Local News

Deputies Jailed Man for Allegedly Threatening Neighbors with Gun NW of GP
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office jailed a man for allegedly threatening others with a gun during an ongoing dispute between neighbors near Grants Pass. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested 22-year-old Jackie Pearson Paul Willis for the incident in the 1100-block of Plumtree Lane midday Wednesday. Deputies said a man called 9-1-1 and reported that Willis and another man were "shooting at them and threatening them" while waving a sawed-off shotgun in his face. At one point, the caller advised the suspect told him, "You are all dead," and shot at him with the shotgun. There were no injuries reported, but the caller said the suspects were up all night stealing his property. The other suspect was not identified. According to the report, Willis and the other man fled the scene in a Nissan Pathfinder which deputies located and pulled over in the 1500-block of Pinecrest Drive. Both men were detained, but only Willis was placed into custody. Jackie Willis was transported to Grants Pass and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for three counts Felony Unlawful Use of a Weapon, three counts of Menacing and one count of Pointing a Firearm at Another. He was being held without bail.
Posted on 11/3/23 5:41AM by Sam Marsh
 

OSP Jailed GP Man for Multiple Crimes following RR Highway Traffic Stop
The Oregon State Police jailed a Grants Pass man for multiple crimes including impaired driving and drug possession following a traffic stop on Rogue River Highway this week. OSP reports troopers pulled over a Ford F-350 driven by 42-year-old Jason Lee Amundson on Highway 99 near Clara Avenue on Wednesday evening. Troopers said Amundson was the subject of a driving complaint and -- upon locating the vehicle -- they observed poor driving behavior. Signs of impairment were displayed, but the suspect refused to participate in field sobriety tests and he had to be physically extracted from the truck. During a search of the vehicle, a large amount of methamphetamine and money were located. The drugs and currency were seized as evidence. Amundson was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center for a legal blood draw that documented impairment by both alcohol and drugs. He was lodged in jail for two counts of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, Resisting Arrest and Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance. Based on the large quantity of meth found in the stop near Fruitdale Elementary School, a charge of Delivery of Meth within 1,000 Feet of a School was referred to the District Attorney's Office for consideration. The truck was impounded.
Posted on 11/3/23 5:39AM by Sam Marsh
 

Williams Man Jailed for 4 Crimes after Trying to Elude Jackson County SO
A Williams man was jailed for multiple crimes after he crashed his vehicle near Gold Hill this week while trying to elude deputies. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office reports 38-year-old Anthony Leonard took off from a traffic stop in White City after giving deputies a false name late Wednesday afternoon. Deputies said a pursuit led from East Gregory Road through side streets to Kirtland Road and onto Interstate 5 northbound. Around milepost 39, Leonard veered off the freeway toward Blackwell Road and rolled through a fence. He was placed into custody and no one was hurt. The initial traffic stop was for expired registration and it took place in the parking lot of the Dollar Tree in White City. Leonard appeared to be impaired when deputies first contacted him. After providing a false name, he took off at a high rate of speed in his full-sized GMC van. Due to high amounts of vehicle traffic and the suspect's reckless driving, deputies did not initially pursue him. The suspect vehicle was spotted by deputies a short time later while traveling west on East Gregory. The pursuit started after the suspect failed to yield to emergency lights and sirens. Leonard later admitted to using multiple drugs including fentanyl prior to the incident. He was also wanted in Josephine County for burglary. Anthony Leonard was transported to Providence Medford Medical Center for an evaluation and legal blood draw. He was then lodged at the Jackson County Jail on the warrant plus new charges of Felony Attempt to Elude Police, Reckless Driving, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants and Giving False Information to Police.
