Local News

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office jailed an Illinois Valley man this week for domestic violence at a home near Cave Junction. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested the 40-year-old male subject for the incident in the 1800-block of Rockydale Road on Monday afternoon. Deputies said a woman called from the home shortly after 4 a.m. and stated that she was being choked by the man. Dispatchers said the caller was screaming and not answering questions. It was determined that she was not seriously injured. Upon arrival, deputies interviewed both parties and discovered that they engaged in a physical altercation resulting in the suspect choking the victim in front of their two young children. The male party told deputies the altercation started when the victim wanted to wake up their children at 4 a.m. and he tried to stop her. According to the report, the man wrapped his arm around the woman's neck in an attempt to stop her which caused her to have difficulty breathing. Following the investigation, the suspect was arrested, transported to Grants Pass and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Strangulation and Felony 4th-Degree Assault. He was being held without bail.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is investigating alleged child abuse after the Oregon State Police pulled over a vehicle for suspected impaired driving on Interstate 5 near Hugo last weekend. OSP reports troopers responded to state property above the I-5 Milepost 66 Interchange for a possible impaired driver on Sunday afternoon. Troopers said a man called 9-1-1 to report that his wife was impaired and they were involved in a verbal argument while traveling to Wildlife Safari in Winston. The husband and three juveniles were contacted at their vehicle while the wife reportedly fled the area on foot. She was later contacted at a residence in the 300-block of Thornbrook Drive in Merlin and a DUII investigation was conducted. According to OSP, troopers were unable to develop probable cause to arrest the woman, but major concerns for child neglect were observed while investigating. The Sheriff's Office is now the primary agency in the child abuse investigation and a report will be filed with the Oregon Department of Human Services.

 

Grants Pass Police took a report about a stolen vehicle early yesterday and then promptly arrested the alleged victim on an outstanding warrant. The Police Department reports officers arrested the 59-year-old male subject at a residence in the 1200-block of Rogue River Highway on Tuesday at 2:22 a.m.. Police said the man called 9-1-1 to report that his silver and red 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup was stolen. The caller stated a female friend had introduced him to her new acquaintance, the acquaintance took a key off his key ring and then stole his Dodge out of the driveway. Responding officers completed a stolen vehicle report with the man and discovered that he was wanted on a Josephine County warrant for failing to appear in court for impaired driving. He was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail. Police looked for the stolen pickup at a number of city parks, but they were unable to find it.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a young motorist for speed racing in the north part of the city this week. According to the Police Department, officers eventually pulled over the 20-year-old man in the 1800-block of NE 7th Street on Monday night. Police said they observed a vehicle traveling at speeds of more than 80 miles per hour on 7th Street. They said all other vehicles slowed down and pulled over, but the motorist continued driving until a traffic stop was initiated. According to the report, the suspect vehicle was seen weaving through traffic while placing other drivers and pedestrians in danger. The suspect was placed into custody for Reckless Driving and lodged without bail at the Josephine County Jail. An unidentified woman assumed custody of the offending vehicle.

 

Recognition awards for extraordinary personal action highlight today's weekly business session of the Josephine County Board of Commissioners. Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel is scheduled to present Medals of Valor for the courageous actions of some of his personnel. In other business, the Commissioners will hold a public hearing on two requests for annexation into the Illinois Valley Fire District. The annexations are by petition of the landowners, without election. The Board will open the meeting with its monthly recognition of employees. As always, there will be Requests and Comments from Citizens when participants are given three minutes to address the Board on virtually any topic pertaining to Josephine County. Today's public meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium.

 

It's National Correctional Officers Week and the Josephine County Sheriff's Office is asking the public to join them in showing appreciation for the important role corrections officers play in the criminal justice system. In Presidential Proclamation 5187, former President Ronald Reagan honored all current and former corrections officers: "The duties of these officers have become increasingly complex and demanding. They are called upon to fill, simultaneously, custodial, supervisory and counseling roles. The professionalism, dedication and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserve our utmost respect. The important work of Correctional Officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it deserves. It is appropriate that we honor the many contributions and accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component of the field of corrections." Sheriff Dave Daniel said they are incredibly proud of the professionals who work within the walls of the Josephine County Jail.

 

The Oregon Department of Transportation and the City of Medford are seeking public input on options for a potential overpass on Interstate 5 at South Stage Road between the South Medford and Phoenix exits. ODOT officials said the project aims to improve east-west transportation connectivity, traffic safety and emergency response times in this growing area. ODOT wants to hear from you. The public is invited to participate in two events. Attend an in-person open house today from 6 to 8 p.m. to learn about the roadway options being considered and to provide your input. The open house is being held at the RCC/SOU Higher Education Center at 101 South Bartlett Street in Medford. Citizens are also invited to visit the project's online open house through May 20th. The information shared about this project as well as the public and agency input received may be adopted or incorporated by reference into a future environmental review process to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act.

 

The US Forest Service has announced repairs and traffic delays on Page Mountain Road in the Illinois Valley are coming in the near future. Road repairs including culvert replacements, deep patch repair and installation of a retaining wall will cause up to 60-minute delays on Page Mountain Road -- also known as Forest Service Road 4800 -- starting May 13th. The contractor -- Johnson Rock, Inc., of Coos Bay -- has until October 1st to complete the work. Wild Rivers District Ranger Scott Blower said road failures are a result of the 2020 Slater Fire and it shows some of the challenges they face after large wildfires. He said he's excited to see this important maintenance work happen, adding that it gets them closer to reopening Page Mountain Snopark by next winter. Blower encourages motorists to incorporate the delay times into their travel plans as needed. He said they appreciate your cooperation while this necessary road work is completed.

 

Recognition awards for extraordinary personal action highlight tomorrow's weekly business session of the Josephine County Board of Commissioners. Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel is scheduled to present Medals of Valor for the courageous actions of some of his workers. In other business, the Commissioners will hold a public hearing on two requests for annexation into the Illinois Valley Fire District. The annexations are by petition of the landowners, without election. The Board will open the meeting with its monthly recognition of employees. As always, there will be Requests and Comments from Citizens when participants are given three minutes to address the Board on virtually any topic pertaining to Josephine County. Wednesday's public meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium.