Local News

Commissioner Ron Smith was absent for Wednesday's Administrative Workshop at 1:30 p.m.

County Legal counsel did not participate in the meeting. No quorum was present, so no business could proceed.

In a statement, Commissioner Chris Barnett said "a mandamus action has been filed by a private citizen seeking judicial direction on how this situation must be resolved after a 30 day deadline." Because the matter regarding Smith's obligations as Commissioner is before the court, no further comments were made on it.

Barnett continued, saying the appointment process will be looked at with the courts. That proceeding is pending. The meeting was adjourned at 1:33 p.m.

 

The Republican-led group attempting to halt a scheduled increase to Oregon's transportation taxes officially submitted enough required signatures to allow voters the final say next November.

According to The Daily Courier, the Oregon Secretary of State's office announced Tuesday that it had, so far, verified 163,451 signatures of the 194,000 submitted by the campaign earlier this month, exceeding the required 78,000 signatures. An additional 57,000 signatures submitted Monday have yet to be verified.

This means Oregonians will officially no longer see a 6-cent increase to the state's 40 cents per gallon gas tax or hikes to title and registration fees in January. The state's 0.1% payroll tax for transit will not temporarily double as it was set to do.

The tax hikes had already been suspended while the secretary of state's office verified the signatures. Unless lawmakers act, the tax hikes will remain frozen pending a decision from voters next November.

 

Commissioner Ron Smith was absent from today's meeting, leaving Commissioner Chris Barnett to conduct the meeting for informational purposes only. No quorum was present, so no business or actions could be conducted regarding Interviews or an Appointment for Josephine County Commissioner Position 1. According to a statement read by Barnett, and confirmed by a call to the Commissioner's office, a mandamus action has been filed by a citizen, seeking judicial clarity on Smith's obligations. County legal counsel declined to take part in this meeting. Barnett continued, saying if this impasse continues beyond the 30 day period following former Commissioner Andreas Blech's resignation, "judicial or other lawful remedies may need to be explored to resolve a situation that threatens the continuity of county governance."

 

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) is inviting the public to join their virtual ride-along highlighting a multi-agency DUII High-Visibility Enforcement Patrol tonight starting at 8 p.m.

Photos and videos from DUII stops and other notable calls will be shared on JCSO's Facebook and Instagram Stories. This content will not be live, but rather will be posted after incidents occur.

JCSO and partner agencies will conduct a DUII patrol tonight to deter impaired driving and help keep roadways safe. Officers will work alongside deputies throughout the evening and into the early morning hours of New Year’s Day.

The grant-funded DUII High-Visibility Enforcement Patrol will focus on areas in Jackson County with higher rates of DUII arrests and crashes. Law enforcement will be actively watching for signs of impairment.

This effort is made possible through grant funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

As a reminder from JCSO and its partner agencies, driving under the influence of intoxicants is illegal and carries serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and license suspension. Even one drink can impair your ability to drive.

If you’re hosting a party where alcohol is served, ensure guests have a sober ride home. Always wear your seat belt, and if you suspect an impaired driver, call 911 immediately.

This collaboration includes the Oregon State Police, Medford Police, Ashland Oregon Police Department, Central Point Police Department, Eagle Point Police Department, Phoenix Oregon Police Department, the City of Talent Police Department, and the Rogue River Police Department.

 

The Ballot Return report for the Recall Election against Commissioner Chris Barnett shows a voter turnout of 19.07% so far.

The latest report, provided by County Clerk Rhiannon Henkels, shows a grand total of 13,435 ballots received. Of those, 11,821 ballots have been verified. There is a total of 70,448 eligible voters in Josephine County.

According to a notice on the county website, the schedule for January 6, 2026 Recall Election reporting begins that same Tuesday after 8 p.m., followed by further results January 14th and 23rd posted by 5 p.m., pending schedule changes dependent on receipt of ballots.

Certified Results will be posted no later than February 2nd, but no sooner than January 28th posted by 5 p.m.

 

The Oregon State Police conducted a traffic stop at the corner of Holbrook Road and Merlin Road in Merlin Monday afternoon, resulting in an arrest for suspended driving.

The suspect, Steven Nielsen, 49, of Grants Pass, was pulled over for speeding at 1:10 p.m. He admitted to troopers that he was criminally suspended, which was confirmed after a status check.

Nielsen was arrested and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Felony Driving while Suspended, as well as a post-prison supervision sanction according to jail records.

His vehicle was towed from the scene.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing woman. Sarah Shaffer, 42, is 5'6" tall and 159 lbs. She has blondish brown hair but has been known to change her hair color, and her eyes are blue. Shaffer was last seen around Thanksgiving in the Selma area. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Sarah please call the Sheriff's Office at 541-474-5123. Reference case #25-31011

 

Grants Pass Police were alerted to a man shoplifting at the Grange Co-op Sunday.

At 2:19 p.m., dispatch was notified by an employee of the store that the suspect stole a pair of Ariat Boots valued at $170 and ran off.

The caller wanted to pursue charges for theft, and soon lost eyes on the man after identifying a van possibly associated with the suspect.

The caller pursued until the shoplifter left the property. Grants Pass Police officers were able to track down and detain the suspect, Jason Burkett, in McDonalds.

He was transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Second Degree Theft and First Degree Criminal Trespass. The boots were returned to the Grange Co-op.

 

The Ballot Return report for the Recall Election against Commissioner Chris Barnett shows a voter turnout of 18.13% so far.

The latest report, provided by County Clerk Rhiannon Henkels, shows a grand total of 12,776 ballots received. Of those, 7,884 ballots have been verified. There is a total of 70,482 eligible voters in Josephine County.

According to a notice on the county website, the schedule for January 6, 2026 Recall Election reporting begins that same Tuesday after 8 p.m., followed by further results January 14th and 23rd posted by 5 p.m., pending schedule changes dependent on receipt of ballots.

Certified Results will be posted no later than February 2nd, but no sooner than January 28th posted by 5 p.m.