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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories Wolf travels hundreds of miles to northern Arizona Odd Fellows hopes to rebuild historic lodge as community center Get Up & Go: Nov. 22 Emergency services Public meetings for Nov. 24-28, 2014 Crime, Courts and Emergency Services Emergency services Monica pens letter to judge Woman says she was abducted while jogging on Johns Peak Road Portland woman struck by vehicle last week dies in hospital Emergency services Politics and Elections Buckley again named Ways and Means Committee co-chairman Latest count shows Measure 92 supporters narrowing deficit Granlund cartoon: GOP wrecking balls Ballot measures played little role in mobilizing voters in state Senate race 'Euphoria' over pot initiative Education Homelessness is growing problem for Medford students Les AuCoin recommended for SOU board Good news for SOU: Enrollment's up Mom gives school lobby a makeover Crater students present play about Thoreau's night in jail Environment Birders sought for bird counts Grow 'em before you plant 'em Since You Asked: Biomass One makes steam-generated power Organic squash creates a bountiful harvest for ACCESS Prospect-area cow death likely not a wolf kill State News Resent ballots, late results likely to trigger GMO recount Nike plans 1.3 million-square-foot headquarters expansion Federal report shows Coos Bay LNG terminal would be large carbon source Oregon GMO measure may be headed for recount Oregon immigrants, activists celebrate Obama plan Nation - World Obituaries Robert C. Roden Death Notices Tina Marie Williams Sandy Fay Julie Lynn Keller Weather Photo Galleries Since You Asked Videos Web Cams Mail Tribune 100 Sports Latest Stories West Salem knocks off Grants Pass Blazing hot Spartans save best for last Oregon State slips past Oral Roberts No. 1 Kentucky shoots past Boston Varsity 541 College Sports Oregon State slips past Oral Roberts No. 1 Kentucky shoots past Boston No. 25 Utah routs UC Riverside Oregon defeats Toledo Raider men, women ready for NAIA Championships Pro Sports Blazing hot Spartans save best for last Stenson leads McIlroy by 2 at European Tour finale Cousins, Gay lead Kings past Bulls Lewis inches closer to big prize Community Sports Results / Standings Business Latest Stories Blog: Wild Times in Southern Oregon Ride & Drive: 2015 Honda CR-V Christian's Pharmacy eyes weekend changeover Blog: Medford Center no longer a "forgotten child" Dear Monty: Violation of HOA rules creates conflict Real Estate News Dear Monty: Violation of HOA rules creates conflict Farmers file suit over GMO crop ban Financial webinars offered for veterans and their families Home prices rise across Jackson County People In Business People in Business, Nov. 18 People in Business, Nov. 8 Transportation Medford airport passenger counts sky high in October Erickson reports third quarter profit Lithia reports $34.5 million third-quarter profit Agriculture Farmers file suit over GMO crop ban Lawsuit seeks to overturn Jackson County's GMO ban or net $4.2 million for farms Latest count shows Measure 92 supporters narrowing deficit Revenue rises for Harry & David's parent company Where do all those leaves go? Opinion Latest Other Views: Legislators shbould avoid feel-good distractions Frank Mulligan: They say fame is fleeting Granlund cartoon: Buffalo snow Kent Bush: Obama challenges GOP on immigration Maddocks: Voters’ approval of voters falls to record low Editorials Other Views: Legislators shbould avoid feel-good distractions Our View: Signs of controversy Our view: Richardson got the coverage, not the win Court ruling may envelop Cover Oregon Our View: Kicking the can down the road Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor, Nov. 21 Letters to the editor Letters to the editor, Nov. 19 Letters to the Editor, Nov. 18 Letters to the Editor, Nov. 17 Guest Opinions Guest Opinion: County voters rebuffed judicial appointment process Fix health care reform, don't scrap it Reflections on the election in Oregon and beyond Measure 89 provides equality for women Eagle Point needs public transportation Lifestyle Latest stories Barry Lewis: No purchasing poinsettias before the Pilgrims and the parade County resident no longer at risk for Ebola Bolt Mountain short but sweet Looking Up: Looking for the Double Cluster Blog: BOOK IT! FRIDAY:Keep the Streak Alive Food Community blog: Finish off Thursday's feast on a lighter note Corn pudding like a ray of sunshine Keep it simple with Thanksgiving wines Homes for the holidays Community blog: Bourbon-bacon pie crust perfect with pumpkin Home and Garden Mortgage insurance: Your questions answered Home Help: Spruce up your home with quick DIY painting projects Beyond curb appeal: When it pays to stand out Use the hidden meaning of color to enhance your home 17 things you never knew about turkeys Health County resident no longer at risk for Ebola Health Watch: Holidays can trigger allergy attacks Dr. Jeff Hersh: Tackling Ebola and flu concerns Dr. Murray Feingold: Is there a good time to get sick? Community blog: Gratitude Expressed Through Giving To Others Aids Health Hiking Biking Faith Religion news: Pope aims to expedite sex abuse rulings Religion news: