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Rogue Basin, South Coast Winter Steelhead Anglers Validation, Harvest Tags on Sale Nov. 1

Anglers who plan to fish for winter steelhead in the Rogue Basin or on the South Coast can begin purchasing the Rogue-South Coast Steelhead validation and wild steelhead harvest tags November 1st.

The validation is required for all winter steelhead anglers fishing in these areas from December 1st to April 30th. A separate wild winter steelhead harvest tag is required to keep wild winter steelhead.

To purchase these products, change the purchase year to 2027 when entering the product catalogue in the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Electronic Licensing System. To continue using the validation and harvest card after January 1st, remember to buy a 2027 Angling License, Combination License, or Sports Pac.

Visit the Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation webpage for more details including how to report any wild winter steelhead harvested and answers to frequently asked questions.

Anglers should note that wild harvest regulations vary, and some locations don’t open to wild winter steelhead until after December 1st. Check the regulations before you go or contact the ODFW Gold Beach office (541-247-7605) or Central Point office (541-826-8774).

Posted on 10/30/26 9:42AM by Alex Bauer

Ashland Officer Justified in Use of Deadly Force, Suspect Indicted by Grand Jury

Evidence and testimony was presented to a Jackson County Grand Jury related to the investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred on "A" Street in Ashland October 26th.

According to the Jackson County District Attorney's Office, at approximately 2 a.m. that Monday, Ashland Police Department officers Alex Vela and Lorenzo Elder responded to a business alarm on A Street and encountered Phillip Battaglia, 36, armed with a knife.

He threatened the officers upon their arrival, ignored repeated commands to drop the knife, and advanced toward Officer Vela. When Battaglia reached the front of Vela’s patrol vehicle still holding the knife, Vela fired two shots, striking Battaglia in the leg and stopping his advance.

Even after being shot and while still on the ground, Battaglia swung the knife in the direction of Officer Elder and continued refusing commands. He eventually dropped the knife, and officers immediately provided medical aid until Ashland firefighters arrived.

Investigators later determined Battaglia had damaged multiple businesses in the area, triggering the alarm. He later told investigators he was on a “suicide mission” and intended to provoke the officers to shoot and kill him. Officer Vela testified he believed in the moment that he would be stabbed if he did not shoot Battaglia.

The Grand Jury determined Officer Alex Vela was fully justified in his use of deadly physical force against Battaglia and acted lawfully in accordance with Oregon law.

The jury also returned an indictment against Battaglia on two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, and two counts of Menacing. Once released from the hospital, Battaglia will be lodged in the Jackson County Jail on those charges and held on $150,000 bail.

Posted on 10/30/26 9:26AM by Alex Bauer

Rural Metro, AMR, JoCo Sheriff's Office Dispatched to Vehicle Crash

A vehicle crash was reported on Highland Avenue near the Interstate 5 overpass around 10:01 p.m. Thursday.

According to Rural Metro, the vehicle ended up in the ditch after taking out a tree and catching fire, and the occupants were taken to the hospital with unspecified injuries.

Firefighters suppressed the flames as American Medical Response treated the injured. The roadway was temporarily blocked as emergency crews processed the scene. The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation.

Posted on 10/30/26 8:55AM by Alex Bauer

IVFD, Rural Metro, AMR Respond to Fully Involved Trailer Fire in Cave Junction

Emergency crews were dispatched to a structure fire in the 3300 block of Rockydale Road this morning.

The Illinois Valley Fire District, Rural Metro Fire, and American Medical Response arrived at the scene shortly after 6:42 a.m. of a fully involved trailer fire with minimal wildland extension in Cave Junction.

The fire has been contained, and the fire crews are in mop-up operations. An investigation into the incident is pending.

Posted on 10/30/26 6:53AM by Alex Bauer

Pacific Power Reaches Settlement, Customers Could See 0.3% Rate Increase

Pacific Power reached a settlement with Oregon Public Utility Commission staff and other parties in the company’s 2027 Oregon general rate case.

Pending final approval by the Commission, residential customers would see a net average increase of about 0.3% in April 2027 compared with April 2026. Power cost decreases and other price changes in 2026 and early 2027 would almost entirely offset a 9% general rate case increase that would take effect in April 2027.

Over the same period, commercial and industrial customers would see a net average decrease of about 6.5%. The settlement reflects higher costs for poles, wires and other equipment, rising wildfire insurance costs and completed infrastructure projects. If approved, new rates would take effect April 5, 2027.

Posted on 10/30/26 4:50AM by Alex Bauer

Man Lodged on Warrant after Trespassing, Consuming Fentanyl

Grants Pass Police arrested a man trespassing on an empty lot and wanted on a warrant Wednesday after he consumed fentanyl.

A call to 911 around 4:25 p.m. reported about six individuals were at 1110 SW Foundry Street, after having been there the day before. The owner of the lot was advised and requested everyone be removed and trespassed.

Police arrived and contacted Robert Lowden, who was uncooperative. He was given a use of force warning, and taken into constructive custody. Officers learned he had an Oregon Parole Board warrant charging him with a parole violation.

Lowden said he needed an ambulance at 4:50 p.m. because he had consumed fentanyl and "felt weird". A safety check yielded paraphernalia for destruction, and Lowden was ultimately lodged in the Josephine County Adult Jail Facility for his warrant at 6:14 p.m.

