Lauren Pretto

Talent

Multimedia Journalist at KOBI-TV (Medford, OR) / KOTI-TV (Klamath Falls, OR)

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Articles

Commissioners restore power to board, don't vote on grants

1 week ago | kobi5.com | Lauren Pretto

JOSEPHINE CO., Ore.- The Josephine County Board of Commissioners has voted to restore administrative power to the full board but has left grant funding approval for three nonprofits without a motion. Last week, Josephine County’s Budget Officer Simon Hare announced his resignation. He said it was because the board of commissioners, particularly recently appointed chairman Andreas Blech, is acting without transparency and not serving the public interest.
Table Rock Rd. in Medford reopens after motorcycle/car crash

1 week ago | kobi5.com | Lauren Pretto

MEDFORD, Ore.- Table Rock Rd. is reopened after a crash caused all lanes to close. According to Medford police, a crash between a car and a motorcycle caused Table Rock Rd. from Airport Rd. to Merriman Rd. to close. Emergency crews responded to the scene, but the conditions of the motorcyclist and driver are unknown at this time. The area was impacted for over two hours as the Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) team investigated. All lanes of traffic reopened around 7:00 p.m.
Locals joining nationwide May Day protest against Trump administration

1 week ago | kobi5.com | Lauren Pretto

MEDFORD, Ore.- May Day or International Workers Day commemorates a workers’ strike and conflict in the 1800s that helped secure rules for an eight-hour workday. For this year’s nationwide May Day protests, President Donald Trump has taken center stage. In Medford, hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the Jackson County Circuit Court, using this day to demand action be taken against the Trump administration.
Local educators awarded statewide honors

1 week ago | kobi5.com | Lauren Pretto

SOUTHERN OREGON – Two local educators are getting statewide recognition for efforts in the classroom. Kara Davidson, principal of Eastside School in Coos Bay, has been named the 2025 Oregon Elementary Principal of the Year by the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators. COSA says Eastside student reading proficiency significantly improved under Davidson’s direction, and social emotional learning was fostered at the school through programs like character strong.
A man is facing multiple charges after allegedly shooting at two people

2 weeks ago | kobi5.com | Lauren Pretto

CAVE JUNCTION, Ore.- A man is facing multiple charges after allegedly shooting at two people and prompting a standoff with police. 31-year-old Blaine Case faces two counts of First Degree Attempted Assault among other charges. Just after 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of shots fired in the 5200 Block of Dick George Rd. in Cave Junction.
Forum held at library for Medford School Board candidates

2 weeks ago | kobi5.com | Lauren Pretto

MEDFORD, Ore.- With the special election fast approaching, the Oregon District 2 Indivisible’s state and local team hosted a candidate forum for the Medford School District’s Board of Directors Wednesday night. Nine people are running for three board seats as current board members Jeff Kinsella, Suzanne Messer, and Cynthia Wright approach the end of their terms.
DA responding to request to file misdemeanor charges against commissioners

2 weeks ago | kobi5.com | Lauren Pretto

JOSEPHINE CO., Ore.- The Josephine County District Attorney’s Office responding after a member of the Grants Pass Friends of the Library asked the DA to file misdemeanor charges against the Josephine County Commissioners. Last week, Matthew Hoff created a petition to push commissioners to find a solution with the Josephine Community Library District. The Grants Pass Library has been left in limbo since commissioners voted to terminate its lease back in January.
Old Spaghetti Factory Medford location opens

2 weeks ago | kobi5.com | Lauren Pretto

MEDFORD, Ore. – A new Medford restaurant opened on Monday in a familiar location. The Old Spaghetti Factory is now open at the old Porter’s location downtown. The Portland based Italian American style chain restaurant bought the historic train station property on Front Street last fall. It was designated as a national historic landmark in 1996. Medford and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Eli Matthews.
Ashland Parks and Rec making budget changes

2 weeks ago | kobi5.com | Lauren Pretto

ASHLAND, Ore. – The Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission hosting special meetings Monday night to make changes to the department’s proposed budget and to make changes to fees. Almost two weeks ago, the Ashland City Council rejected a $9 utility fee recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission. This resulted in a park operations budget of around $14,400,000. Now this meant a $1.4 million budget reduction for the fiscal year of 2026-27.
A mother and daughter duo in jail after passing counterfeit bills

2 weeks ago | kobi5.com | Lauren Pretto

MEDFORD, Ore.- A mother daughter duo from California are in jail after passing counterfeit bills at several Jackson County businesses. 42-year-old Samantha O’Neil and her 18-year-old daughter Jamie O’Neil were arrested Saturday morning after Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies found them in the Medford Hobby Lobby parking lot. Samantha O‘Neil was found to have over seven grams of meth and a meth pipe on her.