JMET Served Marijuana Search Warrant, Arrested Two Suspects in O'Brien

The Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) executed a search warrant in the 1,000 block of Arrowhead Drive, O’Brien, regarding an illegal marijuana grow site. The Josephine County Sheriff's Office said the warrant was executed Tuesday, October 7, with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service. During the execution of the warrant, approximately 300 marijuana plants and 300 pounds of processed marijuana were seized and destroyed. Three firearms were seized on scene. The property also had multiple electrical, water, and solid waste code violations. Aaron Cletis Johnson and Bi Yun You were taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail. They are both charged with Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. ...Read more

BCC Approve Sick Leave Usage and Fee Hearing at Weekly Business Session

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners approved sick leave benefit usage and a fee change hearing during today's Weekly Business Session. The first two agenda items were stricken from the administrative actions, and the board resolution for providing unused sick leave benefits to general service employees was discussed. A minimal cost to the county of about $1,000 would support this action. The board approved the resolution 3-0 along with the hearing and proposed fee changes for the BCC, Surveyor, Public Works, Recreation, Animal Shelter, and Public Health Departments. A public hearing would allow the public to weigh in on the fee changes that will go into effect January 1st, 2026. The proposed fee changes in full can be found at josephinecounty.gov on the Finance Department page. In the matter of confirming the Sheriff's Certificate of Sale, the board approved 3-0 and authorized proceed distribution and execution of all the quitclaim deeds and land sale contracts from the September 2025 Auction. ...Read more

Oregon State Police Asks For Public's Help to Identify Fatal Hit-And-Run Suspect(s)

The Oregon State Police are asking for the public's assistance in identifying the suspect or suspects in a fatal hit-and-run. On Tuesday, Sept. 30, at about 8:46 p.m., OSP responded to a report of a person down in the roadway in the 100 block of Hogue Drive, in Selma. Responding law enforcement determined the person had been struck by a vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer on scene. The pedestrian, Ray Arnold Wilder of Selma, was declared deceased at the scene. Detectives conducted witness interviews and learned a red truck and a white SUV with a black canopy were seen speeding away from the area after the crash. The vehicles reportedly drove past the scene several minutes later. The suspect vehicle is believed to have front-end damage and may have a broken windshield. Anyone with information is urged to call 800-442-2068 or *OSP from a mobile phone. Reference case number SP25-422785. ...Read more