JoCo Sheriff's Office Search for Missing Man, Attempted Murder Case Under Investigation

Josephine County Sheriff's deputies responded July 7th around 9:43 a.m. to a residence in the 900 block of Summer Lane in Grants Pass for a report of a missing person with suspicious circumstances. An official release from the department said that, upon the initial investigation, it was determined that Randall “Randy” Hecker was missing from his residence and perhaps in danger. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and Grants Pass Police Department responded to the scene and began their investigation. The suspect identified in this case was Israel Wytcherley, who resides near the victim’s residence. Wytcherley was located and contacted by investigators at a separate location within the city of Grants Pass. He was arrested and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, First Degree Assault, Kidnapping in the First Degree, and Unlawful use of a Weapon. While this case is still under investigation, several details are not available for public release. Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Randy Hecker who has not been seen since the incident occurred. Hecker is a 67-year-old white male who is 5’8" and approximately 185 pounds. Hecker was last seen wearing bluish grey shorts, a light blue t-shirt and a backpack style sprayer. The backpack sprayer has not been located and is of interest. ...Read more

East Evans Creek Firefighters Face Challenging Conditions, Acreage around 5,370

Crews are braced for another demanding day on the East Evans Creek Fire, as hot and dry conditions combine with the potential for gusty winds and isolated thunderstorms. The Oregon Department of Forestry's latest update says extreme fire behavior and spotting created challenging evening conditions across the north, northwest, and northeast areas of the blaze, now estimated at around 5,370 acres. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office reported that, due to successful firefighting efforts today, the Evacuation Level 3 for Zone JAC-148A has been downgraded to an Evacuation Level 2: Be Set. Zone 148 is no longer split into A and B sections. The entirety of Zone JAC-148 is at a Level 2. Hand crews, engines, heavy equipment, overhead personnel, and aviation resources ordered by ODF and the Oregon State Fire Marshal reflect the incident's complexity. Smoke from the fire may settle into valleys and other low-lying areas, reducing visibility and impacting air quality in nearby communities. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-126, and JAC-149-B, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, and JAC-147, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-124 remain in effect. ...Read more

Jackson County Public Health Encouraging Preparedness for Wildfire Smoke, Air Quality

Jackson County Public Health is encouraging community members to prepare for potential air quality impacts from the East Evans Creek Road Fire. According to Jackson County Health and Human Services, smoke levels can rise or fall quickly depending on changing weather conditions. It is important for people to stay alert and monitor air quality throughout wildfire season. The particulate matter (also called “PM”) in wildfire smoke poses the biggest risk to the public’s health. Particles larger than 10 micrometers usually irritate only the eyes, nose, and throat. Fine particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5) can be inhaled into the deepest part of the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Those known to be more vulnerable to wildfire smoke exposures include children less than 18 years, Adults 65 or older, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and those with chronic health conditions. During a wildfire smoke event, Jackson County Public Health officials advise people to take precautions like staying aware of smoke concentrations and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity. Drink plenty of water, and keep ...Read more