Local News

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives and Search and Rescue personnel continue to search for a woman missing out of Prospect, Ore. Deenah Padgett, 69, was reported missing on Sunday, September 8, 2024, when she was last seen camping in the Prospect area. She is described as a white woman with brownish-red, partially gray hair, standing at 4’8” and weighing 90-100 lbs. JCSO detectives and SAR personnel have searched the area extensively and are looking for the public’s help. If you see Deenah or know her whereabouts, immediately call ECSO Dispatch at (541) 776-7206 and reference case 24-4928. If you have any information that might help the investigation, call Detective Friend at (541) 864-8774.

 

The Oregon State police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation and reasonable suspicion of a restraining order violation yesterday.

Upon contacting the driver, Karl Taylor, the officer found they were not in violation of their restraining order, but were found to have an active misdemeanor warrant out of Jackson County.

Taylor was suspended, the vehicle had no insurance, and his passenger refused to identify themselves. Taylor was transported to the Josephine County Jail.

He was lodged on his warrant and was given a criminal citation for methamphetamine possession after a search uncovered a small baggie of positively tested methamphetamine in his wallet.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office apprehended a man in Selma Tuesday afternoon.

Officers contacted the suspect, who initially gave a false name. After confirming his identity, he was found to have an Oregon State Parole Board Felony Warrant for Parole Violation and Second Degree Sex Abuse.

He was lodged in the Josephine County Jail, and was given an additional charge of misdemeanor possession of methamphetamine.

 

Firefighters continued an aggressive attack on numerous fires throughout the Lower Rogue River Corridor in northwestern Josephine County Thursday. These fires, a result of lightning strikes from Wednesday afternoon’s thunderstorm, are affecting Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land approximately 26 miles northwest of Grants Pass near the Winkle Bar Airstrip. The Kelsey Peak Fire remains the largest incident, estimated to be 80 acres as of last night. This fire is the number one priority fire across ODF’s statewide jurisdiction due to its difficulty and safety concerns. It’s currently 25% lined. The Bald Ridge Fire #2 and Cold Springs Fire were caught and mopped-up yesterday. The Ditch Creek fire was located by firefighters, and they were able to stop it at 1/10th of an acre. It’s currently 100% lined and mop-up operations are ongoing.

 

The Josephine County Commissioners worked quickly through their agenda during the weekly business session Thursday morning. Commissioner Ron Smith made a motion to accept the Consent Calendar, which was seconded by Commissioner Chris Barnett. The motion carried with a 3-0 vote. In other matters, Commissioner Barnett said he wanted to make a motion to approve the library lease presented on August 21st in its original form before the amendment change. There was no second. Commissioner Andreas Blech told his constituents that he will reach out to legal counsel with how to move ahead with the library lease. He also shared the board had reviewed and approved all pending administrative and personal actions without objections.

 

The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District continues their aggressive attack on fires spanning the Lower Rogue River Corridor in northwestern Josephine County.

Following thunderstorms that moved through the area Wednesday afternoon. Eight fires were initially reported by a reconnaissance flight that evening, and resources were immediately dispatched to each incident. All but one are affecting Bureau of Land Management land.

The Kelsey Peak Fire, currently the largest fire, is estimated to be 30 - 40 acres. Steep terrain is creating safety and logistical challenges for firefighters, and crews on the line witnessed a notable increase in fire behavior early this morning. This fire has been priority.

The Bald Ridge Fire #2 was located and caught at a quarter-acre overnight. It’s currently 100% lined and 45% mopped up.

The Cold Springs Fire was caught overnight at 1/10 of an acre. Firefighters had lined and mopped up 25% of the incident and spent the rest of the evening doing extensive saw work. It has since been removed from the Watch Duty app.

The Marial and Ditch Creek fires were all estimated to be between 1/100 and 1/10 of an acre by ODF's recon flight last night.

The Hewitt Creek Fire is likely on U.S. Forest Service land. Firefighters hiked the area but couldn’t locate the fire last night. Assistance to ODF's partners on this incident was provided.

Numerous resource orders have been made today's shifts, however other large-scale fires across the state are creating challenges in filling every order. Resource orders will continue to be made for what’s needed on the ground despite these challenges and firefighters will strategically use what’s available.

 

The Grants Pass Police Department responded to a man causing a verbal disturbance on SW Jordan.

Units arrived to find the man acting up at his mother and step-fathers residence. It was determined the man had entered the premises and his step-father attempted to lead him out due to his erratic behavior.

The step-father fell while doing so, and the man was then reported to get on top of and attempted to punch the step-father in the face several times. The punches were blocked according to the witness mother.

The man, who claimed to have been drinking, was arrested and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Fourth Degree Attempted Assault.

 

Grants Pass Fire and Police will recognize the swift response of a local resident that saved a community member after collapsing unexpectedly.

On July 7th, 2025, while working at the Albertsons on Allen Creek, Noah Anderson witnessed an individual collapse. Recognizing the signs of a medical emergency, Anderson began CPR while bystanders called 911.

Grants Pass Fire and American Medical Response arrived within minutes and provided advanced care. The patient regained consciousness at the scene and was transported to Rogue Regency Hospital in Medford.

“We commend Noah Anderson for his decisive actions,” said Fire Chief Jimmy Sanchez. “His willingness to step in and begin CPR before emergency crews arrived made a critical difference in saving a life.”

Medical experts emphasize that early CPR is one of the most effective ways to increase survival rates during sudden cardiac arrest. Community members are encouraged to seek CPR training through local hospitals or organizations such as the American Heart Association.

Noah Sanchez's Life-Saving Award presentation is Friday, September 5, at 10:00 a.m. at the Grants Pass Parkway Fire Station, 800 E Park Street.

 

The Grants Pass Grocery Outlet's latest campaign supported local organizations fighting hunger.

With over 4,000 individual donations, the Independence from Hunger campaign provided financial support for three programs in our community.

Owners Ethan and Ineke Lane presented Rogue River School District's Operation Backpack and the Josephine County Food Bank each with over $4,600, and the Grants Pass High School's Comfort Food Program with over $2300.

The Grants Pass Grocery Outlet thanks their amazing customers and team for helping in the fight against hunger insecurity.