Local News

Data Privacy Day is today, and Attorney General Dan Rayfield reminds Oregonians of a tool they can use to protect their personal data online.

A Universal Opt-Out under the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act (OCPA) can be used by all Oregonians to keep covered businesses and nonprofits from selling or sharing your personal data or using it for targeted advertising.

Rayfield said that, even while doing ordinary tasks online, information can get sold without permission. “Universal Opt-Out changes that. It gives Oregonians a simple way to draw a line once and have it respected across the internet, instead of having to hunt for a ‘do not sell’ button on every site.”

The Universal Opt-Out gives individuals and families greater control over personal data including home addresses, browsing history, and financial information. Under Universal Opt-Out, businesses must honor certain electronic signals sent directly from a consumer’s browser, dramatically simplifying the process.

To learn more about Universal Opt-Out and other privacy protections, you can visit www.doj.state.or.us.

 

The election to recall Former Commissioner Chris Barnett has been certified ahead of schedule. County Clerk Rhiannon Henkels certified the results this morning, showing a voter turnout of 32.3%. The percentage of yes votes was 61.76%, the no votes were 38.24%. The Temporary Board of Other Elective Administrative Officers are now able to meet for a special meeting, which has been scheduled for tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. in the BCC Conference Room. The agenda begins with a selection of the chair, a discussion of the process for Appointments to Josephine County Commissioner Positions 1 and 2, and a Timeline for appointments. The Temporary Board will continue with consideration of whether to establish a new application deadline, contents of a new application, approval of vacancy postings, and other matters related to the filling of the vacancies. The meeting will be streamed at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream. Those attending in person must abide by the clear bag policy.

 

An O'Brien man wanted in connection with multiple stolen vehicles and a high-speed pursuit was apprehended in Washington. Washougal Police arrested Billy Dean Gregory, 55, on January 16, and booked him into the Clark County Jail. Gregory was arrested for third-degree theft, and making a false statement to a public servant. He is also being held on outstanding warrants for 13 additional charges, including five counts of theft, forgery, theft of a motor vehicle, and attempting to elude. Local charges have been referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. The initial incident began just before 10:30 a.m., December 19th, when Josephine County reported a stolen vehicle eluding law enforcement on Interstate 5. The pursuit continued into Jackson County, where Central Point Police Department officers successfully deployed spike strips on the suspect vehicle along I-5. Despite the damage, Gregory continued to elude officers at a high rate of speed into Ashland. The pursuit was later terminated due to public safety concerns.

 

Emergency crews responded to a large vehicle fire in the 4000 block of Holland Loop Road in Cave Junction at 12:08 this morning.

The Illinois Valley Fire District, AMR, Josephine County Sheriff's Office, and Rural Metro Fire were initially dispatched to a reported Structure Fire.

Sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene and confirmed that the incident involved a recreational vehicle, which was fully engulfed in flames.

The Illinois Valley Fire District successfully suppressed the fire. Rural Metro Fire was subsequently canceled and provided district coverage. The fire is currently under investigation.

 

After the Medford City Council approved the ordinance establishing the Economic Improvement District (EID), the Downtown Medford Association (DMA) is launching its Storefront Activation Program.

This complementary initiative is designed to reduce vacancies and support business growth in the downtown core. Funded by $25,000 from the Council Community Initiative Fund, the program will focus on filling three to five vacant storefronts with businesses aligning with downtown’s character and economic goals.

As part of the Storefront Activation Program, DMA will host a series of Reimagine Tours, which bring together property owners, prospective business owners, and community partners to explore available properties and discuss potential uses.

The upcoming Reimagine Tours will take place Thursday, January 29, Tuesday, February 24, and Thursday, April 9 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. RSVPs are required.

The next step in the EID process is a public hearing anticipated in mid-February, providing an opportunity for community members and property owners to share input on the proposed district before final consideration.

 

The Medford Fire Department responded to a 911 call reporting a structure fire in the 1400 block of Ashbrook Circle Sunday at 12:17 a.m.

Upon arrival, gray smoke was coming from the backyard of the residence. Crews quickly attacked the fire from the exterior side, knocking the fire down within three minutes.

Thanks to the crew's quick response, there was no interior damage, and the occupants were able to remain in their home. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians, and the cause remains under investigation.

As a reminder, MFD says to store wood piles away from structures and ensure ashes are fully extinguished and disposed of in a non-combustible container.

 

Walmart Loss Prevention reported a shoplifting complaint to 911 Monday morning.

Dispatch learned an employee, identified as Troy Hill Jr., from the 135 NE Terry Lane store was being terminated for theft. He had reportedly stolen over $900 in merchandise back on November 28th, 2025.

Hill was being cooperative with Loss Prevention's investigation. Walmart wanted to pursue charges for theft, and Grants Pass Police responded to the scene.

After observing surveillance footage and an admission from Hill, officers learned he had concealed and taken an iPhone from Walmart's inventory in the back of the store. He made no attempt to pay for the item.

Officers took Hill into custody for Second Degree Theft. He was then transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

 

Commissioner Ron Smith, in a statement, aimed to reassure the community that "county government continues to function." He continued, saying essential services are still in place, there isn't any disruption to regular operations, and "the current situation is temporary." Smith echoed these statements during KAJO's Tuesday Talk Show this morning. The process of appointing a new commissioner will "occur in the very near future", Smith said. "Any commissioner appointed will serve only to ensure continuity of county government and will hold office until the general election this November." According to a call to the County Clerk's office, there will be no confirmation on future meetings of the Temporary board until the recall election of Former Commissioner Chris Barnett is certified. The election results will be posted to the county website no earlier than 5 p.m. January 28th, but no later than February 2nd.

 

The Grants Pass Police Department is participating in the Safety Belt Overtime Blitz now through the beginning of February. Officers are expected to conduct enforcement activities at various locations throughout town, including school zones and major thoroughfares. Now until February 8th, law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon will use this time to educate the public about safety belt and child seat laws. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading nationwide cause of death for children ages one through twelve years old. In 2023, 1,972 children under twelve were injured in Oregon traffic crashes, 11 percent were reported not using a child restraint system. Of the 25,420 passenger vehicle occupants killed in the United States in 2022, 50% were not wearing seat belts. In 2017, an Oregon law was passed requiring children to ride in a rear-facing safety seat until they are at least two years old. A child over age two must continue to ride in a car seat with a harness or in a booster until they reach age eight or 4’ 9” in height and the adult belt fits them correctly. Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle.