Local News

Emergency crews took action when a two-vehicle, head-on collision was reported on Redwood Highway in Kerby Thursday at 8:50 p.m.

The Illinois Valley Fire District and American Medical Response arrived at the scene near School Street and Holton Creek Road where two vehicles collided. Redwood Highway was temporarily closed in both directions while emergency crews worked to secure the scene, assess those involved, and ensure the safety of responders and motorists.

All individuals involved were evaluated by medical personnel, and no patients required transport to the hospital. The Oregon Department of Transportation assisted with roadway management during the incident. The Oregon State Police responded and conducted the investigation into the cause of the collision.

 

The Illinois Valley Fire District responded to the scene of two separate traffic accidents Thursday afternoon that occurred within minutes of each other.

The first took place around 1:35 p.m. on Redwood Highway at Ken Rose Lane in Cave Junction. Fire personnel responded to the two-vehicle accident. Both vehicles had been moved to the side of the roadway prior to arrival, with no lanes being blocked. No injuries were reported.

The second incident occurred on the Redwood Highway at Waldo Road in O'Brien around 1:46 p.m. While personnel were responding to the first incident, the second was reported involving a motorcyclist and a passenger vehicle.

IVFD and American Medical Response arrived at the scene. No injuries were reported. Oregon State Police is conducted the investigations for both incidents.

 

A missing hunter was found safe Wednesday after spending more than 72 hours lost in the remote wilderness near Prospect. According to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO), despite three days outdoors in cold temperatures, the 60-year-old man was in good condition. The hunter, who went missing Sunday, November 8, walked out of the wilderness and was located by fellow hunters Wednesday at 10:26 a.m. on the 900 Road near County Line Road outside Prospect. He was taken to a nearby JCSO Search and Rescue (SAR) checkpoint, where he reunited with family and friends. Before the hunter was located, an extensive search effort was underway involving law enforcement, search and rescue teams, and community volunteers. Search methods included using ground personnel, K-9 teams, multiple airplanes, and a helicopter. During the search, JCSO deputies and SAR personnel expanded the search area and requested assistance from the California Oregon Regional Search and Rescue task force. More than 50 SAR personnel and approximately 80 community volunteers participated in the search. The public is reminded, when heading into the wilderness, to prepare for the unexpected. If you become lost, remember these important safety tips: Stay put, call for help, stay warm and dry, make yourself visible, and plan ahead.

 

A woman wanted on three out-of-county warrants was lodged in jail after providing police with a false name.

Wednesday around 8:50 p.m., officers with Grants Pass Police contacted two individuals at the corner of SE J Street and SE 8th Street. One of them identified herself as Jessica Whitmire, but her true identity was confirmed to be Christine Whitmire.

She was found to be wanted out of the Medford Police Department and Jackson County Sheriff's Office for charges including Fentanyl Possession, Second and Third Degree Theft, Second Degree Trespass, and Identity Theft.

Officers arrested Whitmire, transported her to the Josephine County Jail, and lodged her on her three warrants plus a charge of Furnishing False Information to Police. She was also trespassed from the South Safeway.

 

A man trespassing downtown was contacted and arrested by Grants Pass Police Wednesday morning.

Officers, after issuing a warning for improper positioning on a highway in a separate case, identified Ronald Spears at the corner of 5th and H Streets at 9:39 a.m. He was found to be in violation of a 180-Day Exclusion order from the downtown area.

Police took Spears into custody for Second Degree Trespass, and lodged him in the Josephine County Jail. His property was placed into safekeeping, and a new downtown exclusion order for 180 days was entered for him.

 

Pacific Power is monitoring an approaching storm that could impact customers in parts of Oregon and California overnight.

According to a release, the weather forecast indicates the potential for strong winds and rain beginning tonight into Friday afternoon, which could increase the potential for power outages.

Pacific Power’s meteorology team is closely monitoring the storm, and crews are ready to respond to weather-related outages.

Pacific Power encourages customers to always be prepared for outages. State and local emergency management organizations also recommend having an emergency plan and to be prepared for up to 72 hours without essential services.

Here are some simple steps customers can take to prepare and stay informed:
• Update your contact information with Pacific Power.
• Sign up to receive outage alerts by text, email or phone.
• Restock your outage kit.
• Keep mobile devices charged so that they may be used in an emergency.
• Track outages, update your contact info and do more with our free app.
• Text OUT to 722797 to report your outage or STAT to check status.

As a reminder, stay away from all downed power lines and utility lines. Even if the lines are not sparking, they could be energized and extremely dangerous. Customers should avoid both downed trees and power lines and keep pets far away from those areas.

If you observe a downed line, call 911 and report the outage to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088. Visit PacificPower.net/Outages for outage and restoration updates.

 

The attempted theft of fried chicken was thwarted by Grants Pass Police when they apprehended the fleeing suspect Wednesday.

Loss prevention at Fred Meyer reported the suspect, believed to be Jacob Ford, had fled the scene after attempting to steal about $8 worth of chicken. He was described as wearing a gray hoodie, blue shorts, and a black backpack, and had been trespassed from the Grants Pass Parkway store previously.

Dispatch was told Ford was on foot near O'Reilly's at 2:34 p.m., before heading towards Jersey Mikes. The caller lost eyes on Ford, but said surveillance footage of him was available.

Officers located Ford and detained him outside the Goodwill. He was taken into custody for Third Degree Theft, then transported to the Josephine County Jail for lodging. His backpack was logged for safekeeping.

 

Rural Metro Fire reported their planned training burn and Flag Retirement went as planned, and that smoke will still be seen coming from the area.

Crews started by doing a respectful Flag retirement, during which 6 firefighters ceremoniously laid their Flags ready to be burned. The fire was then started and finished with the lighting of the area where over 400 Flags lay ready for retirement.

Newer firefighters were able to watch how the fire progressed while the older members gave a thorough explanation of what was happening. The majority of the house has now been consumed.

Crews remind the public that smoke is still coming from the area. Firefighters are on site to monitor.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a WinCo theft suspect and lodged her following clearance from Three Rivers Medical Center Wednesday.

A call to 911 at 3:45 p.m. reported staff with the 231 NE Terry Lane grocer were dealing with someone regarding a potential theft issue. The suspect, later identified as Jennifer Condon, was detained and cuffed per another call to dispatch. She was reportedly resisting and shouting before being placed in the loss prevention office.

Staff wished to pursue for theft and trespass, and upon arrival of police, probable cause was established for a Second Degree Theft charge, so Condon was detained. She complained of abdominal pain, so she was then transported to the hospital. Following clearance, officers lodged Condon in the Adult Jail Facility for the theft charge.