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KMED/KCMD News for Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Posted on July 22, 2020July 22, 2020 by Bill Meyer

HERE ARE THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM OUR NEWS PARTNER NBC5

WERE FOLLOWING DEVELOPING NEWS THIS MORNING – ONE PERSON WAS SHOT DURING AN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING. THE JACKSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE SAYS THEY RECEIVED A TIP AROUND 10 O’CLOCK FROM THE MEDFORD AREA DRUG AND GANG ENFORCEMENT TASK FORCE INDICATING A WANTED SUSPECT WAS IN THE DAIRY QUEEN PARKING LOT, POSSIBLY ARMED AND IN POSSESSION OF A LARGE AMOUNT OF DRUGS. DEPUTIES ARRIVED AND APPROACHED THE SUSPECT AND GOT INTO SOME SORT OF STRUGGLE. A DEPUTY FIRED HIS GUN, STRIKING THE SUSPECT. THE MAN WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL WITH UNKNOWN INJURIES.

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FIREFIGHTERS ARE BATTLING WHAT IS RIGHT NOW THE *BIGGEST FIRE IN OUR AREA THIS MORNING. IT’S CALLED THE BIG YOUNG FIRE AND IT HAS BURNED MORE THAN *700 ACRES SO FAR. IT’S 11 MILES SOUTHWEST OF PAISLEY, AND IS BURNING ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE CHEWAUCAN RIVER ON BOTH PRIVATE AND FOREST SERVICE LANDS. LATER TODAY A TYPE 2 MANAGEMENT TEAM WILL BE TAKING OVER CONTROL. CREWS ARE USING RESOURCES ON BOTH THE GROUND AND THE AIR. IT’S NOT CLEAR HOW THE FIRE STARTED.

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FIREFIGHTERS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ARE CONTINUING TO BATTLE THE BADGER FIRE NEAR YREKA. AS OF THE LATEST UPDATE… THE FIRE IS 45 PERCENT CONTAINED AND JUST UNDER 560 ACRES. THE FIRE STARTED NEAR BADGER MOUNTAIN ROAD AND HAWKINSVILLE HUMBUG ROAD ON SATURDAY. ALL EVACUATION ORDERS HAVE BEEN LIFTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

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PHOENIX CITY COUNCIL IS MOVING FORWARD WITH PLANS TO CONDUCT IT’S OWN INVESTIGATION INTO MAYOR CHRIS LUZ. SPECIFICALLY, THE MAYOR’S RECENT INCIDENTS SURROUNDING BLACK LIVES MATTER PROTESTS. THE FIRST IS REGARDING ALLEGATIONS THAT THE MAYOR HIT A PROTESTOR AT A RALLY IN MEDFORD. THE JACKSON COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE AND THE MEDFORD POLICE CLEARED THE MAYOR OF ANY WRONG DOING. THE SECOND WAS IN MID-JUNE… WHERE COUNCIL MEMBERS ALLEGE THE MAYOR INVITED PEOPLE WHO CARRY FIREARMS TO ATTEND A PUBLIC MEETING… WHERE PROTESTORS WERE EXPECTED. THE MAYOR TELLS OUR NEWS PARTNER NBC5 THAT HE APPROVED THE DECISION TO INVESTIGATE HIS ACTIONS AND DENIES ALL ALLEGATIONS.

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ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL IS DELAYING A MAJOR DECISION REGARDING THE CITY MANAGER OPEN POSITION. MAYOR JOHN STROMBERG IS IN FAVOR OF APPOINTING CURRENT INTERIM CITY ADMINISTRATOR ADAM HANKS, PAYING HIM A STARTING SALARY OF MORE THAN 150-THOUSAND DOLLARS, AND A 2-YEAR SEVERANCE PACKAGE. BUT, THE APPOINTMENT HAS CAUSED SOME CONTROVERSY. THE CITY GETTING NUMEROUS EMAILS IN OPPOSITION. COUNCILORS DECIDED *NOT* TO VOTE ON THE APPOINTMENT LAST NIGHT AND IS INSTEAD POSTPONING THE AGENDA ITEM UNTIL COUNCIL APPROVES THE CITY MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS.

