Oregon’s unusually mild winter and warm spring temperatures have accelerated the development of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB), causing the destructive pest to emerge weeks earlier than expected, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). ODF Invasive Species Specialist Wyatt Williams confirmed finding a fully developed adult emerald[Read More…]
Outdoors
Armed Forces Day Annual TAG Match Competition
More than 125 members of the Oregon Army and Air National Guard gathered at the Raymond F. Rees Training Center this month to compete in the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, known as the “TAG Match,” while celebrating Armed Forces Day. The three-day event concluded May 16 and tested participants[Read More…]
Fee-Free Day Added To Celebrate National Trails Day
Visitors to national forests and grasslands across the country will be able to access many recreation sites free of charge on June 6 as the U.S. Forest Service marks National Trails Day. Federal officials announced the additional fee-free day for 2026 to encourage people to explore public lands and participate[Read More…]
Buckle Up, It’s National Safe Boating Week
Boaters, before you start your engines, be sure you’ve got your life vests buckled up. That’s one of the messages being floated for National Safe Boating Week, which ends Friday. Wildlife Forever and Discover Mediaworks are encouraging boaters across the country to prioritize safety, conservation, and responsible recreation through the[Read More…]
Proposed Sunny Valley Gravel Mine
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…]
Take Time To Walk In The Park At Palmerton
One of the things Rogue River residents might miss out on is the chance to walk through Palmerton Park in the early to mid-morning hours. The Rogue River Tree City USA Committee conducts its Spring Walk In The Park in May, when the weather is probably at its best before[Read More…]
DeBenedetti Has ‘Crazy’ Racing Opening Night
Vinny DeBenedetti has already made a name for himself at Southern Oregon Speedway (SOS). The son of Jon and Valerie DeBenedetti, both individually successful racers at the track, he has been racing there since he was four years old. He won his first championship event race as a freshman nearly[Read More…]
ODOT Road Construction Update For May 20, 2026
Drivers throughout Jackson and Josephine counties should expect lane closures, reduced speeds and periodic delays as several major highway improvement projects continue this spring and summer. Projects range from bridge repairs and highway widening to ADA curb ramp upgrades and Interstate 5 pavement improvements. JACKSON COUNTY PROJECTS Lost Creek Lake[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…]
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…]