Local News

GP Firefighters Extinguished Small Grass Fire on West Side of City Sunday
Grants Pass firefighters extinguished a small grass fire on the west side of the city last weekend. On Saturday at 5:42 p.m., Grants Pass Fire & Rescue was dispatched to the fire in the 900-block of SW G Street. Battalion 4 arrived to find less than 1/10th of an acre burning in light grass. The homeowners had applied water and kept the blaze from nearby homes. Firefighters contained the remaining flames. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. Officials remind everyone to be safe with mowers, weed eaters and barbecues now that we are in fire season.
Posted on 6/25/24 6:29AM by Sam Marsh
 

ODOT Cautions Motorists that Redwood Highway Chip Seal Project Continues
The Oregon Department of Transportation is cautioning motorists that Redwood Highway chip seal work continues between O'Brien and the California border. Last week, the contractor placed rock along the chip seal area in the southern Illinois Valley. This week, the contractor will smooth out any bumpy areas, add permanent striping and reflectors, and perform other work. With concerns about striping adhering to the fresh chip seal with warm weather, striping work is tentatively planned for night from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.. Other work will take place during daytime hours. The striping work will likely begin around milepost 36 in the O'Brien area and continue south to the border while reflectors will be installed in the opposite direction. ODOT officials said drivers can expect lane closures through the work zone and delays up to 20 minutes. Traffic control will be provided by flaggers -- including an automated system -- and pilot cars. Drivers should watch for loose rock along the work zone and allow extra space between vehicles. Installation of reflectors could continue for a couple of weeks, and it will include the entire area from Cave Junction to the California border. Construction schedules are subject to change without notice.
Posted on 6/25/24 6:20AM by Sam Marsh
 

Malmgren Garage in Talent Gets Listing in National Register of Historic Places
The Malmgren Garage in Talent is among Oregon's most recent entries in the National Register of Historic Places. The Oregon State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation recommended the property's nomination at their March meeting. The National Park Service -- which maintains the National Register -- accepted the nomination on May 9th. The Malmgren Garage was constructed in 1924 for Theodore and Frederika Malmgren. Theodore Malmgren was a Southern Oregon physician and one of the first local doctors to purchase an automobile so he could provide patient care throughout rural Jackson County. Restored and rehabilitated following damage resulting from the Almeda Fire in September 2020, the Malmgren Garage retains the original material and exterior finish of its characteristic concrete walls, its auto-related deep setback from the public right-of-way, and the false front typical of the modest commercial designs of Talent's downtown area. The Malmgren Garage is one of five individually-listed historic properties in Talent. There are many more throughout Jackson and Josephine counties. The National Register of Historic Places was established as part of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. For more information, please visit "oregonheritage.org."
Posted on 6/25/24 6:18AM by Sam Marsh
 

Incident Commanders Report Overnight Burn Successful on Upper Applegate Fire near Ruch
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Crews successfully conducted a firing operation last night on the far southeastern corner of the Upper Applegate Fire. This backburn helped bring the wildfire to the fire line. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports today's efforts on the 830-acre wildfire will be focused on snagging trees along the hand-line above Little Applegate Road. Mopping up of fire line continues, with direct and indirect lines around 100% of the fire. Steep slopes, hazard trees and rocks continue to challenge resources. More than 450 personnel are currently assigned to this incident including 19 20-person hand crews backed by six engines, four bulldozers and five tree-fallers. Four helicopters of various sizes are assigned to the fire again today, with additional helicopters and air tankers available when needed. Level 2 "Be Set" evacuation notices remain in effect for Zones JAC-434 and JAC-436. These residents should be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice. A community meeting is scheduled for tonight at 7 at Ruch Elementary School, 156 Upper Applegate Road. Incident commanders and agency partners will provide an update on the wildfire and answer questions from the community.
