KLDR - Local News

BCC to Hold Land Use Hearing, General Discussion on Jail, Detention Tax Monday

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners will begin next week with a Land Use Hearing and a General Discussion.

Beginning at 9 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium, the board will consider a request for an appeal objecting to a decision to deny the placement of Non-Farm Dwelling on a property on Lower River Road. The property is located in the Exclusive Farm Zone.

That afternoon at 1:30 p.m., the board will convene in the BCC Conference Room to continue discussion regarding the Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention Five-Year Local Option Tax. Pending other matters, the meeting will adjourn following the discussion.

The community may attend both meetings in person or online at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream.

Posted on 8/7/26 1:38PM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Sheriff's Deputies Arrested Man Trespassing on Out-of-State Homeowner's Property

Deputies with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office lodged a man for trespassing after he was reported in someone's garage.

Thursday at 3:05 p.m., a deputy was dispatched to a property in the 2000 block of Stringer Gap Road for a report of an active burglary. The reporting party, out of state at the time of the call, could see the suspect via security camera footage.

It was reported the suspect drove to the location in a black or dark blue Honda Civic with tinted windows, and proceeded to enter the garage. Law enforcement arrived, but no suspect was found. However, an open door to the garage was observed, as well as water on the floor, and fresh, wet footprints.

The property was cleared by deputies, and the suspect vehicle was located a few addresses away on the side of the road. The suspect, identified as Brian Pattinson, was contacted and detained. Deputies positively matched the footprints to the shoes of Pattinson. Though he declined being at the residence, he later confessed.

Video footage was sent to deputies by the property owner, further confirming Pattinson's presence at the home. He was transported to the Josephine County Jail and, according to jail logs, he was lodged on a charge of First Degree Trespass.

Posted on 8/7/26 1:22PM by Alex Bauer

Officer-Involved Shooting Results in Hospitalized Suspect, OSP Investigating

Grants Pass Police officers responded today at 7:09 a.m. to the 1600 block of NE 6th Street following reports of a male with a firearm attempting to break into a vehicle. According to a GPPD news release, during the incident, the suspect displayed the weapon, then struck the victim’s head with the body of the gun. After the confrontation, the suspect fled on foot, running south on NE 7th Street. Responding patrol officers observed the suspect on Midland Avenue. During the encounter, the suspect pointed a firearm at the officers. Faced with the perceived imminent threat of death or serious physical injury, three officers discharged their duty firearms. The officers were also attempting to prevent the suspect from causing further harm at the time of the encounter. Emergency medical aid was immediately rendered to the suspect, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Officers continued providing care until relieved by American Medical Response and Grants Pass Fire and Rescue.

Posted on 8/7/26 12:34PM by Alex Bauer

GPPD Officers Arrested a Walmart Theft Suspect who Gave False Information

Walmart Loss Prevention reported a theft suspect after she stole approximately $50 worth of unpaid merchandise.

The woman was stopped by the 135 NE Terry Lane store's asset protection after she passed all points of sale without paying Thursday around 5:54 p.m. She was cooperative before law enforcement arrived, but provided loss prevention with false information.

Upon arrival, Grants Pass Police contacted the suspect, who provided her Oregon Driver's License. Her identity was confirmed as Steveyann Gullotto, and she was taken into custody.

Officers transported Gullotto to the Josephine County Jail where she was lodged on a charge of Third Degree Theft. She was trespassed from the Walmert, and later released due to a lack of jail resources.

Posted on 8/7/26 11:56AM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Lodge Oklahoma Man for JCSO Warrant following Trespass Complaint

Grants Pass Police responded to a trespass complaint and arrested the suspect for an active warrant Thursday.

An employee of Flespy's Bar and Grill called 911, reporting the suspect was yelling and refusing to leave the premises around 5:42 p.m. He eventually left after being refused service, and it was requested he be trespassed.

The suspect proceeded to pace on Maple Lane and seemed to be intoxicated. Officers arrived and identified the man as Bret Matheson by his Oklahoma ID. His information was run through dispatch and there was a valid and serviceable warrant out for his arrest.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office warrant charged Matheson with Fourth Degree Assault, Third Degree Robbery, Harassment, and Second Degree Theft. Officers took him into custody and lodged him in jail for his warrant. He was also trespassed from Flespy's.

Posted on 8/7/26 11:37AM by Alex Bauer

Man Wanted on Warrants Arrested Following Illegal Dumping Report

Josephine County Sheriff's deputies arrested a man after he and two others reportedly attempted to illegally dump a trailer.

Dispatch was alerted Thursday to the incident in the 2800 block of NW Highland Avenue. Two men and a woman were reportedly trying to use a jack and flip the trailer over in a parking lot around 8:22 p.m.

Deputies contacted the suspects, and one of them, later identified as Steven Compton, used a false name. He was found to be wanted on warrants out of the Sheriff's Office and Grants Pass Police Department for Second Degree Theft, Third Degree Escape, and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.

It was determined the littering complaint was unfounded. According to the deputy report, the nearby Bulldog Auto Repair and Towing confirmed the suspects had been given a camper, and were strapping it down.

Compton was flagged for using a false name, and transported to the Adult Jail Facility where he was lodged for his warrants.

