ODOT Warns Oregonians of Phishing Scam

The Oregon Department of Transportation is warning Oregonians of phishing scams going around from senders claiming to be with ODOT and DMV. In a release from ODOT, Oregon DMV Public Information Officer Chris Crabb said, "If you receive an unsolicited text claiming to be from ODOT or DMV saying you owe money for an unpaid traffic fine or toll balance, it’s a scam. Do not click any links or provide payment or personal identifying information. These are fake messages designed to steal your personal and financial information." The latest scam messages are sent from an unknown phone number and typically begin with urgent language such as, "Evasion Notice for Oregon Traffic Court" or "Final Notice – Toll Violation". Oregonians are reminded to ignore and delete the scam text messages and block the number to prevent further potential harm. You can report scams and suspicious communications to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. If you clicked on a link or provided personal information, secure your personal information and financial accounts, dispute any unfamiliar charges, and file a customer complaint with Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection. ...Read more

Eagle Point PD, MADGE Arrested Three Suspects in Gang-Related Graffiti Case

The Eagle Point Police Department received multiple reports of vandalism in the downtown area back on January 26th. Graffiti was found on the rear of several businesses, fences, sidewalks, public walkways, and the historic covered bridge. The graffiti was determined to reference a criminal street gang based in South Central Los Angeles. Additional vandalism was then discovered on February 2nd. Officers positively identify three suspects through video evidence, social media activity, assistance from Eagle Point High School staff, and tips from community members. Due to the apparent connection to a criminal street gang, the EPPD officer assigned to the Medford Area Gang and Drug Enforcement (MADGE) Team was contacted to assist with the investigation and subsequent arrests. On February 4th, MADGE detectives and EPPD officers served a warrant. The three suspects, identified as Izaiah Sanders, Daniel Buscher, and Jacoby Tagnoli, were observed walking near the covered bridge on Main Street. Sanders and Buscher complied with officers’ commands, while Tagnoli attempted to flee on foot. He was quickly apprehended and arrested. ...Read more

GPCC Postpones Budget Committee Appointments & Republic Services Complaint Decision

The Grants Pass City Council’s agenda for Wednesday night’s meeting began with interviews of Budget Committee candidates. Councilor Kathleen Krohn put forth a motion to extend the application deadline for the Budget Committee delaying the vote that was scheduled following the interviewing of four individuals for the four vacant positions. Applications will be accepted for an additional week. The motion passed 4 to 3. The interviews proceeded with Nicholas Stark first followed by Nancy Lester and Tom Bradbeer. Further interviews and appointments will be made, likely at the next council meeting. One candidate was absent. Then the Council moved into a Public Hearing in accordance with customer dispute resolution process in the current franchise agreement between the city of Grants Pass and Republic Services. The complaint was filed by Konnor Kirkpatrick, who felt his business had been improperly prohibited from accessing the transfer station that had been franchised to Republic Services. In September of 2025 the Solid Waste Agency Board rendered a unanimous decision to not permit junk haulers to transport solid waste to the transfer stations. Exemptions are allowed for the collection, transportation, and reuse of repairable or cleanable discards by a charitable organization regularly engaged in such activity. Mr. Kirkpatrick contends his businesses, 2 Guys 1 Truck L.L.C. and Thrift Right Here, meet the exempt requirement. ...Read more