Local News

Josephine County Sheriff's deputies arrested a man that was in violation of a restraining order against him Monday evening.

Dispatch was notified at 7:10 p.m. that the suspect, Donald Gregg, was at the caller's residence in the 300 block of Murphy Creek Road. She told dispatch she had a restraining order against Gregg, and that he was in the restroom at the time of the call.

Deputies arrived to take him into custody for a charge of Restraining Order Violation. His parole officer was contacted, and a detainer was requested.

Gregg was transported to the Josephine County Adult Jail Facility and lodged on his charge and detainer. According to jail logs, Gregg's Restraining Order charge was not filed by the District Attorney.

 

Last month, the Redwood Foundation for Education awarded more than $860,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Josephine County, Rogue River and Glendale.

According to a release, local high school seniors apply for scholarships from the Redwood Foundation for Education each year and are matched to over 200 different scholarships administered by the foundation.

New this scholarship cycle is an award established in memory of John O. Dunkin by his family. John built a successful career in the lumber industry and, in 1985, founded local business Rogue Valley Door.

To honor his legacy, the Dunkin family chose to support students pursuing careers in timber, wood products, forestry, or related manufacturing fields, with priority given to those demonstrating financial need.

This year, two $1,000 scholarships were awarded, with one each going to a student from Grants Pass High School and Hidden Valley High School.

In 2026, the Redwood Foundation for Education anticipates providing more than $1.25 million locally through grants and scholarships to support early childhood, K-12, and transitions into post-secondary education and training.

 

The Josephine County Fair is gearing up for the 2026 celebration packed with entertainment, family fun, and fair traditions plus free Fair admission every day. According to a release, this year’s fair promises four nights of headline entertainment in addition to daily attractions for the whole family. Kicking off the excitement on Wednesday, July 29th, the McCaslin Rough Stock Rodeo returns and is presented by McCaslin Rodeo. Fairgoers can expect an evening of bull riding, bronc riding, and classic rodeo competition. Thursday, July 30th, country star Clay Walker will take to the stage with chart-topping hits like What’s It to You, Live Until I Die, and If I Could Make a Living. The fun continues into Friday and Saturday with the Monster X Tour where 10,000 lb. car crushing trucks compete in racing, wheelies, and freestyle. Beyond the headline events, fairgoers can enjoy free nightly entertainment on the fair concert stage, plus daily Barnyard Races and Power’s Circus, all of which are free.

 

With dry conditions across the Pacific Northwest, Pacific Power is preparing its system to reduce wildfire risk.

As part of Pacific Power’s ongoing wildfire prevention efforts, the company is taking steps to protect the customers and communities. These include enhanced safety settings and protective equipment designed to automatically shut off power when lines come into contact with debris, wildlife, or strong winds.

During periods of extreme risk, the company may also temporarily de-energize power lines to reduce the likelihood of ignition or help limit the spread of active fires. These measures may lead to longer or more frequent outages for customers in some high-risk areas.

Customers can prepare for potential outages by ensuring their contact information is up to date to receive outage notifications, review backup power options, and assemble an emergency kit.

More information is available at PacificPower.net/Wildfire, and Oregon.gov/OSFM.

 

Progress continues on the Spencer Gulch Fire. Crews have mopped up 100 feet in from the perimeter lines overnight and completed most of the snagging within the first 300 feet to remove overhead hazards and improve safety around the line.

The Oregon Department of Forestry posted on their Southwest Oregon District page that, with this progress, containment has increased to 10%. The same resources assigned yesterday are on the fire again today, and last night’s staffing plan will remain in place for tonight’s shift as well.

Helicopter and air attack platforms are available today but are not expected to be needed based on current fire behavior. Another day of hot, dry fire weather conditions is expected, but crews are well prepared to continue strengthening containment lines and deepening mop up.

While crews continue making good progress on Spencer Gulch, they will also be ready to support initial attack across the district with any air or ground resources available.

 

Firefighters continue to make steady progress on the West Jones Creek Fire, which remains held at 17 acres after crews worked hard through the night to strengthen control lines and expand mop-up operations. The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District posted on Facebook, saying crews now have 50 to 75 feet mopped up in from the perimeter, and a hose lay installed last night is in place around the fire. Firefighters will use this access to further strengthen mop-up depth and secure the line throughout the day. Even with another round of hot, dry, and windy conditions expected, and the added challenge of steep terrain, crews are well-positioned to continue building on their strong overnight progress. Resources working the fire include four Type 6 engines, two 20-person hand crews, and one water tender. Firefighters will focus today on expanding mop-up, extinguishing remaining hot spots, and reinforcing containment.

 

Firefighters made progress yesterday on the Spencer Gulch Fire, working steadily through hot and dry conditions to deepen containment and secure the fire’s edge.

According to the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, crews mopped in a solid 75 feet from the perimeter line around the entire fire, they also removed overhead snag hazards to improve safety for personnel working both day and night.

A helicopter dropped water to cool interior heat allowing crews to access deeper within the fire. Night resources included four 20-person crews, two engines, one dozer, one water tender, and aircraft working until daylight allows. Night shift continued strengthening containment lines, and searching for remaining heat.

All evacuation levels issued by the Jackson County Sheriff Oregon and Jackson County Emergency Management have been canceled. The fire remains 75 acres and is approximately 5% mopped up, with a hose line fully in place around the perimeter.

The official cause of the fire is still under investigation.

 

Emergency crews worked through the night to fight the Jones Creek Fire that broke out in the 800 block of Jones Creek Road. The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District Facebook page says firefighters are holding the fire at an estimated 17 acres. Night-shift resources were set in place, including two 20-person crews, four Type 6 engines, and one water tender. Crews worked through the night to extinguish hot spots and continue mop up operations. The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has downgraded evacuations, moving Level 3 “Go Now” areas to Level 1 “Be Ready.” Residents should continue to follow the Sheriff’s Office page for any further evacuation updates.

 

Emergency crews are currently battling the West Jones Fire that broke out in the 800 block of Jones Creek Road. A Level 3 - Go Now Evacuation Order is in effect for Zone JCU-422-B, and a Level 2 - Be Set Evacuation Warning is in effect for Zone JCU-422-A. According to the latest update from the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, the fire is estimated at 8 to 10 acres. Crews are working hard and beginning to see strong progress with 70 percent of the fire knocked down and 50 percent of the perimeter wet lined despite hot, dry and windy conditions. One outbuilding, a shed was destroyed by the fire. Multiple aircraft are currently engaged, making bucket drops to support ground efforts.