Local News

OSP Seeking Selma Man Responsible for Crash at Merlin Interchange off I-5
The Oregon State Police was looking for a Selma man who is responsible for causing a multi-vehicle crash at the Interstate 5 Merlin Interchange this week. According to OSP, troopers, Rural Metro Fire Department and American Medical Response were dispatched to the four-vehicle collision at the Exit 61 northbound off-ramp on Monday afternoon. Troopers said 27-year-old Naythen Garrett Franks was driving a Chrysler 200 at a high rate of speed when he collided with four vehicles that were stopped at a red light at the intersection with Merlin Road. Three of the vehicles sustained severe damage, but none of the occupants were injured. The driver of the Chrysler fled the scene and he was identified as Franks from a picture taken at the scene by one of the victims. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Naythen Franks is encouraged to dial *OSP.
Posted on 10/4/23 6:41AM by Sam Marsh
 

OSP Investigating Cause of Rollover Crash on Redwood Highway in Kerby
The Oregon State Police was investigating the cause of a rollover crash that occurred in Kerby late yesterday. On Tuesday at 5 p.m., the Illinois Valley Fire District, American Medical Response and OSP were dispatched to the single-vehicle wreck on Redwood Highway at Pugetville Road. IVFD officials said the lone occupant was not hurt. JP Auto & Metal Recycling responded to tow the vehicle from the scene.
Posted on 10/4/23 6:40AM by Sam Marsh
 

Board will Hold Hearing on 2nd Reading of Public Intoxication Ordinance
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the second reading of an ordinance that enacts changes related to public intoxication during its weekly business session this morning. Following the hearing, the Board is expected to adopt the ordinance that amends the Josephine County Code on public peace, morals and welfare. Specifically, it would include a ban on the public consumption of alcohol, marijuana and drugs. Under Administrative Actions, the Commissioners will consider a real estate sale agreement with Dogooders Properties, LLC, for county-owned property located at 1389 and 1399 Pansy Lane adjacent to the Josephine County Fairgrounds. As part of the Consent Calendar, the Board will consider a lease agreement with Love Abounds Asset Management, LLC, and the Oregon Futbol Academy for the infield of the race track at Grants Pass Downs. There is also an order revising the attendance of news media at executive sessions and a resolution establishing the Josephine County Road Service District Fund. Today's public meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium.
Posted on 10/4/23 6:30AM by Sam Marsh
 

