Medford

Medford, Oregon- Emergency crews have successfully contained a two-alarm structure fire in the 1000 block of Rossanley Drive. The incident began earlier today, prompting a full response from fire and emergency services.According to initial updates, Medford Fire Department, Jackson County Fire District 3, and Jacksonville Fire crews responded to the fire and worked to bring it under control while ensuring the safety of the surrounding area. At its peak, multiple fire and police units were on scene actively containing the blaze and handling nearby traffic. Rossanley Drive was closed at Cheshire Way to allow first responders to operate without obstruction.By 2:15 PM, authorities reported the fire had been knocked down and brought under control. Investigators arrived on scene shortly after, working alongside the property owners to determine the area of origin and the fire’s cause.A final update confirmed that the roadway has since reopened. One fire crew remains on site to address hot spots as investigators continue their work.

Medford, Oregon– The National Weather Service (NWS) in Medford has issued a Wind Advisory for Friday, warning of strong southeast winds that could impact portions of Interstate 5 and several cities in the region.

The advisory will be in effect from 10:00p this evening to 1:00p Monday. Winds are forecasted to reach speeds of 20 to 30 mph, with potential gusts up to 45 mph. Areas most affected include south Medford, White City, Talent, Phoenix, and Ashland, with the strongest winds anticipated south of Medford to Ashland.

Potential Impacts

The NWS cautioned that gusty winds could displace unsecured objects and cause minor structural damage, such as fallen tree limbs. Power outages are also possible in affected areas. Travelers, particularly those operating high-profile vehicles, may experience difficult driving conditions on Interstate 5 south of Central Point.

Preparedness Recommendations

Residents and travelers are encouraged to:

• Secure outdoor items that could be blown away.

• Exercise caution while driving, especially near open stretches of highway.

The advisory emphasizes the importance of vigilance during these weather conditions, particularly for communities along the Interstate 5 corridor.

Motorists traveling along Interstate 5 south of Grants Pass are advised to anticipate intermittent delays this evening due to ongoing bridge work.

The impacted area stretches between mileposts 45 and 58 in both the northbound and southbound lanes.

Transportation crews will be implementing rolling slowdowns as part of the project, which aims to complete necessary maintenance on bridges within this section of the interstate.

Officials recommend that drivers plan for additional travel time and remain alert for changing traffic patterns.

No specific end time for the delays has been provided, but transportation officials have assured that disruptions will be minimized to the extent possible.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Medford has issued a Wind Advisory for Friday, warning of strong southeast winds that could impact portions of Interstate 5 and several cities in the region.

The advisory will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. PST. Winds are forecasted to reach speeds of 25 to 35 mph, with potential gusts up to 50 mph. Areas most affected include Medford, White City, Talent, Phoenix, and Ashland, with the strongest winds anticipated south of Medford to Ashland.

Potential Impacts

The NWS cautioned that gusty winds could displace unsecured objects and cause minor structural damage, such as fallen tree limbs. Power outages are also possible in affected areas. Travelers, particularly those operating high-profile vehicles, may experience difficult driving conditions on Interstate 5 south of Central Point.

Preparedness Recommendations

Residents and travelers are encouraged to:

• Secure outdoor items that could be blown away.

• Exercise caution while driving, especially near open stretches of highway.

• Monitor updates from the National Weather Service for real-time conditions.

The advisory emphasizes the importance of vigilance during these weather conditions, particularly for communities along the Interstate 5 corridor.

Medford, Oregon– On December 11, 2024, the Medford Police Department responded to a vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision near the intersection of Riverside Avenue and 9th Street in downtown Medford. The incident occurred as a pedestrian was crossing in a marked crosswalk with activated warning lights when they were struck by a vehicle.

Witnesses reported that the driver of the vehicle stopped briefly but then fled the scene. The pedestrian, a 31-year-old male, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. His injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening.

The Serious Traffic Accident Response Team (STAR) was activated to investigate. Officers collected video surveillance and witness statements, allowing them to quickly issue an alert for the suspect vehicle. Authorities identified the vehicle as a silver Nissan Xterra with specific Oregon license plates.

