Justin Higginbottom

Utah

Journalist at Freelance

Contributor at CNBC

Host at The Irrawaddy

Regional Reporter at Jefferson Public Radio

Print and radio reporter

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Articles

Tehama holds off on well restrictions despite signs of sinking land

1 day ago | ijpr.org | Justin Higginbottom

The Tehama County Board of Supervisors this week tabled an urgency ordinance that would have limited new well permits in areas at risk of land subsidence, where the ground surface sinks. The move followed studies showing sinking ground in parts of the county, a phenomenon linked to declining groundwater levels due to drought and agricultural use.
Medford nurse Dani Schofield faces fentanyl trial, likely in 2026

1 week ago | ijpr.org | Justin Higginbottom

Authorities arrested Dani Marie Schofield nearly a year ago, charging the former Rogue Valley nurse with 44 counts of second-degree assault. She is accused of swapping patients' liquid fentanyl with non-sterile tap water, allegedly causing infections in dozens of alleged victims. After five delays requested by the defense, the case's first pre-trial hearing took place Wednesday in Medford.
Police arrest Oregon safari park owner after finding meth, guns and $1.6M

1 week ago | klcc.org | Justin Higginbottom

Bandon police arrested Brian Tenney, owner of West Coast Game Park Safari, on May 27 after officers found drugs, weapons and large amounts of cash at his property. Authorities served multiple warrants at the roadside zoo on May 15 following a months-long investigation into alleged animal abuse. During the search, the South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team found 80 grams of methamphetamine, according to law enforcement.
Forensic vets assist in Bandon Zoo animal welfare probe

1 week ago | opb.org | Justin Higginbottom

Oregon State Police served search warrants at West Coast Game Park Safari in Coos County, Ore., on May 14, 2025. Courtesy of Oregon State PoliceOregon made use of a unique investigative team to probe animal abuse at a zoo in Coos County. Oregon State Police said they began an investigation into animal neglect at the West Coast Game Park Safari in the fall with help from local, state and federal agencies.
Animal crime agents, forensic veterinarians assist in investigation of zoo in Bandon

1 week ago | ijpr.org | Justin Higginbottom

Oregon State Police said they began an investigation into animal neglect at the West Coast Game Park Safari in the fall with help from local, state and federal agencies. One partner assisting in the effort was the Oregon Humane Society, which runs one of the nation’s only animal forensics centers. The non-profit, which also has its own law enforcement agents due to a state law passed in 2012, served one of the search warrants at the roadside zoo in Bandon on May 15.
Authorities seize hundreds of animals after search of roadside zoo in Bandon

2 weeks ago | opb.org | Justin Higginbottom

A lion in seen at West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon during a search of the facility by authorities. Police have finished searching a zoo in Bandon after serving multiple warrants at the property last week. Oregon State Police said they are relocating all of the 310 animals from West Coast Game Park Safari in Coos County after finishing a four-day search of the property. Those animals, which include large cats like lions, were sent to accredited animal sanctuaries, according to authorities.
Humboldt residents petition Supreme Court for right to jury trial

2 weeks ago | ijpr.org | Justin Higginbottom

Humboldt County residents fighting against fines for alleged illegal cannabis operations have petitioned the Supreme Court, hoping to expand a constitutional right to a civil jury trial to states and counties. Plaintiffs in the case say they’ve faced excessive penalties from the county for damage done by previous residents. One member of the class-action lawsuit said they were stuck with millions of dollars in fines after buying a piece of property with an apparently clear title.
Aging tide gates threaten Oregon's coast, but replacing them isn't cheap

2 weeks ago | klcc.org | Justin Higginbottom

On an early spring day outside of North Bend in Coos County, Fred Messerle admires a newly built tide gate spanning Palouse Creek. The structure protects hundreds of acres — split up between dozens of landowners — from tidal flooding. On one side of the county road, where Messerle is standing, is an inlet of Coos Bay. On the other side are grazing sheep, totally oblivious to the effort it took to keep their pasture above water.
New access sites open on undammed Klamath River. Just beware the white water

2 weeks ago | opb.org | Justin Higginbottom

Boaters enjoy a free-flowing Klamath River on May 1, 2025. Justin Higginbottom / JPRNew public access sites have opened along the post-dam Klamath River, allowing opportunities to enjoy the free-flowing river. The largest dam removal project in U.S. history was completed last year along the Klamath River. Proponents wanted the dams gone to restore native salmon populations and important cultural sites for the Shasta Indian Nation.
New access sites open on undammed Klamath River. Just beware the white water

2 weeks ago | ijpr.org | Justin Higginbottom

The largest dam removal project in U.S. history was completed last year along the Klamath River. Proponents wanted the dams gone to restore native salmon populations and important cultural sites for the Shasta Indian Nation. But the undamming project has also added new recreational opportunities on the free-flowing river. Three sites opened this week in Oregon and California, where visitors can put in boats, part of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation’s recreation plan.