Local News

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office jailed a local man on three felony-level charges on the morning of Christmas Eve. The Sheriff's Office has not released any information about the incident, but jail records show deputies arrested 42-year-old Travis Llammar Rough early Tuesday morning. He was booked into jail at 6:02 a.m.. Rough was charged with felony crimes of 1st-Degree Robbery, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Parole Violation plus a misdemeanor crime of Fentanyl Possession. Due to the post-prison supervision violation, Rough was being held on a no-bail detainer. He is scheduled for arraignment in Josephine County Circuit Court at 1:30 p.m. today.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a man on a local warrant this week after he disturbed a resident in the downtown area. According to the Police Department, officers responded to a report of suspicious activity at a home in the 400-block of SE 8th Street on Tuesday around 4 a.m.. Police said a woman called 9-1-1 to report a male subject was banging on her door and demanding water. The caller did not let the man in as he kept rattling the door. Officers arrived on scene and contacted 40-year-old Jacob Martin Dowell. They said he told them he was trying to get a ride to the J Street campground because he was cold and wet. It was discovered that he was wanted on a Josephine County warrant for failing to appear in court for a Contempt of Court violation. Dowell was given a ride to the Josephine County Jail where he was lodged on the outstanding warrant.

 

A rapid response by the Illinois Valley Fire District helped prevent a Christmas Day tragedy at a residence in Cave Junction. On Wednesday at 5:53 p.m., IVFD was dispatched to a residential appliance fire at a home in the 300-block of Merlot Drive. IVFD officials said crews arrived to find a stovetop on fire. They said the fire was contained to the stove and extinguished promptly. There were no injuries reported. Officials said operational smoke detectors alerted the occupants to the fire and they quickly called 9-1-1.

 

Due to the potential for high winds and heavy rains, motorists need to watch for downed trees and pooling of water in Josephine County through the weekend. Rural Metro Fire Department has issued a warning for high water and other road hazards. Water on roads can cause a loss of traction, causing hydroplaning and the potential for loss of control. Rain-soaked ground can also cause trees to fall without warning, blocking roads and creating a hazard. Rural Metro officials encourage motorists to drive carefully.

 

Did you know that Josephine County Search and Rescue (SAR) receives no state funding? Search and Rescue is mandated by the State of Oregon, but does not include any means of funding its operations. The group relies on grants and your donations to keep the program up and running. Friends of Josephine County Search and Rescue is a nonprofit organization created to provide the necessary funding to keep SAR functioning. SAR is an all-volunteer program with about 90 trained people. You may have seen them out in their bright orange uniforms. Their volunteers are on call 24/7/365. Volunteers average about 60 missions per year looking for missing people of all ages, hikers and hunters, often in harsh terrain and poor weather conditions. SAR carries the injured out of danger and recovers those who may have succumbed. SAR supports the Sheriff's Office, Grants Pass Police, Oregon State Police, Rural Metro Fire Department and American Medical Response. They also help with in-person evacuation notices, road closures, outdoor survival education, safety fairs and Boatnik. Friends of Josephine County SAR is asking citizens for their help to keep the local unit trained, equipped and ready. Your tax-deductible donation can be sent via your PayPal account or visit the Josephine County Search and Rescue Facebook page. SAR is located at 250 Tech Way, Grants Pass, OR 97526.

 

The National Weather Service has continued its Flood Potential Outlook for southwest Oregon and northern California. The Flood Potential Outlook calls for significant rises on rivers, creeks and streams, with possible main stem river flooding due to moderate to heavy rain in Coos, Curry, Douglas, Josephine and Jackson counties in Oregon as well as Siskiyou County in California. A series of wet frontal systems will produce moderate to heavy precipitation through this coming weekend. Significant rises are expected late this week, but especially Saturday night into early next week. Forecast precipitation totals through Sunday could reach two to three inches over west side valleys, with five to ten inches possible in the mountains and along the coast. More than a foot of rain could fall in the Curry coastal mountain ranges. This rainfall will increase the risk for both flash flooding over area burn scars as well as small stream and river flooding. The Rogue River near Agness is forecast to reach minor flood stage Saturday night and rise to flood stage Sunday morning. The Coquille River at Coquille is forecast to reach action flood stage Sunday afternoon with minor flood stage Sunday night. A Flood Potential Outlook is issued when there is the potential for significant rises or flooding along rivers and streams. Flood watches and warnings may be issued by the National Weather Service if the situation worsens.

 

The Oregon State Marine Board opened a public comment period last month on proposed rule language for boat operations on the Upper Rogue River in Jackson County, with a comment deadline of December 20th. During that timeframe, the agency learned more about issues related to boating in this area that have led to proposing further revisions to the rule language.. To be thorough and transparent, the agency is opting to reopen the public comment step in the rulemaking process to ensure time for comments on the proposed updates. The agency has filed a Notice of Rulemaking with the Oregon Secretary of State that will be published in the January 1st Oregon Bulletin to modify the language on the proposed new rule for the Upper Rogue. In short, it says "all boating activities on the river shall be restricted until the three-day average flow increases above 1,350 cubic feet per second at Dodge Bridge near Eagle Point." The rule aims to preserve traditional boating uses along the Upper Rogue while also aiming to reduce conflicts and enhance safety between other river recreators. The horsepower restrictions will limit the size and speed in which boats may operate on sections of the river to preserve habitat. Written comments will now be accepted until January 21st by 11:55 p.m..

 

The Oregon State Marine Board recognized two members of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office during its annual postseason marine law enforcement conference in Bend this month. Jackson County Sheriff's Sergeant Shawn Richards was honored with a Service Recognition Award. Sergeant Richards has dedicated his career to public safety and has decided to retire in 2025. He started his career with the Klamath County Sheriff's Office in 1998 and achieved the rank of Corporal before he moved to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office in 2012. He has managed a multitude of field service contracts, including the Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service in addition to the Marine Board. He has also managed Jackson County Search and Rescue. Jackson County Sheriff's Deputy Jason Denton was honored with the Service Excellence Award. Deputy Denton was recognized for his commitment to the training program, with amazing drift and jet boat skills so he can safely and efficiently operate in any conditions.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a man for vandalizing a vehicle at a home near the Parkway late yesterday. The Police Department reports officers responded to the incident in the 500-block of SE M Street on Monday at about 4:35 p.m.. Police said a woman called 9-1-1 and told dispatchers she was sitting in the garage when she heard a loud crash and someone had shattered her roommate's car window. She and others saw a male subject running away. Officers arrived on scene and determined that 34-year-old Andrew Nathan Ray walked by the victim's vehicle and used a chain to smash one of the windows. A male friend of the victim chased down Ray and made him come back to the scene. According to the report, the suspect appeared to be under the influence of drugs, he was making nonsensical statements and was unable to tell police what happened. After finally admitting to the crime, Ray was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for 2nd-Degree Criminal Mischief. He was being held without bail.