MPD Arrested Suspected Arsonist for Causing Series of North Medford Fires
Medford Police arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for multiple arson fires that occurred early this morning in North Medford. At approximately 4 a.m., officers responded to a reported fire at the Jack in the Box located near North Pacific Highway and Table Rock Road. The fire was quickly extinguished, resulting in minimal property damage. Then at around 6 a.m., officers were dispatched to another fire on Lynn Road near North Pacific Highway. Upon arrival, officers found three vehicles fully engulfed in flames, as well as evidence consistent with arson. A drone was immediately deployed to search the surrounding area for additional fires or possible suspects. Another active fire was located at Wild River Brewing on North Pacific Highway. As officers responded to that scene, yet another fire was observed near a residence on Berrydale Road. While checking the area, officers contacted 45-year-old Tina Marie Fonseca, who was seen leaving the vicinity of the latest fire. Fonseca fled on foot but was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit. She was lodged at the Jackson County Jail for five counts of First Degree Arson and six counts of Reckless Burning. ...Read more

Governor Kotek Declares State of Emergency after Olympic Pipeline Shutdown

Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency Monday after a leak forced the shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline, which supplies more than 90% of the state’s transportation fuel. KDRV reports the pipeline delivers fuel to terminals in Portland, where it is distributed throughout Oregon, including Southern Oregon gas stations and airports. State officials say the state is not currently experiencing a fuel shortage, but the emergency order allows agencies to coordinate alternative delivery methods, including barges and trucks, to maintain an adequate supply while the pipeline is offline. State officials warn that Oregonians may see higher gas prices in the coming days, since moving fuel by truck or barge costs more than transporting it through the pipeline. The governor’s directive activates Oregon’s emergency fuel plan and allows the Department of Transportation to temporarily loosen trucking regulations to speed deliveries if necessary. Crews in Washington are still investigating the source of the leak and determining how much fuel may have escaped. ...Read more

ODOT Urges Communities to Drive Safely During Holiday Weekend

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, and many Oregonians will be hitting the roads to visit family and friends. The Oregon Department of Transportation reminds everyone that wet, snowy, and unpredictable weather could quickly turn travel plans upside down if you’re not prepared. ODOT crews will be out working through the holiday plowing snow, clearing debris, managing traffic, and responding to weather impacts. With traffic increasing and winter conditions setting in, they are asking travelers to do their part. Please slow down, be patient, and give crews plenty of room whether crews are plowing, flagging traffic or doing emergency response work. During this holiday week, expect delays, check conditions before your trip, and watch for message signs providing critical road updates like chain requirements, weather hazards, and delays. Drivers are also reminded to prepare for winter driving by carrying chains and packing water, snacks, warm clothes, blankets, medications, and anything you’d need if traffic slows to a crawl. Drive for the conditions, give snowplows room, watch for people walking and biking, and always choose a sober, focused, and alert driver. ...Read more