Posted on 11/3/23 5:31AM by Sam Marsh
 

Rural Metro Encourages Motorists to Adjust Habits When Rain is Falling
Rural Metro Fire Department is encouraging drivers to slow down when it rains on local roadways. Rural Metro officials said there is an increase in traffic crashes after precipitation. Fresh rain on dry pavement often mixes with oil, grease and sediment that has accumulated from passing vehicles, creating a slippery road surface. It is often observed as a white foam or oily sheen. These conditions along with limited visibility, poor tire conditions and motorists who don't adjust their driving habits -- like reducing speed and increasing following distance -- inevitably lead to increased chances of a crash. First responders want you to reach your destination safely. For all who consider themselves to be excellent drivers, be sure to watch out for the other drivers.
Posted on 11/3/23 5:30AM by Sam Marsh
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Fruitdale Grange Hosting Christmas Bazaar This Weekend in Grants Pass
November marks the start of the Christmas Bazaar season and the Fruitdale Grange is hosting one of the first this weekend in southeast Grants Pass. The Fruitdale Grange Christmas Bazaar will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. The grange is located at 1440 Parkdale Drive, which is at the corner of Parkdale and Rogue River Highway. More than 20 vendors will be on hand to sell their wares. Items available at the bazaar include clothing; pet supplies; health & wellness items; handcrafted goods; candles; cakes & treats; crocheted, knitted and hand-sewn products; plants; signs; stained glass; jewelry; pottery and so much more. There will be food available as well including In Your Mouth Bakery, Wallflour Bakery and Walking Taco Salad. Don't miss the Choo-Choo Chili Tasting Buy a Box Fundraiser. Remember to "Stuff the Stocking" with cash donations for the Shoes for Kids program.
Posted on 11/3/23 5:28AM by Sam Marsh
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Open Enrollment Period for 2024 Private Health Insurance Underway Until January 16th
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This week is the beginning of the open enrollment period for 2024 private health insurance -- a crucial opportunity for Oregonians to secure the coverage they need. Open enrollment is the exclusive time of year when individuals can explore and then sign up for private health insurance. It runs from now through January 16th. Oregonians who enroll by December 15th will receive coverage starting on January 1st while those who enroll by January 16th will receive coverage starting on February 1st. The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace offers quality health plans designed to meet all basic needs and more. With numerous plan options available, the Marketplace offers free local support for comparing and choosing a plan. Experts can also help to identify financial assistance options and cost savings eligibility. As residents in Oregon and across the country continue to grapple with financial challenges, there are options available to help identify coverage within their budget, potentially at a price point lower than their current insurance. To determine eligibility for a more affordable plan through the Marketplace, visit "orhim.info/ESIcoverage."
Posted on 11/3/23 5:15AM by Sam Marsh
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National Weather Service Posts Flash Flood Watch for Smith River Complex Burn Scar
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Southern Oregon travelers planning a trip to the coast may want to leave by today or wait until Sunday. The National Weather Service has posted a Flash Flood Watch for US Highway 199 through the Smith River Complex burn scar area from this evening through Saturday afternoon. A period of heavy rainfall is expected during that time period across the burn scar, which stretches from the Oregon border to Gasquet, California. Flash flooding or debris flows caused by excessive precipitation are possible. Possible thunderstorm activity will yield enhanced rainfall rates and an increased threat of debris flows. The NWS station in Medford said heavy rainfall has a low probability of triggering flash flooding and debris flows on the Oregon side of the Smith River Complex. Travelers should monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to take action if a Flash Flood Warning is issued. Residents living near the burn scar should prepare for potential flooding and/or rock slide impacts.
Posted on 11/3/23 5:12AM by Sam Marsh
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Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Closes Illinois Falls Bridge Until the End of 2024
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The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has closed a bridge on the Illinois Falls Trail through the end of next year. Acting Forest Supervisor Jacob Winn signed a closure order for the Illinois Falls Trail Bridge, which is located off the Fall Creek Trail and connects with Forest Service Road 4103087. The footbridge crosses the Illinois River west of Selma. The order goes into effective immediately and runs through December 31st, 2024, unless rescinded sooner. Officials did not give a reason for the lengthy closure. People exempted from this order include those with certain Forest Service permits or any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty. Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of not more than six months.
