Local News

The Grants Pass City Council created the Small Business Task Force to help inform them of issues relevant to business owners in Grants Pass.

The City is conducting an online survey on a wide range of topics that will help the Task Force collect data and prioritize issues impacting the local business community. The survey is open only to business owners conducting business in the City of Grants Pass.

Respondents must enter their Grants Pass Business Tax Certificate ID # to complete and submit the survey. If a business owner does not know the ID number, they can call 541-450-6039 for assistance. The survey will close at 11:59 pm on Friday, August 31st.

 

Illinois Valley Fire District units and emergency crews responded to multiple incidents over the weekend.

A grass fire was reported Friday around 3:01 on S Sawyer Avenue at Schumacher Street in Cave Junction. IVFD, Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, and Rural Metro Fire were dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, the first in engine advised a small 6×6 spot on fire, and Rural Metro Fire was cancelled. The fire was extinguished and ODF conducted the investigation.

The next day around 7:46 p.m., IVFD and American Medical Response were alerted to a traffic accident involving a single-vehicle rollover at Milepost 24 on U.S. Highway 199 in Gold Canyon. Two involved individuals reported no injuries. The Oregon State Police conducted the investigation.

Sunday at 10:54 a.m., crews were dispatched to a structure fire in the 900 block of Idlewild Drive in Cave Junction. IVFD, ODF, and AMR responded to the garage structure fire with potential exposures.

ODF successfully suppressed the wildland fire component surrounding the structure, while IVFD personnel extinguished the primary structure fire. A recreational vehicle also sustained fire damage and was subsequently extinguished. Through the coordinated efforts of all on-scene personnel, exotic birds located near the structure were safely rescued, and no injuries were reported.

Lastly, yesterday at 5:05 p.m., a large vehicle fire occurred at milemarker 16 on Redwood Highway in Selma. Crews responded to the fire, which was put out on arrival of personnel by passersby. The Oregon State Police arrived to complete an investigation of the incident.

 

Firefighters completed 50 feet of mop-up around I-5 MM 57 NB Fire perimeter, strengthening containment while holding the fire within its established footprint. A Level 2: BE SET Evacuation Warning is in effect for Zones GRA-022, GRA-034, GRA-036, and JCU-422-B. A Level 1: BE READY Evacuation Order for Zone JCU-422-C is also in effect. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports the fire remains estimated at 96 acres. Hazard trees and snags continue to present one of the biggest challenges for firefighters working in the steep terrain, and crews will continue mitigating those hazards while extinguishing remaining hotspots. Tonight's resources include five 20-person hand crews, one dozer, four Type 6 engines, one Type 3 engine, six water tenders, and an infrared-equipped drone. It will fly the fire overnight to identify remaining heat sources and support tomorrow's operations. Beginning at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow, Florida Forest Service Incident Management Team 1 will assume command of the fire while crews continue mop-up and containment operations. The transition comes as Southwest Oregon prepares for several days of extreme fire weather.

 

Fire crews strengthened containment and improved fireline around the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire overnight, completing line around the perimeter of the estimated 96 acre blaze. The Oregon Department of Forestry reported an infrared-equipped UAS drone mapped the fire, providing an accurate measure of the fire's size. Approximately 125 personnel are assigned to the incident today, including five 20-person hand crews, five Type 6 engines, five water tenders, and five dozers. On the north flank of the fire, crews have completed 10 feet of mop-up from the fire's edge. Work on the south flank is progressing through heavier, denser fuels, where lingering heat and thick vegetation require more time and attention. Firefighters will be working in steep terrain. Despite cooler temperatures expected today, wind gusts this afternoon could still support spot fires. A Type 1 helicopter and a Type 2 helicopter are assigned to the incident today, with additional aircraft available if needed to support suppression efforts. A Level 2: BE SET Evacuation Warning is in effect for Zones GRA-022, GRA-034, GRA-036, and JCU-422-B. A Level 1: BE READY Evacuation Order for Zone JCU-422-C is also in effect. As a reminder, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect over the fire area. Drones are prohibited. Northbound traffic is reduced to one lane as cars travel past the fire area.

 

Firefighters continue to build off the good progress made on the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire despite strong wind gusts and steep terrain. A Level 3: GO NOW Evacuation Order is in effect for Zones GRA-022, GRA-034, GRA-036, and JCU-422-B. A Level 1: BE READY Evacuation Order for Zone JCU-422-C is in effect as well. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, the fire is currently estimated at 75 to 80 acres. Multiple hand crews and Type 6 engines have arrived to reinforce suppression efforts and continue strengthening containment. No additional structures have been lost. With firefighters making steady progress, aircraft is beginning to be scaled back. The majority of the fire activity is currently concentrated on the upper left shoulder of the fire, where crews and aircraft continue suppression efforts in tandem.

 

Emergency crews continue their aggressive initial attack on the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire. A Level 3: GO NOW Evacuation Order is in effect for Zones GRA-022, GRA-034, GRA-036, and JCU-422-B. A Level 1: BE READY Evacuation Order for Zone JCU-422-C is in effect as well. The fire is currently estimated at 75 to 100 acres according to the Watch Duty app. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports firefighters are utilizing an extensive combination of suppression resources, including retardant drops, bucket drops from helicopters, dozers, water tenders, hand crews, and two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System aircraft, all working together to slow the fire's spread and strengthen containment. The fire is 30% lined from a mix of hand line and dozer line. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire area. Do not fly drones. Unauthorized drones can force firefighting aircraft to be grounded, delaying suppression efforts and putting firefighters at greater risk.

 

If you operate a food truck and wish to apply for a space at Art Along the Rogue, the food truck application portal will open at 8 am on August 17, 2026, and close at 5 pm on August 28, 2026. Please note a few changes have been implemented this year. Recognizing the types of hot prepared cuisine and iced/frozen dessert options available at brick-and-mortar restaurants in proximity to Art Along the Rogue, we are reducing the number of food trucks and cuisine options that we’ve had before. The City has space for four food trucks this year, each serving different cuisine.
If the type of cuisine you primarily serve is not one of the available options listed below, it's because similar cuisine is already available within the zone. The cuisine options for this year are:
• BBQ/Southern/Soul Food
• Chicken
• Crepes (savory, not just sweet)
• Hot Dogs/Sausages/Brats
• Indian (Asia)
• Italian (not pizza)
• Mediterranean/Greek/Middle Eastern
• Mexican/Latin American
• Sandwiches and Subs
• Seafood
• Vegan or vegetarian
Beginning at 8 am on August 17, follow this link to apply: bit.ly/AATR

 

Deputies with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office located a man on the railroad tracks and lodged him for a detainer and trespass charge.

The suspect, Michael Cheek, was observed by law enforcement on the tracks near the 4,000 block of Foothill Boulevard. He was occupying a small camp and detained at the scene.

The deputies contacted Cheek's parole officer, who requested a detainer. Cheek was then taken into custody and transported to the Adult Jail Facility. He was lodged on his detainer and a Second Degree Criminal Trespass charge.

 

The Josephine County Commissioners met Friday morning and decided to accept Secure Rural Schools funding, known as SRS, as opposed to fifty percent of timber receipts from Oregon and California lands, known as O & C Lands. A decision had to be made today because of imposed federal deadlines. Commissioners considered the low prices being paid for timber currently and the fact that two weeks ago it was being suggested the shared receipts from O & C lands the county’s share would have been 75%.The SRS funds due the county this fiscal year are anticipated to be just over $2 million dollars.