Local News

BCC to Hold Public Hearing on New Wildfire and Emergency Safety Standards
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on new wildfire and emergency safety standards during its business session this morning. The Board will then consider the first reading of an ordinance that amends the Rural Land Development Code to update the chapter on new dwellings. A second reading is scheduled for February 28th. Under Administrative Actions, the Commissioners will consider a resolution that would refer to voters a five-year local option tax for the Josephine County Animal Shelter and Animal Control. If approved, the measure will appear on the May 21st ballot. As part of the Consent Calendar, the Board will consider an order transferring money from the Just Compensation Fund to the Law Enforcement Service District Fund. An appointment will be made to the Grants Pass Airport Advisory Board. Today's public meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium.
Posted on 2/14/24 6:11AM by Sam Marsh
 

Applications Being Accepted for Post on GP Historical Buildings & Sites Panel
Applications are being accepted for a position on the Grants Pass Historical Buildings & Sites Commission. The open position expires December 7, 2026. The purpose of the Historical Buildings & Sites Commission (HBSC) is to review alterations to any historic district or designated structure in the Grants Pass Urban Growth Boundary, to promote the community's historic preservation and to advise other interested agencies on matters related to historic preservation. The HBSC also identifies areas of archaeological significance and buildings of historic or archaeological significance. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the City of Grants Pass. This position is for a representative who is the owner of a business located within the Central Business District of Grants Pass. Applications are available at the City Administration Office at 101 NW A Street or online at "grantspassoregon.gov/committee-application." Completed applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 8th.
Posted on 2/14/24 6:09AM by Sam Marsh
 

City of Grants Pass Offering Financial Help in Partnership with Residential Developers
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The City of Grants Pass is soliciting sealed written proposals from residential developers to incentivize the development of affordable housing through a public-private partnership. Through the partnership, the city contributes American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the design and/or extension of public infrastructure -- including water, sewer and transportation -- within the Grants Pass Urban Growth Boundary. The ideal qualified residential developer will either own land or demonstrate a clear ability to acquire land that has strong residential development potential for at least 20 dwelling units within the UGB. Priority will be given to neighborhoods where development potential is constrained and/or there is some barrier to extending public infrastructure to serve the area. Key objectives for the project include community compatibility, affordability targeted to households earning 120% of the Area Median Income or below, high-quality design and materials, and long-term affordability. The deadline for sealed submission in response to this request for proposals is 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19th. An agreement between the City and a developer committing to a specific development site and scope must be fully-executed no later than December 1, 2024.
Posted on 2/14/24 6:01AM by Sam Marsh
 

Eagle Point Police Officers Now Carry AEDs in Vehicles Thanks to Family Foundation Gift
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The Eagle Point Police Department will be carrying a new life-saving tool in all patrol vehicles, thanks to a generous grant from the Robert and Frances Chaney Family Foundation. EPPD applied for funding from the foundation to help purchase 10 Cardiac Science G3 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to provide a rapid response and care for cardiac arrest patients. Training for the care, maintenance and use of the AEDs was provided through a partnership with Jackson County Fire District #3. The local fire district provided training to Eagle Point officers on how and when to use the AEDs. Now that the officers are certified in how to use the units, they will be placed in patrol cars and be available for emergency response. According to the American Heart Association, there are more than 350,000 cardiac arrests which occur outside of the hospital each year. Defibrillation is the third step in the "Chain of Survival", behind calling 9-1-1 and CPR. Early defibrillation is the key to increasing the survival rate. Officers are often already in the field and closer to the incident location than emergency services personnel.