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ROGUE RETREAT SAYS THEY’RE IN DESPERATE NEED OF FOOD DONATIONS FOR MEDFORD’S NEW URBAN CAMPGROUND. THE NON PROFIT WILL BE OVERSEEING THE TEMPORARY CAMPGROUND.. THAT WILL BE HOME TO ABOUT 1-HUNDRED PEOPLE. THE FOOD DOES HAVE TO BE PREPARED… SINCE THEY DON’T HAVE A WAY TO COOK AT THE CAMP. DONATIONS CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT ROGUE RETREAT’S MEDFORD OFFICE.

KMED/KCMD News: Thursday, July 9, 2020

Posted on July 9, 2020July 9, 2020 by smichaels

Medford to Lay Off Several Employees

THE CITY OF MEDFORD HAS ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL LAY OFF A NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES, DUE TO THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. CURRENTLY THERE ARE NINE OTHER POSITIONS THAT ARE ALREADY VACANT, AND WILL REMAIN UNFILLED FOR NOW.

Jacksonville Highway Work Will Cause Delays

TODAY WILL BEGIN ROAD WORK ON HIGHWAY 238, FROM WAGON TRAIL DRIVE AND LOGANECKER ROAD, JUST WEST OF JACKSONVILLE. DRIVERS ARE ADVISED TO PLAN FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTE DELAYS. WORK WILL CONTINUE AGAIN ON TUESDAY, JULY 14^TH, FROM 7AM TO 5PM. CREWS WILL BE CHIP SEALING THIS PORTION OF THE HIGHWAY.

U.S. Attorney Says 7 Arrested In Portland Riots

U.S. ATTORNEY BILLY J. WILLIAMS HAS ANNOUNCED THAT SEVEN PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ARRESTED, AND ARE LOOKING AT FEDERAL CHARGES FOR THEIR ROLES IN WEEKEND RIOTS AT THE MARK O. HATFIELD U.S. COURTHOUSE IN PORTLAND. COURT DOCUMENTS SAY THAT PROTESTS HAVE BEEN REGULARLY FOLLOWED BY NIGHTLY CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, INCLUDING ASSAULTS ON POLICE.

Cannabis Advisory Panel Gets Second Chance

A CANNABIS ADVISORY PANEL IS GETTING A SECOND CHANCE IN JOSEPHINE COUNTY. THIS PANEL WOULD ADVISE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ON ALL THINGS CANNABIS. THE DAILY COURIER SAYS THAT BOARD WOULD BE MADE UP OF CANNABIS REPS, NEIGHBORS, REGULATORS AND POLICY MAKERS. THOUGH A FIRST MEETING HAS NOT YET BEEN ESTABLISHED, IT’LL BE A TIME FOR INSIDER DEBATE AND PUBLIC DISCOURSE.

Governor Adds 7 Counties to Drought Emergency List

GOVERNOR KATE BROWN HAS ADDED 7 NEW COUNTIES TO THE LIST OF THOSE CONSIDERED TO BE IN SEVERE DROUGHT. THE NEW ADDITIONS ARE:

JOSEPHINE
CROOK
GILLIAM
DESCHUTES
DOUGLAS
JEFFERSON
WASCO

JACKSON COUNTY IS ALREADY ON THE LIST. THE TOTAL NOW STANDS AT 11 COUNTIES IN DROUGHT EMERGENCY.

Sheriff's Office Looks For Shooting Suspects

JACKSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES ARE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR TWO MEN, THEY SAY FIRED A HANDGUN IN THE AIR IN WHITE CITY ON THE 4^TH OF JULY. DEPUTES SAY THAT THE TWO MEN WERE DRIVING A QUAD UP AND DOWN AVENUE A, RECKLESSLY. ONE OF THE SUSPECTS FIRED THE SHOTS, WHEN THEY WERE CONFRONTED BY A GROUP OF PEOPLE ON 28^TH STREET.

