December 2012

Grain Labor Talks Continue With Mediator

By Jim McCoy Tue 11th December News labor dispute Northwest grain

Pacific Northwest grain terminal companies and the longshore union have resumed contract talks in hopes of averting a lockout.A federal mediator joined the sides Tuesday and another session is scheduled for Wednesday. The Pacific Northwest Grain Handlers Association had given longshoremen until Dec.Read More »

Earnhardt Jr.'s Cousin Lands New Crew Chief Gig

By Jim McCoy Mon 10th December Sports Dale Earnhardt Jr.NASCAR Tony Eury Jr.

Tony Eury Jr. has been named crew chief for David Stremme at upstart Swan Racing. The team was purchased by Brandon Davis in early September, and the new owner is using the offseason to put together the pieces needed to make the No. 30 Toyota competitive. Eury's hiring Monday is part of that process.Read More »

Athletic Shoe Giant's Expansion Plans Could Provide Economic Benefit

By Jim McCoy Mon 10th December Sports Nike

Nike wants to expand its Oregon operations and hire as many as 12,000 new workers by 2020 but wants the government to promise it won't change the state tax code. Gov. John Kitzhaber says he'll call the Legislature into session Friday to create a law to give Nike its promise. The governor did not release information about the company's expansion plans.Read More »

Governor Announces Nike Expansion Plans In Oregon

By Jim McCoy Mon 10th December News Gov. John Kitzhaber Nike

Nike is announcing plans to expand its operations in Oregon. Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber's office announced the company's plans in a news conference this morning and called the Legislature into session next week to create a new law promising Nike that the state's tax code won't change. The Legislature is due to meet in its regular annual session beginning Jan. 14.Read More »

Traffic Stop Near Roseburg Nets $66,000 in Drugs

By Jim McCoy Mon 10th December News drug seizure

A traffic stop for a traffic violation Saturday resulted in the discovery of a substantial amount of illegal drugs. At 2:30 p.m., on Interstate 5, just north of Myrtle Creek, police stopped a GMC Sierra driven by 31-year old Feliciano Ayala- Cardenas of San Jose. The stop led to the discovery of 3-and-a-half pounds of meth and 1 pound of heroin.Read More »

Fish and Wildlife Investigators Seeking Public Help In Poaching Case

By Jim McCoy Mon 10th December News Poaching

Fish and wildlife investigators from the Oregon State Police are asking for the public’s help in solving a poaching case. Over the weekend, an unlawfully killed 4x4 buck deer was found in the Crowfoot Road area, east of Trail. Residents in the area report having heard several gunshots going off at around 3 a.m. Saturday. A wounded 2x2 point buck who had to be put down was also found nearby.Read More »

Medford Police Roll Out New SWAT Truck

By Jim McCoy Fri 7th December News Medford Police

Medford police have a new SWAT truck that will stop a .50-caliber bullet. Police Chief Tim George told the Mail Tribune the $260,000 vehicle was paid for with savings on equipment repairs, fuel and other services. The truck is built on a Ford F-550 chassis, holds up to 10 officers, and has a revolving gun turret on the roof and gun portals in the sides. City Councilor John Michaels jokeRead More »

Early Friday Crash Hospitalizes Two, Jails One

By Jim McCoy Fri 7th December News Ryan Posada vehicle crash

A single car crash near Ashland at the intersection of Eagle Mill Road and Butler Creek Road at 1:37 a.m. sent two of the car’s occupants to the hospital and one to jail. 26-year old Daniel Johnson of Medford, a backseat passenger, suffered extensive injuries. 24-year old Alisha Frazier rode in the front and suffered minor injuries.Read More »

Medford Police Get New Heavy Duty SWAT Truck

By Jim McCoy Fri 7th December Medford Police

Two Blazers Sent to D-League To Refine Talent

By Jim McCoy Fri 7th December Sports NBA Portland Trail Blazers Victor Claver Will Barton

The Trail Blazers have assigned rookies Will Barton and Victor Claver to Portland's development league affiliate, the Idaho Stampede. Barton has played in 16 games for the Blazers this season, averaging 2.6 points and 1.4 rebounds in 8.8 minutes per game. The guard was the 40th pick in the June draft out of Memphis.Read More »