Local News

With firework sales starting, the Medford Fire Department is encouraging the public to consider firework safety while planning Fourth of July celebrations.

The fire danger is currently at 'High', and dry vegetation and hot temperatures increase the risk of fire spread. Consumer fireworks may only be used July 1st through the 6th in allowed areas.

If using fireworks, keep water nearby, use them away from dry vegetation, supervise children, and fully soak fireworks in water overnight before disposal.

 

The County Commissioners held public hearings and approved budget resolutions during the Weekly Business Session. The board met at 9 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium and held four public hearings. A motion passed 3-0 to approve a resolution adopting the Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27. Additions to the motion included Information Technology adding $124,600 of authorized expenditure in the budget for one additional full time employee, and the law library adding $44,000 of authorized expenditure in the budget in an additional half time/full time assistant position. The public presented concerns for the budget and reserves to the board, after which a motion to approve a resolution to adopt a supplemental budget and make appropriations and adjustments for Fiscal Year 2025-26 passed unanimously. The board moved 3-0 on a motion Levying Ad Valorem Property Tax Rates and Local Option Levy Taxes for the County, as well as the adoption of the 2026-27 Budgets for the Josephine County 4-H/Extension Service and Law Enforcement Service District. Motions for approval of the minutes for both services be delegated to the board were unanimous.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a man and woman refusing to leave the Fred Meyer and Walmart respectively Monday.

An employee with the 135 NE Terry Lane store reported to dispatch at 4:01 p.m. that two people had been camping in the rear parking lot facing the jail for the past month. Despite having been asked to leave, the subjects refused. The caller said if they did not leave the premises by 4 p.m., law enforcement would be contacted.

It was requested the two suspects be trespassed, and upon the arrival of officers, Amanda Quinn was detained, and a welfare check was conducted on the other suspect, Quinn's juvenile son.

Officers proceeded to arrest Quinn, who told them she was feeling dizzy and couldn't walk inside. She was transported to the Josephine County Adult Jail Facility and lodged on a charge of Second Degree Criminal Trespass.

Later that night, officers received word from a Fred Meyer employee that a man was refusing to leave the bathroom of the 1101 Grants Pass Parkway store. It was requested the suspect be trespassed, as he had been inside for an hour, despite the store closing about 20 minutes prior.

Arriving units identified the suspect as Connor Snodgrass. There was probable cause for two counts of Third Degree Theft against him, so officers detained him around 11:30 p.m. Snodgrass was taken into custody, transported to, and lodged in jail for the charges. He was trespassed from the Fred Meyer.

 

The County Commissioners discussed an Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention Levy and approved a letter opposed to the proposed removal of Murphy Dam.

During the 1:30 p.m. workshop, both the Sheriff's and Juvenile Justice Departments presented the renewal of a 93 cent levy with additional general fund support for both agencies. It would last a year, then go back to the public to determine the next amount.

Following a discussion between either the levy or a proposed service district, the topic will continue with Legal Counsel during Thursday's scheduled update at 10 a.m.

During board business, a letter drafted by Commissioner Ron Smith opposed to the removal of the Murphy Dam on the Applegate River was approved without objection. The letter will be sent out to the departments. Also approved was an Anne G. Basker Auditorium Rental application, and a motion for the Silverbrook Phase 2 Plat Map Subdivision. It passed 3-0. Union Negotiations will take place with a deadline of June 30th, and the board giving the final sign off.

A Recreation Grant Agreement request for Horse Racing in the amount of $1 million was approved unanimously. The monies come from Oregon State Legislator House Bill 5204, giving counties that hold horse races the amount to be used for races only. The Oregon Racing Commission will monitor the funds usage.

Immediately after the workshop adjourned, the board reconvened in Executive Session to consider personnel matters, confidential records exempt from public disclosure, and to consult with legal counsel regarding the county's legal rights and duties.

A motion to proceed with issuing a paid administrative leave as discussed in the executive session passed 2-1, with Commissioner Ron Smith the lone dissenting vote.

 

The Board of County Commissioners met with City Manager Aaron Cubic for today's City and County Monthly Update.

Following their appearance on KAJO's Tuesday Talk Show, the board and city manager discussed the 6th and 7th Street Banner Approval Process at 11 a.m. It was determined the Oregon Department of Transportation has jurisdiction over the process, and that any potential change would come from the organization. Further discussion will be taken to Legal Counsel.

Plans for the 250th 4th of July Celebration were brought up, including the City's celebration at Reinhart Volunteer Park, and a proclamation July 1st recognizing 250 years of independence.

The board discussed Devil's Slide and the potential purchase, transfer, or appraisal of the property. Cubic said he would provide a concept of how the property would be used under City control with regards to multiplying and adding to the trail system. He would also get clarification on if there's willingness to partner with a split on the appraisal cost.

Lastly, Commissioner Gary Richardson brought up partnering with the city regarding sewage infrastructure. A larger sewage treatment facility in the North Valley Industrial Area was discussed, as well as grant funds for the potential development.

 

Emergency crews responded to a commercial structure fire early yesterday morning.

The fire was reported Monday at 5:04 a.m. in Cave Junction. The Illinois Valley Fire District, American Medical Response, and Rural Metro Fire were dispatched to the scene at 201 S Redwood Highway.

Upon arrival, crews successfully contained the blaze to the building's exterior and subsequently extinguished it. Internal inspections were conducted to ensure no fire extension had occurred.

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is in charge of the investigation.

 

Total payroll employment in Josephine County rose by 200 jobs in May, with job gains estimated in leisure and hospitality (+140); other services (+30); and financial activities (+20).

According to the Oregon Employment Department, employment was essentially flat in other published industries. Government employment also showed little movement in May. Local government education employment fell by 20 jobs and federal government added 20 jobs over the month.

Over the past year payroll employment in the area decreased by 180 jobs, a loss of -0.7%. Employment fell over the year in most private-sector industries, excluding private education and health services, which gained 290 jobs.

Job declines occurred in retail trade (-90); leisure and hospitality (-80); manufacturing (-70); information (-40); and construction (-30). Transportation, warehousing, and utilities employment decreased by 60 jobs since May 2025.

Government employment fell by 140 jobs over the year. Losses occurred in local government education (-120) while federal government also lost 20 jobs over the year.

Josephine County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was estimated at 6.7% in May, unchanged over the month and down slightly from the May 2025 rate of 7.1%.

 

Parker's Place Village, Elk Island Trading Group, LLC and Alternative Living Solutions, Inc.'s project in partnership with the City of Grants Pass, signed in 44 people.

According to the village's Facebook page, the individuals signed intake agreements and were assigned semi-private rooms with a bed, door, and lock. New picnic tables were purchased and assembled yesterday, and north fence posts were installed.

Today, the water system is scheduled to be finished and a meter installed, another step towards the finished 150 bed village.

 

Cruise the Rogue, Southern Oregon’s first all-genre automotive festival, arrives in Historic Downtown Grants Pass and Riverside Park on July 23rd through the 26th. Presented by Main Street Grants Pass, the four-day event brings together over 300 registered vehicles across 12 classes from pre-war classics and muscle cars to JDM tuners, custom builds, and motorcycles. The festival’s celebrity guest lineup features Richard Rawlings and Dennis Collins of Gas Monkey Garage, alongside Alan Taylor, host of The Drive radio show and a founding board member of the event. Rawlings and Collins will present awards live at the Sunday ceremony. The event begins with the Long Table VIP Dinner Thursday, July 23rd, followed by Cars and Coffee, Downtown Show and Shine, and the Applegate Valley Poker Run Friday, July 24th. Cars and Coffee and the Applegate Valley Run continue Saturday, July 25th, followed by the Riverside Salon de l'Automobile and Saturday Night Cruise. Sunday, July 26th, is the Riverside Park Show and Awards Ceremony.