Approximately three hours after the collision, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy located the vehicle in White City. Investigators determined that the pedestrian had been crossing lawfully, and multiple vehicles had stopped to yield before the suspect vehicle failed to do so.

The driver, identified as 18-year-old Shane Gavazza of Medford, was arrested and lodged in the Jackson County Jail. He faces charges of Felony Hit-and-Run and Assault in the Third Degree. Investigators noted that there was no evidence of impairment.

Authorities are continuing their investigation and have urged drivers to exercise caution, especially near pedestrian crossings. The Medford Police Department has emphasized the importance of obeying traffic laws designed to protect pedestrians.

Further updates on the pedestrian’s recovery and any court proceedings will be provided as they become available.

Downtown Medford, Oregon- Medford is entering a new chapter in downtown navigation as Phase 1 of the Downtown Wayfinding Project approaches completion. This initiative, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought an updated signage system to the area, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors.

The project began in December 2020 with an advisory committee tasked with developing a cohesive Wayfinding Plan. In Spring 2021, the City of Medford enlisted the services of MERJE, a nationally recognized design firm, to design and standardize the signage system. After receiving approval from the City Council in March 2022, the project secured funding through the Planning Department and the City Council’s Community Initiative Fund (CCIF).

Now in its final stages, Phase 1 includes the installation of 17 strategically placed signs throughout downtown. These include:

• Four parking signs

• Two destination signs

• A walk-up double-sided kiosk located at Vogel Plaza (featuring English and Spanish information)

• Kiosk wall panels in the Middleford Alley Garage

• Nine pedestrian directional signs

The signs are intended to improve navigation and foster a more welcoming downtown experience. Installation has been spearheaded by Gage It Construction, with technical planning support from Sea Reach.

The first set of signs was installed in early December, with the remainder expected to be completed by the end of the month. Once fully operational, the system will provide an intuitive navigation experience for pedestrians and drivers alike, with features that aim to make downtown Medford more accessible and inclusive.

As the project nears its conclusion, city officials are optimistic about its impact. The new wayfinding system is expected to serve as a model for other urban initiatives, offering an improved and seamless experience for everyone exploring Medford’s downtown area.

South Riverside Avenue’s far-right lane at 9th Street has been closed following a serious motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian. The closure is in effect as emergency crews respond to the scene and conduct an investigation.

Local authorities have urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes to reduce congestion and allow emergency personnel to work efficiently.

No further details about the accident or the condition of the pedestrian have been released at this time. Updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

Drivers are reminded to exercise caution and follow traffic regulations to ensure safety.

Medford Alert is working to gather additional information at this time.

Update, authorities say all lanes are now open.

At approximately 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday, reports of smoke on the second floor of the Rogue Community College (RCC) Higher Education Center (HEC) at 101 S. Barnett Street prompted an evacuation of the building.

Medford Fire Department personnel arrived on the scene to investigate. Officials determined there was no active fire or structural damage. The source of the smoke was quickly identified and confirmed to pose no ongoing hazard.

Students and staff, who had been evacuated as a precaution, were cleared to safely reenter the building shortly after 4:30 p.m. No injuries were reported during the incident.

RCC released the following statement on the incident:

Employee and student safety is our highest priority, which is why we take incidents like this one seriously. We are grateful for the swift and thorough response from Medford Fire.

RCC has not disclosed the specific cause of the smoke but confirmed the situation was resolved without further disruption. Regular operations resumed immediately following the all-clear.

RVEM: City of Medford and community partners are opening up a Warming shelter today, December 10th from 5:30PM to 8:30AM at 332 West 6th Street.

(Originally posted by /u/Suitable_South_144)

MEDFORD, Ore. – The city of Medford approved a new set of appropriations for the 2023-25 biennium. A significant portion of these appropriations are going towards the construction of Fire Station 15.

On Thursday, Dec. 5, the city council approved Council Bill 2024-128. This created a new fund and appropriated money for the station. Fund 150, the Fire Facilities Construction Fund, is having more than $6.5 million moved into it.

