Local News

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.

 

The Illinois Valley Fire District provided fire assistance to the public at approximately Arrowhead Drive and U.S. Highway 199 in O'Brien early this morning.

The Oregon State Police requested assistance around 2:34 a.m. due to a tree obstructing the northbound lanes of the highway. IVFD crews successfully removed the downed tree, ensuring the roadway was clear and safe for travelers.

The Oregon State Police will be coordinating with the Oregon Department of Transportation for the subsequent disposal of the remaining tree sections later today.

 

Gusty winds and high temperatures continue to fuel East Evans Creek Fire, while firefighters continue to hold all control lines. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports crews engaged in an aggressive response to increased fire behavior on the northwestern side of the blaze, with aircraft playing a large role. Watch Duty reports the fire is 5% contained. The fire is currently estimated at 3,152 acres. Oregon State Fire Marshal structural resources remain focused on protecting impacted homes, while wildland firefighters continue to focus on constructing fireline directly against the fire's edge. Unified Command is receiving support from Pacific Power teams on the response to the East Evans Creek Fire. As people are returning to their homes, Pacific Power will continue to coordinate with the incident management team on restoring power as it is safe to do so. For more information on outage restoration times, please visit www.pacificpower.net/outages. Unseasonably dry wildland fuels, in combination with continuous critical fire weather this week and a heightened potential for lightning, is an added challenge for firefighters. 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 Jackson County Sheriff's Office reports an evacuation shelter for residents and domestic pets is still in place at Hanby Middle School, 806 6th Avenue, Gold Hill. All livestock can be taken to the Jackson County Expo, 21 Peninger Road in Central Point.

 

Fire crews tackling the East Evans Creek Fire have reported increased fire behavior on the north end of the blaze, citing hot temperatures and windy conditions. In the latest update from the Oregon Department of Forestry, the activity has contributed to a large smoke plume above the incident. Despite the uptick in fire behavior, all established lines have continued to hold, keeping the fire at an estimated 3,153.9 acres, according to the Watch Duty app. ODF says aircraft are focusing on these affected areas, including three Large Air Tankers, three Type 1, six Type 2 and three Type 3 helicopters, a lead plane and an air attack platform. Retardant drops are used to create temporary fire line to slow the spread. The helicopters are performing water bucket drops to douse hot spots. Firefighters are remaining engaged on the southern portion of the line where the majority of homes are located. Watch Duty reports the fire is at the top of Spignet Butte, with a spot fire north of the butte. 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.

 

Firefighters continued forward progress on the Evans Creek Fire overnight, with lines reinforced on the southern portion, and structural resources remaining to protect residences. The latest Oregon Department of Forestry update shows that favorable morning conditions and overnight humidity aided in the firefighter's containment efforts. Wind and critical fire weather expectedly move in today through early next week. A shift in wind has already moved smoke from the blaze into Josephine County according to Rural Metro. The Watch Duty App shows the fire at 3,153.9 acres. Aerial suppression operations were limited this morning due to an inversion, but remain available. Crews continue adapting to changing conditions while strengthening containment, protecting communities, and limiting fire growth opportunities. 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.

 

Firefighters working on the East Evans Creek Fire continue to make progress building line around the perimeter and protecting structures near the edge of the blaze. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Saturday evening update, containment lines have held, and firefighters continue to build on that progress. The fire is currently estimated to be 2,656 acres. Firefighters are preparing for several days of critical fire weather including high temperatures, gusty winds, and potential lightning. The ODF Southwest Oregon District, Bureau of Land Management Medford District, and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service ordered ODF Complex Incident Management Team 1. Governor Tina Kotek's invocation of the Emergency Conflagration Act mobilized the Oregon State Fire Marshal Blue Incident Management Team to protect structures near the fire. Growth of the fire was minimized through the day, however small spot fires were found. Resources included helicopters, air tankers, engines, crews, and bulldozers. 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.