A 58-year-old man died after an ATV crash Saturday afternoon near Monument Drive and Mary Harris Way in Josephine County. Deputies say Barry Fell suffered serious injuries in the crash and was transported to an area hospital, where he later died.

The man whose body was recovered from the Rogue River at Baker Park on Sept. 11 has been identified as 48-year-old Michael Earl Tognoni. A medicolegal death investigator with the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office made the identification, and next of kin has been notified.

An 88-year-old pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle Friday evening on Merlin Road in Josephine County. The driver remained at the scene, and deputies say the investigation is still active as evidence is reviewed for possible referral to the District Attorney’s Office.

A 72-year-old Cave Junction man was killed Friday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 199 in Josephine County. Oregon State Police say the pickup crossed the centerline and northbound lane before leaving the roadway and striking several trees.

ODF Southwest Oregon’s 4 Alpha Fox helicopter has completed its 75-day seasonal contract after introducing approved night-vision wildfire flights this year. One recent after-dark mission located three lightning-caused fires.

ODFW will give away free wildlife forage seed Sept. 24 to Southwest Oregon landowners in Central Point, Grants Pass, and Gold Beach. Each landowner can receive up to two 15-pound bags while supplies last.

Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center and Three Rivers Medical Center have earned national recognition from Forbes, while Rogue Regional also received a U.S. News distinction for community access. The honors come during a challenging year for the health system.

Recent rainfall and unseasonably cool temperatures have pushed fire danger down to moderate across ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. Fire season remains in effect, IFPL stays at Level 2, and outdoor debris burning is still prohibited.

Medford Police have identified the two people arrested after an armed robbery investigation led to a pursuit north on Interstate 5. Sharlene Elizabeth Paul, 49, and Cody Katcheech, 36, now face charges tied to the Walgreens robbery and Tuesday’s chase.

A Medford armed robbery investigation ended with a pursuit north on Interstate 5 after officers located the suspect vehicle near Sage Road and Highway 238. Spike strips stopped the SUV near Grants Pass, where the occupants were taken into custody.

A protest outside the Josephine County Courthouse turned physical Wednesday as a protester and counter-protester grappled in the roadway. Videos capture the confrontation, while the two sides dispute what happened beforehand. No arrests had been publicly confirmed as of Friday afternoon.

A 68-year-old man died Monday afternoon after his vehicle left Coyote Creek Road near Wolf Creek and struck a large tree. The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office identified the driver as Mark Freeland.

Two Grants Pass residents were arrested after an early morning fight Saturday left two people injured after they were struck with a crowbar. Police say one suspect was taken into custody immediately, while the second was found hours later inside a nearby apartment.

Michael Brinen Cutts was arrested less than 24 hours after Grants Pass police identified him as a person of interest in a major assault that left a man hospitalized. Police credit ALPR technology and regional law enforcement partnerships with helping shorten the search.

The Fielder Mountain Fire remains estimated at 550 acres and is now 7% contained as firefighters continue securing the perimeter north of Rogue River. Crews have completed line around approximately 75% of the fire, with ODF Complex Incident Management Team 1 set to assume command Friday evening.

The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has ended its contract with Flock Safety and deactivated all 10 automated license plate reader cameras. Sheriff Dave Daniel cited public privacy concerns, potential Fourth Amendment implications, and recent vandalism.

A man wanted following an alleged carjacking, assault, and dangerous pursuit through Grants Pass was arrested Tuesday after barricading himself inside an RV near Cloverlawn. Police say citizen reports helped authorities locate him nearly two weeks after the July 30 incidents.

A body recovered from the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River is believed to be that of 65-year-old Reid Litwack, who disappeared after a rafting accident at Wildcat Rapid. Final identification remains pending.

Firefighters continue making progress on two southwest Oregon wildfires. The Woodrat Mountain Fire near Ruch remains at 282 acres and has reached 15% containment, while the 100 acre I-5 MM 57 NB Fire near Grants Pass is now 91% contained and nearing the end of active suppression.

Albacore fishing is strong out of Gold Beach and Brookings, while Lost Creek, Applegate, and Howard Prairie remain productive inland. This week’s report also covers Klamath redband restrictions, low water access, algae concerns, and wildlife viewing.