Seattle-based mega-church dissolves Religion Briefs 'Walk the talk' Religion briefs Milestones and Achievements Local farmers need more products in grocery stores Ashland honey festival draws swarm of visitors Fundraiser to benefit Medford Senior Center New Arrivals The meaning behind Veterans Day Columnist for a Day Rogue Healthy Aging Tempo Latest stories New 'Alice' has some for kids ... and adults The Bohemian Club A new guitar slinger in town Clayfolk Show set for this weekend at Medford Armory Caleb Klauder Band and The Steel Wheels play the Unitarian Fellowship Theater New 'Alice' has some for kids ... and adults 'It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play' opens at Oregon Cabaret Theatre 'Red Noses' a romp through slapstick and pathos SOU presents 'The Drunken City' The power of human spirit Music A new guitar slinger in town Peter Chianca: Top 40 songs even a dad could love The Farr Side: Different artists, common songs Caleb Klauder Band and The Steel Wheels play the Unitarian Fellowship Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon to perform two shows Community Events New exhibits highlight Third Fridays Clayfolk Show set for this weekend at Medford Armory Review: Randall Theatre's 'Secret Garden' still enchanting Ashland's First Friday Art Walk showcases new exhiits by regional artists Spookadelic Halloween Funktacular promises a lively dance party Dining The Bohemian Club Thanksgiving comes early at Taprock Word of Mouth: Brunch at Brothers' Restaurant Blue Toba is a cultural experience Back Porch Bar & Grill Tempo Videos Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obituaries Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Magazines & Special Sections NEWS NOW Wolf travels hundreds of miles to northern Arizona ... Resent ballots, late results likely to trigger GMO recount ... New 'Alice' has some for kids ... and adults ... Wolf travels hundreds of miles to northern Arizona ... Resent ballots, late results likely to trigger GMO recount ... New 'Alice' has some for kids ... and adults ... Winter storm hits Rogue Valley Snow flexed its muscles Friday in the Rogue Valley, closing schools and government buildings, canceling sporting events and turning roads into ski runs. By RYAN PFEIL and Sam Wheeler MailTribune.com By RYAN PFEIL and Sam Wheeler Posted Dec. 7, 2013 @ 12:01 am By RYAN PFEIL and Sam Wheeler Posted Dec. 7, 2013 @ 12:01 am » RELATED CONTENT TIPS FOR SAFE TRAVELS --> Before heading to snow country, make sure your breaks, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition. You may want to add special solvent to your windshield washer re... » Read more X TIPS FOR SAFE TRAVELS Before heading to snow country, make sure your breaks, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition. You may want to add special solvent to your windshield washer reservoir to prevent icing. Keep your windshield and windows clear. Stop at a safe turnout to use a snow brush or scraper if necessary. Check your antifreeze and be ready for colder temperatures. Check your tires to make sure they are properly inflated and the tread is in good condition. Carry tire chains/traction devices if traveling at higher elevations. Make sure they are the proper size for your tires and are in working order. Make sure you know if your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive. Chains must be installed on the drive wheels. Also bring a flashlight and chain repair links. Keep your gas tank full. It may be necessary to change routes or turn back during a bad storm, or you may be caught in a traffic delay. Spin outs and accidents can block roadways for several hours. Slow down. A highway speed of 66 or 65 miles an hour may be safe in dry weather, but not on snow or ice. Bridge decks and shady spots are often icy in inclement weather. Leave plenty of stopping distance between your vehicle and the next. Avoid sudden stops. Be more observant. Visibility is often limited in winter weather. When stalled, stay with your vehicle and try to conserve fuel while maintaining warmth. Be alert to any possible exhaust or carbon monoxide dangers. • Slow start to snowpack receives a needed boost • Weather • First Snow • December snow » Social News Snow flexed its muscles Friday in the Rogue Valley, closing schools and government buildings, canceling sporting events and turning roads into ski runs. The snow came from an Arctic front that drifted out over the Pacific and gathered up moisture before heading back inland. Combined with a stagnant cold-air mass over the region, conditions were primed for a white weekend. Temperatures are expected to drop into record-breaking single digits tonight and Sunday, but snowfall should have died out early today, according to the National Weather Service. "There might be some flurries, some stuff floating around in the morning, but nothing that will add up," said meteorologist Brian Nieuwenhuis. "Sunday morning we're going to be well into the single digits," he said. Snow amounts varied around the county Friday. Prospect and Williams reported two inches by the early afternoon, and no updated reports were available from the weather service late Friday. At 7 p.m. Friday, 6 inches of new snow was reported in Grants Pass and 6 inches in Medford and Ashland. Four inches of new snow fell at Crater Lake by 10:30 a.m. Friday, weather officials said, expecting at least four more inches overnight. "A lot of places are getting what we thought," Nieuwenhuis said. At 4 p.m. Friday, there was 5 inches of new snow on the Siskiyou Summit and chains were required on all vehicles on Interstate-5 there. Mt. Ashland reported 3 inches of new snow on its website Friday evening. As of 4:30 p.m. Friday, 100 vehicle crashes had been reported on state highways in Jackson and Josephine counties, said Gary Leaming, spokesman for the Oregon Department of Transportation. "And that doesn't include all the spin outs that weren't reported," Leaming said. Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon reported 24 car accidents between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to event logs. Snow fall kicked into high gear at about 3 p.m., and started blanketing the Rogue Valley and ODOT dispatch was swamped after the storm landed, Leaming said. By 6 p.m. Friday, there was a dispatch report that no tow trucks were available throughout the entire Rogue Valley. "The big issue is just the freezing ... the snow that has fallen on the ground is just going to turn into ice," Leaming said Friday evening. Leaming said he expected the number of reported crashes to continue climbing until today. "I think the first storm of the year does kind of bring out the worst driving behavior," he said. "With this particular storm, we're getting snow in the valley on a Friday afternoon during the commuting time. We're seeing a lot of congestions right now." Throughout last night and early this morning, ODOT had 25 plows, sanders and de-icers, working state roads between Grants Pass and Ashland. Two of those vehicles are plows that came to support the Rogue Valley effort from the Diamond Lake and Crater Lake area, he said. "We're running every unit that we have," he said. "Up on Siskiyou (Pass) we've been keeping up. ... We're keeping our fingers crossed." One ODOT plow applying de-icer was involved in a rollover accident on Interstate 5 near Azalea, Leaming said. An apparently impatient U-Haul truck driver attempting to pass the plow northbound caused a multi-car pileup and caused the plow driver to lose control of the vehicle and roll into the ditch, Leaming said, adding that the driver was uninjured.. "There is a whole unit that we lost due to driver negligence," Leaming said, warning drivers to "slow down and drive to the conditions." Early Friday, the northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 5 were closed for over an hour 14 miles south of Cottage Grove, because of a fertilizer-hauling semi that caught fire and heavy snow, ODOT reported. The Jackson County Roads Department also had its full plowing and sanding crew at work, the Jackson County Sheriff's Department reported. The county dispatched nine trucks with both plows and sanders on them, as well as five trucks with just plows, which worked until 7 p.m. Friday. Two additional emergency crews worked until early this morning and all 14 trucks were back on the road at 4 a.m. Because roads were so treacherously slippery, Brammo Inc. welcomed commercial truck drivers and others in need to park their vehicles and stay overnight at their Talent headquarters, the former Walmart building just off Interstate 5 Exit 21. Brammo director of operations Joe Wismann said the company was happy to lend a hand to motorists looking to avoid the slick roads. Several Rogue Valley school districts canceled classes Friday, including Medford, Phoenix/Talent, Ashland, Central Point, Rogue River and Grants Pass. Sacred Heart Catholic School, Logos Charter School, as well as Grace and Cascade Christian schools also closed. Performances at the Craterian and Camelot theaters were cancelled, and the Rogue Valley Symphony cancelled its performance in Grants Pass. All Jackson County Child Development Services locations were closed, and preschool, therapy, individual and evaluation programs were canceled. Rogue Community College closed all area campuses at 4 p.m. The Josephine County Courthouse and Grants Pass City Hall both closed up shop at about 2 p.m. SAT tests hosted by St. Mary's School in Medford that were planned for today have been canceled and rescheduled for Dec. 21. The weather also canceled several local hockey and basketball games for Rogue Valley high schools and Southern Oregon University teams. The season-opening boys basketball games for South Medford and North Medford will have to wait until next week, as home games against Wilson scheduled for this weekend were postponed. Wilson, a Portland school, couldn't make the trip due to weather. It was to play at South Friday night and at North today. Check www.mailtribune.com today for updated snow amounts across Southern Oregon. Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or [email protected]. REach reporter Sam Wheeler at 541-776-4471 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @MTwriter_swhlr. By RYAN PFEIL and Sam Wheeler MailTribune.com By RYAN PFEIL and Sam Wheeler Posted Dec. 7, 2013 @ 12:01 am » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2014 Local Media Group, Inc. 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