Local News

Authorities are reporting little to no growth on local fires. According to the final update, the Lower Wolf Creek Fire has been GPS mapped at 3 acres and is holding within established lines. A quick, coordinated response from firefighters on the ground and aircraft overhead helped stop forward progress despite steep terrain. Resources are continuing mop-up operations, working to locate and extinguish remaining heat and further secure the fire. The Wood Rat fire remains at 288 acres and is reported to be at 60 percent containment. The Forks State Park Fire remains at 11 acres and is also 60 percent contained with no reported growth. The cause of these fires remains under investigation.

 

Authorities capture Anthony Teal Tuesday after a manhunt had been in progress since July 30th. According to a Grants Pass Police Press Release, early Tuesday it was suspected Teal had been in the Cloverlawn area. Later in the afternoon, a resident near Cloverlawn reported someone was likely in his RV. Josephine County Sheriff’s deputies cautiously made contact with the RV and discovered Teal had barricaded himself in the RV’s bathroom. Deputies immediately attempted to negotiate with Teal to surrender. After a prolonged period with no signs Teal would voluntarily exit, chemical agents were introduced into the RV. Negotiations continued. Teal was taken into custody without further incident. The Grants Pass Major Crimes Unit is conducting a further investigation. He is currently being held in the Josephine County Jail facing

 

The Board of Commissioners approved a Community Corrections position reclassification and Contract Amendment.

Public Health presented a Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Synergy Contract Amendment to the board, saying a dietician is necessary for the organization to run properly. An additional $30,000 will come from WIC's budget to provide the position. A motion to approve the amendment passed 3-0.

Also approved unanimously was a Transit work order for Electric Vehicle batteries to extend the bus's range. About $3,100 will be spent from the Transit budget. Following an Economic Development Committee discussion, Human Resources presented a position reclassification for a Community Corrections Case Specialist, which was approved without objection.

The board will see how the county can ease back into the Association of O&C Counties, then were presented a proposal for a government efficiency pilot program. This would be an assessment for government departments, with recommendations provided on how the county can save money and improve processes via automation.

Commissioner Smith wanted to see an example of a corporation or county where these methods have been utilized, and the outcome. He was also concerned with the idea of fewer department employees being necessary. Gary expressed it as a way to lighten the load on employees rather than letting any go. Colleen recommended Legal Counsel review the idea. Further discussion will take place.

 

A $.93 5-year local option tax to partially fund the Josephine County Jail is the only action item on the Board of County Commissioners agenda for tonight's Weekly Business Session. Should the resolution pass, County voters will decide basically to renew the current levy. Following the vote, the agenda outlines normal items including citizen’s comments and Commissioner’s response, plus the consent agenda that contains the minutes of several meetings. Other matters may be introduced by the Board.
The Business Session convenes at 5:30 p.m. tonight in the Anne Basker Auditorium on Northwest 6th Street.

 

Grange Co-Op loss prevention detained a subject after he stole $100 worth of merchandise.

A call to 911 reported the man, Daniel Anaya-Alvarez, was cooperative after being taken into custody by loss prevention at the 1710 W Schutzwohl Lane store at 2:16 p.m. He reportedly didn't speak English, and had tried to exchange his used boots for a new pair without paying.

Grants Pass Police officers responded to the scene and took Anaya-Alvarez into custody. He was transported to the Josephine County Jail and lodged for Second Degree Theft. He was later released on his own recognizance.

 

Firefighters knocked down the Yale Creek Road Fire shortly after the grass fire broke out south of Buncom this morning.

According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, crews arrived at the scene of the blaze that was burning at a moderate rate of speed. Multiple ground resources worked alongside agency partners and two Type 2 helicopters to extinguish the fire.

It held within the footprint of about 1.5 acres, and crews are continuing to work the fire and secure the area as of 10:55 a.m.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office apprehended a man wanted on two out-of-county warrants Monday.

A member of the Parks Department called 911 at 7:55 a.m. to report two individuals sleeping in a silver Toyota Corolla at the Dollar Mountain Trailhead. The two appeared to have camped there overnight, and law enforcement responded.

The deputy contacted both suspects at the trailhead, and found one of them to be wanted on two misdemeanor warrants. One out of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office for DUII, and one from the Roseburg Police Department for a Dangerous Drugs charge.

The suspect, Johnny Doig, was detained and read his rights. Both warrants were confirmed, and he was transported to and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for his warrants.

 

Now through Monday, August 31st, the Overlay’s project will be performing construction on Churchill, Gladiola, and sections of “N” Street according to the City website.

Crews will lower utilities now through the 14th, then grind and pave N Street Monday the 17th. The schedule continues with the grinding of Churchill Street the 18th, then Gladiola Street the 19th. Thursday the 20th, paving will be done on Gladiola, followed by Churchill Friday the 21st. From Monday, August 24th through the 28th, crews will raise utilities.

Motorists are advised to look for changing road conditions including lane closures, road closures and delays throughout the project. For more information, call 541-779-4916.

 

The Fork State Park Fire is now at 60% containment and remains at 11 acres per the Oregon Department of Forestry. Firefighters have completed mop-up between 80 and 100 feet into the interior and continue systematically gridding and searching the burned area to ensure heat is found and extinguished as they work farther from the perimeter. Overnight, three 20-person hand crews, three Type 6 engines, two water tenders, and a falling resource were assigned to the fire. The same level of resources are planned for the day shift as firefighters continue increasing containment. Temperatures over the next several days are expected to remain cooler than when the fire started. The official cause of the Fork State Park Fire remains under investigation.