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Medford District BLM, US Forest Service and ODF Ban Most Campfires in SW Oregon

Due to recent high temperatures and increasing fire danger, the Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management has implemented more public use restrictions on lands it manages in Southern Oregon. Local fire danger has moved to "extreme." Campfires are no longer allowed anywhere on the local district including Hyatt Lake Campground. Visitors can use portable cooking stoves that use liquefied or bottled fuels. Otherwise, campfires or any other type of open flame -- including the use of charcoal briquettes -- is prohibited. Smoking is only allowed while inside a vehicle or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of flammable vegetation. Operating a motor vehicle and parking off-road is only allowed on roadways clear of flammable vegetation. Using a chainsaw is prohibited as is welding or operating a torch with an open flame. Visitors to BLM-managed public lands are required to carry tools with them to ensure small fires can be put out quickly. Violation of these restrictions can result in a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment of one year. The BLM, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Oregon Department of Forestry have also banned all campfire use on lands located within the boundaries of the Wild and Scenic Section of the Rogue River that flows from Grave Creek to the mouth of Watson Creek.

Posted on 7/9/24 6:12AM by Sam Marsh

Jackson County Public Health Declares Local Air Quality Alert Due to Wildfire Smoke

Public health officials have issued an Air Quality Alert for Jackson County due to wildfire smoke. There are two wildfires impacting air quality in Jackson County: the Salt Creek Fire near Eagle Point and the Shelly Fire in Siskiyou County, California. At a minimum, residents and visitors can expect to see air quality impacted by these fires for the next couple of days. Depending on weather patterns and fire activity, air quality could be impacted for a longer period of time. Smoke levels can rise and fall depending on weather factors including wind direction and the amount of smoke produced by the wildfires. Wildfires burning in neighboring counties and states can also impact the air quality in Jackson County. Therefore, people need to be prepared to take steps to protect their health. Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of air pollutants that are harmful to human health. Exposure to air pollutants in smoke can irritate the lungs, cause inflammation, alter immune function and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Posted on 7/9/24 6:11AM by Sam Marsh

ODF Southwest Increasing Local Fire Danger Level to "Extreme" on Tuesday

Due to dry vegetation, hot conditions and numerous active fires in the region, the Oregon Department of Forestry is raising the local fire danger level to its highest level on Tuesday. Starting at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, the fire danger in Josephine and Jackson counties will be "extreme" and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at "2." This change in regulations impacts 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and BLM lands protected by ODF's Southwest District. Beginning Tuesday, many outdoor activities will become completely prohibited on ODF-protected lands. This includes the use of power saws; the cutting, grinding and welding of metal; the mowing of dry or dead grass; and the operation of any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine not specifically mentioned. The mowing of green lawns is permitted. Smoking remains prohibited while traveling except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and designated locations. All outdoor debris burning remains prohibited as do all open fires including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires except in approved fire rings at designated campgrounds. In other locations clear of vegetation, portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed. Motor vehicles -- including motorcycles and ATVs -- may only be used on improved roads free of flammable vegetation except when used for commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops. Possession of firefighting equipment is required while traveling except on states highways, county roads and driveways. For more information about ODF Southwest's fire season restrictions, please visit "swofire.com."

Posted on 7/8/24 1:27PM by Sam Marsh

Troopers and Deputies Snared Four Suspects for Disturbance at Galice Resort

The Oregon State Police assisted the Josephine County Sheriff's Office with a weekend disturbance involving firearms at the Galice Resort. OSP reports troopers and deputies responded to the incident at the resort in the 11,700-block of Galice Road on Saturday at 9:20 p.m.. Troopers said it was reported that at least three individuals with firearms were pointing them at approximately 15 people who were unable to escape. They said no one was hurt in the altercation and there was no information disclosed about why the incident occurred. According to OSP, four individuals were arrested for the incident. They were identified as 44-year-old Peter Anthony Rivera, 60-year-old Anthony Brent Clymens, 38-year-old Samantha Rae Kenny and 36-year-old Brian P. Stack. Rivera was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felon in Possession of a Weapon, 4th-Degree Assault, Furnishing False Information to Police and Parole Violation. Clymens was lodged in jail for Felon in Possession of a Weapon. Kenny was jailed for Menacing while Stack was jailed for Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Menacing. All four suspects were being held without bail as the investigation continues.

Posted on 7/8/24 11:14AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Investigation Resulted in Arrest of Man for Multiple Counts of Fraud

A Grants Pass Police Department investigation resulted in the weekend arrest of a man for multiple counts of fraud. The Police Department reports officers arrested a 38-year-old male subject at or near Southern Oregon Cannabis Connection on NE 7th Street on Saturday at 1:15 p.m.. Few details about the investigation were disclosed, but the subject was charged with three counts each of Felony Identity Theft and Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card. He was interviewed by detectives before being placed into custody. The suspect was lodged without bail at the Josephine County Jail.

Posted on 7/8/24 11:13AM by Sam Marsh

Deputies Jailed Man on Local Warrant and Federal Charges after Weekend Call

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office jailed a man on a local warrant and federal charges after a weekend incident in the Selma area. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies arrested a 35-year-old male subject on Illinois River Road on Saturday shortly before 9 p.m.. Deputies said they responded to a call regarding the man nodding off in a Dodge Dakota at that location. They said the caller believed the man might be drunk or high as he was displaying jerking motions before passing out. Upon arrival, deputies roused the man and discovered that he was wanted on a Jackson County felony warrant for Parole Violation. A search of his vehicle uncovered fireworks and alcohol. Further investigation revealed the man had been at the Swinging Bridge on the Illinois River earlier that evening. The US Forest Service has outlawed alcohol and fireworks possession on the Illinois River corridor during the outdoor recreation season. The suspect was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the warrant. He was also cited federally for Possession of Alcohol and Possession of Fireworks Where Prohibited. He was being held on a no-bail detainer.

