Local News

The Oregon Department of Forestry reports the Woodrat Mountain Fire is estimated at 272.5 acres and is 55% lined. Firefighters remain focused on limiting its movement toward Sterling Creek Road. Resources assigned for the night shift included six 20-person hand crews, four dozers, six water tenders, three falling modules, seven Type 6 engines, and one Type 3 engine. Crews are making great progress with the support of dozers. The right shoulder and the head of the fire remain active. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 3: GO NOW Evacuation order for Zones JAC-428-A and JAC-436, a Level 2: BE SET for Zone JAC-428-B, and a Level 1: BE READY to evacuate for Zones JAC-421, JAC-422, JAC-423, JAC-427, JAC-429, JAC-434, JAC-437, and JAC-438. An evacuation shelter for people & pets is set up at Jacksonville Elementary School, 655 Hueners Lane. If there are individuals looking to shelter that need extra medical care and/or assistance, call 541-776-7206.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update after receiving a report of missing adult, David Wright back on July 26th. The initial investigation indicates that David left on his own accord on July 21st between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on a white bicycle, leaving his cell phone and personal financial documents on the desk in his office. Detectives with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office continued their investigation July 27th and located camera footage of David at Dollar General in Murphy around 9:25 a.m. on the bicycle, where he purchased a bottle of water. Five minutes later, additional footage was observed of Wright riding his bicycle outbound on Highway 238 towards Hidden Valley Market. This was the last time Wright was seen in the area. Detectives have continued searching daily since his disappearance. Cameras and roadways in all the surrounding areas, including Provolt, Williams, and Wilderville have been searched.

 

Multiple resources are responding to the Woodrat Mountain Fire, now estimated at 130 to 150 acres. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports ordered resources continue arriving to support suppression efforts as firefighters build on the progress made throughout the afternoon. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 3: GO NOW Evacuation order for Zone JAC-436, a Level 2: BE SET for Zone JAC-428, and a Level 1: BE READY to evacuate for Zones JAC-421, JAC-422, JAC-423, JAC-427, JAC-429, and JAC-438. The Jackson County Fairgrounds, 21 Peninger Road, in Central Point is open for Level 2 animal evacuations. Despite hot temperatures, steep terrain, hazardous snags, and dense timber, crews continue making good progress while working aggressively to limit the fire's growth. Ground and aviation resources remain actively engaged across the incident, with additional resources arriving to support operations through the evening. Please avoid the area and watch for emergency vehicles responding to the incident.

 

The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) along with the Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested eight suspects Wednesday on a total of 71 encouraging child sex abuse felony charges. The first arrest was around 6:30 a.m. when deputies pulled over a suspect near his residence in the 1500 block of Clear Springs Drive in Medford. Eric Richard Rand, 58, of Medford, was arrested. The task force then located and arrested Charles Harvey McMillan, 33, of Talent at 6:40 a.m. Just before 8 a.m., Medford Police located the next suspect sleeping in his car at Holmes Park. Jermaine “JJ” Owens, 53, of Medford, was then arrested for his charges. Around 8:04 a.m., Joel Vincente Leal, 21, was arrested for his charges at his apartment in the 1000 block of Spring Street in Medford. Minutes later, investigators located and arrested Robert Paul Phillips, 74, at his residence in the 300 block of West Gregory Road in rural Central Point.

 

The Board of Commissioners gave Legal Counsel direction regarding a potential 89 cent levy for the Adult Jail, with further discussion to take place. Next Friday is the deadline for a decision on the Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention Five Year Local Option Tax. Following a lengthy discussion about funding and public clarity, Commissioner Colene Martin felt renewing the levy would be best, while Commissioner Gary Richardson brought up a potential new tax of 89 cents for the jail only. Commissioner Ron Smith suggested putting together a campaign for the detention center. Earlier in the meeting, the board gave no objection for Solid Waste Nuisance Abatement litigation to go through, and followed Counsel's advice to move forward with the dissolution process of the Road District. It has yet to be dissolved as of today. Josephine County was provided an opportunity to intervene in Clatsop County case Jewell School District v. Oregon Department of Forestry et al. The board approved Legal Counsel to pursue the endeavor.

 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley will host the 3rd Annual "Dash at Dutcher Creek" Golf Tournament this Friday at Dutcher Creek Golf Course.

With a 9 a.m. shotgun start, this year's tournament is officially sold out, bringing together golfers, community partners, and supporters for a day of friendly competition and philanthropy.

Presented by Pacific Electrical Contractors, the Dash at Dutcher Creek honors the memory and legacy of Kurt Schrimpf, Boys & Girls Club's longest-serving Board President. Kurt led the organization from 1996 to 1999, helping strengthen the Club's foundation and ensuring that local youth had access to safe, supportive programs and opportunities.

Proceeds from the tournament will directly benefit Boys & Girls Club of the Rogue Valley's Team Sports Program, which served more than 1,000 youth in 2025.

While registration is full, community members are encouraged to support the Boys & Girls Club of the Rogue Valley throughout the year by volunteering, sponsoring future events, or making a donation to help expand opportunities for local youth.

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley, visit www.begreat4kids.com or call 541-479-5258.

 

The Josephine County Recreation Department has implemented temporary fire restrictions at several county parks and campgrounds due to extreme fire danger throughout Southern Oregon.

According to a release, Effective immediately, all wood and charcoal fires, including charcoal briquettes and barbecue grills, are prohibited at the Wolf Creek Park and Campground, Lake Selmac Park and Campground, and Almeda Park and Campground.

Propane-fueled camp stoves, BBQs, and fire pits are still permitted at these locations, provided they are used safely and attended at all times. Wood Fires are only permitted in designated fire rings at all other County campgrounds. Park officials urge campers to use extreme caution, never leave fires unattended, and make sure all fires are completely extinguished before leaving the area.

Officials expect these restrictions to remain in effect throughout the remainder of the summer camping season. Additional county parks and campgrounds may be added to the restriction list if fire danger increases or conditions warrant further action.

For the latest updates on Josephine County Parks and Campgrounds, please visit the County Recreation Department website or follow the department on social media.

 

The I-5 MM 57 NB Fire remains at 100 acres and is 55% contained after firefighters made further progress yesterday. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports crews focused on systematically gridding the fire area Wednesday to locate and extinguish remaining hotspots. An infrared equipped UAS helped map lingering heat overnight, allowing firefighters to identify additional hotspots. Today, firefighters will build on this progress with extensive mop-up and gridding operations, working up to 300 feet into the fire perimeter and removing hazardous snags throughout steep, heavily timbered terrain. A reconnaissance flight is planned to help confirm any remaining areas of heat or concern, and aircraft are ready to support ground crews if needed. Resources assigned to the blaze include four 20-person hand crews, five Type 6 engines, one Type 3 engine, two water tenders, two dozers, three skid units, one falling module, and a reconnaissance flight. Red Flag Warnings remain in effect, as well as a Level 1: BE READY Evacuation Warning for Zones GRA-022, GRA-034, GRA-036, JCU-422-B, and JCU-422-C.

 

A traffic accident involving two pinned individuals occurred at the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and Reeves Creek Road in Selma.

Wednesday around 3:25 p.m., the Illinois Valley Fire District and American Medical Response were dispatched to a single-vehicle incident where the vehicle collided with a tree.

Of the two occupants, one successfully self-extricated, while the other needed full extrication, requiring the removal of the vehicle's rooftop. Both individuals were then transported for medical attention. The scene was turned over to the Josephine County Sheriff's Office for investigation.