Ballots Come In as General Election Draws Near
Ballots have been coming in for the November 3rd General Election, with results to be posted throughout the month. According to County website, unofficial results for tomorrow's election will be posted on the Oregon Secretary of State Website & Josephine County Website: https://results.oregonvotes.gov. As of the latest report, a total of 26,200 ballots have been accepted of the 26,748 received, showing a participation rate of 38.07%. Results will first be announced after 8 p.m. this Tuesday. The final certified results will be posted no later than Monday, November 30th, by 5 p.m. ...Read more

ODOT Begins Highway 238 and New Hope Road Signal and Sidewalk Repair
The Oregon Department of Transportation has begun work to repair a damaged traffic signal and sidewalk at the intersection of Oregon Highway 238 and New Hope Road in south Grants Pass. According to ODOT, expect lane closures during the day this week while crews install the new signal mast and arm. Flaggers and pilot cars will provide traffic control while the signal is inoperable. Some traffic control may remain in place at night. The signal replacement is expected to be complete by Thursday, weather permitting. Expect short delays, and use caution. Be sure to watch for workers in the roadway. All work at this location is scheduled for completion by December 1st. ...Read more

Ashland Officer Justified in Use of Deadly Force, Suspect Indicted by Grand Jury

Evidence and testimony was presented to a Jackson County Grand Jury related to the investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred on "A" Street in Ashland October 26th. According to the Jackson County District Attorney's Office, at approximately 2 a.m. that Monday, Ashland Police Department officers Alex Vela and Lorenzo Elder responded to a business alarm on A Street and encountered Phillip Battaglia, 36, armed with a knife. He threatened the officers upon their arrival, ignored repeated commands to drop the knife, and advanced toward Officer Vela. When Battaglia reached the front of Vela’s patrol vehicle still holding the knife, Vela fired two shots, striking Battaglia in the leg and stopping his advance. Even after being shot and while still on the ground, Battaglia swung the knife in the direction of Officer Elder and continued refusing commands. He eventually dropped the knife, and officers immediately provided medical aid until Ashland firefighters arrived. ...Read more