JCSO Cancels Level 1 Evacuation Notice for Blackwell Fire, Crews Suppressed Blaze
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office announced the Level 1 evacuation notice for Zone JAC 299 has been canceled. Firefighting efforts on the Blackwell fire and cooperative weather conditions were cited as reasons for the cancellation. According to Jackson County Fire District 3, suppression operations continued in coordination with the property owner. The district encourages everyone to be vigilant and careful with fire danger, saying to mow and reduce vegetation around your homes now while there are no restrictions on running powered equipment for mowing and cutting. The Blackwell Fire was a substantial blaze early on in fire season. The response highlighted the strength of partnerships across the region between fire agencies, law enforcement, dispatch, roads, and utilities.
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Nine Individuals Presented Life Saving Awards at Commissioner's WBS
Oregon State Marine Board director Larry Warren presented nine individuals with Life Saving Awards during the Board of Commissioners Weekly Business Session today at 9 a.m. Members of a private rafting group searched for a man missing in the Illinois River Valley February 16th. The missing man was found by the group despite challenging winter conditions, and he was soon rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter. The nine group members were recognized for their heroic actions by Warren, Sheriff Dave Daniel, and the board. Following the presentation of the awards, the consent calendar was approved. Commissioner Gary Richardson highlighted and thanked IVCanDO for distributing Know Your Zone cards to the community, and their partnership with the Energy Trust of Oregon.
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JoCo Sheriff's Deputies Apprehended Suspended, Intoxicated Driver after Chase
Josephine County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man after he was observed driving westbound on Merlin Road at speeds estimated around 100 mph Sunday at 12:03 a.m. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies activated their emergency lights and siren, at which point the tan GMC Suburban accelerated in an attempt to elude law enforcement. The vehicle turned onto Merlin Avenue, failed to stop at a stop sign, and continued onto Pleasant Valley Road where a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle continued fleeing northbound on Pleasant Valley Road at lower speeds before yielding in the 1100 block of Pleasant Valley Road. A felony stop was conducted and the driver, identified as Job McGhee, was taken into custody without incident. Deputies located a loaded semi-automatic shotgun in the front passenger seat of the vehicle during an investigation. It was also determined the driver was intoxicated at the time of the incident.
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