Local News

Several local fire agencies and other key community stakeholders participated in an insightful and interactive tour of the Pacific Power Wildfire Intelligence Center this week. Hosted in Medford, this event brought together public safety agencies and local media to highlight how Pacific Power's technology-driven approach is enhancing wildfire preparedness and response. The Pacific Power Wildfire Intelligence Center is staffed by a dedicated team that has already monitored over 1,300 wildfire events this season. Proactive efforts have improved real-time situational awareness, reduced the frequency of emergency power shutoffs, and strengthened communication between utilities, emergency responders and the public. Grants Pass Fire & Rescue attended the event with its partners at Rural Metro Fire Department, Williams Rural Fire Protection District, Jackson County Fire District #3, the Oregon Department of Forestry, Josephine County Emergency Management, Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon and others. Officials said they are grateful for the opportunity to see firsthand how innovation and collaboration are making a meaningful impact on community safety during wildfire season.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office jailed a man this week for violating a court order by returning to the scene of a crime he committed the day before. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested 35-year-old Logan Tyler Hunt for the incident in the 4,000-block of New Hope Road on Wednesday night. Hunt had been arrested on Tuesday for intentionally pouring pink nail polish on his roommate's motorcycle and causing about $2,000 in damage to the bike. He was arrested for Felony 1st-Degree Criminal Mischief and lodged in jail. Deputies said Hunt returned to the residence after his release and was in violation of a no-contact order obtained by the victim after Hunt was arrested. The victim called 9-1-1 to report his now former roommate was there. The caller also stated that the suspect attacked him with a golf club in addition to vandalizing his bike. Hunt was placed into custody and lodged in jail again -- this time for Contempt of Court. He was being held without bail.

 

Grants Pass Police jailed a well-known offender for violating his probation by harassing a beauty shop employee this week while highly intoxicated. The Police Department reports officers responded to the incident involving 45-year-old Nicholas John Knox Knowles at Shear Bliss Studio on NW 6th Street on Wednesday afternoon. Police said a female employee of the salon called 9-1-1 to report that Knowles appeared to be intoxicated while fighting with himself, grabbing at the air and pulling on the door of the business. The caller said she was alone and had locked the door, but the man kept pulling on the door while pacing back and forth. Officers arrived on scene and found Knowles to be highly intoxicated by alcohol, which is a direct violation of his probation for alleged crimes including Disorderly Conduct, Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle, Methamphetamine Possession and Failure to Report as a Sex Offender. Knowles was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Probation Violation. He was being held on a no-bail detainer.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office apprehended a man wanted on a local warrant in Cave Junction this week. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies contacted and arrested 38-year-old Jordan Ellis Haas near the corner of North Redwood Highway and West Lister Street on Wednesday. Deputies said they spotted Haas and knew that he was wanted on a Josephine County Community Corrections warrant for Felony Parole Violation stemming from a previous conviction for 1st-Degree Forgery. Haas was placed into custody without incident. He was transported to Grants Pass and lodged in jail on a no-bail detainer.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a man with a bad habit of fondling himself in public near a city construction project this week. According to the Police Department, officers were alerted to the incident at the corner of Martin Park Lane and SW 5th Street on Wednesday morning. Police said a construction worker called 9-1-1 to report that 41-year-old Brian William May was fondling himself near the work site while staring at a local apartment building. Officers arrived on scene, contacted May and discovered that he was wanted on a Medford Police Department warrant for failing to appear in court for Indecent Exposure. May was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the warrant plus a new charge of Indecent Exposure. He was being held on $25,000 bail.

 

The Blue Mountain Group at eXp Realty is transforming the traditional open house into a platform for giving back this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the team will host open houses at the historic Ogle House at 1449 NW Lawnridge Avenue in Grants Pass where they will be collecting cans as part of a community recycling drive. The event is being held in partnership with the Rogue Valley Association of Realtors and all proceeds from the recycled cans will benefit the association's nonprofit organization and community housing program -- a local initiative that funds housing efforts in Josephine and Jackson counties. Built in 1928, the Ogle House is a remarkable example of early 20th century architecture and craftsmanship. It features original antique glass light fixtures, extensive woodwork throughout and countless preserved details from its era. Visitors will be guided through a brief historic tour during the open house, highlighting the home as a landmark of Grants Pass heritage. Whether you're a history lover, a supporter of housing access or simply have cans to recycle, you're invited. Tour a true piece of Grants Pass history, drop off your recyclables and help build a better future for our community.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved a contract to extend the runway at the Grants Pass Airport. The Board voted 3-0 yesterday to award the contract to Knife River Materials, which will be paid $2,764,539 to lengthen the runway in order to attract more aircraft and potential commerce to Josephine County. Board Chair Andreas Blech said all of the funding is coming from grants through the Federal Aviation Administration, with no dollars from the General Fund. New Airport Director Chris Foley testified the runway extension project has been 10 years in the making. He said the project will get underway in the next two weeks. In other business, the Commissioners approved an order authorizing the sale of 18 county-owned properties for a Sheriff's Sale on September 17th. The Commission also approved the sale of two properties outside of the auction process. During the public comment period, the Board heard from several supporters of the Josephine Community Library District who urged the Commissioners to quickly approve the Grants Pass branch lease. In a surprise announcement, Commissioner Blech said the Board will consider the lease agreement during a public hearing that will be held after the August 14th weekly business session.

 

Residents of southwest Oregon should be prepared for increased chances of fire activity and extreme heat this weekend. The National Weather Service has posted a Red Flag Warning until 8 p.m. today, a Red Flag Warning from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday and an Extreme Heat Warning from 8 a.m. Sunday through 2 a.m. Tuesday. The advisories are for Jackson, Josephine and eastern Curry counties including Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, Merlin, Wilderville and the Illinois Valley. The Red Flag Warning calls for strong gusty winds and low humidity for the Rogue and Illinois valleys both today and tomorrow. Conditions can lead to rapid growth and spread of new fires. The Extreme Heat Warning for southwest Oregon calls for the likelihood of high temperatures between 100 and 110 degrees, with very warm overnight temperatures. Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat. Warm overnight temperatures will provide little relief from the hot days. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles where lethal temperatures can occur in a matter of minutes.

 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley announced it has been selected as a recipient of a 2025 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation. This funding will go directly toward the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley's free Teen Program, which is designed to build life and workforce readiness skills -- ensuring that local middle and high school youth have access to a safe, supportive environment where they can grow, learn and thrive. Jessica King, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley, said their goal is to keep the Teen Program free and accessible to all youth. She said this grant helps them expand their reach and provide more teens with tools, experiences and the mentorship they need to build a strong foundation for their future. The Taco Bell Foundation awarded a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants this year to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations nationwide.