Posted on 6/25/24 6:03AM by Sam Marsh
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Rogue River-Siskiyou Forest Increases Fire Danger Level to Moderate on Ranger Districts
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The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has increased the fire danger level to "moderate" on all five ranger districts across the forest starting today. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level remains at "1" and public use restrictions are currently in place along the Wild and Scenic Section of the Rogue River. Forest officials urge recreationists to use caution while participating in all outdoor activities during fire season. The finer fuels at the lower elevations continue to dry out rapidly as experienced by recent wildfires in southwest Oregon. Please make sure your campfires are "dead out" prior to departing. Always carry water and a shovel to extinguish and stir your campfire numerous times, feeling it with the back of your hand to ensure all heat has abated. Remember, under the right conditions just one small spark from an unattended campfire, operating equipment, dragging tow chains or the catalytic converter from a vehicle is all that is needed for igniting fine fuels like grasses and dry plants. As the weather heats up and fuels continue to dry out, more fire restrictions will be put into place.
Posted on 6/25/24 6:01AM by Sam Marsh
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USFS Appoints Molly Juillerat as Permanent Supervisor of Rogue River-Siskiyou Forest
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The US Forest Service has appointed Molly Juillerat to serve as the new Supervisor for the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Her appointment becomes effective on July 1st. As Forest Supervisor, Juillerat will oversee land management and administration for the local forest which spans nearly 1.8 million acres in seven counties across southwest Oregon and northwest California. Juillerat will be returning to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest as Forest Supervisor following a temporary assignment on the forest as Acting Supervisor in late-2023 through early-2024. She said Southern Oregon has been home to her in different ways at various times in her life and career. She has been backpacking on local forests and climbing Mt. McLoughlin since she was six years old. Juillerat's permanent appointment to the position begins in July. She succeeds Merv George, Jr., who has been serving as a Deputy Regional Forester for the Pacific Northwest Region since July 2023 and was permanently appointed last September.
Posted on 6/25/24 5:59AM by Sam Marsh
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High Overnight Humidity Allowed Progress on Plumbing Upper Applegate Fire
High overnight humidity moderated behavior on the Upper Applegate Fire, allowing the night shift to make significant progress plumbing the wildfire. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports crews have now lined 100% of the fire with direct and indirect lines. Approximately 80% of the fire is plumbed. Steep slopes and falling trees and rocks are continuing to challenge resources. According to ODF, the wildfire remains GPS-mapped at 756 acres, with an infrared flight scheduled for today. Firefighters were not able to complete firing operations last night due to the high relative humidity. Four portable water tanks were installed in strategic locations to help address spot fires on the top of a ridge. Resources also worked to mop-up portions of the fire. More than 430 personnel are assigned to the incident today including 18 20-person hand crews backed by six engines, four bulldozers and five tree fallers. Helicopters of various sizes are assigned to the fire again today, with additional helicopters and air tankers available when needed. Resources remain focused on bolstering the line especially on the eastern side of the fire which has been difficult to work. Level 2 "Be Set" evacuation notices remain in effect for Zones JAC-434 and JAC-436. These residents should be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice. The Upper Applegate Fire was first reported last Thursday afternoon. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Posted on 6/24/24 11:34AM by Sam Marsh
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Weekend Argument Over Birthday Party Lands GP Man in Jail for Hitting Wife
A weekend argument over organizing a family birthday party landed a Grants Pass man behind bars for felony domestic violence. The Grants Pass Police Department reports officers arrested a 29-year-old male subject for the incident in the 400-block of SW J Street on Saturday around 2 p.m.. Police said the man and his wife got into an argument during the organization of a birthday celebration. They said the argument turned physical in the doorway to their bedroom when the wife slapped the husband in the face and the husband responded by punching his wife, causing physical injury. Upon arrival, officers interviewed both parties and documented injuries to the victim which included a red, swollen lip and bruising. She refused medical transport to the hospital. The suspect was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony 4th-Degree Domestic Assault. The charge was upgraded to a felony due to the incident being witnessed by children. He was being held without bail.