Fire Station 15 is on Roberts Road next to North Medford High School. The station is over 50 years old and in poor condition according to city council documents.

In 2023, the city inspected all fire stations, giving them a letter grade and condition assessment. Station 15 had the worst grade by far, getting a D. Three other stations scored an A grade, another scored a B grade.

A bulk of the money for construction is coming from bonds the city sold to cover costs. They also appropriated $4 million from the general fund to cover the rest of the expenses.

Appropriated funds are already in city accounts or funds. They either get moved to a different fund or designated for a specific purpose.

The Downtown Medford Association has announced the launch of the Downtown Dollars Program, a new initiative designed to support local businesses and encourage community engagement in downtown Medford. The program, set to debut at the Winter Lights Festival on December 7, introduces wooden tokens, each worth $5, that can be redeemed at participating businesses.

The program aims to drive foot traffic to local shops and strengthen connections between merchants and the community. A total of 250 tokens, branded as “Downtown Dollars,” will be distributed free of charge during the festival to encourage residents and visitors to explore Medford’s downtown offerings.

How the Program Works

• Token Distribution: Attendees at the Winter Lights Festival can collect $5 Downtown Dollar tokens.

• Spending Tokens: Tokens can be used for purchases of $5 or more at participating businesses but cannot be exchanged for cash or change.

• Participating Businesses: Tokens are valid at a range of local establishments, including Bumble & Wren, Rogue City Comics, The Beatrice, and Common Block Brewing Co.

Community members and organizations can also purchase Downtown Dollar tokens by contacting the Downtown Medford Association.

Participating Businesses

Downtown Dollars can be redeemed at several local businesses, including:

• Bumble & Wren

• Em’z Blendz Soap Co

• Rogue Gallery & Art Center

• ReFashion Consignment Boutique

• Central Art Supply

• Common Block Brewing Co

• Many more

Supporting Local Commerce

The program is part of the Downtown Medford Association’s mission to foster a thriving downtown community. By incentivizing spending at local shops, the initiative seeks to strengthen the downtown economy and highlight the unique offerings of Medford’s merchants.

For additional details, email [email protected] or visit the association’s website at http://www.downtownmedford.org.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) are urging residents and visitors to review safety measures after the event, which occurred at 10:44 a.m. in the Mendocino Triple Junction. This seismically active region marks the intersection of three tectonic plate boundaries.

The National Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning at 10:49 a.m., covering the Oregon coast from the Douglas/Lane County border to Davenport, California. By 11:54 a.m., the warning was canceled, with no tsunami waves observed along the Oregon coastline.

Precautionary Measures Taken

During the warning, coastal state parks closed beach access points, and evacuation notices were issued in some areas. With the warning now lifted, beach access points are set to reopen at 3:00 p.m. The incident served as a timely reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters.

Steps to Enhance Preparedness

State agencies recommend several actions to increase safety and readiness for future emergencies:

• Know Evacuation Routes: Coastal residents and visitors should familiarize themselves with local tsunami evacuation maps, available online through the DOGAMI/NANOOS Tsunami Evacuation Zones portal.

• Sign Up for Alerts: Subscribe to ORalert.gov for emergency notifications or enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on mobile devices for real-time updates.

• Create a Go Kit: Assemble a portable kit with essentials like food, water, medications, and important documents.

• Review Emergency Plans: Ensure household members know what to do during an earthquake or tsunami, including evacuation routes and communication plans. The Be2WeeksReady Toolkit provides additional resources for emergency planning.

Travel Safety

For those traveling, the agencies advise checking road conditions via TripCheck.com for updates in Oregon. Travelers extending to California or Washington should consult respective state Department of Transportation websites for current information.

Long-Term Preparedness

DOGAMI encourages regular evacuation drills and ongoing education about tsunami risks. More information on tsunami preparedness is available at the Oregon Tsunami Clearinghouse. OPRD emphasizes exploring the coast safely by always being prepared for emergencies.

For additional resources on earthquake and tsunami safety, visit Tsunami Safety.

This event highlights the value of proactive preparedness, ensuring safety in the face of future natural disasters.

Anyone have any info on that power blip?