Local News

Crews from the Illinois Valley Fire District and Rural Metro Fire Department responded to two vehicle incidents Tuesday.

A traffic accident involving a rollover occurred at 2:14 p.m. in the 9300 block of Holland Loop Road in Cave Junction. The Illinois Valley Fire District, AMR, and the Josephine County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the incident.

Upon arrival, deputies and fire units conducted a thorough search of the vehicle and the surrounding area, confirming the absence of any involved individuals. Traffic control measures were implemented and maintained until the vehicle was towed from the scene.

That night around 8:52 p.m., a vehicle caught fire after crashing in the 3200 block of Robertson Bridge Road.

Crews from Rural Metro Fire, AMR and the Sheriff's Office responded to the scene. It was found the crash occurred after the driver attempted to flee with firewood from private property nearby.

The driver wasn't injured, and was subsequently charged for driving infractions. The owner of the firewood did not press charges.

 

The Board of Commissioners moved to deny the petition to withdraw from the Josephine Community Library District during today's Weekly Business Session. It was determined to be feasible for the territory, presented by Winnie and Edgar Michael Pelfrey in the petition, to receive services from the Library. The motion to deny the petition passed unanimously. Mr. Pelfrey had formally requested the removal from the Library Taxing District, citing safety concerns regarding a reported homeless presence and Rogue Indivisible meeting at the library. He objected to taxation from services not being used. When asked by Commissioner Gary Richardson if there were any barriers preventing the resident or owner of the property from accessing the library, council for the district said it's surrounded by public roads. He also cited the availability of online library services. Following the public hearing, the community brought topics to the board including ONC Funds, funding the animal shelter, news dissemination, code and DEQ enforcement, political sign placement, and a potential petition to bring the Library District to the voters.

 

The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) along with the Eagle Point Police Department and the Oregon Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant Tuesday. Investigators served warrant after discovering Child Sexual Abuse Material images were uploaded from the address. Investigators interviewed possible witnesses and involved parties, and investigations are ongoing. Law enforcement began their investigation at a residence on Chantrell Court in Eagle Point. Crews received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the residence. Investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined for further evidence of child exploitation. No further details are being released at this time.

 

The Board of County Commissioners approved all department requests during Tuesday's Administration Workshop.

Emergency Management presented a grant extension with Oregon State Community Wildfire Risk Reduction to begin the 1:30 p.m. workshop. The board moved 3-0 to approve the signing of the extension, lasting until December 31st, 2026, in the amount of $240,000.

Both of the Forestry Department's requests, Helena and Manulife/Hancock Forest Management invoices with the purpose of reducing spring and summer competition on the seedlings recently planted, were approved without objection.

The Transit Department brought a Memorandum of Understanding between Josephine County and Curry County Public Transit regarding the transaction for a small transport vehicle to be used in support of the elderly. A motion to ratify the decision made in the memorandum passed unanimously.

Also approved were Transit's requests to purchase 40 radios to replace their current system, and 14 cameras and software improvements for building surveillance in the amount of $24,500.

The Commissioners agreed to sign all personnel requisitions brought by Human Resources, approve an Anne G. Basker rental application, and moved 3-0 to approve Ron Lambs application in the matter of appointment to the Josephine County Law Enforcement Service District Advisory Committee.

 

Oregon State Police made an arrest today in a sex abuse case involving a Grants Pass school support staff member following a grand jury indictment. OSP began an investigation into Highland Elementary School educational assistant Joseph Deley, 64, on February 6, 2026, for potential sexual abuse crimes against a female student. The investigation led to the discovery of three additional female Highland Elementary student victims, during the 2018, 2022, and 2024 school years. The investigation was referred to the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office. Deley was indicted April 9th, 2026, on six counts of sexual abuse in the first degree by a Josephine County grand jury, and a warrant was issued for Deley’s arrest. He was arrested this morning, and lodged at the Josephine County Jail without incident. Anyone with additional information is requested to contact the OSP Southern Command Center at 541-664-4600 or by calling *OSP. Reference case number SP26-042392.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider a petition to withdraw property from the Josephine Community Library District Wednesday.

According to a release from the library, the property owners, Winnie and Edgar Michael Pelfrey, have proposed 1349 SW Spruce Street to be withdrawn from the district.

The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether it is feasible for the territory to receive service from the district. If determined that it is not feasible, the petition will be approved, with a final hearing to be held at a later date.

Wednesday's Weekly Business Session will begin at 9 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium. The public is welcome to attend either in person or online at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream.

 

Grants Pass Police lodged a man for violating his probation following a foot chase Monday afternoon.

Officers observed the suspect, Michael Cheek, speaking with a woman at the 1040 Rogue River Highway bottle drop around 5:25 p.m. His parole officer was contacted, who told law enforcement he would detain Cheek based on his contact with the woman, which was in violation of his probation.

Cheek was contacted by officers near the intersection of Fruitdale Drive and Gaffney Way. After being told he was under arrest, he fled on foot through the nearby apartments before surrendering at Morrison Centennial Park.

Officers took Cheek into custody. During transport to the Josephine County Adult Jail Facility, Cheek intentionally kicked and hit his head on the patrol vehicle door, reportedly causing around $500 in damage.

He was lodged for his Parole Violation detainer, and charges of Third Degree Escape and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree.

 

Calls for service from early this morning and last night led Grants Pass Police to arrest a woman for disorderly conduct.

The suspect was reported to be screaming outside Gentle Dental Grants Pass at 1519 NE F Street, potentially at another person, around 5:27 a.m. The caller told dispatch the suspect was heading towards the Parkway Bridge, and could no longer be heard by the time she reached the four way stop light.

Arriving officers tracked down the woman, identified as Lily Loftis, and a man on the corner of Parkway and F Street. She was taken into custody and determined to be the subject of other calls through the night for her disorderly conduct.

She was warned for those incidents, but taken into custody for Second Degree Disorderly Conduct. Officers transported and lodged her in the Josephine County Jail.

 

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) announced it has issued an order of supervision to ATRIO Health Plans, Inc., citing concerns over ATRIO’s financial condition.

According to a news release from DFR, the company has suffered excessive operating losses over the past 12 months. Additionally, the financial condition of the company has created a claims backlog that has caused provider payments to go unpaid. As the solvency regulator, this situation has caused DFR to take this action.

As of March 2026, ATRIO enrolled a total of about 35,340 Oregonians in its Medicare Advantage plans throughout Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill counties.

An order of supervision allows DFR to have a representative on site and in control of all financial decisions to ensure that consumers are protected.

Reportedly, the action was taken because of ATRIO’s excessive operating losses, and inadequate capital and surplus. Consumers with questions about Medicare can find help from the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program at 800-722-4134, or at shiba.oregon.gov.