Local News

The Board of County Commissioners heard about the American Medical Response and the upcoming reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Weekly Business Session.

During public comment, Dave Matthews, Operations Manager with AMR, announced the continued expansion of a joint community health initiative that is deploying 6 new public access resources like AEDs in Josephine County.

The 8th annual reading of the Declaration of Independence was announced for the Fourth of July, and the topic of Three Rivers School Districts health clinics was also brought to the board.

The consent calendar was approved 3-0, and Commissioner Gary Richardson highlighted the fire danger rating rising to "Moderate" as well as the Industrial Fire Precaution Level moving to 1.

 

The County Commissioners moved in favor of contracting for 29 water system surveys as requested by Public Health. The motion, with an amendment requesting a five-year plan be brought to the board addressing the county systems, passed 3-0.

Tuesday's 1:30 p.m. workshop continued with unanimous approval of the Airport's Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) Grant Agreement in support of the Runway Extension Project. The grant is part of the state match for $1.45 million being contributed by the FAA. ODAV will contribute over $68,000, and the airport will match up to $7,600.

It was determined the Transit Department will reach out to the County Treasurer to fill the Electronic Clearing House Operation (ECHO) representative position for reimbursement requests to the Federal Transit Administration. The board moved to approve findings of fact and decision for both the McMahon Trust and Amos appeals, then discussed a hiring panel for the vacant Finance Director position. The amount of applicants were discussed, and Human Resources was asked to reach out to other county's finance directors.

The tentative start date for the Interim Emergency Management Director was announced as July 13th, and the hiring of a Department Specialist for the Assessor will be considered, pending budget verification. Legal Counsel will review a resolution affirming tobacco retail enforcement, and the board moved 3-0 to appoint Heather Glass to the Josephine County Law Enforcement Service District Citizens Advisory Committee.

The Oversight committee for the Citizen's Advisory board for law enforcement sent a letter to the board requesting a Commissioner serve as liaison to their advisory committee. Commissioner Ron Smith volunteered himself for the position, and the meeting adjourned

Following the board's 3 p.m. Executive Session regarding the Robert Brandes vs. Josephine County and Andreas Blech case, a motion authorizing Legal Counsel to execute documents on behalf of the county passed 3-0.

 

Grants Pass Police were dispatched to a fatal car crash in the 2700 block of Highland Avenue Tuesday following a call to 911 around 8:15 a.m. The caller reported two vehicles colliding in the roadway, with one of them catching fire after the crash. Bystanders provided help in the time between the crash and the arrival of first responders. One of the motorists was confirmed deceased at the scene. Detectives and a Crash Reconstructionist assisted with the investigation. It was determined that Gabriel Davis, a 22-year-old male, died when his car veered into oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle. The occupant of the other car was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is complete, though anyone with information can call the police department at 541-450-6260.

 

Deputies with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office arrested a woman camping in Cave Junction.

The suspect, Ivana Baclom, and her kitten were located at 390 N Sawyer Avenue around 8:54 a.m. Deputies detained Baclom and confirmed she had a felony warrant out of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office for Underlying Second Degree Burglary.

She was parked at the intersection of N Hussey and Stevenson, and deputies took her into custody after being walked back to the patrol vehicle. Baclom was transported to and lodged in the Josephine County Jail. Her kitten was taken to the nearby animal shelter.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office arrested a man wanted on six warrants following a traffic stop.

A truck was pulled over in the 900 block of Pleasant Valley Road around 8:04 p.m. Deputies contacted the driver, Tyler Bryant, and his female passenger.

Bryant was found to be wanted on warrants out of Central Point, Medford, Douglas County, and the Oregon State Parole Board. His charges included Possession of Methamphetamine, two counts of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Driving While Suspended, First Degree Theft, and a drug charge.

All warrants were confirmed, and deputies charged Bryant with an additional Driving While Suspended charge. He was taken into custody and transported to the Josephine County Jail for lodging. His female passenger took the truck from the scene.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested two men smoking methamphetamine at Resting Site 6 South for probation violation detainers.

An officer observed the two suspects via security camera at the 704 NW 6th Street site Monday around 1:39 p.m. They were seen smoking meth, which was a violation of their probation.

Contact was made with both men, Lance Cardinal and Jonathan Bull, the latter of whom possessed a meth pipe. According to the police report, due to resting site exclusion issues, both were issued citations for Meth Possession and issued 30 day exclusions.

Probation officers placed detainers on Cardinal and Bull at the Josephine County Jail, and the two suspects were subsequently lodged

 

Effective immediately, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is increasing the fire danger rating to "Moderate" across the national forest.

With the increase in fire danger rating, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is also increasing the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) to 1.

A moderate fire danger rating means fires can start from most accidental causes, but with the exception of lightning fires in some areas, the number of new fires is generally low.

During this time, fires in open, dry grasslands will burn briskly and spread quickly on windy days. Wood fires spread slowly to moderately fast. The average fire is of moderate intensity, although in places with heavier fuels, fires may burn hot.

Fires that occur at this time are not likely to become serious, and suppression is relatively easy. Public use restrictions are not in place at this time, although there are selected seasonal restrictions in place in several places on the forest.

 

Seasonal restrictions along the Illinois River Road are in effect as of Monday.

The Wild Rivers Ranger District of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is implementing the seasonal restrictions annually placed along the Illinois River Road.

Visitors may not have fires outside of Forest Service-approved rings at campground and day use areas. They must also park inside of the white line along the Illinois River Road.

These annual restrictions, in place through October 31st unless rescinded sooner, have proven to improve the safety along the river corridor as the temperatures heat up and visitors show up in larger numbers to enjoy the Illinois River.

Visit the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest website for more information.

 

Seventy-three nonprofits serving some of Southern Oregon’s most vulnerable residents will share $2.25 million in grants through the Reed and Carolee Walker Fund of Oregon Community Foundation.

Southern Oregon University Foundation received a grant to support culturally specific youth summer camps. Russell Zook, Director of Outreach and Engagement for SOU, said the funding will enable the university to continue to offer overnight camps that demystify the college experience, cultivate leadership and foster belonging.

SOU will receive $135,000 in the first year of the three-year grant. Other recipients include the Douglas Education Service District in Roseburg receiving $10,000.
Opportunities for Housing, Resources, and Assistance in Ashland will receive $80,000, and the Upper Rogue Rotary Community Foundation in Eagle Point will receive $15,000.

Established in 2003 through the generosity of Reed and Carolee Walker, the Walker Fund supports organizations addressing critical community needs across Jackson County. The 2026 grants invest in programs and services that strengthen educational opportunities, family stability, health and wellness, youth development and access to essential resources.