Posted on 6/24/24 11:32AM by Sam Marsh
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Deputies Jailed IV Man on Local Felony Warrant after Weekend Incident in CJ
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office jailed an Illinois Valley man on a local felony warrant following a weekend incident in Cave Junction. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested a 36-year-old male subject in the 100-block of West Hanby Lane on Saturday at 2:59 p.m.. Few details were disclosed about the incident, but the male victim was contacted near a downtown bakery and he told deputies where they could find the suspect. The suspect was wanted on a Josephine County felony warrant for Parole Violation stemming from a past conviction for Methamphetamine Possession. He was placed into custody, transported to Grants Pass and lodged at the Josephine County Jail on no-bail detainer.
Posted on 6/24/24 11:31AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Nabbed Motorist for Felony DUII after Weekend Driving Complaint
Grants Pass Police arrested a motorist for felony impaired driving following a weekend driving complaint in the north part of the city. The Police Department reports officers eventually pulled over a white 2017 Jeep Renegade driven by a 48-year-old woman near the intersection of NW Lawnridge and Midland avenues on Saturday at about 4:15 p.m.. Police said a citizen called 9-1-1 to report a possible intoxicated driver who was failing to maintain her travel lane, driving into oncoming traffic while nearly striking several vehicles, driving up on sidewalks and stopping for long periods of time at stop signs. The citizen followed the suspect until officers arrived on scene. Upon contact with the female driver, officers said she was parked on the side of the road and slumped down in the driver seat. She was identified, showed numerous signs of impairment and eventually admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages and smoking marijuana. She also performed poorly in field sobriety testing. The woman was transported to the Josephine County Jail where she provided a breath sample that exceeded the legal driving limit. Further investigation revealed that her driving privileges had been suspended and she had not installed an ignition interlock device on her vehicle as required after past impaired driving arrests. The suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Driving While Suspended and Failure to Install an Ignition Interlock Device. She was being held without bail and her Jeep was towed.
Posted on 6/24/24 11:30AM by Sam Marsh
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OSP Snared 2 Young Motorists for DUIIs after Crashes on Redwood Highway
The Oregon State Police arrested two young motorists for impaired driving after two weekend crashes on Redwood Highway in Josephine County. According to OSP, the first incident occurred on Saturday at 1:22 a.m. when troopers responded to a call of a possible impaired driver who had gotten his vehicle stuck in a ditch near milepost 25 of Redwood Highway. Troopers said the 20-year-old Cave Junction man was able to get his Ford Mustang unstuck prior to law enforcement arrival. They located the car and a traffic stop was conducted. The young male driver displayed signs of impairment, performed poorly in field sobriety tests and was transported to the Grants Pass Sobering Center where he was lodged for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. The second incident occurred on Sunday at 8:18 p.m. when troopers and first responders were dispatched to a single-vehicle wreck near milepost 15 of US Highway 199. Troopers said the 19-year-old Grants Pass man was not hurt when he wrecked his BMW sedan, but he exhibited signs of impairment at the scene. They said he was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center for a legal blood draw and then taken to the Josephine County Jail where he was lodged for DUII, Reckless Driving and 2nd-Degree Criminal Mischief. He was being held without bail.
Posted on 6/24/24 11:28AM by Sam Marsh
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OSP Arrested GP Woman on Warrant after She Crashed Tesla off RR Highway
The Oregon State Police arrested a Grants Pass woman on an outstanding warrant after she crashed an electric car on Rogue River Highway just east of the city. OSP reports troopers and emergency crews responded to the single-vehicle wreck near milepost 4 of Highway 99 on Saturday at 9:15 a.m.. Troopers said no occupants were located in or around the crashed Tesla, which had run off the highway. They said the 65-year-old female driver was located at the registered owner's address. Turns out she was wanted on a local warrant for alleged crimes of Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering and Criminal Mischief. The suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the warrant. She was also cited for Careless Driving. The wrecked Tesla was towed to Grants Pass.
Posted on 6/24/24 11:27AM by Sam Marsh
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