Local News

Firefighters continue to make strong progress on the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire, which is now 23% contained and remains at 100 acres. A Level 1: BE READY Evacuation Warning is in effect for Zones GRA-022, GRA-034, GRA-036, JCU-422-B, and JCU-422-C is still in effect. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports crews continued mop-up operations 200 feet in from the fire's perimeter, strengthened containment lines, and extinguished remaining hotspots despite challenging Red Flag conditions. Engines applied more than 1,500 gallons of water along the fire's edge to further secure the perimeter. Overnight resources included five 20-person hand crews, several engines, water tenders, a dozer, and an overnight UAS drone flight to identify residual heat and support today's operations. Red Flag Warnings remain in effect through today, bringing gusty north winds, temperatures in the upper 90s to low 100s, and very low relative humidity. A Heat Advisory also remains in effect through Thursday, and regional wildfire smoke may impact air quality and visibility.

 

The Oregon Department of Forestry's Southwest Oregon District responded to a grass fire on Pearce Park Road Tuesday.

ODF along with Grants Pass Fire and Rural Metro crews conducted an aggressive initial attack, and a Type 2 helicopter was on the scene by 8:30 p.m. to assist with suppression efforts.

A total of 13 ground resources worked to contain the blaze, and forward progress was stopped by 8:45 p.m. Aircraft were released from the incident, and firefighters made quick work of the fire despite high evening temperatures.

Ground resources remained on scene to continue strengthening hand line, extinguishing hotspots, and securing the perimeter. A Level 1: BE READY is in effect for Zones JCU-422-D.

The Watch Duty app reports the fire has been 100% lined, and crews are continuing mop-up operations.

 

Commissioner Colene Martin said she has met with stake holders for communication systems grant funding during the board's 1:30 p.m. workshop. Commissioner Ron Smith was absent.

Earlier in the meeting, the Treasurer requested the re-adoption of a Yearly Investment Policy, which was approved 2-0 by the board. Also approved was Community Justice's request for full board signage for a Josephine County Provider Contract with Continuum Behavioral Health and Recovery Services.

A motion was unanimous for the Emergency Management Performance Grant to designate Nathan Sanders and Matthew Eide as authorized agents. The board approved Human Resources Personnel Requisition regarding the rehire of an Advance Deputy Patrol for the Sheriff's Office.

Information Technology gave a Strategic Communication Planning presentation, with a goal of creating an adaptable plan for the county, hoping to provide a foundation, vision, and guidance for communication on County websites, mobile apps, and social media.

Next steps would include an initial round of feedback to be implemented for the next round of review. A final draft will be put together for approval by the board. Individual department plans would be worked on after the central component of the communication plan.

After a review of County department fuel purchasing and P-Card Guidance for department employees, the meeting adjourned.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a semi-conscious suspect at Riverside Park on a charge of Fentanyl Possession.

Law enforcement observed Douglas Kelly in the upper parking lot of the 304 E Park Street location Monday at 1:10 p.m. He was near the upper gazebo leaning uncomfortably and, upon contact, appeared to be under the influence of narcotics.

His parole officer was contacted by police, and it was requested a detainer be placed on Kelly. Officers took him into custody, and found he was in possession of fentanyl.

Kelly was issued a 30 day exclusion from the park, and was lodged in jail on his Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance charge and detainer.

 

The Grants Pass and Josephine County Chamber of Commerce announced Nikki Rochholz as their new Regional Workforce Coordinator.

According to the Chamber, the new position, created in collaboration with Rogue Workforce Partnership, will help to strengthen connections between local employers, workforce programs, education partners, and job seekers throughout the region.

Rochholz will engage directly with employers to better understand their hiring and workforce needs. She will also help connect businesses with regional programs supporting employee training, on-the-job training, internships, paid youth work experiences, and other workforce solutions.

She brings 25 years of experience in the service industry, along with extensive experience operating and growing businesses, managing employees and developing effective workplace systems.

 

Deputies with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office were alerted to a man rummaging through a vehicle, leading to the suspects arrest for a Grants Pass Police Department warrant.

A call to 911 Monday at 7:18 a.m. reported a man appearing to be under the influence and going through a white sedan in the 700 block of Espey Road. The caller said the suspect was jumping around, throwing things out of the vehicle, and unloading and reloading the trunk.

No weapons were observed on the suspect, who was described as having a slender build, dark hair, and wearing a dark t-shirt and brown pants. Deputies arrived and identified Evan Logan as the suspect based on the description. He was detained and found to be wanted on a warrant for Fentanyl Possession.

It was determined the vehicle wasn't working, so a tow was organized. Deputies took Logan into custody and transported to the Josephine County Jail where he was lodged on his warrant. He was later released on his own recognizance.

 

Deputies with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office were alerted to a man rummaging through a vehicle, leading to the suspects arrest for a Grants Pass Police Department warrant.

A call to 911 Monday at 7:18 a.m. reported a man appearing to be under the influence and going through a white sedan in the 700 block of Espey Road. The caller said the suspect was jumping around, throwing things out of the vehicle, and unloading and reloading the trunk.

No weapons were observed on the suspect, who was described as having a slender build, dark hair, and wearing a dark t-shirt and brown pants. Deputies arrived and identified Evan Logan as the suspect based on the description. He was detained and found to be wanted on a warrant for Fentanyl Possession.

It was determined the vehicle wasn't working, so a tow was organized. Deputies took Logan into custody and transported to the Josephine County Jail where he was lodged on his warrant. He was later released on his own recognizance.

 

Rogue Community College is inviting future students, families and community members to explore college options at three free open house events in August.

The events are designed to help people discover how RCC can fit into their lives, be they finishing high school, starting a new career, changing jobs, or returning to school after years away.

Open house events will be held at all three RCC campuses. The first will take place Tuesday, August 18th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Riverside Campus in the Higher Education Center. Thursday, August 20th, there will be an open house in the A Building of the Table Rock Campus from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The final open house will be held in the Wiseman Center at the Redwood Campus Tuesday, August 25th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can tour campus, meet instructors, explore career programs, attend program information sessions and learn about admissions, registration, financial aid, scholarships, grants and payment options.

Program spotlights will include business, computer technology, dental programs, early childhood education and manufacturing. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP at roguecc.edu/openhouse.

Registration is open now for fall term. Classes begin Sept. 28. For more information, email recruitment@roguecc.edu or call 541-956-7217.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office detained a man wanted for multiple Encouraging Child Sex Abuse charges.

Deputies located the suspect in the 100 block of Deer Creek Road outside a nearby Ray's Food Place Monday around 8:05 p.m. He was located on the gravel side of the grocer and was identified as Gabriel Harrison.

He was wanted on a warrant out of the Sheriff's Office for 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the First Degree. Deputies took Harrison into custody and transported him to the Adult Jail Facility for lodging.