Local News

A traffic accident occurred on Rockydale Road at Sherier Road in Cave Junction Thursday.

The Illinois Valley Fire District responded to the reported incident at 6:30 p.m.

While units were en route, the caller advised dispatch that the individual involved in the vehicle had departed the scene in another vehicle.

Upon arrival, apparatus confirmed there were no individuals at the location.

The vehicle was subsequently flagged, and the Josephine County Sheriff's Office was notified for its removal.

 

Former Commissioner John West is pursuing separate cases against Jay Meredith and Jonian "JJ" Scofield respectively.

The Daily Courier reports West sued Meredith, one of the leaders of the campaign that engineered West's recall from office, and Scofield, former head of Josephine County's Human Resources department. He accused the pair of defamation and abuse of process.

After briefly dropping Scofield from the complaint, West last week filed a new defamation complaint against Scofield concerning a social media post and is asking for $2 million.

In his initial complaint, West accused Meredith of authoring a "dossier" in support of the recall petition that West says included false claims. He accused Meredith and Scofield of "conspiring" with others to file an extensive series of frivolous complaints against him with the Oregon Government Ethics Commission to "manufacture claims against West that he was a serial lawbreaker" for the recall.

West said both men had personal, ulterior reasons for wanting to recall him from office.

 

As cold temperatures linger across the region, Pacific Power is reminding customers of a few simple adjustments they can make at home that can help them stay warm while also reducing their energy bill.

To help customers get started, Pacific Power recommends setting the thermostat at 68°F when you’re home and awake is recommended. You can close window coverings at night to reduce drafts, and seal air leaks with caulking and weather-stripping around doors and windows.

Clean or replace furnace filters monthly during the heating season, use space heaters sparingly and safely, and use appliances during off-peak hours. This helps reduce strain on the grid and can help customers manage their bill.

Pacific Power offers a range of energy assistance programs, including income-qualified discounts, weatherization support and resources for customers managing high bills. For more information, visit PacificPower.net/Assistance or call 888-221-7070.

 

Authorities responded to a multi-vehicle incident this morning.

At 07:54 a.m., an on-duty Medford Police detective viewed the three-vehicle crash at the 300 block of South Columbus between 10th and Prune which impacted traffic flow.

Medford Fire Department and Mercy Flights responded to the scene to provide medical care. Two patients were transported for treatment.

Traffic on South Columbus was briefly impacted during the response. The roadway has now been cleared and the case is currently under investigation.

 

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in November and December, according to a release from the Oregon Employment Department.

In December, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment dropped by 2,200 jobs, following a gain of 800 jobs, as revised, in November. December’s gains were largest in professional and business services (+1,100 jobs) and government (+500). Losses were largest in construction (-2,500 jobs); retail trade (-900); and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-900).

Professional and business services added 1,900 jobs during the last two months of 2025. Each of its three component industries rose between October and December, with administrative and waste services growing the fastest (+900 jobs, or 0.9%).

Construction cut 3,000 jobs during the last two months of 2025. At 113,900 jobs in December, it is close to its spring level, and slightly below its three-year average of 116,900 jobs during 2022 through 2024.

Holiday hiring in retail trade was 1,200 jobs below the normal seasonal pattern during the last two months of the year. It employed 199,200 in December, which was 11,300 jobs, or 5.4%, below three years prior.

Transportation, warehousing, and utilities cut 1,400 jobs during November and December. It employed 78,200 in December, which was close to its three-year average of 78,500 jobs during 2022 through 2024.

 

The Appointment for Josephine County Commissioner Position 1 meeting today was conducted online only.

Commissioner Barnett stated this was due to documented safety concerns involving credible threats directed at an elected official. There was no quorum of the board so no business could be conducted.

One more meeting with interviews and an appointment on the agenda is scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m. and will be held in the BCC Conference Room. The meeting will be streamed at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream.

 

The latest election results for Commissioner Chris Barnett's recall are in.

By 5 p.m. Wednesday, results showed 61.76% voted yes for the recall with 38.24% dissenting. The total numbers as of the latest update were yes 13,721 to the no votes 8,497.

Should contested ballots be needed, that count will be released by 5 p.m. January 23rd. Certified results will be released no later than February 2nd but no sooner than January 28th.

 

Grants Pass Police responded to a stabbing in the 1000 block of NE A Street Wednesday. A call to 911 came in around 8:30 p.m. and dispatch heard a disturbance in the background while on the phone with the resident. Patrol units responded to the scene and discovered the 39-year-old man had been stabbed in the upper body. Grants Pass Fire and Rescue and American Medical Response personnel responded to provide medical treatment before transporting the victim to Three Rivers Medical Center. He had significant injuries and is expected to recover. Due to the seriousness of the case, the Grants Pass Major Crimes Unit assumed responsibility for the investigation around 9 p.m. Detectives worked throughout the night until past 5 a.m. to ensure a timely and effective investigation. As a result of their work, Heidi Smith, 42, was taken into custody. She was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Assault in the Second Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

 

A man found sleeping in an abandoned vehicle was arrested by Oregon State Police Wednesday.

At 9:42 p.m., troopers located the vehicle on Highway 199 near milepost 23. The suspect, John Steel, 60, of Selma, was asleep in the driver's seat. He was unresponsive to emergency lights and siren.

Upon investigating the scene, Steel was found to have an active misdemeanor warrant out of Josephine County. Troopers proceeded to take him into custody and lodge him in the Josephine County Jail. His vehicle was towed from the scene.