Local News

Josephine County Sheriff's deputies arrested a man trespassing at the Illinois Valley Safe House Alliance Tuesday.

The suspect, Luey Glenn, was reported to be in the lobby of the 103 S Kerby Avenue location around 4:12 p.m. The caller stated there was a restraining order against Glenn, and that he was throwing himself at and hitting a window.

He proceeded to lay down on the ground and began touching himself before being held at taser point by arriving deputies. Glenn was taken into custody at the scene, and was further trespassed from both the Safe House Alliance, and a property in the 200 block of W Watkins Street.

Deputies proceeded to transport Glenn to the Josephine County Jail where he was lodged on a Parole Violation detainer.

 

The Medford Police Department received reports of what was believed to be a serious assault occurring near the railroad tracks in the area of West Jackson Street and Welch Street. As officers responded Tuesday around 3:30 p.m., witnesses located an adult female suffering from severe head injuries. Officers and emergency medical personnel immediately began life-saving efforts, but the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Based on witness statements and video evidence gathered during the investigation, officers identified and located the suspect, 19-year-old Darius McCree-Santangelo. He was seen walking near West McAndrews Road and Summit Avenue about 20 minutes after the initial call for service. The victim has been identified as 43-year-old Nicole Marie Dominguez, and investigators believe the suspect and victim were acquainted. Next of kin have been notified. No additional information regarding their relationship or the circumstances surrounding the incident will be released at this time.

 

Cruise the Rogue 2026, Main Street Grants Pass’s inaugural All Genre Automotive Festival has been named an official Hot August Nights Even Series Qualifier. The designation means registered vehicles 1979 and older at Cruise the Rogue are eligible to compete for an invitation to Hot August Nights Grand Finale where two Grand Champions each take home a grand prize of $5,000. Cruise the Rogue launches July 23rd across downtown Grants Pass and Riverside Park and runs for four days, judging 12 vehicle classes with between 350 and 450 vehicles expected to participate. Special celebrity guests are Richard Rawlins and Dennis Collins of Gas Monkey Garage, seen on the Discovery Channel’s Fast N’Loud. Plus Alan Taylor, founding board member of Main Street Grants Pass and former Grand Marshal of Hot August Nights. The qualifier license plate, the Golden Ticket to the Reno Stage will be presented at an awards ceremony July 26th.

 

Medford Police officers received a call reporting a citizen was hearing an assault in the area of Welch Street near W Jackson Street Tuesday at about 3:30 p.m. Police responded to the scene and located an adult female with significant injuries. Officers pronounced her deceased at the scene. A person of interest is in custody and the investigation is ongoing. While there was a heavy police presence, there is no known threat to the public. Medford Police will provide updates as they become available and are not identifying any parties at this time.

 

A Grass Fire occurred Tuesday in the 17,000 block of Redwood Highway, near Hidden Creek Road in Selma, prompting an emergency response around 2:43 p.m.

The Illinois Valley Fire District, Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, and the U.S. Forest Service Six Rivers National Forest were promptly dispatched to the incident.

The fire was successfully contained at 1/100th of an acre. Nearby neighbors also helped prior to fire agencies arrival.

An investigation determined that hot ashes from several days prior were placed onto a previously used burn pile still containing combustible material. The residual heat from the ashes rekindled the burn pile, causing it to reignite and spread fire to the surrounding area.

 

The Board of County Commissioners heard about the American Medical Response and the upcoming reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Weekly Business Session.

During public comment, Dave Matthews, Operations Manager with AMR, announced the continued expansion of a joint community health initiative that is deploying 6 new public access resources like AEDs in Josephine County.

The 8th annual reading of the Declaration of Independence was announced for the Fourth of July, and the topic of Three Rivers School Districts health clinics was also brought to the board.

The consent calendar was approved 3-0, and Commissioner Gary Richardson highlighted the fire danger rating rising to "Moderate" as well as the Industrial Fire Precaution Level moving to 1.

 

The County Commissioners moved in favor of contracting for 29 water system surveys as requested by Public Health. The motion, with an amendment requesting a five-year plan be brought to the board addressing the county systems, passed 3-0.

Tuesday's 1:30 p.m. workshop continued with unanimous approval of the Airport's Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) Grant Agreement in support of the Runway Extension Project. The grant is part of the state match for $1.45 million being contributed by the FAA. ODAV will contribute over $68,000, and the airport will match up to $7,600.

It was determined the Transit Department will reach out to the County Treasurer to fill the Electronic Clearing House Operation (ECHO) representative position for reimbursement requests to the Federal Transit Administration. The board moved to approve findings of fact and decision for both the McMahon Trust and Amos appeals, then discussed a hiring panel for the vacant Finance Director position. The amount of applicants were discussed, and Human Resources was asked to reach out to other county's finance directors.

The tentative start date for the Interim Emergency Management Director was announced as July 13th, and the hiring of a Department Specialist for the Assessor will be considered, pending budget verification. Legal Counsel will review a resolution affirming tobacco retail enforcement, and the board moved 3-0 to appoint Heather Glass to the Josephine County Law Enforcement Service District Citizens Advisory Committee.

The Oversight committee for the Citizen's Advisory board for law enforcement sent a letter to the board requesting a Commissioner serve as liaison to their advisory committee. Commissioner Ron Smith volunteered himself for the position, and the meeting adjourned

Following the board's 3 p.m. Executive Session regarding the Robert Brandes vs. Josephine County and Andreas Blech case, a motion authorizing Legal Counsel to execute documents on behalf of the county passed 3-0.

 

Grants Pass Police were dispatched to a fatal car crash in the 2700 block of Highland Avenue Tuesday following a call to 911 around 8:15 a.m. The caller reported two vehicles colliding in the roadway, with one of them catching fire after the crash. Bystanders provided help in the time between the crash and the arrival of first responders. One of the motorists was confirmed deceased at the scene. Detectives and a Crash Reconstructionist assisted with the investigation. It was determined that Gabriel Davis, a 22-year-old male, died when his car veered into oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle. The occupant of the other car was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is complete, though anyone with information can call the police department at 541-450-6260.

 

Deputies with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office arrested a woman camping in Cave Junction.

The suspect, Ivana Baclom, and her kitten were located at 390 N Sawyer Avenue around 8:54 a.m. Deputies detained Baclom and confirmed she had a felony warrant out of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office for Underlying Second Degree Burglary.

She was parked at the intersection of N Hussey and Stevenson, and deputies took her into custody after being walked back to the patrol vehicle. Baclom was transported to and lodged in the Josephine County Jail. Her kitten was taken to the nearby animal shelter.