KMED/KCMD News: Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Posted on July 8, 2020July 8, 2020 by smichaels

Former Sheriff's Deputy Faces Misconduct

A FORMER JACKSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTY IS LOOKING AT PROBATION AND A PRETTY HEFTY FINE. THE COUNTY D.A. SAYS THAT 2019, SEXUALLY EXPLICIT PHOTOS OF THE DEPUTY WERE FOUND, OF HIM IN UNIFORM IN A PATROL CAR. THE MAN PLEADED GUILTY TO OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT IN THE FIRST DEGREE, AND WILL HAVE TO SPEND 11 MONTHS ON PROBATION, AND PAY A $1,300 FINE.

Seven Men Arrested After Alleged Race Incident

SEVEN MEN WERE ARRESTED SATURDAY NIGHT, AFTER LINCOLN CITY POLICE SAY THEY MADE RACIST THREATS, AND NAZI SALUTES TOWARD A BLACK FAMILY ON THE BEACH THAT NIGHT. POLICE WERE FORCED TO FORM A BARRICADE IN FRONT OF THE MEN, SO THE FAMILY COULD LEAVE THE BEACH. OREGON PUBLIC BROADCASTING SAYS THAT ALL OF THE MEN, SAVE FOR THE ONE WHO REFUSED TO IDENTIFY HIMSELF TO POLICE, HAD RUSSIAN OR EASTERN EUROPEAN NAMES.

Grants Pass 'Thumbs Up' Possible Public Safety Levy Increase

THE CITY OF GRANTS PASS, IS NOW PROPOSING AN INCREASE IN THE PUBLIC SAFETY LEVY. THE GRANTS PASS DAILY COURIER SAYS THAT AFTER A THUMBS UP VOTE, THE COUNCIL DECIDED TO PROPOSE RAISING THE RATE TO $1.97 PER $1,000 OF ASSESSED PROPERTY VALUE. THAT WOULD BE AN INCREASE OF 18 CENTS. THE CITY NEEDS TO FIND ABOUT A MILLION DOLLARS IN REDUCED SPENDING OR HIGHER TAXES.

Local Business To Give Away Life Jackets For Kids

WITH THE WEATHER WARMING UP, MORE PEOPLE ARE HITTING THE LAKES AND RIVERS IN SOUTHERN OREGON. IN HOPES TO HELP KEEP WATER TRAGEDIES AT BAY, COASTAL OF WHITE CITY WILL BE GIVING AWAY 300 LIFE JACKETS, ABSOLUTELY FREE, THIS COMING SATURDAY IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE JACKSON COUNTY EXPO. THE EVENT WILL RUN FROM 11AM TO 1PM, AND WILL BE FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. THE JACKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO KIDS UP TO 12 YEARS OLD.

KMED/KCMD News: Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Posted on July 7, 2020July 7, 2020 by smichaels

Medford Gives Go-Ahead on Urban Homeless Camp

APPROVAL WAS GIVEN BY THE MEDFORD CITY COUNCIL TO ERECT A TEMPORARY HOMELESS CAMP. THE CAMP WILL BE FENCED OFF, AND WILL CONTAIN AN AREA FOR ABOUT 25 TENTS, WITH PORTABLE TOILETS AND TRASHCANS. HANDWASHING STATIONS WILL ALSO BE ON SITE, ALONG WITH FOOD AND MEDICAL SERVICES. THE PROPOSAL IS FOR THE CAMP TO BE SET UP ON A SMALL PATCH OF PROPERTY, JUST NORTH OF THE FORD DEALERSHIP ALONG BIDDLE ROAD.

Non-Motorized Watercraft Will Now Need Permit

KAYAK AND PADDLEBOARD ENTHUSIASTS NOW HAVE A NEW THING TO DO, IF THEY WANT TO PURSUE THEIR PASSION AT LAKES NOW. A NEW LAW WHICH REQUIRES A “WATERWAY ACCESS PERMIT” FOR NON-MOTORIZED BOATS, 10 FEET AND LONGER IS NOW IN EFFECT. CANOES, RAFTS AND OTHER INFLATABLES ARE INCLUDED. THE PERMIT COSTS $5 FOR 7 DAYS. OR $19 FOR ONE YEAR.

