Local News

The City of Rogue River announced that longtime community volunteer JoAnn Dixon has been selected to receive the Jackson County Community Service Award, one of the county's highest recognitions for volunteer service and civic engagement.

According to a release, for more than two decades, Dixon has dedicated many hours to improving the quality of life in Rogue River through environmental stewardship, community education, and volunteer leadership.

Dixon has served as a member of the City's Tree City USA Committee since 2002 and led the committee as Chair from 2019 through 2025. During that time, she helped coordinate volunteer work parties, community beautification efforts, and urban forestry initiatives that have enhanced Rogue River's natural environment and public spaces.

Her leadership has also been instrumental in the success of the City's annual Arbor Day celebration. In addition to her work with the Tree City USA Committee, Dixon has been an active OSU Extension Land Steward Program volunteer, generously sharing her knowledge and passion for caring for the State's natural resources.

Mayor Pam VanArsdale praised Dixon's contributions, noting that her service extends far beyond the hours she volunteers.

 

Total payroll employment in Josephine County fell by 640 jobs in July, mostly due to a seasonally expected decline of 700 jobs in local government education. According to the Oregon Employment Department, small gains were estimated in leisure and hospitality (+30); manufacturing (+20); and construction (+20). Employment in trade, transportation, and utilities dipped by 20 jobs over the month. Over the past year, payroll employment rose by 100 jobs, or a gain of 0.4%. Private education and health services had the largest gain, up by 370 jobs. Job growth was also estimated in professional and business services (+80) and other services (+20). The most notable job declines were in leisure and hospitality (-120); manufacturing (-90); financial activities (-70); construction (-30); and retail trade (-30). Government employment fell by 30 jobs over the year. Losses occurred in local government education (-70), state government (-30), and federal government (-10). Non-education local government added 80 jobs since July 2025.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners approved all action items during their Weekly Business Session, and responded to a comment regarding sanctuary counties. The board approved the resolution supporting the County and City of Cave Junction applications for Water and Sewer Infrastructure Extension funds, as well as a letter supporting Cave Junction application of said funds. This will expand infrastructure from Kerby to the Grants Pass Airport. A motion favoring a recommendation to award a contract for temporary runway closure lighting for the airport passed 3-0. The lights for the runway would cost $56,691, which has been pre-approved per the grant agreement. Matt Eide was then appointed as the County Budget Officer. During public comment, topics brought to the board included public education concerns, Sheriff's Office arrest practices, Douglas County commissioners stating they would no longer be a sanctuary county, and requesting Josephine County do the same. Commissioner Ron Smith said in response that a statement could be made regarding being a sanctuary county, but that it wouldn't change state laws.

 

Firefighters stopped forward progression on a grass fire that, per the Illinois Valley Fire District, occurred Tuesday at 2:42 p.m. in the 100 block of Airport Drive in Cave Junction.

According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, crews and agency partners were dispatched to the approximately one acre fire. Multiple engines, a dozer, and a hand crew responded, along with Type 2 and 3 helicopters, and Air Attack.

The fire was held at one acre my 3:05 p.m., leading to Air Attack being cancelled shortly thereafter. The helicopters remained to support ground resources, and crews will continue strengthening lines and mopping up the fire.

The official cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

The Board of County Commissioners will decide on items brought up at today's workshop during tomorrow's Weekly Business Session.

During their 1:30 p.m. workshop, the board considered a resolution regarding a letter of support to apply for a grant for Water and Sewer Infrastructure Extension funds for Cave Junction and the County. The item was moved to tomorrow's Session, as well as a letter in support of grant money to do an engineering study for infrastructure in Cave Junction.

A board order amending a previous order, moving the Economic Grant Advisory Committee from seven members to five, and changing the qualifiers, was also moved to the Weekly Business Session. The board tabled an order accepting By-Laws, and a New Economic Development Grant Application.

A motion to approve a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the County and Federation of Oregon Parole and Probation Officers (FOPPO) passed 3-0, and the board approved all Human Resources position requisitions and actions for the Clerk's Office, Sheriff's Office, and Emergency Management.

 

A woman reported for assaulting two individuals was ultimately cited by Josephine County Sheriff's Deputies.

Monday around 4:19 a.m., a woman called 911 to report she had been beaten up and was bleeding from the head after being drug from a vehicle and hitting her head on the ground. Another individual soon came on the line to report the same suspect had assaulted him as well.

Dispatch learned the suspect was walking up a hill near a property in the 2200 block of Crow Road, and wearing jeans and a possibly gray long sleeve shirt. Deputies located and contacted the suspect, Shanowah Frakes, who said she was also assaulted and possibly had a brain injury.

American Medical Response transported Frakes to Three Rivers Medical Center. There was probable cause for Fourth Degree Assault and Unlawful Use of a Weapon charges against her. She was then cited to appear in court for said charges.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a man sleeping by the river after he was contacted for scattering rubbish.

The suspect was located at the Royal Trailer Park near the river bank surrounded by garbage by a passerby Monday around 7:20 a.m. The caller said it appeared the suspect was camping with another individual, and officers arrived at the scene around 9:59 a.m.

Upon identifying the suspect, Christopher Davis, his parole officer requested he be arrested on a Parole Violation Detainer. Officers proceeded with a consent search that yielded a needle with residue. A field test confirmed the presence of methamphetamine.

Davis was lodged in the Josephine County Jail for his detainer, and a charge of Meth Possession. He was also trespassed from the property.

 

Josephine County Sheriff's deputies responded to a theft complaint at the Redwood Highway Dollar General Monday.

The manager of the store called 911 to report the suspect entered the store wearing a gray sweater and green backpack. He took $6 worth of popsicles and pudding, ate some of the merchandise, then left the scene on a bike without paying.

Deputies contacted the suspect, identified as Adam Jackson. He admitted to stealing the items, which was further confirmed by security footage provided by the manager. Jackson was trespassed from the store, then transported to the Josephine County Adult Jail Facility for Third Degree Theft, and a detainer as requested by his parole officer.

 

An intoxicated man called 911 saying he wanted to be taken into custody, then resisted arrest by arriving officers Monday.

Dispatch was notified around 4:56 p.m. that the suspect wanted to be arrested because he was drunk. He didn't want to provide his name until officers arrived, and said he would stay near the Taco Bell drive-thru at 195 NE Terry Lane.

The suspect stated he got drunk and cursed at people around him, and said he didn't want to go to the sobering center. Officers arrived and identified him as Litan Dobrinov. He was told he was under arrest, but he proceeded to physically resist by tensing his body and pulling away from law enforcement.

Dobrinov was ultimately secured and taken into custody. While en route to the Josephine County Jail, he attempted to damage the back of the patrol vehicle. He was lodged for Resisting Arrest.