Jefferson Archives
A living archive of stories from across Jefferson.
Fatal Coyote Creek Road Crash Claims Life of 68-Year-Old Man
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.
Flock Cameras Go Dark in Josephine County
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.
SWAT Standoff Ends Two-Week Manhunt in Grants Pass
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.
Body Recovered from Rogue River Believed to Be Missing Rafter
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.
Search Continues for Missing Grants Pass Man Last Seen on Highway 238
Surveillance footage shows missing Grants Pass man David Wright buying water in Murphy before riding his white bicycle outbound on Highway 238 toward Hidden Valley Market. Detectives, search crews, and community members have searched surrounding areas, but his whereabouts remain unknown.
I-5 Fire Near Grants Pass Mapped at 96 Acres, Line Completed Around Perimeter
Firefighters completed line around the entire perimeter of the I-5 MM 57 Fire overnight. Infrared mapping measured the fire at 96 acres, but officials say the higher acreage reflects improved mapping rather than overnight growth.
I-5 Fire Near Grants Pass Estimated at 75 to 80 Acres, One Residence Reportedly Lost
An I-5 wildfire near Beacon Hill in Grants Pass grew to 75 acres Saturday evening as crews built hand and dozer line around 30% of the fire. Level 3 evacuations remain in place, two MAFFS aircraft are supporting the response, and initial reports indicate one residence was lost.
Police Seek Man After Carjacking, Pursuit Through Grants Pass
Grants Pass police are searching for a 36-year-old man accused of domestic violence, carjacking a driver and leading deputies on a dangerous pursuit before abandoning the stolen vehicle. Police say he should not be approached and anyone who sees him should call 911.
Waldo, Ridge Vista Fires Hold Steady as Crews Deepen Mop-Up Near Cave Junction
Firefighters made additional progress overnight on the Waldo and Ridge Vista fires near Cave Junction, pushing mop-up deeper into both fire areas while preparing for another day of extreme heat and critically dry fuels.
Human Remains Recovered Near Grave Creek Believed to Be Missing Man
Human remains believed to be those of a missing Grants Pass resident were recovered from steep terrain near Reuben Mountain. A formal identification remains pending as investigators await an autopsy by the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office.
50-Year-Old Man Indicted for Murder as Search Continues for Missing Grants Pass Resident
A Josephine County grand jury has indicted a 50-year-old man on second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon charges as investigators continue searching for Randall “Randy” Hecker, who has been missing from his Summer Lane residence in Grants Pass since July 7.