Posted on 2/14/24 5:59AM by Sam Marsh
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2024 Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration Slated for Saturday at Britt in Jacksonville
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Lunar New Year is celebrated across Oregon in February, but if you haven't attended the festival in Jacksonville lately, it's time. The free event takes place at the Britt Pavilion garden, near the region's oldest Chinese Quarters, on Saturday. Volunteer members of the Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association have hosted the Jacksonville event since 2006, and draw experts from the state and beyond to explore Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean New Year traditions. Family-friendly activities, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., include Taiko drumming, and lion and dragon dances performed by St. Mary's School students. Southern Oregon, and specifically, Jacksonville, have a strong historical relationship with Asian immigrants. Archeologists' excavations of Jacksonville's early commercial district date the Chinese Quarters from 1852 to 1910. This makes Jacksonville home to the oldest urban Chinese community in the Pacific Northwest, according to the The Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project led by researchers with the Southern Oregon University Laboratory of Anthropology.
Posted on 2/14/24 5:57AM by Sam Marsh
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Board to Hold Public Hearing on New Wildfire & Emergency Safety Standards
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on new wildfire and emergency safety standards during its business session on Wednesday. The Board will then consider the first reading of an ordinance that amends the Rural Land Development Code to update the chapter on new dwellings. A second reading is scheduled for February 28th. Under Administrative Actions, the Commissioners will consider a resolution that would refer to voters a five-year local option tax for the Josephine County Animal Shelter and Animal Control. If approved, the measure will appear on the May 21st ballot. As part of the Consent Calendar, the Board will consider an order transferring money from the Just Compensation Fund to the Law Enforcement Service District Fund. An appointment will be made to the Grants Pass Airport Advisory Board. Wednesday's public meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium.
Posted on 2/13/24 11:20AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Area Woman Jailed for Attacking & Injuring Husband in North Valley Area
A Grants Pass area woman was jailed yesterday for attacking and injuring her husband in the North Valley area. The Josephine County Sheriff's Office reports deputies responded to the incident at a home in the 7500-block of Monument Drive on Monday around 10:20 a.m.. Deputies said a woman called 9-1-1 to report that 24-year-old Emily Nicole Karen Denney hit her husband in the head with a blow torch, leaving him with a small cut above his eyes. The caller -- who identified herself as the victim's sister-in-law -- said the suspect left and went to a nearby home. Upon further investigation, deputies concluded that Denney struck her husband in the head with a propane cylinder, causing a 2/3-inch laceration which appeared to need stitches. The victim complained of blurred vision, but refused attention from American Medical Response. He said he would go to the hospital for evaluation. According to the report, Denney was contacted and admitted to striking her spouse with the propane tank. Emily Denney was subsequently lodged at the Josephine County Jail on felony charges of 2nd-Degree Domestic Assault and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. She was being held without bail.
Posted on 2/13/24 10:53AM by Sam Marsh
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Sheriff's Office Investigation Led to Arrest of Grants Pass Man for Two Crimes
A Josephine County Sheriff's Office investigation has led to the arrest of a Grants Pass man on criminal charges. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies arrested 58-year-old Donald Richard Peariso at a home in the 2500-block of Elk Lane on Monday at 2:17 p.m.. No details about the investigation have been released, but Peariso was charged with Menacing and 2nd-Degree Criminal Mischief related to a recent incident. Donald Peariso was lodged at the Josephine County Jail and he was being held without bail.
Posted on 2/13/24 10:52AM by Sam Marsh
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OSP Snared Two People on Outstanding Warrants during Weekend Contacts
The Oregon State Police arrested two people on outstanding warrants during weekend contacts in Josephine County. OSP reports the first incident occurred on Saturday at 8:08 p.m. when troopers pulled over a Mercedes Benz driven by 46-year-old Larry Robert Adams of Washougal, Washington, on Redwood Highway near milepost 6. Troopers said they stopped Adams for a traffic violation and discovered that he was wanted on an out-of-county warrant for Patronizing a Prostitute. He was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail without bail. The second incident happened on Sunday at 11:18 p.m. when troopers contacted 33-year-old Brandon Michael Davis near the corner of South Hussey Avenue and Lister Street in Cave Junction. During the interaction, troopers said they learned that Davis was wanted on a Josephine County felony warrant for charges including Mail Theft, Burglary, Theft, Criminal Mischief and Probation Violation related to an arrest for Felon in Possession of a Weapon. He was transported to Grants Pass and lodged in jail on $55,000 bail.
