Local News

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office arrested two young motorcyclists this week for speeding away from deputies just north of Grants Pass. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies attempted to stop one of the motorcycle riders for a traffic violation on Highland Avenue on Tuesday night. Deputies said the motorcyclists refused to yield, turned onto Donaldson Road and sped away. They pursued the suspects until one of them eventually pulled over at Surrey Drive. He was placed into custody at gunpoint while the other motorcyclist turned around and was also placed into custody. The 19- and 18-year-old suspects were lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Attempt to Elude Police and Reckless Driving. Both motorcycles were towed to the impound yard. At least one of them had no license plates.

 

The Oregon Department of Transportation is reminding motorists that studded tires must be removed from vehicles by this Sunday, March 31st. ODOT officials said long-term weather forecasts do not support an extension of the studded tire season this year. Driving with studded tires after the deadline can result in a fine. Law enforcement may issue a citation for a Class C traffic violation, with a $165 penalty. While studded tires are okay from November 1st to March 31st, officials say it's better to use other options like traction tires or chains. Studded tires cause about $8.5 million in damage to state highways each year, according to a 2014 study. ODOT crews continue monitoring highway and weather conditions, working to remove any late-season snow or ice. After Sunday, switch to traction tires or chains if needed, or consider postponing your travel until conditions improve. Visit "tripcheck.com" for updated travel conditions in Oregon.

 

The Rogue River City Council will tackle a busy agenda during its monthly meeting tonight. Under New Business, the City Council will present a Citizen Life-Saving Award, consider use of Palmerton Park by the Pacific Northwest Chapter of International Society of Arboriculture and approve a letter of support for the Community Center. In other business, the Council will consider committee appointments to the Rogue Valley Area Commission on Transportation (RVACT), adopt budget goals for the next fiscal year and provide a local government recommendation for a temporary use permit for The Double R Bar & Grill for Rooster Crow Weekend. The panel will hear an appeal of the Planning Commission approval of a request to subdivide an 8.17-acre property at 395 West Evans Creek Road into 20 lots. Also on the docket are an ordinance annexing 4.86 acres on Wards Creek Road into Rogue River, a resolution adopting city representation in the updates to the Jackson County Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, a resolution adopting a policy for banners across Depot Street and a resolution establishing a new park reservation policy. Tonight's meeting starts at 6 at Rogue River City Hall, 133 Broadway Street.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday approved a grant agreement with Options for Southern Oregon for the management of mental health services. The Board voted 2-0 to approve a renewal of the grant that is administered by the Oregon Health Authority. Commissioner Dan DeYoung was absent. Options Executive Director Carla McCafferty testified that the 18-month contract renewal runs until June 30, 2025, unless the agreement is terminated or amended. She said the funding is for GAP services for uninsured or underinsured residents. As part of the Consent Calendar, the Commissioners appointed Kimberly Glover to a four-year term on the Josephine Housing & Community Development Council, Dustin Abbott to a four-year term on the Bikeways & Walkways Committee and Dave Mathews to a four-year term on the Illinois Valley Airport Advisory Board. They also reappointed Gary Buck to a four-year term on the IV Airport Advisory Board. In other business, the Board approved plat maps for Oregon Trail Estates and Phase 1 of the Silverbrook development. The maps are available for public viewing in the Board of Commissioners Office at the Josephine County Courthouse.

 

The Eagle Point Police Department has joined thousands of public safety agencies around the United States this week to recognize the sacrifices made by law enforcement, firefighters, dispatchers and EMS providers. On March 12th, the Eagle Point City Council adopted a resolution to recognize March 25th-29th as "First Responder Wellness Week." First responders risk their lives every day as part of their duties. The nature of the work increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and decreases life expectancy to a level much lower than the national average. First responders -- on average -- are exposed to 188 critical incidents through the course of their careers, increasing risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder more than 25 times higher than the average individual. All week, members of EPD have been given tips and training opportunities to learn more about how to increase resiliency and ways to foster a healthier lifestyle. EPD Chief Jim Hamilton said combating stress and ensuring more wellness training will help keep his officers safe and ensure they experience long and productive careers.

 

Food and Friends needs help from local volunteers for its important program. The Meals on Wheels program for Jackson and Josephine counties provides hot, nutritious meals and a friendly visit to hundreds of homebound seniors. The program is administered by the Rogue Valley Council of Governments. Meals are served Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and noon. Home delivery drivers and site volunteers are urgently needed in Grants Pass, Cave Junction and Merlin. Mileage reimbursement is offered. For more information, call Nicole at (541)-955-8839.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners this morning approved a grant agreement with Options for Southern Oregon for the management of mental health services. The Board voted 2-0 to approve a renewal of the grant that is administered by the Oregon Health Authority. Commissioner Dan DeYoung was absent. Options Executive Director Carla McCafferty testified that the 18-month contract renewal runs until June 30, 2025, unless the agreement is terminated or amended. She said the funding is for GAP services for uninsured or underinsured residents. As part of the Consent Calendar, the Commissioners appointed Kimberly Glover to a four-year term on the Josephine Housing & Community Development Council, Dustin Abbott to a four-year term on the Bikeways & Walkways Committee and Dave Mathews to a four-year term on the Illinois Valley Airport Advisory Board. They also reappointed Gary Buck to a four-year term on the IV Airport Advisory Board. In other business, the Board approved plat maps for Oregon Trail Estates and Phase 1 of the Silverbrook development. The maps are available for public viewing in the Board of Commissioners Office at the Josephine County Courthouse.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office jailed an Illinois Valley man for stealing a vehicle yesterday and additional charges are pending further investigation. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested the 40-year-old male suspect at gunpoint on Tuesday at 5:58 p.m. following a high-risk traffic stop on Rockydale Road near Forest Park Road. Deputies said the incident started a few hours earlier when a Cave Junction man reported his vehicle was stolen from a property on East Hanby Road. The vehicle was seen by witnesses a short time later at CJ Coffee, but the suspect had driven away before law enforcement arrived on scene. The Oregon State Police assisted. About an hour later, the stolen vehicle was spotted at a property in the 27,500-block of Redwood Highway. When the suspect was stopped, there was a woman and a juvenile also inside the vehicle. The suspect was transported to Grants Pass and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. The woman was detained and released. According to the report, two firearms, $460 in cash, a possible burglary tool and an unknown controlled substance were located inside the stolen vehicle, which was towed to Cave Junction. The items were seized as evidence and for investigation.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a man for allegedly threatening motorists with a knife near Tussing Park yesterday. The Police Department reports officers arrested the 36-year-old male subject near the corner of West Park Street and Ringuette Street on Tuesday at 11:06 a.m.. Police said a Josephine County sheriff's deputy was flagged down by a couple who reported the man had just charged their vehicle with a knife. They said he was located a short time later walking in the middle of the street and "flailing wildly." Officers disarmed the man and placed him into custody. No one was hurt. The suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Disorderly Conduct and the resulting Parole Violation stemming from recent convictions for Disorderly Conduct and Criminal Mischief. He was being held on a no-bail detainer. His property was logged into evidence for safekeeping.