Local News

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office jailed a Grants Pass man for roughing up a 3-year-old child to get him to be quiet and go to sleep. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested the 26-year-old male subject for the incident at a home in the 200-block of Jasmine Drive off Lower River Road on Wednesday. The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday night. Deputies said an investigation determined the subject placed his hand over a young child's mouth to stop him from crying while trying to put him to bed. The child tried to push the man's hand away, but was unable to do so. The subject grabbed the child's arm and shook him violently. According to the report, the little boy sustained multiple bruises with fingerprint welts to his face and arm. The child was tended to by medics, but it was unclear if he was taken to the hospital. The suspect was working in Medford at the time of the call. He agreed to drive back to Grants Pass and meet with a deputy, he admitted to the crime and was placed into custody. He was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony 3rd-Degree Assault, Felony 1st-Degree Criminal Mistreatment and Strangulation. The Oregon Department of Human Services was notified about the incident.

 

An Eagle Point man is in custody for threatening his family members this week. The Eagle Point Police Department reports officers responded to a report of a male subject threatening family members in the 400-block of Merlee Circle on Tuesday afternoon. Witnesses indicated the subject might be armed with a pistol. EPD officers were advised that 28-year-old Jacob Daniel Johnson is on probation and a stipulation of that probation is no contact with residents of that location. He had left on a bicycle before the arrival of law enforcement. Officers cleared the home as a precaution and then searched the area for the male transient. A short time later, family members reported that Johnson had returned to the home. When officers approached the house, his bike was in the garage while the only family member on scene exited the house and said he was inside. Officers set up a perimeter and made announcements requesting the subject exit the house. Several attempts were made to negotiate with Johnson and resolve the situation, but he did not comply. The homeowner granted permission for police to enter the residence and the suspect was placed into custody without incident. Johnson was lodged at the Jackson County Jail for 1st-Degree Burglary, Menacing, Probation Violation and Interfering with a Police Officer. He was being held on a no-bail detainer.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office arrested a man for breaking into a barn and guest house in the Wilderville area this week. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the incident in the 3300-block of Cheney Creek Road on Wednesday afternoon. Deputies said the property owner called 9-1-1 to report a male subject had broken into his barn. The caller said he observed the incident on video surveillance and believed the subject was possibly under the influence of drugs. He had no vehicle. According to the report, the subject initially told the property owner that he lived in the guest house and was taking care of horses. He went in and out of the guest house several times. The door had been locked, but it was forced open. Upon arrival, deputies placed the 27-year-old suspect into custody. He was lodged without bail at the Josephine County Jail for 1st-Degree Burglary, Attempted 1st-Degree Theft, 3rd-Degree Criminal Mischief and 1st-Degree Criminal Trespass.

 

The sustained heatwave combined with extremely dry fuel conditions have prompted federal and state land managers to increase campfire restrictions on lands located within the boundaries of the Wild and Scenic Rogue River. Starting today, there is a complete prohibition on building, maintaining or using a fire. Charcoal briquettes also will not be permitted. Commercially produced stoves that use liquid fuel or propane are allowed. Cooking areas need to be naturally free of vegetation. All groups traveling on the river must have a shovel and a bucket. Smoking is only permitted while on watercraft on waterways or in areas that are on vegetation-free sand and gravel bars located between the river and the high-water mark. These restrictions will be in place through November, unless rescinded sooner. The wild section of the Rogue flows from Grave Creek to the mouth of Watson Creek. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry. The BLM administers the stretch of river between Grave Creek and Marial where ODF Southwest provides initial attack for fires. The Forest Service manages from Marial downriver to the mouth of Watson Creek.

 

Pacific Power is planning to conduct a series of inspections this month on transmission, distribution and substation facilities in Southern Oregon and Northern California using commercial drones. Company officials said the inspections are part of their ongoing efforts to ensure their electrical system is safe and reliable. They said the drones are specifically designed for powerline inspections. Officials said drones capture high resolution photos and infrared images that help identify any potential defects or problems with equipment in need of repair. Crews will use the drones to inspect facilities in Medford and Grants Pass as well as in Weed and Yreka, California, through July 31st. PacifiCorp serves over two million customers as Pacific Power in Oregon, Washington and California, and as Rocky Mountain Power in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. For more information, visit "pacificorp.net."

