Fatal Vehicle Crash near Monument Drive Investigated by JoCo Sheriff's Office

On Tuesday at 10:57 p.m., the 911 dispatch center was notified of a fatal vehicle crash on Three Pines Road near Monument Drive. Josephine County Sheriff's deputies arrived and located a single vehicle. The driver, identified as Richard David Johnson, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The initial investigation shows the vehicle was travelling towards Monument Drive and, for an unknown reason, veered off the roadway and struck a fence and a large tree. Three Pines Road was closed for approximately two and a half hours while deputies investigated the crash and had the vehicle removed from the scene. Next of kin has been notified. ...Read more

Board Appoints Interim Manager, will Send 2025 Budget Officer Contract Letter

The Board of Commissioners moved to send a letter to Simon Hare regarding the 2025 Budget Officer Contract, citing breaches of said contract, then appointed Sheriff Dave Daniel as Interim Emergency Manager at today's workshop. Commencing at 1:30 p.m., the board began with Legal Counsel business, moving 2-1 to sign both Dimmick property documents as presented, with Commissioner Ron Smith dissenting. A decision to transfer 250 E Hanby Lane to Cave Junction was moved to the next Weekly Business Session. A motion passed 3-0 to send out the notice of termination for the 210 Tacoma rental agreement. The board agreed to approve the board order regarding the News Media Attendance Policy, and to have legal counsel move forward with drafting an Administrative Policy change without objection. Public Health presented their Health Assessment and Plan, with a contract needing approval with a business referred to as Exhibit A. Funds would be covered by the Modernization Grant. The board approved the contract, as well as Public Works' WECO invoice and amendment to a Wolf Creek Bridge agreement with ODOT. ...Read more

GP Police Searching for Missing Man, Requesting Public's Assistance

The Grants Pass Police Department is requesting the public's help in locating a missing person. Cheyne Blydenburgh, a 32-year-old male of Grants Pass, has been missing since March 10th, 2026. He is 5 feet 11 tall, weighs 134 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. He has been reported to be in the Southern Oregon area since his disappearance. Blydenburgh may be driving his dark colored Infiniti coupe. Please contact your local law enforcement agency if you see Mr. Blydenburgh, so that his welfare can be assessed. ...Read more