Pro-USA Rally In Josephine County

DESPITE WIDESPREAD CANCELLATIONS OF OFFICIAL INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS, A GROUP OF WELL OVER 100 PEOPLE GATHERED OUTSIDE OF THE JOSEPHINE COUNTY COURTHOUSE SATURDAY IN HONOR OF THE UNITED STATES, AND TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT. THE GATHERING INCLUDED A READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE AND SINGING OF GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Government Give Approval for Controversial Pipeline Project

THE U.S. SECRETARY OF ENERGY HAS GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT ON THE CONTROVERSIAL JORDAN COVE PROJECT AND PIPELINE. THE APPROVAL IS ONLY ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL HOWEVER, AND OREGON OFFICIALS HAVE SAID THAT IT WILL STILL NEED STATE APPROVAL. THAT’S SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN DENIED IN THE PAST.

KMED/KCMD News: Monday, July 6, 2020

Posted on July 6, 2020July 6, 2020 by smichaels

Busy Weekend for Local Fire Agencies

MEDFORD FIRE AND RESCUE HAD A BUSY HOLIDAY WEEKEND. THEY SAID THAT THEY HAD ABOUT 90 CALLS FOR FIREWORKS SUCH AS BOTTLE ROCKETS AND OTHER MEDICAL ISSUES. THAT’S ABOUT THREE TIMES THE AVERAGE AMOUNT. THE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY ANNOUNCED SEVERAL SMALL FIRES, BUT CREWS WERE ABLE TO PUT THEM OUT QUICKLY.

YESTERDAY THE MEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO A STRUCTURE FIRE ON WEST 13^TH AND PEACH STREETS, WHERE THEY FOUND AN OUTBUILDING FULLY ENGULFED. THE FLAMES HAD SPREAD TO THE MAIN HOME. THE FIRE WAS QUICKLY STOMPED OUT. NOBODY WAS INJURED.

Haze In Valley Skies, No Fires? The Cause

WELL, IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE WONDERING WHERE THE HAZE THAT SURROUNDED OUR VALLEY ON FRIDAY CAME FROM, THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ANNOUNCED THAT THE SMOKE IS COMING FROM WILDFIRES IN SIBERIA. THE FIRES ARE MOSTLY IN EASTERN RUSSIA. THEY SAY THAT THE HAZE COULD LAST FOR A WHILE, BUT THERE’S NO SIGNIFICANT HEALTH EFFECTS AT THIS TIME.

Oregon Sees Rise In Coronavirus

ONE DAY AFTER INDEPENDENCE DAY, THE STATE SAW JUST OVER 300 CONFIRMED AND PRESUMPTIVE CASES OF CORONAVIRUS. THERE ARE NOW, AT LEAST 10,230 CONFIRMED AND PRESUMPTIVE CASES IN OREGON. JACKSON COUNTY HAD THREE MORE CASES, AND NOW STANDS AT 149, WHILE JOSEPHINE COUNTY SAID THAT THEY HAD 5 MORE CASES. THE COUNTY TOTAL IS NOW AT 58.

KMED/KCMD News: Thursday, July 2, 2020

Posted on July 2, 2020July 2, 2020 by smichaels

Talent to Bring In Outside Agencies for Policing

THE CITY OF TALENT HAS APPROVED A PROPOSAL TO BRING IN OUTSIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT, DUE TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ENDURING A STAFFING SHORTAGE. AGENCIES SUCH AS PHOENIX POLICE AND THE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE WILL COVER THE HOURS WHEN TALENT POLICE CAN’T BE ON SHIFT. CITY STAFF WILL FINALIZE THE DETAILS.

OSF Goes Streaming

THOUGH THE OREGON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL MAY BE CLOSED DOWN FOR THE SUMMER, DUE TO COVID-19, THE FESTIVAL IS NOT OUT OF THE GAME. THE FESTIVAL HAS RELEASED AN ONLINE STREAMING SERVICE, WHERE YOU CAN CURRENTLY VIEW RECORDINGS OF ITS TWO MOST POPULAR PLAYS THIS YEAR, THE COPPER CHILDREN AND A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.

Cellphone Tax Will Bring Better Internet to Rural Oregon

THERE MAY BE HOPE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO USE THE INTERNET IN THE ILLINOIS VALLEY. A BILL THAT PASSED THE SENATE LAST WEEK, WILL PROVIDE ABOUT $5 MILLION DOLLARS IN GRANT AND LOAN FUNDS THROUGH A CELLPHONE USAGE TAX. THIS WILL ADD UP TO ABOUT $4 A YEAR FOR AVERAGE USERS ACROSS THE STATE.

