Local News

Effective immediately, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is increasing the fire danger rating to "Moderate" across the national forest.

With the increase in fire danger rating, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is also increasing the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) to 1.

A moderate fire danger rating means fires can start from most accidental causes, but with the exception of lightning fires in some areas, the number of new fires is generally low.

During this time, fires in open, dry grasslands will burn briskly and spread quickly on windy days. Wood fires spread slowly to moderately fast. The average fire is of moderate intensity, although in places with heavier fuels, fires may burn hot.

Fires that occur at this time are not likely to become serious, and suppression is relatively easy. Public use restrictions are not in place at this time, although there are selected seasonal restrictions in place in several places on the forest.

 

Seasonal restrictions along the Illinois River Road are in effect as of Monday.

The Wild Rivers Ranger District of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is implementing the seasonal restrictions annually placed along the Illinois River Road.

Visitors may not have fires outside of Forest Service-approved rings at campground and day use areas. They must also park inside of the white line along the Illinois River Road.

These annual restrictions, in place through October 31st unless rescinded sooner, have proven to improve the safety along the river corridor as the temperatures heat up and visitors show up in larger numbers to enjoy the Illinois River.

Visit the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest website for more information.

 

Seventy-three nonprofits serving some of Southern Oregon’s most vulnerable residents will share $2.25 million in grants through the Reed and Carolee Walker Fund of Oregon Community Foundation.

Southern Oregon University Foundation received a grant to support culturally specific youth summer camps. Russell Zook, Director of Outreach and Engagement for SOU, said the funding will enable the university to continue to offer overnight camps that demystify the college experience, cultivate leadership and foster belonging.

SOU will receive $135,000 in the first year of the three-year grant. Other recipients include the Douglas Education Service District in Roseburg receiving $10,000.
Opportunities for Housing, Resources, and Assistance in Ashland will receive $80,000, and the Upper Rogue Rotary Community Foundation in Eagle Point will receive $15,000.

Established in 2003 through the generosity of Reed and Carolee Walker, the Walker Fund supports organizations addressing critical community needs across Jackson County. The 2026 grants invest in programs and services that strengthen educational opportunities, family stability, health and wellness, youth development and access to essential resources.

 

The Board of Commissioners moved to terminate the employment of Information Technology and Emergency Management Director Michael Sellers following an Executive Session Monday. A motion passed 3-0, with Seller's employment being terminated effective 5 p.m. yesterday for the reasons presented at the due process hearing during the session. Human Resources will issue the final termination letter, process final pay, and take the necessary steps to effectuate the termination in accordance with law and policy. The board will then meet at 1:30 p.m. for a County Administration Workshop to consider department Business from Public Health, Airports, Recreation, Planning, and Human Resources. Another Executive Session will be held at 3 p.m. regarding the Robert Brandes vs. Josephine County and Andreas Blech case. All meetings in the BCC Conference Room will be streamed at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream.

 

Emergency crews were dispatched to an injured hiker Monday at 5:05 p.m.

A text message to 911 via satellite mobilized rescue crews from Rural Metro Fire, American Medical Response, and Search & Rescue to Rainie Falls on the Lower Rogue River.

The extraction of the hiker, who had non-life-threatening injuries was completed in approximately 4 hours. Crews remind the public that those who choose to recreate in remote locations should check to see if their phone is enabled to text 911 via satellite.

 

A single-vehicle DUII crash closed the nearly 100-year-old Lampman Road Bridge over Galls Creek in Gold Hill Sunday.

Due to significant structural damage, the Jackson County Roads and Parks Department has deemed the bridge unsafe and closed it indefinitely to all traffic.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the crash Sunday at 8:34 p.m. in the 1600 block of Lampman Road. The 27-year-old female driver was located walking away from the crash scene, and she displayed signs of impairment.

Field sobriety tests showed a blood alcohol content of 0.24%, so deputies arrested the woman for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. Rogue River Police Department responded to assist.

The crash caused extensive damage to the historic steel truss bridge. Following an assessment, Jackson County Roads and Parks determined the bridge is unsafe for any load. The bridge is now closed to all vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic, and travelers must use alternate routes.

 

The Grants Pass City Council moved in favor of a 2.71% Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the Non-Bargaining Cost of Living Adjustment. Each year, a request comes from the front of Council to review and adjust the Non-Bargaining Salary Structure for 53 positions. Staff recommended the implementation of the 2.71% CPI-U, saying the full cost increase would be about $225,150, with about $99,337 coming from the general fund. The Council was unanimous in approval of the recommendation. The decision was made following an update on the First Quarter Plan Update. Accomplishments, events, and projects highlighting council goals included collaboration and coordination with local community safety organizations, Art Along the Rogue, collaboration with Elk Island Trading Company, a defensible space grant, and expansion of the tree canopy. The next presentation was a status report on the Allenwood Homes residential development located on city-owned property on Highway 238. Two non-profit corporations will operate the project long term: Neighborworks Umpqua and Oregon Human Development Corporation.

 

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate for two Jackson County zones. The Hilt Fire, taking place on Colestin Road south of Ashland on the Oregon/California Border was first reported on the Watch Duty app at 10:57 a.m. Officers issued a Level 1: Be Ready to Evacuate for Zones JAC-564 and JAC-566 west of I-5. According to Watch Duty, tankers have been released per Air Attack and a dozer line has been completed around the fire. The blaze was estimated by the Oregon Department of Forestry to be around 15 to 20 acres.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office responded to a non-emergency call regarding a trespassed woman on the caller's property.

Saturday morning around 9:39 a.m., the suspect was reported to be sitting in a white truck out front of the house in the 100 block of Illinois River Road. She reportedly kept coming onto the property and was taking things.

The caller told dispatch it was unclear if the woman was there at 9:41 a.m., and said that somebody else was on the property. Deputies arrived at the scene and contacted the suspect, Andrea Cripps.

There was no probable cause for new charges established, but Cripps was wanted on a Sheriff's Office Misdemeanor warrant for First Degree Trespass. Deputies arrested and lodged her in jail.