment and recovery services, according to a newly released report from the Oregon Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and[Read More…]
Boatnik River Closures Announced For Memorial Day Weekend Events
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is reminding Rogue River users to plan ahead as temporary waterway closures and restrictions will be in effect during the annual Boatnik races over Memorial Day weekend. The closures, enforced by the Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Division, will take place May 22–25 and affect sections[Read More…]
RR Police Chief Dave Rash Named Oregon Police Chief Of The Year
The City of Rogue River is celebrating a major achievement after Police Chief Dave Rash was recognized as the 2025 Police Chief of the Year by the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police. Chief Rash received the award on May 14, 2026, during the association’s annual conference held in Pendleton.[Read More…]
Gold Hill Woman Arrested Following Fatal Hit-and-Run That Killed Local Man
A Gold Hill woman has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a 47-year-old pedestrian early Saturday morning, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities identified the victim as Justin David Hannaford, 47, of Gold Hill, who died after being struck on Access Road near Blackwell Road[Read More…]
Mercy Flights Team Honored For Complex Southern Oregon Rescue Operation
Members of the Mercy Flights team and several Southern Oregon emergency response agencies were recently recognized with a Unit Citation Award for exceptional teamwork and service during a complex rescue operation in late 2025. The recognition was presented at the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association Meritorious Awards Ceremony in Sunriver, Oregon,[Read More…]
Man Pleads Guilty To Fentanyl Distribution Charge
Marvin Yahir Izaguirre-Varela, a 22-year-old Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, on Feb. 18, 2026, a drug detection K9 alerted authorities to the presence of narcotics in Izaguirre-Varela’s bag at the entrance[Read More…]
Forest Service Advances Major Disaster Recovery Efforts
The United States Forest Service announced this week that major disaster recovery projects are continuing across national forests and grasslands following years of damage caused by hurricanes, wildfires and flooding. The recovery work is being funded through $6.35 billion provided by the American Relief Act of 2025. The funding supports[Read More…]
Asante To Cut Hundreds Of Jobs
Hospitals in Medford, Ashland and Grants Pass will remain open, officials say. Southern Oregon’s largest health care provider is preparing for major changes as Asante Health System works to close a projected $50 million budget gap. The health system announced it expects to eliminate more than 300 jobs in the[Read More…]
Harmful Algae Bloom Season Begins
Officials urge caution around lakes and rivers during warmer weather. State health and environmental agencies are warning Oregonians to be cautious around lakes, rivers and reservoirs as harmful algae bloom season begins across the state. The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality have started their annual monitoring[Read More…]