Posted on 11/3/23 5:11AM by Sam Marsh
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Deputies Jailed Man for Allegedly Threatening Neighbors with Gun NW of GP
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office jailed a man for allegedly threatening others with a gun during an ongoing dispute between neighbors near Grants Pass. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested 22-year-old Jackie Pearson Paul Willis for the incident in the 1100-block of Plumtree Lane on Wednesday around 11:45 a.m.. Deputies said a man called 9-1-1 and reported that Willis and another man were "shooting at them and threatening them" while waving a sawed-off shotgun in his face. At one point, the caller advised the suspect told him, "You are all dead" and shot at him with the shotgun. There were no injuries reported, but the caller said the suspects were up all night stealing his property. The other suspect was not identified. According to the report, Willis and the other man fled the scene in a Nissan Pathfinder which deputies located and pulled over in the 1500-block of Pinecrest Drive. Both men were detained, but only Willis was placed into custody. Jackie Willis was transported to Grants Pass and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for three counts Felony Unlawful Use of a Weapon, three counts of Menacing and one count of Pointing a Firearm at Another. He was being held without bail.
Posted on 11/2/23 10:08AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Jailed Man for Threatening Woman & Cousin on SW Foundry Street
Grants Pass Police jailed a man for threatening his ex-girlfriend and her cousin at a residence near the downtown area yesterday. The Police Department reports officers arrested 22-year-old Raymond Robert Lee Amos for the domestic disturbance in the 1300-block of SW Foundry Street at 12:16 p.m. Wednesday. Police said a woman called 9-1-1 to report that her ex-boyfriend -- Amos -- came to her house on foot and hit her vehicle with a crutch, placing her and her cousin in fear of imminent serious physical injury. The caller told dispatchers that the suspect threatened to kill her. According to the report, Amos and the woman were in a previous relationship and Amos believes his ex-girlfriend's five-month-old daughter is his. Upon arrival, officers placed Raymond Amos into custody and then lodged him at the Josephine County Jail for two counts of Domestic Menacing and one count of Disorderly Conduct. He was being held without bail.
Posted on 11/2/23 10:07AM by Sam Marsh
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OSP Jailed GP Man for Multiple Crimes following Rogue River Highway Stop
The Oregon State Police jailed a Grants Pass man for multiple crimes including impaired driving and drug possession following a traffic stop on Rogue River Highway late yesterday. OSP reports troopers pulled over a Ford F-350 driven by 42-year-old Jason Lee Amundson on Highway 99 near Clara Avenue on Wednesday at 5:22 p.m.. Troopers said Amundson was the subject of a driving complaint and -- upon locating the vehicle -- they observed poor driving behavior. Signs of impairment were displayed, but the suspect refused to participate in field sobriety tests and he had to be physically extracted from the truck. During a search of the vehicle, a large amount of methamphetamine and money were located. The drugs and currency were seized as evidence. Amundson was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center for a legal blood draw that documented impairment by both alcohol and drugs. He was lodged in jail for two counts of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, Resisting Arrest and Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance. Based on the large quantity of meth found in the stop near Fruitdale Elementary School, a charge of Delivery of Meth within 1,000 Feet of a School was referred to the District Attorney's Office for consideration. The truck was impounded.
Posted on 11/2/23 10:04AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Arrested Motorist for Leading Officers on Chase in North Part of City
Grants Pass Police arrested a motorist for leading officers on a pursuit in the north part of the city yesterday. According to the Police Department, officers attempted to pull over a Lincoln Navigator driven by 28-year-old Kayla Marie Sandgren at the intersection of NE 7th Street and Hillcrest Drive on Wednesday at 12:26 p.m.. Police said Sandgren failed to yield and led them on a chase up NE 7th Street to Morgan Lane to Hawthorne Avenue back to Morgan and then Highland Avenue. They said the suspect ran through the stop sign at Highland and finally stopped near the corner of Pleasant View and Black Oak drives. Kayla Sandgren was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Attempt to Elude Police. She was interviewed at the jail for her possible involvement in another unrelated crime. Her vehicle was parked and secured.
Posted on 11/2/23 10:03AM by Sam Marsh
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