Local News

A man trespassed from the local Bottle Drop was arrested after being found in possession of methamphetamine.

Dispatch was notified Sunday around 9:16 a.m. that people were hanging out on the corner of Parkdale Drive and Rogue River Highway. The caller was told to call the non-emergency line, but the suspect on the scene had been trespassed from the property before.

Grants Pass Police responded and contacted the suspect, Daren Norrington, who had reportedly been at the 1040 Rogue River Highway property all morning. He was taken into custody and then found to be in possession of meth.

Officers transported Norrington to the Josephine County Jail where he was lodged for Second Degree Criminal Trespass, and Meth Possession.

 

The Board of Commissioners further postponed a Land Use Hearing for 30 days following new information from the appellant's side.

The continued hearing regarding property off Lower River Road in the Exclusive Farm Zone began at 10 a.m. Commissioner Colene Martin recused herself from deliberation, and the board heard further comments regarding the request for an appeal objecting to a decision denying the placement of a non-farm dwelling on the property.

It was requested on the appellant's side the non-farm permit be for a single home on a portion of the property that, according to a soil scientist analysis, was determined to have unsuitable soils for farming. The owner would relocate the proposed home site to the southern portion to align with state and county standards.

The opposition felt the new soil report troubling and that a review was necessary before moving forward. Counsel said a month would be adequate time for full review of the additional information, and the board postponed further discussion to September 21st.

 

The Board of Commissioners further postponed a Land Use Hearing for 30 days following new information from the appellant's side.

The continued hearing regarding property off Lower River Road in the Exclusive Farm Zone began at 10 a.m. Commissioner Colene Martin recused herself from deliberation, and the board heard further comments regarding the request for an appeal objecting to a decision denying the placement of a non-farm dwelling on the property.

It was requested on the appellant's side the non-farm permit be for a single home on a portion of the property that, according to a soil scientist analysis, was determined to have unsuitable soils for farming. The owner would relocate the proposed home site to the southern portion to align with state and county standards.

The opposition felt the new soil report troubling and that a review was necessary before moving forward. Counsel said a month would be adequate time for full review of the additional information, and the board postponed further discussion to September 21st.

 

Only 110 companies in the U.S. have achieved the rare distinction of making the Inc. 5000 list 10 or more times. Rentec Direct is one of three Oregon companies to reach that milestone.

Rentec Direct’s 10th consecutive appearance on the Inc. 5000 highlights what the company has built over nearly two decades: a nationally recognized business that has grown organically and sustainably while remaining self-funded, independently owned and headquartered in Grants Pass.

On the 2026 list, Rentec Direct reported 40 percent three-year revenue growth alongside 18 percent employee growth.

In the 10 years of appearances on the Inc. 5000, the company has generated more than $93 million in revenue while remaining headquartered in Southern Oregon, expanded its workforce by 80% to 20 employees, increased its number of customers served nationwide by 116%, and contributed approximately $118,000 to charitable causes.

The Inc. 5000 ranks America’s most successful independent businesses, recognizing companies that have achieved remarkable growth while driving innovation, creating jobs and shaping the future of the economy.

 

Fielder Mountain Fire crews continued mop-up work overnight, with today's goal to keep momentum going by strengthening the fire line and working deeper into burned areas of the 29% contained blaze. All remaining evacuations have been canceled, and evacuation shelters at North Middle School and the Jackson County Expo Fairgrounds have been closed, per the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, as containment increases, some crews are being released to rest and recover for future assignments. Firefighters during the night shift pinpointed hotspots with thermal imaging cameras and Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Today, crews will continue extinguishing areas of heat. Rugged terrain in the northern part of the fire and poor road access are limiting water delivery for mop-up activities. Helicopters are continuing to provide support by filling up portable tanks for hose lays, ensuring enough water for a thorough mop-up.

 

Crews working the 573 acre Fielder Mountain Fire focused on mop-up around the perimeter, while 300 feet of mop-up near homes have been reached. Containment is now at 29%.

The Oregon Department of Forestry reports firefighters continued working along the fire's edge, working deeper into the blaze to strengthen the fireline.

