Local News

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has upgraded Zone JAC-124 from Level 2 to Evacuation Level 3: Go Now as the fight against the East Evans Creek Fire continues. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-126, and JAC-149-B, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, JAC-147, and JAC-148-B, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-148-A are still in effect. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, firefighters are experiencing increased fire behavior on the north end of the blaze due to hot weather, gusty winds, and steep terrain. The fire's acreage is reported to be an estimated 3,628.2 per the Watch Duty app. Crews are utilizing Type 1, 2, and 3 helicopters, as well as air tankers and, according to Watch Duty, a Very Large Air Tanker. Resources are being used to help slow the fire's progression via control line with water bucket drops and retardant.

 

The Grants Pass City Council moved in favor of the current Lodging Tax Allocation, thanks to a tie breaking vote from Mayor Clint Scherf. During the 11:45 a.m. workshop, council heard a presentation on the tax allocation, with funding utilized for Fire and Police Division operations, as well as Economic and Downtown Development. House Bill 4148, which allows net local transient lodging tax revenue to be used for resiliency grants for small businesses in the restaurant and lodging industry, will go into effect January 1st, 2027. This move follows amendments to an Oregon Revised Statute, and could lead to the potential change in the allocation of about $43,900. Next was a Tourism Grant Program review. $35,000 have been awarded for Fiscal Year 2026, and the Tourism Advisory Committee recommended updates to the program like changes to scoring and application, plus the expansion of location criteria. Council moved 5-3 to not accept the recommendations, keeping the program in place, and to bring on a council liaison to the committee. Council continued their Owl Plaza discussion regarding plaza use policies and the application process, as well as the potential new food truck policy. A motion was made to direct staff to proceed with a six-month pilot project with amendments.

 

A man trespassing at a local Safeway was arrested by Grants Pass Police officers after he was located in possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dispatch was alerted to the suspect's presence at the 115 SE 7th Street grocer by an employee at 10:28 a.m. It was reported the suspect, later identified as Michael Carrero, had been trespassed from the business twice the week prior.

The employee said Carrero was screaming while carrying a big stick. At one point he had been screaming at a family, and had hit the building and a tree with the stick. He was seen heading west on G Street, and officers were able to quickly locate him.

Carrero had attempted to shoplift the grocer earlier, but the items were retrieved. Officers contacted his parole officer, and a detainer was requested. Carrero was then promptly taken into custody.

A search of his person revealed a clear, unused pipe and an unused syringe in his possession. Officers transported Carrero to the Adult Jail Facility where he was lodged for his detainer, and Second Degree Criminal Trespass. The drug paraphernalia was later discarded.

 

Officers with the Grants Pass Police lodged two women caught in a robbery attempt at Walmart Sunday.

Loss prevention at the 135 NE Terry Lane store stopped both suspects, Gennette Hudgins and Fawn Cromwell, after they had passed all points of sale without paying around 1:55 p.m.

The two were cooperative while being detained, and loss prevention wished to pursue theft charges against them. The merchandise, valued at just under $100 and consisting of shoes and Kinder eggs, was retained.

Law enforcement reported to the scene and took Hudgins and Cromwell into custody. Both were trespassed from the business, and transported to the Josephine County Jail. Hudgins was lodged for Second Degree Criminal Trespass, while Cromwell was lodged on a Third Degree Theft charge.

Both were soon released due to a lack of jail resources.

 

Firefighters worked all night continuing to build on progress across the East Evans Creek Fire. The blaze, estimated at 3,628 acres as of the latest Oregon Department of Forestry update, continued to burn fuels within an area with difficult access on the northwestern edge in the Spignet Butte area. Resources held lines and connected those sections with new line on the northwestern edge, as well as the southern side, where the majority of homes are located. Today, Oregon State Fire Marshal structural resources will continue to mop up 100 feet adjacent to homes within the fire. Wildland crews are continuing work along the south and eastern parts of the perimeter. Weather conditions will potentially pose a challenge to firefighters today, with instability in the forecast slightly increasing the chance for thunderstorms. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-126, and JAC-149-B, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, JAC-124, JAC-147, and JAC-148-B, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-148-A are still in effect.

