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

No Threat after Unfounded Rogue River High School Report of Student with Gun

Rogue River Junior Senior High School has returned to normal operations after an unfounded report of a student with a firearm on the way to school prompted a precautionary “secure status” this morning. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Rogue River Police Department officers responded and determined there was no credible threat to the school. The “secure status” was lifted shortly after 8 a.m., and there is no further threat to students, staff, or the school community. Law enforcement responded to a report of a Rogue River High School student potentially carrying a firearm in their backpack on the way to school this morning at 7:31 a.m. The report prompted school officials to place the school in a “secure status” as a precaution while law enforcement investigated and ensured the safety of students and staff. Law enforcement contacted the student after a parent dropped them off at school, but before the student entered the building, it was confirmed the student did not have a firearm. There is no ongoing threat to students, staff, or the school community. JCSO takes all reports of potential threats to school safety seriously. ...Read more