Posted on 8/7/26 11:17AM by Alex Bauer

Woodrat Mountain Fire 100% Lined, Extensive Work Continues

Firefighters made significant overnight progress on the Woodrat Mountain Fire, completing fireline around 100% of the perimeter despite poor relative humidity. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, Dozers constructed much of the line, while hand crews worked through areas of steep terrain and dense timber. The fire is estimated at about 311.6 acres per the Watch Duty app, and is 60% hose lined. Firefighters are focusing on improving existing lines, extending hose, and identifying remaining heat, with a strong aviation response planned. Air tankers will be available for retardant drops alongside the Type 1, 2, and 3 helicopter bucket drops. Although the entire perimeter is lined, crews face another day of critical weather. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 3: GO NOW Evacuation order for Zones JAC-428-A and JAC-436, a Level 2: BE SET for Zone JAC-428-B, and a Level 1: BE READY to evacuate for Zones JAC-421, JAC-422, JAC-423, JAC-427, JAC-429, JAC-434, JAC-437, and JAC-438.

Posted on 8/7/26 10:11AM by Alex Bauer

Firefighters Continue Aggressive Woodrat Firefight, Estimated at 272.5 Acres

The Oregon Department of Forestry reports the Woodrat Mountain Fire is estimated at 272.5 acres and is 55% lined. Firefighters remain focused on limiting its movement toward Sterling Creek Road. Resources assigned for the night shift included six 20-person hand crews, four dozers, six water tenders, three falling modules, seven Type 6 engines, and one Type 3 engine. Crews are making great progress with the support of dozers. The right shoulder and the head of the fire remain active. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 3: GO NOW Evacuation order for Zones JAC-428-A and JAC-436, a Level 2: BE SET for Zone JAC-428-B, and a Level 1: BE READY to evacuate for Zones JAC-421, JAC-422, JAC-423, JAC-427, JAC-429, JAC-434, JAC-437, and JAC-438. An evacuation shelter for people & pets is set up at Jacksonville Elementary School, 655 Hueners Lane. If there are individuals looking to shelter that need extra medical care and/or assistance, call 541-776-7206.

Posted on 8/6/26 5:55PM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Sheriff's Office Updates Public on Search for Missing Man

The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update after receiving a report of missing adult, David Wright back on July 26th. The initial investigation indicates that David left on his own accord on July 21st between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on a white bicycle, leaving his cell phone and personal financial documents on the desk in his office. Detectives with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office continued their investigation July 27th and located camera footage of David at Dollar General in Murphy around 9:25 a.m. on the bicycle, where he purchased a bottle of water. Five minutes later, additional footage was observed of Wright riding his bicycle outbound on Highway 238 towards Hidden Valley Market. This was the last time Wright was seen in the area. Detectives have continued searching daily since his disappearance. Cameras and roadways in all the surrounding areas, including Provolt, Williams, and Wilderville have been searched.

Posted on 8/6/26 2:48PM by Alex Bauer

Woodrat Fire Reported south of Jacksonville, Approximately 150 Acres

Multiple resources are responding to the Woodrat Mountain Fire, now estimated at 130 to 150 acres. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports ordered resources continue arriving to support suppression efforts as firefighters build on the progress made throughout the afternoon. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 3: GO NOW Evacuation order for Zone JAC-436, a Level 2: BE SET for Zone JAC-428, and a Level 1: BE READY to evacuate for Zones JAC-421, JAC-422, JAC-423, JAC-427, JAC-429, and JAC-438. The Jackson County Fairgrounds, 21 Peninger Road, in Central Point is open for Level 2 animal evacuations. Despite hot temperatures, steep terrain, hazardous snags, and dense timber, crews continue making good progress while working aggressively to limit the fire's growth. Ground and aviation resources remain actively engaged across the incident, with additional resources arriving to support operations through the evening. Please avoid the area and watch for emergency vehicles responding to the incident.

Posted on 8/6/26 2:46PM by Alex Bauer

Eight Arrested for 71 Felony Counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse

The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) along with the Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested eight suspects Wednesday on a total of 71 encouraging child sex abuse felony charges. The first arrest was around 6:30 a.m. when deputies pulled over a suspect near his residence in the 1500 block of Clear Springs Drive in Medford. Eric Richard Rand, 58, of Medford, was arrested. The task force then located and arrested Charles Harvey McMillan, 33, of Talent at 6:40 a.m. Just before 8 a.m., Medford Police located the next suspect sleeping in his car at Holmes Park. Jermaine “JJ” Owens, 53, of Medford, was then arrested for his charges. Around 8:04 a.m., Joel Vincente Leal, 21, was arrested for his charges at his apartment in the 1000 block of Spring Street in Medford. Minutes later, investigators located and arrested Robert Paul Phillips, 74, at his residence in the 300 block of West Gregory Road in rural Central Point.

Posted on 8/6/26 1:56PM by Alex Bauer

Legal Counsel Directed on Potential Adult Jail Levy

The Board of Commissioners gave Legal Counsel direction regarding a potential 89 cent levy for the Adult Jail, with further discussion to take place. Next Friday is the deadline for a decision on the Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention Five Year Local Option Tax. Following a lengthy discussion about funding and public clarity, Commissioner Colene Martin felt renewing the levy would be best, while Commissioner Gary Richardson brought up a potential new tax of 89 cents for the jail only. Commissioner Ron Smith suggested putting together a campaign for the detention center. Earlier in the meeting, the board gave no objection for Solid Waste Nuisance Abatement litigation to go through, and followed Counsel's advice to move forward with the dissolution process of the Road District. It has yet to be dissolved as of today. Josephine County was provided an opportunity to intervene in Clatsop County case Jewell School District v. Oregon Department of Forestry et al. The board approved Legal Counsel to pursue the endeavor.

Posted on 8/6/26 1:14PM by Alex Bauer