 

Containment continues to increase on the Salt Creek Fire as firefighters push forward on mop-up operations across the incident in Jackson County. The Oregon Department of Forestry reported this morning that the wildfire burning between Eagle Point and Butte Falls was 3,990 acres with 24% containment. ODF officials said containment indicates the amount of line that has been mopped up, which strengthens and further secures that portion of the fire. The wildfire crossed a small section of line on the southwest corner of the incident last night, but firefighters were able to catch it an estimated two acres. Resources remained in that area this morning, mopping up and securing the fire-line. There is still potential for flare-ups especially in areas within the perimeter that still have unburned vegetation. Managers are watching closely for increased fire activity. A total of 750 personnel were assigned to the incident today including 27 20-person hand crews, backed by 19 engines, 12 water tenders, nine bulldozers and eight tree-fallers. Aircraft -- including helicopters and air tankers -- are available upon request. Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation notices issued by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management remain in effect, but no structures or homes are threatened at this time. According to ODF, the estimated cost of fighting the Salt Creek Fire so far is $4.5 million. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

 

It's going to remain pretty toasty in Southern Oregon over the weekend, but the summer heat won't be excessive like it has been over the past seven days. The National Weather Service has replaced the Excessive Heat Warning with a Heat Advisory for Josephine, Jackson and eastern Curry counties that runs until Saturday night. High temperatures of between 95 and 105 degrees and low temperatures of 55 to 65 degrees are expected in Grants Pass, Cave Junction, Medford and Butte Falls. The forecast in Grants Pass shows high temperatures remaining at or below 100. Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during hot weather. Area rivers will still be cold and can cause shock to swimmers. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors -- especially the elderly. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous outdoor activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

 

Britt Music & Arts Festival has announced a special initiative to recognize and thank the region's courageous firefighters who play an integral role in protecting the Southern Oregon community. As a gesture of appreciation, Britt is offering two complimentary tickets to each firefighter for one of the upcoming concerts featuring Paul Cauthen on July 16th, Umphrey's McGee on July 17th or SOJA on July 19th. For instructions on how to redeem these tickets, please visit the Britt Box Office at 216 West Main Street in Medford or call (541)-773-6077. Britt Music & Arts Festival extends its heartfelt thanks to these brave individuals for their unwavering dedication and service. For more information about upcoming Britt concerts and shows in Jacksonville, please visit "brittfest.org."

 

Resources on the Salt Creek Fire continue to work on securing existing fire lines through mop-up activities on the north and northwest sides of the incident. The Oregon Department of Forestry reported this morning that the wildfire burning between Eagle Point and Butte Falls was 3,891 acres and containment had grown to 16%. Officials said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Strategic firing operations continue in the southeast corner of the blaze to connect the fire's edge to the established indirect containment line. The objective is to eliminate unburned vegetation and material between the indirect line and the edge using low-intensity fire in this steep terrain, creating a more secure line. On Wednesday afternoon, a small spot fire outside the line in the southwest portion was quickly corralled by firefighters. That area was fully-lined and mopped up last night. The focus today is to hold the fire within the existing perimeter. Nearly 700 firefighters are assigned to the incident today including 26 20-person hand crews backed by 19 engines, 11 water tenders and nine bulldozers. Aircraft -- including multiple helicopters and air tankers -- are available upon request. Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation notices remain in effect for several areas around the wildfire, but so far no homes or structures are threatened. The Medford District BLM has temporarily closed lands in the area for safety. Salt Creek Road and Wasson Canyon Road remain closed off Highway 140 while Double Day Road is still closed off Butte Falls Highway. Highway 140 and Butte Falls Highway remain open.