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Local security levels rise By JILL BRISKEY and MELISSA MARTIN Although police don't anticipate a threat to Southern Oregon residents this week after Tuesday's terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., law enforcement agencies aren't taking any chances. Rogue Valley emergency, fire and police crews took stock within each department Tuesday, reviewing emergency management plans and in some cases bumping up levels of security. At the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport, 25 flights were canceled or diverted Tuesday after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered all flights grounded following the terrorist attacks. The FAA said the ban would not be lifted until at least 9 a.m. PST today. But it's possible no commercial flights will depart or arrive from the airport today, said Bern Case, airport manager. Security was tight at the airport Tuesday, with county sheriff's deputies, Oregon State Police troopers and Medford police officers patrolling the area. Airport security officers were turning away some, but people who had business at the airport were not being kept out, said Craig Baldwin, airport spokesman. One Horizon Air airplane, Tuesday's 5 a.m. flight to Portland, made it out before flights were canceled, said Cheryl Temple, public affairs manager. But 10 Horizon flights coming and going were canceled. Of United's 15 scheduled flights, Tuesday's 6 a.m. to Los Angeles turned around in the air over Sacramento or San Francisco and returned to Medford. Flights to Portland and Seattle never left the ground. United Flight 2101 from Seattle to San Francisco made an unplanned landing at Medford, as did five other flights. All six planes remain at the airport. Medford police Sgt. Roy Skinner said officials will take precautions this week, although there is no indication that a terrorist act will occur in the area. Security at Medford City Hall was tightened Tuesday, he added. "There are measures that we're taking even though we're isolated," Skinner said. "I think everybody in the community is safe but we shouldn't think that something couldn't happen." Although state police have not placed extra troopers on assignment this week, OSP Lt. Gordon Renskers said police are being asked to show a "presence" to ease fears in the community. "We are there if something should happen," he added. County officials held an emergency meeting Tuesday to discuss the effects East Coast terrorism might have in the Rogue Valley. "We're at a heightened level of alert status," Jackson County Sheriff's Capt. Ed Mayor said. "You never know what type of individuals are pulled out of the woodwork, so to speak." A security guard from a private firm will be posted at county offices on Oakdale Avenue for the rest of the week, according to county administrator Sue Slack. "It's just part of being extremely cautious," Slack said. "We don't have fear, we have caution." Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.