Anderson Butte Road Fire at 40% Containment, Mop-Up Continues

Containment on the Anderson Butte Road Fire has now reached 40% following another night of great progress by firefighters working to strengthen control lines and extinguish remaining heat. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports the fire remains at 78 acres, with no spot fires or slopovers reported overnight as crews continue to hold it within its established perimeter. Firefighters have extended mop-up 50 to 75 feet inward from the perimeter, while snagging operations have now been completed 150 feet into the burned area around the entire fire. Crews will continue gridding for remaining heat and extinguishing hot spots as they work to increase containment. Steep slopes, dense vegetation and dead snags continue to present challenges. Resources assigned to the fire include four 20-person hand crews, one falling module, four Type 6 engines and seven water tenders. Aircraft are also available to support suppression efforts if needed. Temperatures are expected to be cooler today than the previous three days, providing even more favorable conditions for firefighters. The investigation into the official cause of the Anderson Butte Road Fire is ongoing. ...Read more

JoCo Sheriff's Office Seeking Public's Help in Locating Missing Woman

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is searching for a missing woman. Tabatha Jones was last seen near Three Rivers Medical Center September 17th, 2026. Her direction of travel is unknown, however she had been staying in the Cave Junction area. It is unknown if she's with her vehicle, but she has a tan early 2000's Toyota Camry with the grill missing. Tabatha is described as a 47-year-old 5'8" Caucasian woman with brown hair, brown eyes, and weighing 150 pounds. She has a nose piercing and tattoos on her arm and neck. It is possible she has dyed her hair red. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Josephine County Sheriff's Office at 541-474-5123. Reference Case #26-25832. ...Read more

MINT Issues Statement Regarding Parker’s Place Village

MINT, the Mobile Integrative Navigation Team, has withdrawn from lease negotiations with Elk Island Trading Group, LLC, and will conclude its current arrangement for Parker’s Place Village on October 15th, 2026. According to a release from MINT, this decision follows an extended period of discussion regarding the terms under which MINT would lease the Parker’s Place Village property and manage shelter operations. The parties were unable to reach mutually workable terms for both organizations. The property and all shelter operations have been, and will remain, with Elk Island Trading Group, LLC. MINT will continue to provide inclement weather shelters, as well as navigation services and case management through the MINT Navigation Center and mobile navigation throughout the community. These services will remain available to individuals residing at Parker’s Place Village, and those in the community without a safe place to stay. In addition, MINT will continue coordinating breakfast Monday through Friday and lunch seven days a week for all 150 Parker’s Place Village residents. ...Read more