Ramsey Road between Old Sams Valley Road and Meadows Road is closed near milepost 8 due to a landslide. Thru traffic is not allowed. Residents may need to use an alternate route. 

12/27/2024

On December 26, 2024, at approximately 5:59 PM, MPD patrol officers responded to the 1000 block of Beatty Street in Medford for a report of a stabbing.  When officers arrived, the male victim was slumped down on the front porch and found to be suffering from several large lacerations to his head, neck, and arms.  There was a large amount of blood on the scene and officers provided aid to control the bleeding.  Medford Fire personnel arrived a short time later along with Mercy Flights personnel who took over providing emergency medical aid.  The victim was quickly transported to a local hospital where he was rushed into surgery.

The victim’s female roommate witnessed the attack and informed patrol officers the suspect was known to her and the victim, as Marzelle.  The female advised Marzelle had entered their residence unannounced, grabbed a sword from a wall display inside their home and attacked the male victim unprovoked.  The suspect then attempted to attack her with the sword, but she was able to run to a separate room while the suspect fled the residence. 

A description of the suspect and his clothing was provided to additional patrol officers who began searching the area.  At this time Medford Fire personnel reported seeing a subject matching the suspect description in the area Jackson and Biddle.  When officers arrived in the area additional information was provided by citizens and the suspect was ultimately located at Riverside and 10^th Street where he was taken into custody without incident.

MPD Detectives responded and took over the investigation.  The suspect was interviewed and admitted to the attack with the intent to kill the victim. The suspect advised this was due to the victim telling him he was no longer welcome at the victim’s residence a few days prior.

The victim is currently in stable condition at the hospital in ICU.

The suspect was lodged at the Jackson County Jail on the following charges:

• Attempted Murder


• Assault 1


• Burglary 1


• Attempted Assault 1

Suspect:

Marzelle Omari Tyree Culver – 24 yrs.

Medford P.D. Case 24-20879

Lieutenant Don Lane

541-774-2292

YACHATS, Oregon - A virtual public hearing will be held 5:30 p.m. Jan. 16 to accept public testimony on Ocean Shore Alteration Application numbers 3059 and 3061.

The permit applications request to construct a 150-foot-long riprap revetment on the Ocean Shore State Recreation Area west of 7907 Highway 101 North in Yachats. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) regulates ocean shore activities including reviewing alteration permits.

This hearing is being held pursuant to ORS 390.650(3); OPRD received more than 10 requests for hearing during the public comment period that ended Dec. 7. This hearing is an information-gathering session and provides an opportunity for OPRD to hear from the public on the submitted application materials. 

The meeting will consist of an introduction by staff, an overview of the submitted proposal by the applicant and public testimony. Anyone who wants to testify must register in advance, each registered individual will be provided up to 3 minutes to testify. OPRD will make a permit decision within 45-days after the hearing. This decision will include consideration of public comment received during the public notice and this hearing.

The submitted materials for applications 3059 and 3061, can be viewed under the heading of “Pending Applications” at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/prp/pages/per-ocean-shore.aspx.

Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wuhNNbuuS7myyPPatUNk4g to attend the Zoom meeting or call Allison Mangini at 541-220-3786 or email allison.mangini@oprd.oregon.gov by noon Jan. 15 to be added to the attendee list.

Following the hearing, registered attendees may provide written testimony until 5 p.m. on Jan. 22.  Submit by sending to:

• es.Permits@oprd.oregon.gov">OceanShores.Permits@oprd.oregon.gov, or


• Tyler Blanchette

OREGON PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT

P.O. Box 2139

Waldport, OR 97394

Contact Ocean Shore Permit Coordinator, Tyler Blanchette at 503-510-6741 or .Blanchette@oprd.oregon.gov">Tyler.Blanchette@oprd.oregon.gov for questions about the permit application process.

The services, programs and activities of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need special accommodations to participate in this meeting, please contact Allison Mangini at 541-220-3786, allison.mangini@oprd.oregon.gov by 5 p.m. January 13.​

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. - Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), in partnership with multiple local law enforcement agencies, will conduct a Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) High-Visibility Enforcement Patrol on New Year’s Eve, aiming to deter impaired driving and ensure safer roadways for all.

This effort is made possible by grant funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

This collaborative effort will include the Oregon State Police, Medford Police Department, Eagle Point Police Department, Ashland Police Department, Phoenix Police Department, and Talent Police Department. Officers from these agencies will be working alongside deputies throughout the evening and into the early morning hours of New Year's Day.

“New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, but it’s crucial to remember the importance of responsible behavior,” said JCSO Deputy Aaron Grissom. “Impaired driving puts everyone on the road at risk. This saturation patrol demonstrates our commitment to keeping our community safe by aggressively targeting those who choose to drive under the influence.”

The saturation patrol will focus on areas throughout Jackson County known for higher incidents of DUII arrests and crashes. Law Enforcement will be actively looking for signs of impairment, including:

• Erratic driving behavior

• Speeding

• Lane deviations

• Other traffic violations

“We encourage everyone celebrating New Year’s Eve to plan ahead for a safe ride home,” added Deputy Grissom. “Designate a driver, use a ride-sharing service, or take a taxi. Making responsible choices can prevent tragedies and save lives.”

