Board Shanty Fire Grows to 300+ Acres-UPDATED

Following an aggressive overnight attack by the Oregon Department of Forestry, ODF Complex Incident Management Team 3 took command of the estimated 377-acre Board Shanty Fire, located south of Grants Pass, this morning at 6:00 a.m.Taking advantage of cooler temperatures overnight, crews established 5,000 feet of handline along Board Shanty Road on the northeast perimeter of the fire and slowed growth at the head. Firefighters are facing very active fire behavior, including frequent spotting over the line, as well as overhead hazards, such as standing dead timber that could fall. Today, crews continue aggressive, direct firefighting tactics as they look to connect line from the head to the heal of the fire with the assistance of aviation.
Yesterday evening, ODF Southwest Oregon District responded to the rapidly growing Board Shanty Fire around 5:00 p.m., as well as numerous engines from Grants Pass Fire, Rural Metro Fire, a contingent of engines from Rogue Valley fire agencies and resources reassigned from the Grizzly Complex.Hot temperatures, low humidity and gusty wind conditions persist in the area, naturally increasing fire risk and contributing to potential fire growth. The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management placed Zones JCU-436, JCU-437and JCU-448 under a Level 2 – Be Set to evacuate notice. Additionally, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have placed Zone JAC-068 under a Level 1 – Be Ready evacuation notice.
. ...Read more

Man Charged in Murder of Teresa Peroni Extradited to Oregon, Arraigned in Court

After more than four decades after the disappearance of a Josephine County woman, a man has been returned to Oregon to face a murder charge connected to this long-unsolved case. Mark Sanfratello, 72, was arraigned yesterday in Josephine County Circuit Court following his arrest in Chico, California, and extradition to Oregon. On June 27, 2025, a Josephine County Grand Jury indicted him for Murder in the Second Degree, in connection with Teresa Peroni’s disappearance and death.The investigation began in the summer of 1983, when Peroni, then 27, was reported missing shortly after attending a party in the Selma area. She was last seen walking into the woods with Sanfratello, who was her boyfriend at the time. Her disappearance was deemed suspicious, but despite an initial investigation by the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office, there was not enough evidence to move forward with charges.In 1997, a human skull was discovered on nearby private property, but no other remains were found. In 2024, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office reopened the case, with support from the Oregon Department of Justice, the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office, and Chico Police. Investigators re-interviewed witnesses, collected new DNA evidence, and used modern forensic testing to obtain new evidence. Sanfratello was arrested on June 28 by Chico Police. Investigators continue to seek information from anyone who may have attended the party near Illinois River Road in July of 1983. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in court. ...Read more

Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team Busts Illegal Pot Grow in Eagle Point

Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant the morning of Thursday, July 10, at a black-market cannabis grow on a farm in rural Eagle Point. During the execution of the warrant in the 15200 block of Highway 62, detectives seized approximately 988 illegal marijuana plants, 22 lbs. of processed cannabis, and $3000 cash. One suspect was detained on scene and charges of felony marijuana manufacture and possession are being referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office..There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents.Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene and issued a total of $15,000 in fines to the landowner. The fines were issued for failure to obtain land use approval for marijuana production, utilizing RV’s for dwelling purposes within a marijuana grow site, solid waste, an unpermitted second dwelling, and multiple unsafe and non-permitted electrical, mechanical, plumbing and structural installations.

Oregon Water Resources Department Enforcement section Watermasters also responded to investigate the property’s water usage. Watermasters issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the responsible parties for the unlawful use and appropriation of groundwater for the cultivation of an unpermitted crop. This type of water violation is subject to both civil and criminal penalties.

Investigations are open and ongoi ...Read more