Posted on 7/8/24 11:11AM by Sam Marsh

OSP Arrested K Falls Man for Drugged Driving after Redwood Highway Wreck

The Oregon State Police arrested a Klamath Falls man for drugged driving after he wrecked his vehicle on Redwood Highway in the Selma area late last week. According to OSP, troopers were informed of a traffic complaint on US Highway 199 near milepost 19 on Friday afternoon. Troopers said the 45-year-old male driver of a Subaru Forester crossed over the center line of the highway, went onto the dirt shoulder hit, an ODOT reflector police and damaged a bunch of mailboxes. The reporting party said they thought the vehicle might flip over, but it did not and the driver continued northbound. A trooper saw the suspect vehicle stop at the Wonder General Store and made contact with the driver who performed poorly in field sobriety tests. The driver was taken to the Grants Pass Sobering Center where he provided a negative sample, so a drug recognition evaluation was performed and he was placed into custody. The suspect was lodged at the Sobering Center for Driving Under the Influence of Controlled Substances, Reckless Driving and Criminal Mischief. His vehicle was impounded.

Posted on 7/8/24 11:10AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Nabbed Motorist for DUII after Receiving Call from Local Restaurant

Grants Pass Police arrested a motorist for impaired driving after receiving a call from a local restaurant. According to the Police Department, officers contacted the 61-year-old male driver of a Chevrolet pickup pulling a small trailer at Gianelli's Italian Restaurant on NE A Street on Friday around 9 p.m.. Police said they contacted the man after he was called in by a restaurant waiter as heavily intoxicated and attempting to leave in his vehicle. They said the man showed multiple signs of impairment included staggering and glossy eyes. A search warrant was obtained and the suspect was taken to Three Rivers Medical Center for a legal blood draw that documented his impairment. The suspect was lodged without bail at the Josephine County Jail for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. His pickup and trailer were impounded.

Posted on 7/8/24 11:09AM by Sam Marsh

IVFD & ODF Crews Doused Weekend Grass Fire on Rockydale Road near CJ

The Illinois Valley Fire District and Oregon Department of Forestry extinguished a weekend grass fire near Cave Junction. On Saturday at 1:22 p.m ., IVFD and ODF crews responded to reports of outdoor smoke and odor in the 1700-block of Rockydale Road. IVFD officials said arriving units found a half-acre grass fire at that location. They said crews extinguished and mopped up the blaze in short order. Officials said the cause of the fire was under investigation.

Posted on 7/8/24 11:07AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Incarcerated Man for Pulling Gun on Another after Fight over Woman

Grants Pass Police jailed a man for pulling a gun on another man during an altercation over a woman at a local pharmacy late last week. The Police Department reports officers arrested the 31-year-old male subject for the incident outside Walgreens on Friday morning. Police said the subject started a physical fight with the other man after an argument between the two occurred over a relationship with a woman. They said the suspect confronted both the man and woman at the woman's place of employment. He verbally harassed and shoved the other man, they began fighting and -- when the fight was over -- he pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the other man. There were no injuries reported and officers seized the subject weapon -- a Smith & Wesson 9-millimeter handgun -- as evidence before placing the suspect into custody. The suspect identified by police as "Tucker Joshua Bryant Smith" was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Unlawful Use of a Weapon and misdemeanor Menacing. He was being held without bail.

Posted on 7/8/24 6:14AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Jailed Bolivian Man for Pushing and Threatening Wife at Sunset Motel

Grants Pass Police arrested a man for roughing up his wife at a north-city motel at the start of the weekend. According to the Police Department, officers responded to a domestic disturbance at the Sunset Inn on NW 6th Street on Friday shortly before 8 p.m.. Police said the motel owner called 9-1-1 to report the 23-year-old male subject pushed his wife into a wall while threatening to hurt her, which caused her to be placed into imminent fear of serious injury. They said there was a vast history of abuse between the couple who are both from Bolivia. Upon arrival, police interviewed the involved parties and then placed the suspect into custody. The victim told officers she was being abused on a daily basis. The suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Domestic Menacing. He was being held without bail. He was also trespassed from the motel and a nearby restaurant.

Posted on 7/8/24 6:13AM by Sam Marsh

Deputies Arrested Motorcyclist Who Led Them on Weekend Chase in Wolf Creek

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office arrested a motorcyclist who led deputies on a weekend pursuit in the Wolf Creek area. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies first attempted to pull over the street bike on Coyote Creek Road on Saturday during the noon hour. Deputies said the operator of the 2007 Suzuki motorcycle refused to yield and reached speeds of 80 miles per hour before he began having problems with the engine and slowed down to around 30 miles per hour. They said the 42-year-old male subject continued to run, leading them past Golden and the 5,000-block of Coyote Creek before taking a graveled Forest Service Road. According to the report, the motorcyclist looked like he was searching for a place to ditch the bike and run before he eventually pulled over. He was immediately placed into custody and the motorcycle was impounded with assistance from the Oregon State Police. The suspect was transported to Grants Pass and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Attempt to Elude Police. He was being held without bail.

Posted on 7/8/24 6:12AM by Sam Marsh

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