Further Progress Made on Anderson Butte Road Fire, 30% Contained

Firefighters have reached 30% containment on the Anderson Butte Road Fire following another day of strong progress. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, the fire remains at 78 acres, with hose now in place around 100% of the perimeter, and mop-up completed 15 to 20 feet into the burned area around the entire fire. Two small slopovers happened yesterday when fire crossed established control lines and began burning vegetation on the other side. Both were aggressively attacked by firefighters and are now 100% mopped up, with no change to the fire’s overall acreage. Steep terrain continues to challenge suppression efforts, particularly in areas of dense vegetation and dead snags characteristic of the Applegate area. Approximately one-third of the fire burned through grass, allowing crews to make quicker progress with mop-up operations. Hazardous snags have now been addressed around the entire perimeter, allowing firefighters to safely work farther into the burned area toward a goal of 100 feet of mop-up. Resources assigned to the night shift included four 20-person hand crews, one Type 6 engine and two water tenders. The investigation is ongoing for the official cause of the fire. ...Read more

JoCo Sheriff's Office Seeking Public's Help in Locating Missing Woman
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is searching for a missing woman. Tabatha Jones was last seen near Three Rivers Medical Center September 17th, 2026. Her direction of travel is unknown, however she had been staying in the Cave Junction area. It is unknown if she's with her vehicle, but she has a tan early 2000's Toyota Camry with the grill missing. Tabatha is described as a 47-year-old 5'8" Caucasian woman with brown hair, brown eyes, and weighing 150 pounds. She has a nose piercing and tattoos on her arm and neck. It is possible she has dyed her hair red. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Josephine County Sheriff's Office at 541-474-5123. Reference Case #26-25832. ...Read more

MINT Issues Statement Regarding Parker’s Place Village

MINT, the Mobile Integrative Navigation Team, has withdrawn from lease negotiations with Elk Island Trading Group, LLC, and will conclude its current arrangement for Parker’s Place Village on October 15th, 2026. According to a release from MINT, this decision follows an extended period of discussion regarding the terms under which MINT would lease the Parker’s Place Village property and manage shelter operations. The parties were unable to reach mutually workable terms for both organizations. The property and all shelter operations have been, and will remain, with Elk Island Trading Group, LLC. MINT will continue to provide inclement weather shelters, as well as navigation services and case management through the MINT Navigation Center and mobile navigation throughout the community. These services will remain available to individuals residing at Parker’s Place Village, and those in the community without a safe place to stay. In addition, MINT will continue coordinating breakfast Monday through Friday and lunch seven days a week for all 150 Parker’s Place Village residents. ...Read more