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2 days ago | 
kdrv.com | Rocky Walker
OREGON– There have been 32 escaped debris burns reported on ODF protected land in 2025 so far, nearly double the amount compared to this time last year. Over 75% of wildfires in Oregon are human caused, and In 2024, debris burning was the top cause of 976 human-caused fires.
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6 days ago | 
kdrv.com | Rocky Walker
MEDFORD,Ore.-- Findings from an independent engineering firms investigation into the North Medford High School gym roof collapse have concluded, resulting in two main reasons being determined for the structural failure. Those reasons being the manufacturing of the joints in the roof beams showing poor glue bonding of the beams and an overestimation of the strength of the wood used in the roof beams.
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6 days ago | 
kdrv.com | Rocky Walker
MEDFORD, Ore.--As the world watched the white smoke rise over Vatican City, signaling the announcement of a new pope, Catholic communities from around the globe to right here in Southern Oregon are sharing in the joy and reflection that comes with this historic change. In Medford, the bells of Sacred Heart Catholic Church rang out, a tradition that has long marked papal transitions for the local congregation.
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1 week ago | 
kdrv.com | Rocky Walker
Butte Falls, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry finished conducting prescribed burns near Butte Falls Thursday. Officials say these controlled fires are a crucial part of wildfire prevention efforts as fire season approaches. During the two day burn, crews burned approximately 70 acres of brush, targeting hazardous fuels that could worsen future wildfires.
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2 weeks ago | 
kdrv.com | Rocky Walker
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore.-- Seven months after House Bill 4002 recriminalized the possession of hard drugs, reversing Measure 110, Jackson County officials are seeing results — both in enforcement and in alternative programs aimed at recovery. Jackson County has become one of the most active counties in the state for drug-related arrests since the law took effect, said sheriff Nate Sickler. “I think we've made a lot of progress,” Sickler said.
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2 weeks ago | 
kdrv.com | Rocky Walker
COLESTIN VALLEY, Ore.-- As Southern Oregon conservation groups prepare to build a wildlife crossing aimed at protecting migratory species, their efforts to preserve the region’s natural habitats have taken a significant step forward. The Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (SOLC) recently purchased a 142-acre parcel in the Bear Creek Gulch, now one of the largest of the twelve properties it protects in the region.
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2 weeks ago | 
kdrv.com | Rocky Walker
ASHLAND, Ore. — The Ashland Independent Film Festival (AIFF) is once again lighting up screens and drawing crowds, marking its first full-scale springtime return since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the event online. The beloved cultural staple kicked off its 24th festival Thursday, attracting flocks of film enthusiasts and filmmakers to the southern Oregon town. “This is why we do it,” said Co-Director of Programming Richard Herskowitz.
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3 weeks ago | 
kdrv.com | Rocky Walker
JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. — Along Southern Oregon’s busy stretch of Interstate 5, crashes are a regular occurrence — and when drivers are trapped, firefighters are the ones who answer the call. This week Rural Metro Fire partnered with local business Goodfellas Towing for their annual extrication training, giving firefighters hands-on experience with the heavy tools they use to cut people free from wrecked vehicles.
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3 weeks ago | 
kdrv.com | Rocky Walker
Medford, Ore. – A bill moving through the Oregon Legislature would expand law enforcement's ability to deploy drones — a move that has drawn widespread support from law enforcement and legislators but also sparked serious privacy concerns from civil rights advocates. Senate Bill 238 would expand allowed use, letting police use drones in response to any 911 call or emergency situation deemed a threat to public safety, eliminating the current requirement for a warrant in many scenarios.
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4 weeks ago | 
kdrv.com | Rocky Walker
WHITE CITY, Ore. — A piece of Southern Oregon's military past resurfaced this week in explosive fashion when an old 155 millimeter artillery shell was discovered and safely detonated on private property in White City — an area once home to the sprawling World War II training base known as Camp White. The projectile was found Monday, prompting a response from the Oregon National Guard.
