Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel Touts "National Correctional Officers Week"

It's National Correctional Officers Week and the Josephine County Sheriff's Office is asking the public to join them in showing appreciation for the important role corrections officers play in the criminal justice system. In Presidential Proclamation 5187, former President Ronald Reagan honored all current and former corrections officers: "The duties of these officers have become increasingly complex and demanding. They are called upon to fill, simultaneously, custodial, supervisory and counseling roles. The professionalism, dedication and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserve our utmost respect. The important work of Correctional Officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it deserves. It is appropriate that we honor the many contributions and accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component of the field of corrections." Sheriff Dave Daniel said they are incredibly proud of the professionals who work within the walls of the Josephine County Jail. ...Read more

ODOT and City of Medford Holding Open House Today for New Interstate 5 Overpass

The Oregon Department of Transportation and the City of Medford are seeking public input on options for a potential overpass on Interstate 5 at South Stage Road between the South Medford and Phoenix exits. ODOT officials said the project aims to improve east-west transportation connectivity, traffic safety and emergency response times in this growing area. ODOT wants to hear from you. The public is invited to participate in two events. Attend an in-person open house today from 6 to 8 p.m. to learn about the roadway options being considered and to provide your input. The open house is being held at the RCC/SOU Higher Education Center at 101 South Bartlett Street in Medford. Citizens are also invited to visit the project's online open house through May 20th. The information shared about this project as well as the public and agency input received may be adopted or incorporated by reference into a future environmental review process to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. ...Read more

US Forest Service Announces Repairs and Delays on Page Mountain Road Start Monday

The US Forest Service has announced repairs and traffic delays on Page Mountain Road in the Illinois Valley are coming in the near future. Road repairs including culvert replacements, deep patch repair and installation of a retaining wall will cause up to 60-minute delays on Page Mountain Road -- also known as Forest Service Road 4800 -- starting May 13th. The contractor -- Johnson Rock, Inc., of Coos Bay -- has until October 1st to complete the work. Wild Rivers District Ranger Scott Blower said road failures are a result of the 2020 Slater Fire and it shows some of the challenges they face after large wildfires. He said he's excited to see this important maintenance work happen, adding that it gets them closer to reopening Page Mountain Snopark by next winter. Blower encourages motorists to incorporate the delay times into their travel plans as needed. He said they appreciate your cooperation while this necessary road work is completed. ...Read more