Grants Pass V.S. Copeland Continues

THE BATTLE BETWEEN THE CITY OF GRANTS PASS AND COPELAND SAND AND GRAVEL CONTINUES. THE CITY WANTED TO TAKE POSSESSION OF THE 10 ACRES THEY WANT FOR A NEW WATER TREATMENT PLANT ON TUESDAY, BUT THAT HAS COME AND GONE. TWO HEARINGS THAT WERE SCHEDULED FOR THIS MONTH HAVE BEEN CANCELLED, AND A HEARING FOR MID-JULY HAS BEEN POSTPONED.

Fire Near Medford Transient Camp on BC Greenway

AS THE WEATHER GET WARM AND WITH DRYING VEGETATION, MEDFORD FIREFIGHTERS WERE CALLED OUT YESTERDAY EVENING TO A FIRE ALONG THE BEAR CREEK GREENWAY. THE DEPARTMENT SAYS THEY FOUND IT BURNING NEXT TO 2 TRANSIENT CAMPS. IT BURNED THROUGH THICK BRUSH AND BLACKBERRY BUSHES, CREWS WERE ABLE TO STOP IT AT ABOUT 3-QUARTERS OF AN ACRE.

Three Juveniles Rescued From River Rocks

THREE JUVENILES WERE RESCUED YESTERDAY ON THE ROGUE RIVER BY THE JOSEPHINE COUNTY SHERIFF’S MARINE PATROL. THE TRIO BECAME STRANDED ON SOME ROCKS BELOW INDIAN MARY PARK, AFTER SWIFT CURRENTS CARRIED THEM DOWNSTREAM AS THEY RODE ON POOL TOYS. NONE OF THE THREE WERE INJURED, THOUGH NONE WERE WEARING LIFE JACKETS.

KMED/KCMD News: Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Posted on July 1, 2020July 1, 2020 by smichaels

Governor Extends Emergency Declaration, Mask Mandate Begins Today

GOVERNOR KATE BROWN HAS EXTENDED THE STATE’S CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY DECLARATION FOR ANOTHER 60 DAYS. THE MAIL TRIBUNE SAYS THE DECLARATION WILL NOW LAST UNTIL SEPTEMBER 4^TH.

THE GOVERNOR ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT FOR INDOOR PUBLIC PLACES, EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR MASKS. THAT BEGINS TODAY. THE STATE’S OSHA WILL OVERSEE AND ENFORCE THE ORDER. LOCAL COUNTIES WILL NOT BE ENFORCING INDIVIDUALS IN PUBLIC SPACES.

Major University Finds COVID-19 Cases Rising Fast

A STUDY FROM JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY SAYS THAT THE NUMBER OF KNOWN COVID-19 CASES IN THE U.S. IS DOUBLING EVERY MONTH, LEADING SOME STATES TO DELAY OR COMPLETELY HALT ANY OR ALL REOPENING PLANS.

Weekend Protest Decries Timber Sale

A GROUP OF PEOPLE GATHERED IN RUCH ON SATURDAY. THEY WERE THERE TO PROTEST THE BEAR GRUB TIMBER SALE, WHICH IS BEING HELD BY THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT. THE DAILY COURIER SAYS THAT THE PROTEST WAS ORGANIZED BY THE APPLEGATE NEIGHBOR NETWORK. THE SALE IS PART OF AN EFFORT TO REMOVE POSSIBLE FIRE FUEL IN THE AREA.

Man Accused of Luring Minor

ASHLAND POLICE ARRESTED A MAN YESTERDAY, THEY SAY WAS LURING A MINOR. 33-YEAR-OLD BENJAMIN JORDAN HARVEY IS FACING FELONY LURING A MINOR AND PURCHASING SEX WITH A MINOR. HE’S LODGED IN JACKSON COUNTY JAIL ON ABOUT $15,000 BAIL.

