Local News

Annexations to the Library District leads the Josephine County Commissioner’s agenda for today’s Weekly Business Session.There are two properties that are petitioning the Commission to annex them to the district without election, a total of almost 70 acres. The remainder of the agenda is basically house keeping items including the consent calendar plus requests and comments from citizens. The Business Session will convene at 9:00 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium and will be live streamed on the county’s website at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream.The Commissioners will also hold a general discussion meeting at 1:30 p.m. this afternoon also in the Anne Basker that will be primarily a 2026 Fire Season Workshop. It will also be streamed live for those who cannot attend.

 

The Josephine County Commissioners approved all business matters during their County Administration Workshop.

County Clerk Rhiannon Henkels presented two invoices: One from Ryder Election Services, LLC for the May Primary Election, and the other from Clear Ballot Group, Inc., a maintenance fee for the ballot system. Both were approved without objection.

Also approved were all personnel requisitions from Human Resources, as well as a board resolution from the Assessor in the matter of participation in the County Assessment Function Funding Assistance Grant. This provides State monies in support of assessor offices throughout Oregon.

The board approved an FAA Grant Application from the Airports Department to help cover costs incurred from the general fund, while also requesting a timeline for best and worst cases.

Lastly, a board order regarding the Establishment of the County Economic Development Grant Advisory Committee was approved by motion 3-0.

 

A traffic accident occurred today at 12:51 p.m. in the 17,000 block of Redwood Highway in Selma.

The Illinois Valley Fire District, AMR, Oregon State Police, and the Oregon Department of Transportation responded, with additional support from bystanders who assisted with traffic control.

Upon arrival, crews identified a two-vehicle collision within a designated construction zone. One individual was transported by ambulance, while another sustained no injuries and was released from the scene.

The Oregon State Police are conducting the official investigation.

 

Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on State Route 238 Monday.

Troopers were alerted to the incident that occurred near milepost 5 heading westbound. Evidence at the scene and statements from the drivers indicated an orange Chevy HHR was following too closely to a gold Toyota Corolla.

The Corolla was yielding to the shoulder for a black Chevy Traverse following too closely at the time of the incident. Minor injuries were sustained by one passenger as a result of the crash.

The victim was transported to an area hospital, and all three drivers received a crash report. Two of the involved vehicles were towed from the scene.

 

Officers with Grants Pass Police apprehended a man wanted on five warrants Monday afternoon.

An officer on patrol observed the suspect, Travis Davenport, walking near the corner of SW 6th Street and SW G Street around 2:08 p.m. He was seen wearing a black hoodie and black jeans, and the officer knew Davenport had five valid and serviceable warrants out for his arrest.

He was later contacted at the Wonder Bur Steakhouse, 116 SW H Street. Police detained Davenport for his Grants Pass Police Department warrants, four charging him with Possession of Methamphetamine, and one for Third Degree Escape.

His identity was confirmed, and he was subsequently transported to and lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

 

Total payroll employment in Josephine County fell by 50 jobs in February.

According to a release from the Oregon Employment Department, this was mostly due to losses in leisure and hospitality (-20) and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-20). Other sectors showed little employment change in February.

Over the past year payroll employment dipped by 150 jobs, a loss of -0.6%. Employment fell over the year in most private-sector industries but increased in private education and health services (+190) and leisure and hospitality (+40).

Job declines occurred in retail trade (-110), wholesale trade (-50), information (-40), manufacturing (-30), and professional and business services (-20).

Government employment fell by 110 jobs over the year. Losses occurred in local government education (-90) and federal government (-20). State government added 10 jobs over the year.

Josephine County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was estimated at 7% in February, little changed over the month and up slightly from the February 2025 rate of 6.1%.

 

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding Library annexations and a fire season workshop Wednesday.

Two annexations to the Josephine Community Library District by petition of the landowners will be considered during the 9 a.m. Weekly Business Session in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium. Following approval of the consent calendar and other potential matters, the meeting will adjourn.

That same day at 1:30 p.m., the board will again meet in the 600 NW 6th Street auditorium for a general discussion covering the 2026 Fire Season. The public may attend both Wednesday meetings either in person, or online at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream.

 

Medford Police responded to a report of a person in mental distress in the 600 block of South Oakdale Avenue at 4:55 this morning.

A call to 911 reported a neighbor in an adjacent apartment was screaming and behaving erratically. Additional information indicated that the individual was attempting to break into a neighboring apartment using an axe.

The occupant of that apartment discharged a firearm, striking the suspect. Officers arrived and located the suspect, 22-year-old Julian Moon Haight, suffering from a gunshot wound to an extremity.

Officers provided emergency medical aid until he was transported to a local hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. No other individuals were injured during the incident.

This case remains under investigation. Additional information, including any potential criminal charges, will be released as it becomes available.

 

Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read is reminding Oregonians that the deadline to register to vote in the upcoming statewide election is April 28.

It is also the deadline to change an existing voter registration, including declaring for a political party to participate in the closed primary election races across the state.

To be eligible to register to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Oregon, and at least 16 years old. Oregonians must be 18 years old to vote. Creating or updating your voter registration can be done online at OregonVotes.gov or at your local county elections office.

Prospective voters registering online will need documentation to prove citizenship and eligibility. They will also have to affirm, under penalty of law, that they meet all eligibility requirements and that the information provided on the registration form is true.