 

The Grants Pass Police Department received a report of a female juvenile being struck by water beads as she walked down the street Sunday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 1:02 p.m. near NE Jackson Street. The female juvenile suffered from numerous injuries to her back as a result. The injuries were consistent with being struck by the water beads, which are fired from a gel-bead “blaster.” Store descriptions of the blasters advertise they fire beads at a high velocity that burst when they hit a target.

The suspects, all male juveniles, fired the water beads as they drove past the victim. They fled the scene but were subsequently identified. This remains an active investigation of a high priority for the police department. Due to the age of those involved, no further details will be provided at this time.

Those with information about this incident, or related incidents, are encouraged to call 541-450-6260.

 

Oregon Guard Soldiers assisted in a community service project at the Salvation Army Hope House in Medford Saturday.

According to the Oregon Military Department, Seventeen Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, took part in the project.

Alongside local business volunteers, the soldiers dug trenches for sprinkler lines, spread bark, planted trees and shrubs with guidance from a local arborist, built walking paths, cleared weeds along the roadside and stained new benches for placement throughout the property.

Since 1996, Hope House has helped people experiencing homelessness in Jackson County get back on their feet. The timing of the project carried extra weight. Hope House recently completed construction of its Hope Lofts expansion, seven new fully furnished studio apartments, and the volunteer effort helped ready the campus for the building's dedication and grand opening, scheduled for July 17th.

The connection between the Guard and Hope House came through Chris Robertson, owner of Invictus Protection Agency, and a former member of the battalion's Alpha Company who deployed with the unit to Iraq from 2009 to 2010 and to Afghanistan from 2014 to 2015.

 

The Oregon Department of Transportation is reminding the public to expect delays for pavement maintenance projects in Jackson County this week.

According to ODOT, starting today from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., crews will be completing two highway maintenance projects. Striping will be added to pavement in the northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 5 between the Oregon-California border and South Ashland at Exit 11.

Travelers can expect rolling slowdowns and are reminded to watch for crews and equipment in the area. During a rolling slowdown, pilot cars hold traffic to a slow but steady pace through the work zone, allowing crews to work safely and give time for the paint to dry. Emergency vehicles will be allowed to pass through as needed.

Then on Wednesday and Thursday, July 15th and 16th from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., crews will repair cracked and rutted pavement on the Jacksonville Highway 238 west of Medford between West Main Street and Ross Lane.

The highway will be limited to a single lane through the work zone. Traffic will be controlled by flaggers and pilot cars. Expect delays of less than 20 minutes and reduced speed through the work zone.

Slow down and use caution in the work zone. Allow extra travel time and watch for crews and equipment. Consider using an alternate route to avoid delays.
This work is weather dependent and schedules may change.

 

A local toddler is competing in the Toddler of the Year competition, presented by Hasbro.

Three-year-old Scarlett Huggins was born with Symbracydactyly, a condition of short fingers that may be webbed or joined according to the Boston Children's Hospital. Her mother says she is an example that any kid with differences can do all things, and to never be held back in pursuing a dream.

The community is encouraged to rally behind Scarlett in the competition, where the winning toddler will be featured in a national ad campaign, take home $25,000, and lead the 2026 Hollywood Christmas Parade.

People can vote for her by going to https://toddleroftheyear.org/2026/scarlett-8adf. Two votes are free, with more votes available by tax-deductible donation to the campaign.

Powered by national fundraiser Colossal and with actress and entrepreneur Vanessa Hudgens as ambassador, this campaign supports Toys for Tots. According to the Toddler of the Year website, over $12.7 million have been raised through this competition in support of the organization.