Forest Service Reduces Emergency Area and Road Closure for Flat Fire
As activity on the Flat Fire winds down, the US Forest Service has reduced the emergency area and road closure associated with the wildfire. On Tuesday, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Acting Supervisor Jake Winn signed an update to the emergency closure for the Flat Fire, reducing the closure area and reopening roads adjacent to the fire area. The new order is effective immediately and runs through December 31st, unless rescinded sooner. The closure area boundary is described as the entirety of the Flat Fire area starting east of the junction of Forest Road 3318 and Forest Road 3680 following northeast along Forest Road 3318 (Wildhorse Lookout Road) and then southeast toward Indigo Creek turning southwest toward Forest Road 3680 and Forest Road 1376, and then northwest to the starting point. All roads and trails within the boundary areas remain closed. To view a copy of the closure order and map, visit the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest website at "fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou." Forest officials asks recreationists to please respect closure boundaries for firefighter and public safety.
Posted on 10/4/23 6:29AM by Sam Marsh
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ODF Reminds Local Residents Fire Season Still in Effect with Warm Weather in the Forecast
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Despite recent rainy and cool conditions, the Oregon Department of Forestry is reminding residents that fire season and low fire danger remain in effect in Josephine and Jackson counties -- and this week's forecast is the reason why. Fall-like conditions have persisted recently, but the National Weather Service in Medford is predicting temperatures into the upper 80s for the remainder of the week. Even though the region has experienced quite a bit of rain in the last couple of weeks, these warm temperatures naturally increase the risk for fires to start and spread. Help ODF finish out this fire season strong and prevent fires by following all current regulations, which can be found at "swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions." Among the restrictions, outdoor debris burning remains prohibited. Debris burns started too early in the fall have the potential to reignite in conditions exactly like what are expected this week. Protect your home and neighborhood by partnering with ODF in fire prevention.
Posted on 10/4/23 6:17AM by Sam Marsh
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Grants Pass Announces Sustainable Tourism Grant Program Open until October 13th
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The City of Grants Pass has announced that its Sustainable Tourism Grant Program is open for 10 more days. Tourism is an important part of the economic success of Grants Pass and -- as such -- the City of Grants Pass designates 12% of eligible tourism funds to the program. The grant program supports promotional activities that will lead to sustainable tourism by attracting tourists and increasing overnight stays. Grants that focus on increasing tourism during off-peak periods, generating economic growth from tourists coming from outside a 50-mile radius, and providing increased economic benefit for local businesses and non-profit organizations are the most competitive. Depending on available funds, this program has a fall and spring cycle. The 2023 Fall Cycle closes on October 13th. The grants range from a minimum of $2,500 to a maximum of $5,000. No match is required for the grant. Completed applications must be submitted to the GP Economic Development Division by the closing deadline.
Posted on 10/4/23 6:15AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Hosting 20th Annual Art Along the Rogue Chalk Art Festival This Coming Weekend
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The 20th "Art Along the Rogue" chalk festival kicks off on Friday with a theme of "Blockbusters on the Block." Whether it's a classic film like "Star Wars" or the latest Indiana Jones movie, artists will use a favorite to fuel their inspiration. This year, more than 40 artists will be drawing on the streets at 5th and H in the Historic District of downtown Grants Pass. Featured artists Evar Galvez and Sharyn Chan will be creating their works in 3-D. Since its inception in 2003, Art Along the Rogue has grown into one of Grants Pass' premier community events. This year, more than 20 community sponsors are supporting the artists and festival like never before. Art Along the Rogue is one of the leading street chalk and music festivals in the state and it attracts thousands of visitors to Grants Pass each autumn. This year's schedule is Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. On Saturday and Sunday, children can create art free of charge using one of the 1,200 squares available.
Posted on 10/4/23 6:13AM by Sam Marsh
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Commission will Hold Hearing on 2nd Reading of Public Intoxication Ordinance
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the second reading of an ordinance that enacts changes related to public intoxication during its weekly business session tomorrow morning. Following the hearing, the Board is expected to adopt the ordinance that amends the Josephine County Code on public peace, morals and welfare. Specifically, it would include a ban on the public consumption of alcohol, marijuana and drugs. Under Administrative Actions, the Commissioners will consider a real estate sale agreement with Dogooders Properties, LLC, for county-owned property located at 1389 and 1399 Pansy Lane adjacent to the Josephine County Fairgrounds. As part of the Consent Calendar, the Board will consider a lease agreement with Love Abounds Asset Management, LLC, and the Oregon Futbol Academy for the infield of the race track at Grants Pass Downs. There is also an order revising the attendance of news media at executive sessions and a resolution establishing the Josephine County Road Service District Fund. Wednesday's public meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium.
Posted on 10/3/23 12:55PM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Jailed Man on Local Warrants and Evicted 6 Campers from City Park
Grants Pass Police arrested a man on three outstanding warrants and evicted six other campers during a patrol check at Morrison Centennial Park early yesterday. The Police Department reports officers contacted several campers at the city park on Rogue River Highway including 35-year-old Ian Siewell Hogue on Monday at about 8 a.m.. Hogue was found to be wanted on three local warrants out of Josephine County and Grants Pass. Charges listed in the warrants included failing to appear in court for Unlawful Manufacture and Possession of Marijuana, Identity Theft, 1st-Degree Theft, Resisting Arrest and Furnishing False Information to Police. He was lodged without bail at the Josephine County Jail. Officers also cited Lela Dawn Smith, Laura Gutowski, Dylan Duffy, James Redden, Anna Newell and Kory Russell for various violations including Scattering Rubbish, Utilization of Park Space and Dog as a Nuisance. All six were trespassed from the park for 30 days.
Posted on 10/3/23 10:39AM by Sam Marsh
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Grants Pass Police Officers Arrested Riverside Park Camper on Local Warrants
Grants Pass Police arrested a man on two local warrants while performing a patrol check at Riverside Park yesterday. According to the Police Department, officers contacted 41-year-old Anthony James Fish at the city park on Monday shortly after 10 a.m.. Police said they observed Fish and knew that he was wanted on two Grants Pass warrants for crimes including Probation Violation related to an arrest for Unlawful Use of a Weapon and failing to appear in court for 2nd-Degree Theft. Anthony Fish was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on a no-bail detainer. Officers also contacted several other campers at the park including Eric Beck, who was cited for Illegal Camping. His campsite had been posted on September 28th.
Posted on 10/3/23 10:38AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Collared Woman on Portland Area Warrants after Walmart Theft Call
Grants Pass Police apprehended a woman wanted on two Portland area warrants after responding to a shoplifting complaint at Walmart last night. The Police Department reports officers arrested 37-year-old Bobby Rae Miller near Parkway Christian Center after the theft call from the big box retailer on NE Terry Lane came in on Monday at 7:53 p.m.. Police said Miller entered Walmart where she concealed a total of eight items valued at nearly $164 in a black bag and then exited the store without paying. Store security watched her leave and cross the Grants Pass Parkway toward the church. Upon contact with Miller, officers discovered that she was wanted on a Multnomah County warrant for Computer Crime and Theft as well as a Washington County warrant for failing to appear in court for Theft and Supplying Contraband to a Corrections Facility. Bobby Miller was lodged at the nearby jail on the warrants along with a new charge of 2nd-Degree Theft. She was also found to be in possession of a Schedule 2 Controlled Substance and was cited to appear in court for the narcotics violation.
Posted on 10/3/23 10:37AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Snared Man on Statewide Warrant and for Bad Downtown Behavior
Grants Pass Police arrested a man on a statewide felony warrant and for his unruly behavior in the downtown area last weekend. According to the Police Department, officers responded to an incident involving 29-year-old Dustin Michael Fontana on SW 6th Street on Sunday around 2 p.m.. Police said they contacted Fontana after receiving a report of a male subject holding a stick like a gun and screaming at people near the intersection of SW 6th and H streets. He also reportedly solicited sexual favors from a woman with her daughter present while smoking a marijuana joint in public. Fontana initially provided police with a fake name and phony date of birth. He later told officers he provided the false information because he believed he had a warrant. He was wanted on an Oregon State warrant for Parole Violation stemming from a previous conviction for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. Dustin Fontana was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the no-bail warrant along with new charges of Disorderly Conduct and Furnishing False Information to Police. He was cited to appear in court for the pot violation.
Posted on 10/3/23 10:35AM by Sam Marsh
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