Board Denies Library District Withdrawal Petition

The Board of Commissioners moved to deny the petition to withdraw from the Josephine Community Library District during today's Weekly Business Session. It was determined to be feasible for the territory, presented by Winnie and Edgar Michael Pelfrey in the petition, to receive services from the Library. The motion to deny the petition passed unanimously. Mr. Pelfrey had formally requested the removal from the Library Taxing District, citing safety concerns regarding a reported homeless presence and Rogue Indivisible meeting at the library. He objected to taxation from services not being used. When asked by Commissioner Gary Richardson if there were any barriers preventing the resident or owner of the property from accessing the library, council for the district said it's surrounded by public roads. He also cited the availability of online library services. Following the public hearing, the community brought topics to the board including ONC Funds, funding the animal shelter, news dissemination, code and DEQ enforcement, political sign placement, and a potential petition to bring the Library District to the voters. ...Read more

SOCET, Eagle Point Police Serve Child Sexual Abuse Material Warrant

The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) along with the Eagle Point Police Department and the Oregon Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant Tuesday. Investigators served warrant after discovering Child Sexual Abuse Material images were uploaded from the address. Investigators interviewed possible witnesses and involved parties, and investigations are ongoing. Law enforcement began their investigation at a residence on Chantrell Court in Eagle Point. Crews received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the residence. Investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined for further evidence of child exploitation. No further details are being released at this time. ...Read more

OSP Arrested GP Elementary School Employee in Sex Abuse Case

Oregon State Police made an arrest today in a sex abuse case involving a Grants Pass school support staff member following a grand jury indictment. OSP began an investigation into Highland Elementary School educational assistant Joseph Deley, 64, on February 6, 2026, for potential sexual abuse crimes against a female student. The investigation led to the discovery of three additional female Highland Elementary student victims, during the 2018, 2022, and 2024 school years. The investigation was referred to the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office. Deley was indicted, April 9, 2026, on six counts of sexual abuse in the first degree by a Josephine County grand jury, and a warrant was issued for Deley’s arrest. He was arrested this morning, and lodged at the Josephine County Jail without incident. Anyone with additional information is requested to contact the OSP Southern Command Center at 541-664-4600 or by calling *OSP. Reference case number SP26-042392. ...Read more