Oregon Minimum Wage Rises Today

OREGON’S MINIMUM WAGE WORKERS WILL BE GETTING A RAISE TODAY. SENATE BILL 1532 MADE IT SO THE MINIMUM WAGE WOULD INCREASE EACH YEAR UNTIL 2022. MINUMUM WAGE WORKERS IN JACKSON AND JOSEPHINE COUNTIES WILL SEE THEIR WAGES RISE TO $12 AN HOUR.

KMED/KCMD News: Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Posted on June 30, 2020June 30, 2020 by smichaels

Governor Orders Indoor Mask Mandate

GOVERNOR KATE BROWN HAS ORDERED THAT BEGINNING TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, JULY 1^ST, ALL BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS, STATEWIDE, WILL HAVE TO REQUIRE EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS TO WEAR MASKS. SHE SAYS THAT THE VIRUS IS RISING AT AN ALARMING RATE, AND THAT MASKS ARE THE BEST WAY TO LIMIT THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS, WITHOUT LIMITING BUSINESS. PEOPLE WHO HAVE MEDICAL ISSUES AND CAN’T WEAR MASKS, ALONG WITH CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 ARE EXEMPT FROM THE ORDER. THE STATE OSHA, AS WELL AS LOCAL AGENCIES WILL ENFORCE THE ORDER.

Medford Plans to Approve Land for Urban Homeless Camp

MEDFORD IS PLANNING TO APPROVE LAND TO BE USED AS A TEMPORARY URBAN CAMPGROUND FOR THE HOMELESS. THE LOT WILL BE ON PRIVATE LAND OFF BIDDLE AND MIDWAY ROAD. THE IDEA WILL BE TO HELP HOMELESS FOLKS GET RESOURCES, AND TO CAMP SAFELY. THE NON-PROFIT ROGUE RETREAT WILL TAKE OVER MANAGEMENT, AND OPERATIONS FOR THE GROUND. THE CITY SAYS THE MONEY WILL COME FROM A GREENWAY PROGRAM. THE COUNCIL WILL VOTE ON IT THURSDAY.

New Restrictions for Local VA Facilities

NEW RESTRICTIONS HAVE BEEN PUT IN PLACE FOR VA FACILITIES IN WHITE CITY AND ROSEBURG. VETERANS ENTERING THE CAMPUS, WILL NOW BE GREETED WITH QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE VIRUS, AS WELL AS A TEMPERATURE CHECK. VIDEO DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS ARE ALSO BEING STRONGLY PUSHED. THE VA IS URGING VISITORS AND VETERANS TO WEAR FACE MASKS AS WELL.

Grants Pass Sues Local Business In Eminent Domain Saga

THE CITY OF GRANTS PASS IS TAKING A LOCAL BUSINESS TO COURT TODAY, THEY ARE SUING ‘COPELAND SAND AND GRAVEL’ FOR A CHUNK OF THEIR LAND. THE CITY WANTS PART OF COPELAND’S PROPERTY, FOR A NEW WATER FILTRATION PLANT, BUT THE LAND ISN’T FOR SALE, AND THE TWO SIDES HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO COME TO AN AGREEMENT. THE CITY WANTS TO TAKE APPROXIMATELY 10 ACRES OF THE NEARLY 17-ACRE PROPERTY. THE FIGHT HAS GONE ON FOR MORE THAN A YEAR NOW.

Car Break-Ins Spurs Warning from Law Enforcement

A SERIES OF CAR BREAK-INS OVER THE WEEKEND HAS LAW ENFORCEMENT ISSUING A WARNING, TO KEEP YOUR CAR DOORS LOCKED, AND TO TAKE YOUR VALUABLEVS WITH YOU WHEN YOU GET OUT. MEDFORD POLICE ARRESTED A 29-YEAR-OLD MAN AFTER A HOT PURSUIT ON SATURDAY, AFTER WHICH THEY FOUND STOLEN ITEMS IN HIS CAR. THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE SAYS THAT SOME OF THE LOOT CAME FROM AT LEAST 3 CARS THAT WERE BROKEN INTO NEAR LOST CREEK LAKE.

KMED/KCMD News: Monday, June 29, 2020

Posted on June 29, 2020June 29, 2020 by smichaels

Latest C-Virus Numbers

JOSEPHINE COUNTY HAS REPORTED FIVE NEW CASES OF THE CORONAVIRUS, ACCORDING TO THE GRANTS PASS DAILY COURIER. THE COUNTY NOW HAS 31 CONFIRMED CASES. THESE ARE THE FIRST NEW CASES SINCE MID JUNE. JACKSON COUNTY HAS HAD NO NEW CASES AS OF YET. THE COUNTY’S COUNT CURRENTLY STANDS AT 106.

STATEWIDE THERE ARE 247 NEW CONFIRMED AND PRESUMPTIVE CASES. THAT BRINGS THE STATE TOTAL TO 8,341.

Survey Says Americans Not As Patriotic As 4th Comes

WITH INDEPENDENCE DAY ON THE WAY, AMERICANS MAY NOT BE FEELING AS PATRIOTIC THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY. A NEW WALLETHUB SURVEY FINDS 78% OF PEOPLE SAY THEY’LL SPEND LESS MONEY THIS YEAR. TWO-THIRDS THINK LOCAL GOVERNMENTS SHOULDN’T USE TAXPAYER DOLLARS FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAYS. ABOUT 40% PLAN ON SHOPPING OVER THE HOLIDAY, BUT NEARLY THREE-QUARTERS SAY THEY WILL NOT TRAVEL. ONLY 25% SAY THEY’RE KEEPING THEIR SUMMER PLANS.

Fire Danger Rises To "Moderate"

FIRE DANGER IN JACKSON AND JOSEPHINE COUNTIES IS BEING ELEVATED TODAY. THIS ELEVATION WILL BE FOR OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY PROTECTED LANDS. THE LEVEL, AS OF TODAY, WILL NOW BE IN THE MODERATE RANGE, DUE TO HOT WEATHER AND DRYING OUT VEGETATION. THE ODF BELIEVES THAT THE FIRE DANGER WILL RISE TO HIGH SOME TIME IN MID JULY. THE ELEVATION COMES LATER THIS TIME, DUE TO MORE MAY AND JUNE RAIN.

KMED/KCMD News: Friday, June 26, 2020

Posted on June 26, 2020June 26, 2020 by smichaels

Homicide Investigation In Josephine County

A HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION IS NOW UNDERWAY IN JOSEPHINE COUNTY. AROUND 4, WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, JOSEPHINE COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONDED TO AN AREA NEAR PINECREST DRIVE AND TIFFANY WAY. A 55-YEAR-OLD MAN, WHO HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS THEODORE HOMER ROBINSON, WAS FOUND DECEASED. INVESTIGATORS ARE ASKING IF ANYONE IN THE AREA MAY HAVE VIDEO SURVEILLANCE. OREGON STATE POLICE ARE NOW HEADING UP THE INVESTIGATION.

Oregon Minimum Wage Goes Up Soon

OREGON’S MINIMUM WAGE WORKERS WILL BE GETTING A PAY INCREASE. ON JULY 1^ST, THE MINIMUM WAGE WILL RISE, WITH DIFFERENCES, ACCORDING TO THE AREA WHERE YOU WORK. IF YOU’RE A MINIMUM WAGE WORKER IN JACKSON OR JOSEPHINE COUNTY, YOU’LL FALL INTO THE STANDARD CATEGORY, WHICH WILL GO UP $0.75, TO $12.00 AN HOUR. RURAL COUNTIES WILL GO UP $0.50 TO $11.50 AN HOUR.

Grants Pass Seeks Ways To Tackle Budget Issues

GRANTS PASS’ CITY COUNCIL STILL SEEMS RELUCTANT TO RAISE THE PUBLIC SAFETY LEVY. THE DAILY COURIER REPORTS THAT THOUGH THE CITY FACES A $1.1 MILLION DOLLAR SHORTFALL AND A POLICE/FIRE BUDGET GAP AND SHOULD THE LEVY STAY THE SAME, CUTS MAY BE INEVITABLE. THE COUNCIL HAS ALSO LOOKED AT THE POSSIBILITY OF A PUBLIC SAFETY UTILITY FEE, WHICH COULD BE AS MUCH AS $3.58 A MONTH, IF THE LEVY STAYS THE SAME.