The constructed line in many areas of the fire is “cupped” to catch rolling debris and reduce the potential of burning material crossing the line. Firefighters remain alert for any fire outside the existing line. Felling of trees and snags is ongoing. Terrain and poor road access limited water delivery for mop-up activities.

Firefighters are using water efficiently to extinguish burning material as they methodically grid the area adjacent to the line and have been using helicopters to fill portable tanks for hoselays.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office reports there is a Level 2: BE SET warning in effect for Zone JAC-052, as is a Level 1: BE READY warning for Zone ROR-053.

 

Crews working the 573 acre Fielder Mountain Fire focused on mop-up around the perimeter, while 300 feet of mop-up near homes have been reached. Containment is now at 29%. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports firefighters continued working along the fire's edge, working deeper into the blaze to strengthen the fireline. The constructed line in many areas of the fire is “cupped” to catch rolling debris and reduce the potential of burning material crossing the line. Firefighters remain alert for any fire outside the existing line. Felling of trees and snags is ongoing. Terrain and poor road access limited water delivery for mop-up activities. Firefighters are using water efficiently to extinguish burning material as they methodically grid the area adjacent to the line and have been using helicopters to fill portable tanks for hoselays. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office reports there is a Level 2: BE SET warning in effect for Zone JAC-052, as is a Level 1: BE READY warning for Zone ROR-053.

 

On August 14, 2026, at approximately 6:40 PM, Michael Cutts was arrested without incident, less than 24 hours after he was determined to be a person of interest in a major assault that left a victim hospitalized on August 13, 2026. The timeline for this arrest was shortened significantly thanks in large part to ALPR technology and strong partnerships with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police. The Grants Pass Police Department would like to thank our law enforcement partners and all the community members who took an interest in this case.Michael Cutts was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on multiple charges, including Assault II, Burglary I, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Contempt of Court.On August 13, 2026, shortly before 8:00 p.m., Grants Pass 911 received an emergency call reporting a major assault that occurred on Southridge Way in Grants Pass. A male victim was reported to be seriously injured and was transported to Three Rivers Community Hospital. Patrol officers and Major Crimes detectives from the Grants Pass Police Department responded to both the scene and the hospital.The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are attempting to contact Michael Brinen Cutts (40) for questioning.The Grants Pass Police Department is seeking assistance from community members who may have information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Cutts. Please contact the Grants Pass Police Department and request to speak with a detective regarding case number 2026-00027750

 

Firefighters continue an aggressive attack on the Fielder Mountain Fire. Within 24 hours, resources have secured 75% of the fire’s edge with control line, bringing containment up to 7%. The fire is still estimated to be 550 acres; an infrared (IR) flight was ordered for last night to determine the exact acreage. Firefighters continued to hold and improve established control line along the southern and northern flanks of the fire. Resources were able to connect these lines along some of the western portion, tying in areas where fire tried to cross the line. On the northwestern side, rocky terrain has prevented bulldozers from operating, so fire crews are digging line by hand in these areas.Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the incident last night, tasked with keeping the fire to the smallest size possible and extinguishing it quickly. The safety of nearby communities and firefighters is a top priority; numerous challenges have been identified on the fire, including steep terrain with the potential for falling and rolling debris. Poison oak is also a concern, as well as hazardous trees. Weather in the coming days will continue to be hot and windy, with the potential for thunderstorms across the area through Tuesday. Firefighters and aircraft are continuing to work near Interstate 5; please be aware of fire personnel when driving through the area and slow down when necessary. A shelter for people and pets evacuated from the fire is open at North Middle School in Grants Pass at 1725 NW Highland Avenue. Individuals looking to shelter who need extra medical care and/or assistance can call (541) 776-7206. Livestock can be taken to the Jackson County Expo at 21 Peninger Road in Central Point. Call (541) 864-0546 for livestock assistance. Foothill Boulevard is closed from Rogue River city limits to the Josephine County line, please use an alternate route. The fire started on Thursday, August 13 shortly after 3 p.m. Initial reports indicated tires on a semi-truck were on fire and flames had spread to nearby vegetation; the official cause remains under investigation