Spot Fires Prompt Evacuations, East Evans Creek Firefighters Utilize Cooler Conditions

Firefighters took advantage of cooler conditions yesterday morning to make steady progress on the East Evans Creek Fire, but spot fires led to additional evacuations. According to the latest update from the Oregon Department of Forestry, afternoon conditions became more unstable, but predicted thunderstorms remained south and east of the fire, reported to be at about 7,843.2 acres. Two of the identified spot fires have been mostly lined, with one remaining a challenge due to rugged terrain. Crews are using aircraft and heavy equipment to support suppression efforts, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal structural resources remain in place. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-014, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-127, JAC-131, JAC-149A, and JAC-158, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, JAC-017, JAC-126, JAC-147, JAC-148, and JAC-149-B, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-124 remain in effect. The fire started on Friday afternoon at 2:41 p.m. after a car crashed into a power pole, sparking dry vegetation in the area. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the crash. There is a community meeting planned for today at 6:30 p.m. to provide an update for the fire. It will take place at the Shady Cove School Gym, 100 Cleveland Street in Shady Cove. The meeting will also be streamed at Facebook.com/ODFSouthwest. ...Read more

BCC Hears Legal Counsel, Department Business, Discussed Communications

The Board of Commissioners met to hear Legal Counsel Business at Tuesday's workshop. Beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the BCC Conference Room, an Intergovernmental Agreement for the 4H Extension and OSU Service District was discussed, including the potential Rogue Community College facility intentions. The presented budget reportedly covers all of the District's anticipated business needs for Fiscal Year 2027. A meeting will be scheduled for final approval, then the board moved 2-0 in favor of a Community Development Block Grant Conflict of Interest Letter. Commissioner Colene Martin abstained. There was no vote on the Jail and Juvenile Justice Levy renewal, and the public will have a chance to comment on the topic. The board unanimously approved a motion to elect in favor of the SRS funding mechanism, with 85% of Title 1 funds, 8% Title 2 funds, and 7% Title 3 funds. A Personnel Policy regarding At-Will Employment will be brought back to the board. There was interest in making County Administrative Policies and Procedures as clear as possible, potentially reviewing them with a committee. This will be a continued discussion. ...Read more

JoCo Sheriff's Office Search for Missing Man, Attempted Murder Case Under Investigation

Josephine County Sheriff's deputies responded July 7th around 9:43 a.m. to a residence in the 900 block of Summer Lane in Grants Pass for a report of a missing person with suspicious circumstances. An official release from the department said that, upon the initial investigation, it was determined that Randall “Randy” Hecker was missing from his residence and perhaps in danger. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and Grants Pass Police Department responded to the scene and began their investigation. The suspect identified in this case was Israel Wytcherley, who resides near the victim’s residence. Wytcherley was located and contacted by investigators at a separate location within the city of Grants Pass. He was arrested and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, First Degree Assault, Kidnapping in the First Degree, and Unlawful use of a Weapon. While this case is still under investigation, several details are not available for public release. Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Randy Hecker who has not been seen since the incident occurred. Hecker is a 67-year-old white male who is 5’8" and approximately 185 pounds. Hecker was last seen wearing bluish grey shorts, a light blue t-shirt and a backpack style sprayer. The backpack sprayer has not been located and is of interest. ...Read more