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and its partner agencies remind the public that:

• Driving under the influence of intoxicants is illegal and carries serious consequences, including jail time, fines and license suspension.

• Even one drink can impair driving ability.

• If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.

• Always wear your seat belt—it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.

• If you see a suspected impaired driver, call 911 immediately.

This multi-agency DUII High-Visibility Enforcement Patrol is part of the ongoing efforts to reduce impaired driving incidents and promote traffic safety throughout Jackson County.                                            

COOS BAY, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is hosting a free guided First Day Hike at Shore Acres on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1. 

It's part of the annual First Day Hikes event at 30 Oregon State Parks held in partnership with America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.

Information about the Shore Acres hike:

• On the approximate 1.5-mile, hikers will experience the ever-changing environment of the Oregon Coast. Learn about the flora, fauna and fungi that have adapted to live in such a dynamic environment.


• The hike starts at 10 a.m. and begins at the Shore Acres Observation Building, 89039 Cape Arago Hwy, Coos Bay, Oregon.


• The hike involves mostly easy to medium terrain, some areas will involve hiking up stairs. Expect wet and muddy conditions.


• Dogs are not allowed at the park.


• Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and snacks, and a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.


• Contact the park office at 541-888-3778 for more information.

If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please contact Park Ranger Rider Frey, (541) 888-3778. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to January 1.

The day-use parking fee is waived that day for all state parks that require a parking permit and are open.

Share photos of First Day Hikes via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes.

First Day Hikes is a national initiative to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012.

BROOKINGS, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is hosting a free guided First Day Hike at Harris Beach State Park on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1. 

It's part of the annual First Day Hikes event at 30 Oregon State Parks held in partnership with America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.

Information about the Harris Beach State Park hike:

• The approximate 1-mile walk is along the bluff and through the campground. It will focus on the natural beauty of the South Coast with scenic views of the ocean and Bird Island and will go through the woods.


• The walk starts at 10 a.m. and begins at the Harris Beach extra vehicle parking area by the registration booth, 1655 Hwy 101 north, Brookings, Oregon.


• The walk is on dirt, gravel and some road surfaces and includes little elevation change.


• No dogs allowed.


• Participants should prepare for wind and rain, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and snacks and a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.


• Contact the park office at 541-469-0224 for more information.

If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please contact Park Ranger Ian Hannum, 541-661-3054. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to January 1.

The day-use parking fee is waived that day for all state parks that require a parking permit and are open.

Share photos of First Day Hikes via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes.

First Day Hikes is a national initiative to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012.

BANDON, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is hosting a free guided First Day Hike at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1. 

It's part of the annual First Day Hikes event at 30 Oregon State Parks held in partnership with America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.

Information about the hike at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint:

• The approximate 1-mile roundtrip hike is on the beach at Face Rock to Coquille Point. Hikers will learn about tide pools and the new Marine Garden.

• The hike starts at 8 a.m. and begins at the Face Rock day-use parking lot on Beach Loop Road.


• The hike is on loose sand, dunes and boardwalks with stairs at both beach access points and limited packed surfaces. Bicycles and strollers are not advised. There is an optional paved path at Coquille Point.


• Friendly dogs are welcome on six-foot leashes.


• Participants should dress in layers including rain protection, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.


• Contact the park office at 541-347-2209 for more information.

If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please contact Park Ranger Josh Bishop, 541-347-2209. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to January 1.

The day-use parking fee is waived that day for all state parks that require a parking permit and are open. 

Share photos of First Day Hikes via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes.

First Day Hikes is a national initiative to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012.

Multnomah County, Ore 21 Dec 2024- On Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:35 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 25, in Multnomah County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Subaru Forester, operated by John Erik Andersson (59) of Portland, was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes when it struck a westbound Toyota Rav4, operated by Nathan David Pederson (24) of Mulino, head-on.

The operator of the Subaru (Andersson) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Toyota (N. Pederson) and a passenger, Claudia Pederson (25) of Mulino, reportedly suffered minor injuries and were transported for evaluation.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, Corbett Fire, and ODOT.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

Linn County, Ore 22 Dec 2024- On Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 12:04 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Century Drive NE, at the intersection with Murder Creek Drive NE, in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Toyota 4Runner, operated by Kyle Gene Lucas (41) of Albany, left the roadway for unknown reasons, began to roll and ejected three of the four occupants.

The operator of the vehicle (Lucas) was declared deceased at the scene.

A passenger, Justin Shaun Bottcher (36) of Albany, was declared deceased at the scene.

Two passengers, Joy Diana Cavatorta (41) of Philomath and Toby Alan Mello (40) of Albany, were transported with injuries to an area hospital.

The roadway was impacted for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation. Speed is being considered as the primary cause of the crash. The three occupants who were ejected were not wearing seatbelts.

OSP was assisted by the Linn County Sheriff's Office and ODOT.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.