Kelsey Peak Fire - Level 1 Evacuation Notice (Photo) - 09/06/25

This is a wildfire alert from Josephine County Sheriff. Level 1 - BE READY for the following areas:

JCU-801 Kelsey Peak Fire - Rural North West Josephine County. ***Link for map to find your zone is below***

Level 1 - BE READY means:

Be aware of danger in your area and stay informed. Check local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio for updates.

• Make plans and prepare to evacuate. Gather necessary supplies for health, safety, and identification. For more info, visit Josephine County Emergency Management
• Act early if you are older, have children, disabilities, or limited access to transportation. Consider moving pets and livestock early.
• Plan possible evacuation routes. Use TripCheck.com.
• If you can do so safely, check with your neighbors and share information. Ask for help if you need it. Offer help if you can give it.

This may be the only notice you receive. Don’t wait to evacuate if you feel unsafe. If conditions change, you may receive a Level 2 - BE SET or Level 3 - GO NOW evacuation notice. You do not need to wait for another evacuation notice. Make the best decision for your safety.

Do not call 911 unless experiencing an immediate life safety issue.

We suggest the following apps/websites:

Sign up for alerts:

https://www.josephinecounty.gov/departments/emergency_management/citizen_alert.php

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/josephine-co-sheriff-or/id6478316195

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ocv.a1100

https://app.watchduty.org/

Follow Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/jcsosheriff

https://www.facebook.com/josephinecountyEM

https://www.facebook.com/ODFSouthwest

Know Your Zone:

https://protect.genasys.com/search

https://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840

JMET Search Warrant: Althouse Creek Rd (Photo) - 09/03/25

INCIDENT: Marijuana Search Warrant

INCIDENT DATE: August 26, 2025

REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)

ARRESTED: Richard James Bassett Jr., 33 years-old

CHARGES: 1- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

                    2- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana

                    3- Unlawful Appropriation of Ground Water             

DETAILS: On August 26, 2025, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) executed a search warrant in the 700 Block of Althouse Creek Road, Cave Junction, regarding an illegal marijuana grow site. The warrant was executed with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Marshals Service (USMS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE).

During the execution of the warrant, over 11,600 marijuana plants and 2,500 pounds of processed marijuana were seized and destroyed. Additionally, a firearm located on scene was seized.

The property also had multiple electrical, water, and solid waste code violations. These violations could result in the civil forfeiture of the property.

Richard James Bassett Jr. was taken into custody and lodged in The Josephine County Jail. He is charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana, and Unlawful Appropriation of Ground Water.

At the time of this press release the investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released.

RUNAWAY: Herren, William (Photo) - 09/03/25

RUNAWAY - ATTEMPT TO LOCATE

CASE: 25-20419

NAME: William Herren

AGE: 16

SEX: Male

RACE: White

HEIGHT: 5'5"

WEIGHT: 130

HAIR: Brown/Blonde

EYES: Blue

INFORMATION: On September 2, 2025, William Herren was reported as a runaway from the Merlin area. He is known to frequent the Cave Junction area, particularly Jubilee Park. He may be trying to conceal his face with a bandana. He is wearing clothing similar to the above photo.

Please contact Josephine County Sheriff's Office if you have any information.  541-474-5123

Rogue Rive Closure (Photo) - 08/29/25

2025 Labor Day Races

To: Waterway Users

From: Josephine County Sheriff Marine Patrol

Date: Aug 30th-31st, 2025

Re: Water use regulations and race event schedule

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

During the Labor Day Races, the Rogue River will be closed in designated areas and during designated times (Refer to the race schedule listed below). All spectators will remain off the water until the races are over. All spectators will remain 50 feet from the waterway at all times.

Movement on the water is Restricted to Law Enforcement, Rescue personnel and Authorized Race Officials during the closures. Private boats are not allowed to assist with crash/rescue operations for safety reasons.

Boats can be anchored on the shoreline if it is deemed safe by Race Officials and Law Enforcement. All users shall be OFF the water and in an approved area 1 hour prior to the start of the race. Any unauthorized boat on the water during the closure may be cited for Reckless or Unsafe Operation (ORS 830.315 & 305 / $440.00). Law Enforcement will be patrolling the waterways during the race events.

Please Contact the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office (541) 474-5123. If you have any questions regarding the river closures.

RIVER CLOSURES:

Saturday Aug 30th, 2025, The Rogue River from Matson Park to Griffin Park will be CLOSED during practice scheduled from 09:00am to 3:00pm.

Sunday Aug 31^st, 2025, The Rogue River from Baker Park to Griffin Park will be CLOSED 1 hour prior to the race and during the race scheduled from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

JMET Search Warrant: Laurel Road, Cave Junction (Photo) - 08/28/25

INCIDENT: Marijuana Search Warrant

INCIDENT DATE: August 25, 2025

REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)

ARRESTED: Koy Chounlabout, 55 years-old

                      Lae Robert Chounlabout, 52 years-old

CHARGES: 1- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

                    2- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana                  

DETAILS: On August 25, 2025, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) executed a search warrant in the 2000 Block of Laurel Road, Cave Junction, regarding an illegal marijuana grow site.  

During the execution of the warrant, approximately 1,000 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed. The property also had multiple electrical, water, and solid waste code violations. These violations could result in the civil forfeiture of the property.

Koy Chounlabout and Lae Robert Chounlabout were taken into custody and lodged in The Josephine County Jail. They are both charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana.

At the time of this press release the investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released.