GP Police Asking for Help in Assault Investigation
Thursday night, shortly before 8:00 p.m., Grants Pass 911 received an emergency call reporting a major assault that occurred on Southridge Way in Grants Pass. A man was reported to be seriously injured and was transported to Three Rivers Community Hospital. Patrol officers and Major Crimes detectives from the Grants Pass Police Department responded to both the scene and the hospital. The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are attempting to contact Michael Brinen Cutts, 40, for questioning. The Grants Pass Police Department is seeking assistance from community members who may have information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Cutts. Please contact the Grants Pass Police Department and request to speak with a detective regarding case number 2026-00027750
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Fielder Mountain Fire Now at 550 Acres, 0 Containment
Firefighters worked overnight to build hand and dozer line, completing line around approximately 70% of the Fielder Mountain Fire. The fire is estimated at 550 acres and is currently 0% contained. Crews are using dozers where terrain allows and constructing hand line in areas inaccessible to heavy equipment, while hose lays progress uphill to support suppression operations. With warm, gusty conditions expected again today, the objective is to complete line around the fire, strengthening existing line and extending hose farther uphill. Today’s resources include four Type 1 helicopters, three Type 2 helicopters, one Type 3 helicopter and two Air Attack platforms plus ten 20-person hand crews, ten Type 6 engines, five water tenders, five dozers, two single-resource fallers and one falling module. No structures have been reported lost, and a structural task force is assigned to the incident today. An evacuation shelter for people and pets is at North Middle School, 1725 NW Highland Ave., Grants Pass. Individuals needing additional medical care call 541-776-7206. A livestock shelter is available at Jackson County Expo, 21 Peninger Road, Central Point. For livestock assistance, call 541-864-0546. Level 3 Evacuation orders, Go Now, have been issued for zones JAC 037,052B, and ROR 053. Level 2 Evacuation orders, Be Set, have been issued for JAC 052A. Level 1, Be Ready, have been issued for zones JAC 037, 039, 044, ROR 054, 064 and JCU 422.The City of Rogue River is asking citizens conserve water during the current emergency so firefighting apparatus can have access to the water as necessary.
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Commissioners Approve 93 Cent Jail Tax for November 3rd Election
A 93 cent five year local option tax for the county jail was passed along to voters this November by the Board of County Commissioners during the Wednesday night Business Session. The 93 cents would fund 185 beds initially and could support juvenile justice. The former local option tax guaranteed 14 beds for juvenile offenders. Commissioner Richardson asserted expanded costs have reached a level where the 93 cents would provide funds for the jail only. Likely about $3 million short which is what the juvenile beds would costs. The general fund will be able to support juvenile justice for a couple of years. Commissioner Martin asserted the Board would find a way to fund the Juvenile Justice System.
The resolution passed unanimously.
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