Posted on 10/29/26 1:00PM by Alex Bauer

WinCo Theft Suspect Apprehended by Loss Prevention, Lodged by GP Police

WinCo loss prevention reported a theft to dispatch, leading to the suspect's arrest.

Wednesday at 6:47 a.m., staff at the 231 NE Terry Lane grocer detained Logan Diaz after he neglected to pay for over $16 worth of merchandise, including two Lunchables, chocolate milk, and a frozen TV dinner. He had reportedly been trespassed from the store back in May, and was cooperative with staff who wished to pursue for theft.

Grants Pass Police responded to the scene and contacted Diaz. He was taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for First Degree Criminal Trespass and Theft in the Third Degree. His backpack was entered into safekeeping, and he was trespassed from the WinCo.

Posted on 10/29/26 12:25PM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Arrested Suspect that Broke Into Oilstop and Caused $2,000 in Damage

Officers with Grants Pass Police lodged a man after he caused over $2,000 in damage breaking into the Oilstop building on SE Mill Street.

According to the police report, Wednesday around 11:39 p.m., dispatch was notified that the suspect, later identified as Michael Frey, used a pry bar to enter through the building's door leading to the garage. While inside, he pushed open the crawl space door and entered the premises.

He proceeded to barricade himself in the attic, causing damage to the wall and door upon entering. Officers arrived, and K-9 Kick was deployed to assist with clearing the building. Frey ultimately came down from the attic space and was taken into custody without incident.

He was charged for Burglary in the Second Degree and First Degree Criminal Mischief before being lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

Posted on 10/29/26 12:02PM by Alex Bauer

No Threat after Unfounded Rogue River High School Report of Student with Gun

Rogue River Junior Senior High School has returned to normal operations after an unfounded report of a student with a firearm on the way to school prompted a precautionary “secure status” this morning. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Rogue River Police Department officers responded and determined there was no credible threat to the school. The “secure status” was lifted shortly after 8 a.m., and there is no further threat to students, staff, or the school community. Law enforcement responded to a report of a Rogue River High School student potentially carrying a firearm in their backpack on the way to school this morning at 7:31 a.m. The report prompted school officials to place the school in a “secure status” as a precaution while law enforcement investigated and ensured the safety of students and staff. Law enforcement contacted the student after a parent dropped them off at school, but before the student entered the building, it was confirmed the student did not have a firearm. There is no ongoing threat to students, staff, or the school community. JCSO takes all reports of potential threats to school safety seriously.

Posted on 10/29/26 11:39AM by Alex Bauer

MFD Encourages Safe E-Bike Practices as State sees 118% Bike Fire Increase Since 2020

Medford Fire crews responded to three e-bike fires in October.

According to the MFD, these incidents are part of a larger safety concern, as the state has recorded 111 e-mobility fires between 2020 and 2025, an increase of 118%.

To help reduce these risks, the MFD is encouraging the public to use only the charger designed for your bike or one approved by the manufacturer. Be sure to charge outside whenever possible, and if you must charge indoors, stay nearby and keep exits clear.

If a battery hisses, smokes, or catches fire, call 911. Prioritize escaping over trying to extinguish the fire, as battery fires can release toxic gases that may cause confusion or loss of consciousness. The batteries can also explode, causing injuries or additional fires.

Posted on 10/29/26 10:49AM by Alex Bauer

Man Arrested for Four Out-of-County Warrants, Other Charges after Attempted Car Theft

A Quality Inn employee reported an aggressive man who was later arrested by Grants Pass Police for four out-of-county warrants and other charges.

The suspect was attempting to break into a car in the 1889 NE 6th Street hotel's parking lot Thursday around 4:40 p.m. The caller reported to dispatch that the suspect had been there the night before, and had caused a scene, reportedly also harassing someone staying at the inn.

The suspect proceeded to walk southbound on 7th after damaging fuses on the vehicle. He was soon detained by arriving officers, and identified himself as Daniel Cook from Vermont. Officers correctly identified him as Austin Uhlmansiek, and found him to be wanted out of the Del Norte County Sheriff's Office and California Department of Corrections.

The four warrants charged him with Obstruction, three counts of Controlled Substance Possession, two counts of Prohibited Contraband Possession, and a Parole Violation. A consent search was conducted, and officers located a small rubber container and a small amount of powder, which Uhlmansiek claimed was bee pollen.

It was, in fact, methamphetamine following field testing, and officers took Uhlmansiek into custody, lodging him in the Adult Jail Facility for his warrants, Possession of Meth, and Providing False Information.

Posted on 10/29/26 10:40AM by Alex Bauer

Woman Stole Cans, Exchanged for Alcohol, Lodged in Jail

Law enforcement apprehended a theft suspect Wednesday who stole cans from a business and exchanged them for alcohol.

The Grants Pass Police officer was contacted by Johnson Builders Corp. staff and told a woman had entered the property Tuesday afternoon and walked off with about $5 worth of cans. The theft was captured on surveillance, and probable cause was established to arrest the suspect.

She was spotted the next day near the 1100 block of Rogue River Highway. The officer spoke with her, and she admitted to the theft, saying she took the cans, then exchanged them for alcohol at the Rogue River Market.

The officer identified her as Jenavee Smith, and after the market's security footage confirmed her admission, she was lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Third Degree Theft. She was also trespassed from Johnson Builder's Corp.

Posted on 10/29/26 10:14AM by Alex Bauer

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