Local News

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office responded to a neighborhood disturbance involving gunshots Tuesday evening.

At 5:07 p.m., a caller reported he was in his front yard when he heard gunshots. He said someone began shooting his house, with bullets hitting a tree outside and going over his head.

The caller hadn't heard any shots for a few minutes after escaping to his back yard. Upon arrival, officers were able to contact the suspects, Duane Rigel, and Kenneth Rigel Jr.

Officers located shell casings on the property, and subsequently lodged both suspects in the Josephine County Jail. Duane Rigel was charged with Felon in Possession of a Weapon, Reckless Endangering, and a Probation Violation. Kenneth Rigel Jr. was lodged on a Reckless Endangering charge.

 

Three citizens were honored for rescuing a man trapped in his vehicle as it was burning. On June 27, 2025 a fiery crash on Rogue River Highway near Gordon Way prompted a swift response from the three. A Ford Mustang and a commercial water truck collided. The driver of the Mustang, John Irwin, was trapped inside his car as it burst into flames. Calls came into Grants Pass 911 Communications, who mobilized crews from Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire and AMR-Josephine County. While first responders were en-route to the incident, citizens at the scene, Chelsae Booth, Andrew Clem, and Michael McGilvreay, jumped into action to pull John from the wreckage. The three worked together to force open the passenger door, unbuckle John, and pull him to safety before the vehicle became fully involved. Austin Prince, Operations Chief with Rural Metro Fire, recently led a joint multi-agency effort to recognize the heroic acts of Booth, Clem, and McGilvreay.

 

Talent and Phoenix are prioritizing energy efficiency, affordability, and wildfire resilience as they rebuild five years after the Almeda fires.

Public News Service states Phoenix worked with Energy Trust of Oregon to build a new energy-efficient public safety building to replace facilities lost in the 2020 wildfire. The 20,000-square-foot hub houses city offices, police and fire services.

Eric Swanson, Phoenix city manager, said with the help of local, state and federal partners, the city has been able to make the best out of a tragic situation.

The building's energy-efficiency measures, including efficient lighting, HVAC systems and storm water management, are expected to save thousands of dollars annually.

Swanson said residential reconstruction in the city is largely complete, although rebuilding of mobile homes and commercial buildings has been lagging behind.

Talent lost 700 homes in the fire. Michael Hoch, measure development manager with Energy Trust of Oregon, said his organization helped with the rebuilding process there.

He added that the city partnered with Energy Trust to create the Energy Performance Scores rebuild program, which incentivizes wildfire victims to rebuild their homes to be more energy efficient and wildfire resistant.

 

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a suspect after he fired a handgun, striking multiple houses and unoccupied vehicles in a neighborhood last night.

On Tuesday at 10:32 p.m., dispatch received numerous calls about a man walking down Northridge Terrace shooting a gun. One caller reported the window of their residence had been shot out.

Deputies located the suspect, Chase Smith, in an apartment in the 60 block of Northridge Terrace and took him into custody without incident. Deputies obtained a search warrant and recovered the firearm used in the incident.

There were no reported injuries. Smith was lodged in the Jackson County Jail for five counts of Unlawful Use of a Firearm, two counts of Reckless Endangering, First Degree Criminal Mischief, and Second Degree Disorderly Conduct.

 

The 22nd Annual Art Along the Rogue Art and Music Festival is coming up October 3, 4, and 5, in downtown Grants Pass. This year’s theme is “Time Warp: When Past Meets Future.” The festival will be expanded to include the Oregon Center for Creative Learning, which will host the Kiddie Squares on the northwest corner of 4th and G Streets, the former Dutch Bros headquarters, on Saturday and Sunday. The Grants Pass Museum of Art between 4th and 5th on G Street will host several artists painting on their patio. Sharyn Chan from Goleta, California, will return this year to create a 3D piece. Ashly Wissler of Cave Junction and Joel Yau of San Rafael, California, are two premier artists who will create in a 12x12 square. Since its inception in 2003, Art Along the Rogue has been one of Grants Pass's premier community events and one of Oregon's leading street chalk and music festivals, attracting thousands every October.

 

Options for Southern Oregon and the Josephine County Food Bank are preparing for the 19th Annual Empty Bowls event, this time at a new location.

On October 13th, the event will be held in the Pavilion Building at the Josephine County Fairgrounds, 1451 Fairgrounds Road.

Starting at 6 p.m., guests can choose from over 400 handcrafted bowls from Clayfolk and the Southern Oregon Potter's Association, and fill it with soup and bread provided by local restaurants.

A silent auction will be held online through www.optionsonline.org from October 6th through the 14th. Tickets can be purchased on Option's website, at the Administration Building, 1215 SW G Street, or at the Pavilion Building doors the night of the event.

Empty Bowls is an Options-led effort in partnership with the Josephine County Food Bank to help raise funds to fight hunger in our community.

The 2025 soup sponsors include Agora Artisan Eatery, Blaze-n-Monkey's, Casa Amiga, MaMosa's, Papa Tyrell's BBQ Catering, Partake Shop & Lounge, Powderhorn Café, Provolt Country Store, Sunshine Natural Foods, The Laughing Clam, The Haul, The Depot Eatery, The Twisted Cork, The Vine, and Wild River Pub.

 

October is Fire Safety Month, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal and Oregon Fire Marshals Association remind everyone to buy, use, and recycle rechargeable batteries.

Many everyday devices like smartphones, laptops, e-scooters, power tools, and electric vehicles are powered by rechargeable batteries. While they are convenient and powerful, they can create serious fire risks if not used correctly.

When it comes to rechargeable batteries, the Fire Marshal reminds everyone to charge and dispose of the batteries safely. Other fire safety tips are to never leave cooking unattended and keep flammable items away from stovetops, keep heating equipment at least three feet from anything that can burn, and electrical issues like overloaded outlets and faulty wiring are major contributors to home fires.

Fire Prevention Month is a good time to check your smoke alarms, review your home escape plan, and talk with your family about fire safety.

 

The latest library lease agreement has been approved by both Josephine County and the Library District. During their Tuesday workshop, the Josephine County Board of Commissioners voted 2-1 to approve a new five-year lease agreement for the Grants Pass library building at 200 NW C Street, with Commissioner Blech voting against. Commissioner Chris Barnett made a motion to adopt the latest version of the lease, with a modified “for cause” termination clause. Under the agreement, the library district will assume responsibility for the maintenance of the building and grounds. The Josephine Community Library District Board of Directors discussed the updated lease and agreed to its terms, clearing the way for the continuation of library services in Josephine County. Library Director Kate Lasky said “We are relieved this agreement moves us past months of uncertainty. This has been a difficult process, but what matters most is that we can keep our focus on serving the community.”

 

Grants Pass Police responded to a trespassing complaint at a local grocery store early this morning.

At 4:30 a.m., an employee of WinCo at 231 NE Terry Lane reported a previously trespassed man had returned and wasn't leaving the lobby of the store.

Upon arrival, deputies contacted Dennis Campbell and confirmed he had a warrant out for his arrest. Officers learned he had a knife and Taser in his possession.

Campbell was transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for the warrant, plus charges of Second Degree Trespass and Felon in Possession of Weapons.