Local News

Enrollment continues to climb at Rogue Community College, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth since the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a release, RCC said their fourth-week headcount this fall was 5,560 students, a 7% increase over fall 2024, according to enrollment data from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC).

This fall marks the first time that RCC’s full-time equivalent enrollment has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with a fourth-week FTE of 1,349 compared to 1,271 in 2019.

RCC’s continued growth reflects its strong alignment with community and industry needs. The college’s innovative programs and partnerships, particularly in high-demand fields such as health care, manufacturing and technology, are helping students prepare for meaningful, well-paying careers close to home.

While community demand remains strong, RCC’s ability to expand access is constrained by state funding caps under the growth management formula and by space and facility limitations across its campuses, such as a need for science lab space at Table Rock Campus to support expanding healthcare programs.

For more information about Rogue Community College, visit roguecc.edu.

 

The Grants Pass City Council met for a special meeting following an executive session Monday.

A request was made to have an $800 parade application fee waved, and for the city to sponsor $3,000 for traffic abatement. A motion to approve the request passed, with the $3,000 coming from the Lands and Buildings Project.

Also on the agenda was the topic of people volunteering their vehicles for the Christmas Parade, December 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 48 vehicles are needed, with half already volunteered.

This effort would work to prevent any vehicles breaking through barriers of the parade, potentially causing harm. More coordination will continue during a December 2 organizational meeting at 4 p.m. where vehicle positions will be assigned.

 

The Oregon State Police conducted a traffic stop and subsequently arrested the driver on a warrant Monday evening.

At 5:22 p.m. near milepost 23 on US Highway 199, troopers pulled over a black Honda Accord for speeding. The driver, identified as Steven Lorange, was found to have a valid felony warrant out of California.

When Lorange was informed he was under arrest, he started rolling up his window while troopers attempted to open the car door from within. A taser was deployed, and Lorange was taken into custody without further incident.

He was transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for his extraditable felony warrant and a charge of Resisting Arrest.

 

Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency Monday after a leak forced the shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline, which supplies more than 90% of the state’s transportation fuel. KDRV reports the pipeline delivers fuel to terminals in Portland, where it is distributed throughout Oregon, including Southern Oregon gas stations and airports. State officials say the state is not currently experiencing a fuel shortage, but the emergency order allows agencies to coordinate alternative delivery methods, including barges and trucks, to maintain an adequate supply while the pipeline is offline. State officials warn that Oregonians may see higher gas prices in the coming days, since moving fuel by truck or barge costs more than transporting it through the pipeline. The governor’s directive activates Oregon’s emergency fuel plan and allows the Department of Transportation to temporarily loosen trucking regulations to speed deliveries if necessary. Crews in Washington are still investigating the source of the leak and determining how much fuel may have escaped.

 

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, and many Oregonians will be hitting the roads to visit family and friends. The Oregon Department of Transportation reminds everyone that wet, snowy, and unpredictable weather could quickly turn travel plans upside down if you’re not prepared. ODOT crews will be out working through the holiday plowing snow, clearing debris, managing traffic, and responding to weather impacts. With traffic increasing and winter conditions setting in, they are asking travelers to do their part. Please slow down, be patient, and give crews plenty of room whether crews are plowing, flagging traffic or doing emergency response work. During this holiday week, expect delays, check conditions before your trip, and watch for message signs providing critical road updates like chain requirements, weather hazards, and delays. Drivers are also reminded to prepare for winter driving by carrying chains and packing water, snacks, warm clothes, blankets, medications, and anything you’d need if traffic slows to a crawl. Drive for the conditions, give snowplows room, watch for people walking and biking, and always choose a sober, focused, and alert driver.

 

The Salvation Army Medford Corps is pleased to announce its annual Thanksgiving Drive-Thru Turkey Giveaway today

This community event is being held at The Salvation Army Thrift Store parking lot, 922 N Central Avenue in Medford from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
It's first-come, first-served, and once the turkeys are gone, they’re gone.

Thanks to the generous support of local donors and Les Schwab, The Salvation Army anticipates distributing nearly 500 turkeys to local families who might otherwise go without a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

The event is designed for convenience and accessibility. Drive-thru service will ensure quick pick-up, and walk-ups are warmly welcome. For more information about Salvation Army holiday programs or how to support families in need, please contact The Salvation Army Jackson County Corps at (541) 773-6965

 

Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 62, in Josephine County Saturday. At 2:04 a.m., the preliminary investigation indicated a Chevrolet S10, operated by Annette Dea Dimmick, 34, of Grants Pass, was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes for unknown reasons. Her vehicle struck a northbound Volvo commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by David Michael Jellison, 68, of Alliance, Ohio, head-on. Dimmick was declared deceased at the scene. Jellison and his passenger, Ceejay Clay, 29, of Warren, Ohio, suffered reported minor injuries and were transported to an area hospital. The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP was assisted by the Josephine County Sheriff's Office, Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire, and ODOT.

 

Visitors to Josephine County Parks and Campgrounds will see updated pricing beginning in 2026.

A release from the Recreation Department says various camping fees and the affixed Annual Day Use Parking Pass increase will take effect January 1, 2026.

Park enthusiasts will have the opportunity to purchase their 2026 Affixed Annual Parking Pass at the 2025 rate of $30 and the Transferable Annual Parking Pass for $50 from November 28 through December 31, saving $5. Starting January 1, 2026, the affixed Annual Parking Pass will increase to $35, and the Transferable Parking Pass to $55.

Additional increases will apply to select camping and yurt rental fees throughout County Campgrounds. Effective April 1, 2026, the single day use parking fee will increase to $10 per vehicle.

Josephine County Parks is a self-funded program that receives no support from local tax dollars. Every dollar collected is reinvested directly into park operations, maintenance, and improvements.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a man after a reported robbery at the Lil' Pantry Sunday evening.

At 5:25 p.m., a man carrying a knife was reported to have just stolen money and cigarettes from the 979 Rogue River Highway location. An officer observed the suspect asking people for a lighter while walking Eastbound on Fruitdale Drive.

The man was identified as Andre Cotton, and the officer advised him he was under arrest. Cotton ignored the lawful commands and continued walking. Additional units arrived at the scene, and, despite commands, Cotton remained uncompliant.

Officers, using a less lethal shotgun, deployed a beanbag, prompting Cotton to comply. He was subsequently taken into custody. The cigarettes were located on his person, and both they and the knife were logged.

Medical clearance was given to Cotton from Three Rivers Medical Center, and he was transported to the Josephine County Jail. Officer lodged him for Third Degree Theft, Escape in the Third Degree, and Resisting Arrest. A charge of Menacing was forwarded to the District Attorney's Office.