Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Search and Rescue Continue Missing Woman Search.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives and Search and Rescue personnel continue to search for a woman missing out of Prospect, Ore. Deenah Padgett, 69, was reported missing on Sunday, September 8, 2024, when she was last seen camping in the Prospect area. She is described as a white woman with brownish-red, partially gray hair, standing at 4’8” and weighing 90-100 lbs. JCSO detectives and SAR personnel have searched the area extensively and are looking for the public’s help. If you see Deenah or know her whereabouts, immediately call ECSO Dispatch at (541) 776-7206 and reference case 24-4928. If you have any information that might help the investigation, call Detective Friend at (541) 864-8774. ...Read more

ODF Crews Continue Relentless Attack on Lower Rogue River Corridor Fires

Firefighters continued an aggressive attack on numerous fires throughout the Lower Rogue River Corridor in northwestern Josephine County Thursday. These fires, a result of lightning strikes from Wednesday afternoon’s thunderstorm, are affecting Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land approximately 26 miles northwest of Grants Pass near the Winkle Bar Airstrip. The Kelsey Peak Fire remains the largest incident, estimated to be 80 acres as of last night. This fire is the number one priority fire across ODF’s statewide jurisdiction due to its difficulty and safety concerns. It’s currently 25% lined. The Bald Ridge Fire #2 and Cold Springs Fire were caught and mopped-up yesterday. The Ditch Creek fire was located by firefighters, and they were able to stop it at 1/10th of an acre. It’s currently 100% lined and mop-up operations are ongoing. ...Read more

JoCo Commissioners Make Quick Work of Light Agenda During Business Session

The Josephine County Commissioners worked quickly through their agenda during the weekly business session Thursday morning. Commissioner Ron Smith made a motion to accept the Consent Calendar, which was seconded by Commissioner Chris Barnett. The motion carried with a 3-0 vote. In other matters, Commissioner Barnett said he wanted to make a motion to approve the library lease presented on August 21st in its original form before the amendment change. No motion was made. Commissioner Andreas Blech told his constituents that he will reach out to legal counsel with how to move ahead with the library lease. He also shared the board had reviewed and approved all pending administrative and personal actions without objections. ...Read more