Local News

The Oregon Department of Employment reported total payroll employment in Josephine County rose by 190 jobs in April. Job gains were estimated in leisure and hospitality, up 90 jobs; private education and health services was up by 40; there were 30 more construction jobs; and retail trade incre3ased by 20 jobs. Employment was essentially flat in other published industries. Government employment also showed little movement in April. Over the past year payroll employment in the Grants Pass-Josephine County decreased by 130 jobs, a loss of one half of a percent. Employment fell over the year in most private-sector industries, excluding private education and health services, which gained 310 jobs. Job declines occurred in retail trade; manufacturing; construction; information; professional and business services; and wholesale trade. Transportation, warehousing, and utilities employment decreased by 30 jobs since April 2025. Government employment fell by 110 jobs over the year. Losses occurred in local government education while federal government lost 20 jobs over the year.
Josephine County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was estimated at 6.7% in April, little changed over the month and up slightly from the April 2025 rate of 6.2%

 

Thunderstorms have been making their way through southern Oregon, and a few lightning strikes have been recorded on Oregon Department of Forestry protected land in both Jackson and Josephine counties. While these storms have brought rain, it is possible to see fires spark from lightning strikes, especially as temperatures heat up. Following these storms, ODF firefighters are ready to respond to any new reports of fire. Our detection specialists are monitoring these strike areas thru the next couple of days to watch for any signs or smoke or fire. Thunderstorms remain in the forecast for today as well.

 

Multiple law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant Wednesday morning in Central Point looking for evidence of child sex abuse material known as CSAM. Investigators served the search warrant after discovering Child Sexual Abuse Material images were uploaded from the address to the social messaging app Discord. Investigators interviewed possible witnesses and involved parties, and investigations are ongoing. The search warrant was served at a residence in the 5000 block of Table Rock Road in rural Central Point. The investigation began after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the residence. Investigators continue to examine seized devices and interview witnesses as the investigation moves forward. No further details will be released at this time.

 

The Rogue Community College Foundation is accepting nominations for its 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award.

According to RCC, the award, established in 2008, honors graduates who have made meaningful contributions to their profession, community, or the world. Nominations are open through June 30th.

To be eligible, nominees must have completed a certificate or degree at RCC. They must also have either demonstrated success in their business, profession or other vocational field, or made significant contributions to their community through civic involvement, volunteerism, public service, or other humanitarian efforts.

Students, employees, alumni, and community members are all welcome to participate by submitting a nomination. The form and more information are available at www.roguecc.edu/foundation.

The 2026 recipient will be honored during RCC’s President’s Circle Reception in September.

 

A woman wanted on an out-of-county warrant was lodged in the Josephine County Jail after being detained by Grants Pass Police Tuesday at 10:42 p.m.

The suspect, Lindsey Schmit, was located at the Quality Inn at 1889 NE 6th Street. She was contacted and positively identified as being wanted for a charge of Assault out of the Medford Police Department.

Officers took Schmit into custody at the scene on her warrant. She was subsequently transported to and lodged in the Adult Jail Facility.

 

Grants Pass Police officers arrested three suspects Tuesday afternoon at Resting Site 6 South.

The first suspect, Ethan Wilcox, was located around 1:02 p.m. on the south side of the 704 NW 6th Street site. He was in a small blue tent that reportedly didn't belong to him. Officers found him hiding underneath blankets, and he was taken into custody.

Wilcox was wanted on three police department warrants charging him with First Degree Theft, and two counts of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. His warrants were faxed to the jail and cleared, and he was subsequently lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

While on the scene, officers next contacted Kristopher Young. He was wanted on two warrants for Meth Possession and a Probation Violation. Police took him into custody, then proceeded to contact a third suspect, Aria Echavarria, in the far northwest corner of the site.

Her Parole Officer had requested a detainer, so officers took her into custody. She was found with a substance suspected to be meth, so an additional charge of Meth Possession was added. Both Young and Echavarria were taken to the Adult Jail Facility to be lodged on their respective warrants and charges.

 

A Walmart shoplifter was reported to dispatch, and officers with the Grants Pass Police Department arrested him Tuesday for escape and theft charges.

Asset Protection from the 135 NE Terry Lane store called 911 saying the suspect passed all points of sale with stolen merchandise around 3:01 p.m. He was reportedly verbally aggressive when management tried to stop him.

Dispatch learned that, during a pursuit, the suspect dropped a white bag full of cans in the parking lot before hopping a fence at the corner of Agness Avenue and F Street. The caller wished to pursue charges of theft and trespass.

Officers located the suspect walking on Foothill Boulevard. He was advised he was under arrest, but he ignored and turned toward the officer. A taser was displayed, but the suspect continued walking away.

Following a brief foot pursuit, law enforcement took the suspect, Richard Koep, into custody. It was determined he had stolen just over $244 worth of merchandise from the store. The property was returned, and Koep was lodged in jail for Second Degree Theft and Third Degree Escape.

 

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office announced the Level 1 evacuation notice for Zone JAC 299 has been canceled. Firefighting efforts on the Blackwell fire and cooperative weather conditions were cited as reasons for the cancellation. According to Jackson County Fire District 3, suppression operations continued in coordination with the property owner. The district encourages everyone to be vigilant and careful with fire danger, saying to mow and reduce vegetation around your homes now while there are no restrictions on running powered equipment for mowing and cutting. The Blackwell Fire was a substantial blaze early on in fire season. The response highlighted the strength of partnerships across the region between fire agencies, law enforcement, dispatch, roads, and utilities.

 

Grants Pass Police apprehended a woman at a local resting site Wednesday and lodged her for both a Parole Violation detainer and a charge of Methamphetamine Possession.

Officers observed the suspect, Melissa Burger, on camera smoking from a pipe in Resting Site 6 North. The footage showed Burger appearing to reach into a tent and smoke something. She proceeded to put something in her pocket that was consistent in size and shape with a thin walled glass pipe common for smoking meth.

Burger was contacted and detained around 10:18 a.m. in the 714 NW 6th Street site, where she admitted to having a meth pipe in her pocket. Officers took Burger into custody and transported her to the Josephine County Jail. She was lodged on a detainer and meth charge, and given a 30 day exclusion order for the resting site.