Posted on 2/13/24 10:51AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Arrested Man for Causing Disturbance near Water Treatment Plant
Grants Pass Police arrested a "frequent flyer" for causing a disturbance near the Water Treatment Plant late yesterday. The Police Department reports officers were alerted to the incident involving 35-year-old Travis Carrasco Boget near the intersection of SE M Street and the Grants Pass Parkway on Monday around 4:30 p.m.. Police said Boget crossed the busy intersection when cross traffic had a green light. One motorist had to stop in the middle of the crossing to avoid hitting the man and he spit on her vehicle. The suspect continued across the Parkway while shouting at motorists and stopping traffic. Boget was contacted by officers in front of the Water Treatment Plant and he initially refused to identify himself or obey commands. The suspect exhibited "pre-assault" indicators and control holds were used in order to place him into custody. Travis Boget was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Disorderly Conduct and he was being held without bail. Jail records show he has been arrested four times since January 2nd for Theft, Escape and Criminal Trespass.
Posted on 2/13/24 10:49AM by Sam Marsh
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Grants Pass Police Nabbed Woman for Returning to Store after Trespass Call
Grants Pass Police arrested another "frequent flyer" for returning to a Rogue River Highway convenience store after she had been trespassed from the business early yesterday. According to the Police Department, officers responded to a trespassing complaint involving 34-year-old Marissa Elizabeth Winters at the Li'l Pantry Market & Deli on Highway 99 at Parkdale Drive on Monday at about 9:35 a.m.. Police said Winters returned to Li'l Pantry after she had been trespassed from the store at 7:10 a.m.. Store workers advised the suspect was pacing back and forth in front of the business, and she was trying to come back inside. They said she was also yelling at customers before she retreated to the nearby Bottle Drop Center. That's where officers contacted Winters and placed her into custody. She was lodged without bail at the Josephine County Jail for 1st-Degree Criminal Trespass. Jail records show Marissa Winters has been arrested four times since January 3rd for alleged crimes including Assault on a Public Safety Officer, Resisting Arrest, Escape, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Mischief and Offensive Littering.
Posted on 2/13/24 10:47AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Trespassed 12 Campers from 6 City Parks for Ordinance Violations
Grants Pass Police evicted a total of 12 campers from six city parks yesterday due to various ordinance violations. At Kesterson Park, Kelcey Cummings, Wade Johnson and Rosalee Ward-Johnson were cited for Illegal Camping after they failed to remove their previously posted campsites. Cummings was also cited for Buffer Zone Violation and he was issued a 30-day exclusion from the park. At Riverside Park, Jacob Reeder, Timothy Wood, Dylan Duffy and Eric Beck were cited for Illegal Camping. Wood was also cited for Misuse of Park Open Spaces. Kale Luke and Samantha Crutcher were cited for Misuse of Park Open Spaces and Scattering Rubbish. David Wilson was cited for Marijuana in the Park and Staking a Tent. Wood, Duffy, Crutcher, Luke and Wilson were all trespassed for 30 days. At Tussing Park, Demetrius Hughes, Crista Holmberg and Lori Signs were cited for Illegal Camping. All three were also cited for Buffer Zone Violation and they were issued park exclusions. At Morrison Centennial Park, Michael Cheek was cited for Misuse of Park Open Spaces and Buffer Zone Violation. He was trespassed from the park for 30 days. At Fruitdale Park, Marylynn Humphrey was cited for Illegal Camping and she was issued a 30-day exclusion. At Baker Park, David Rich was cited for Misuse of Park Open Spaces and Scattering Rubbish. He was trespassed from the park for the next month.
Posted on 2/13/24 10:45AM by Sam Marsh
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