Local News

Pacific Power has filed a general rate case with the Oregon Public Utility Commission.

According to Pacific Power, the plan would be to keep rates stable in the near-term, deliver lower rates in early 2027, and delay a minimal residential rate increase until the third quarter of 2027.

Under the proposal, residential customers would see stable bills in 2026, followed by decreases in the first half of 2027 and a minimal net rate increase in July 2027. If approved, interim rates would take effect June 5th, 2026, and remain in place while regulators review the full general rate case.

The company’s proposal addresses the rising costs of doing business and ensures critical investments in the grid, while keeping rates stable for customers. More information is available on the company’s Oregon rate proposal page.

While reflecting Pacific Power’s commitment to affordability, the proposal also acknowledges several cost pressures affecting the delivery of safe and reliable electric service, including higher cost of materials needed to maintain and replace power lines, poles and other equipment, as well as rapidly rising insurance costs for wildfire risk.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing person. Cameron King was last seen on New Hope Road Monday, May 4th, around 2 p.m. The Sheriff's Office reported he was supposed to return to his home in Salem but has not arrived. Cameron is described as a 40-year-old 5'9" white male weighing 145 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was driving a white Ford F-150 with Oregon plate 711MEY. Cameron is known to always wear a hat. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact the Sheriff's Office, at 541-474-5123. Reference Case #26-12265.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners proclaimed the week of May 10th to the 16th as National Police Week at the start of today's Weekly Business Session.

A public hearing followed in the matter of two annexations to the Josephine Community Library District by petition of the landowners. The board moved to approve both petitions unanimously.

The public brought topics to the board including criticism of a recent group gathering, a FOIA request, and concerns for school districts. The consent calendar was approved by the board, and two agenda items from yesterday's workshop were voted on.

The board moved in favor of approving a resolution in the matter of Termination of the Budget Committee, and a resolution regarding Appointments to the Budget Committee.

Commissioner Gary Richardson urged the public to sign up for Citizen Alerts and to Know Your Zone. He also emphasized FTE information on the County website, showing the current FTE Trend graph that will be updated monthly.

 

The Illinois Valley Fire District responded to three incidents Tuesday, a grass fire, and two traffic accidents.

The fire was reported at 2:13 p.m. in the 2200 block of Redwood Highway. Crews learned it originated from an escaped open burn. The fire was successfully extinguished and mopped up, and no injuries were reported.

With fire season approaching, I.V. Fire is advising the public exercise caution with burn piles, especially on warm and windy days.

Crews were then alerted to a single-vehicle traffic accident at 6:04 p.m. at the corner of Laurel Road and Redwood Highway in Cave Junction.

According to I.V. Fire, it is suspected the individual involved may have experienced a medical incident before the accident. Oregon State Police are investigating. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

Then at 9:18 p.m., a second traffic accident was reported in the 25,000 block of Redwood Highway in Cave Junction. I.V. Fire, AMR, and OSP were dispatched to the scene.

The vehicle was located off the roadway after having impacted a guardrail. No occupants were reported at the scene. OSP is conducting the investigation.

 

Former finance director Arthur O'Hare will fill an interim finance director position pending a contract. The discussion was held following an executive session during the Board of Commissioner's 1:30 p.m. workshop. The board commenced the meeting by approving a grant request submission for consideration by the Solid Waste Agency. A motion to approve a grant request of $155,000, with clarification on whether the amount is annual passed 3-0. A personnel action for the solid waste specialist lead was brought to the board for later signing. Human Resources requested approval regarding the current CDL Driver's retiring from PERS, then to bring him back to the county to work three days a week. The current budget covers the position, and a motion to approve was unanimous. The board moved to pay an Ogletree invoice in the amount of $31,446, and will consider resolutions in the matter of Tobacco Retail Enforcement and Budget Committee Terminations and Appointments when the documents become available.

 

Work to maintain the highway shoulders and drainage systems on a 27-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 199 begins tomorrow morning.

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, travelers can expect short delays in the work zone. Crews start work near milepost 14, just south of Wonder.

The work zone will move south on U.S. Highway 199 toward the Oregon-California border as crews make progress. The project is scheduled for completion by early June, weather permitting.

Daytime lane and shoulder closures are to be expected Mondays through Thursdays, with traffic being controlled by flaggers and pilot cars. Drivers can expect potential delays of less than 20 minutes.

ODOT reminds the community to drive with caution through the work zone. Slow down and watch for workers and equipment in the roadway. Crews will pause work between Wednesday, May 20th, and Wednesday, May 27th, to help reduce impacts for Memorial Day weekend travelers.

Visit TripCheck.com for the latest information on road conditions and closures.

 

The Medford Fire Department responded to and put out a structure fire in the 3000 block of Table Rock Road Monday around 9:20 p.m.

Crews arrived to find a trailer on fire that was also threatening a nearby residence. The fire was knocked down within eight minutes of arrival. Medford Police, Mercy Flights, and Jackson County Fire District 3 assisted.

No civilians or firefighters were injured at the scene, but one resident was displaced as a result of the fire. The cause is believed to be related to the use of an outdoor fire pit, where embers likely ignited nearby combustible materials.

The fire spread from pallets and other items to the recreational vehicle, causing extensive damage to the RV and minor damage to the exterior of the home. The MFD reminds the public that, as warmer, drier weather approaches, fire risk increases.

Use a screen on outdoor fires when burning wood, choose approved propane free-standing fire pits rather than wood fueled options, keep combustible materials at least 15 feet away, and discard cigarettes, ash, embers, and any other smoldering materials in a non-combustible container filled with water.

 

An officer with Grants Pass Police arrested a man using a false name on two warrants early this morning.

The suspect identified himself as Kristian York during a disturbance at an undisclosed Rogue River Highway location. The officer, thanks to a DMV photo of the suspect, was then able to correctly identify him as Kameron York.

He was wanted on two warrants: one out of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office for two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and one from the Grants Pass Police Department for Menacing Constituting Domestic Violence.

The officer was unable to obtain probable cause for providing a false name, and York was taken into custody at 4:08 a.m. He was issued a citation then transported to the Josephine County Jail where he was lodged on both warrants. By 8:19 this morning, he was medically released per jail administration.

 

The Southern Oregon Horse Racing Association (SOHRA) has announced the kick-off of its initiative to revitalize the facilities at Grants Pass Downs.

The “Racing Toward a Brighter Future” project represents years of planning. The venue will host live events and entertainment for the community, with work on the multi-phase project to commence this summer.

Partnering with the Josephine County Fairgrounds, SOHRA aims to transform the facility for the benefit of all fairgrounds visitors. Rod Lowe, SOHRA’s President and CEO of the Horseman’s Racing Association emphasized the importance of public investment in the upcoming project, calling it “a way to bring our community together."

The public can learn details and support “Racing Toward a Brighter Future” by visiting donate.racingontherogue.org.