The latest Rogue Valley News from RogueValleyMagazine.com
TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2019
Weather for the Rogue Valley
Today
Widespread smoke, mainly before 11am. Sunny, with a high near 91, with light winds at times.
Wednesday
Areas of smoke before 11am. Sunny, with a high near 93. Light and variable wind.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 93.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 92.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 93.
ROGUE VALLEY HEADLINES….
Grants Pass RADE Detectives Move in on Major Traffickers
Over a pound of Heroine is off Southern Oregon streets after detectives with RADE seized 471.1 grams of heroin, 404.4 grams of methamphetamine, $6319 in cash and a 9mm pistol with ammo from a Grants Pass home.
Serving a Search Warrant for Robert Goodlette regarding a drug investigation in Grants Pass, 186.6 grams of suspected “Cut” for drugs and other controlled substance pills, digital scales and packaging materials were also retrieved.
Police Stop Robbery In Progress at Medford’s Golden Wok
Tazed and Confused; Medford Police subdue uncooperative suspect in active robbery Saturday. On July 27th, officers were dispatched to the Golden Wok on Riverside Avenue for a reported armed robbery in progress.
Officers arrived in less than one minute and confronted the suspect, 57 year old Richard Shriven, who did not obey commands. The officer’s tazed the suspect and he was taken into custody and determined he did not have a weapon during the robbery.
Out of the Red – Medford Air Quality Is Better Today; Slightly
As crews gain ground on the MP 97 fire burning south of Canyonville, in Douglas County, air quality index readings improve. For the first time in days, the levels in Medford have dropped to “Orange” or “unhealthy for sensitive groups”.
The fire is now 15 percent contained and evacuation levels for areas at 1 and 2 stayed the same overnight. Yesterday the weather was favorable for both smoke and fire suppression efforts with winds less than 20 mph.
Cougars At Large – A Large Cat Was Spotted In Jacksonville
Jacksonville Police are issuing a warning to outdoor enthusiasts and locals after a cougar was reportedly spotted in Southern Oregon Monday morning. The reported sighting was off of Sofie’s Trail in the western part of Jacksonville Forest Park in Jacksonville. The hiker used an airhorn to escape the cat.
As a reminder: Cougars will often retreat so always leave the animal an escape route. Stay calm and be firm, loud, big and make eye contact. Pick up any kids without losing eye contact and DO NOT turn your back to, or run from, a cougar. This could trigger a potential attack.
Preparing for Wildfires near Freeways and Highways.
Drivers should be prepared for fire conditions as they travel this summer. The calendar is flipping to August and wildfires are already burning along I-5 in southern Oregon and along other roads in central, eastern and western Oregon.
“You may find reduced visibility due to smoke and active fires near the highway, and experience delays,” said Darrin Neavoll, ODOT District 7 maintenance manager in Southwest Oregon. “When driving through smoky fire zones, make sure your headlights are on and you’re watching for firefighters and equipment, not taking pictures.”
Neavoll said one of the best tools is to be in the know by checking Tripcheck.com for any road restrictions or closures.
Here’s some safe driving advice for this summer:
- If there’s smoke, turn on your headlights and slow down
- If you can’t see, carefully pull to the side of the road
- If pulling a trailer, make sure nothing is dragging that can spark or overheat
- Keep your vehicle well-maintained so it doesn’t overheat or get a flat tire
- Don’t throw things out of your vehicle – like a lit cigarette
- Carry an emergency kit with extra water, food and medications
- Know your route and possible detours
- Pay attention – you need to drive, not take pictures. Especially when there’s a fire.
