Local News

A fight between two women in the 1200 block of Rogue River Highway warranted a response from Grants Pass Police.

Dispatch was notified the intoxicated women were yelling and fighting with each other while causing public alarm. A firearm was mentioned in the report, and a man was trying to separate them. There had been prior reports from the same location regarding one of the women.

The parties were separated but still screaming at each other before officers arrived. Both women were contacted by officers and arrested for Second Degree Disorderly Conduct. They were transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

 

Grants Pass Police contacted an uncooperative suspect at Riverside Park Thursday afternoon.

At 2:41 p.m., the suspect, Travis Davenport, was seen walking towards Caveman Bridge. He walked up the stairs towards 6th Street then across the bridge. The officer advised him to stop and that he was under arrest, but he was not compliant.

Davenport used expletives and flipped the officer off while continuing to walk away towards Evergreen Federal Bank. He was advised he was under arrest multiple times and was eventually taken into custody.

The officer positively identified Davenport and transported him to the Josephine County Jail. He had two warrants for Unlawful Possession of Meth out for his arrest, and law enforcement lodged him on a charge of Third Degree Escape as well.

 

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Oregon State Parks will no longer accept Jackson County parking permits at state parks in Jackson County.

The impacted parks include TouVelle State Recreation Site and Valley of the Rogue State Park.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is projecting a $14 million budget shortfall this biennium due to decreasing lottery revenue, increasing costs and a long-standing need for more sustainable funding. Oregon State Parks does not receive general-fund tax dollars for operations.

OPRD is also discontinuing its participation in the Oregon Pacific Coast Passport starting Jan. 1, 2026. It is part of several changes for 2026 to help increase revenue and decrease costs.

In addition to these changes, the agency is streamlining internal costs and looking for new partnerships and sponsorships to help build a more sustainable funding future.

 

The Salvation Army in Jackson County has wrapped up its annual Angel Tree Christmas distribution.

According to KDRV, officials said the organization delivered holiday gifts to more than 703 local families and over 1,900 children during a three-day effort.

Operating from its warehouse on Stevens Road, hundreds of volunteers worked long hours to match children’s wish lists and prepare Angel Tree packages. The coordinated effort ensured gifts were organized and distributed in time for Christmas across communities throughout the county.

The Salvation Army said the volunteers’ dedication and generosity helped make the season brighter for local families, with each package prepared thoughtfully to ensure children felt seen, valued and celebrated during the holidays.

 

Dispatch received a call from a property in the 600 block of SE Riverside Avenue, only for the caller to hang up immediately.

There was no answer upon calling back. Officers arrived at the location and contacted the caller. While there, Daniel Biggs was identified and advised he was under arrest. He attempted to flee out the front door but was detained.

Biggs was wanted on warrants out of the Josephine County Sheriff's Office and Central Point Police Department. Charges included Grand Theft Auto Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree, Third Degree Escape, and Strangulation.

Officers transported and lodged Biggs in the Josephine County Jail for the warrants and probable cause for Escape in the Third Degree.

 

The manager of Rogue Valley Property Management reported a trespassing to Grants Pass Police Tuesday afternoon.

At 12:28, the call was made saying a man with a beer next to him was in the doorway of the 131 NE B Street business. He had been there for 30 minutes and refused to leave despite being asked to do so.

Law enforcement arrived and located the suspect, identified as Thomas Ehens. He wouldn't leave the premises so officers took him into custody. He was transferred and lodged for Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree at the Josephine County Jail.

 

The American Red Cross is asking people to donate blood or platelets in the coming weeks, citing the usual drop in donations that often accompanies holiday travel and winter weather.

According to The Oregonian, the organization said late December is typically a challenging period for blood collection, as more people leave town, schedules become unpredictable and bad weather can lead to canceled appointments.

At the same time, the Red Cross said, hospitals continue to rely on a steady blood supply for surgeries, cancer treatments, emergency care and patients with ongoing medical needs.

The Red Cross said donors with Type O, A negative and B negative blood are especially needed, because those types are frequently used in emergencies and for patients with limited matching options. The organization said blood collected during this time helps support hospitals into early January, when donation rates often remain lower than average.

A Red Cross Blood Drive sponsored by VFW Post 2302 will be held Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fruitdale Grange, 1440 Parkdale Drive. Appointments can be scheduled through the Red Cross blood donor app, at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2726.

 

As temperatures drop and Oregon households rely more on wood stoves, space heaters and other heating sources, the Oregon Health Authority reminds people to take steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced whenever fuel is burned. In winter, carbon monoxide risks increase due to tighter home ventilation and increased use of heating appliances. Carbon monoxide exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, loss of consciousness and can be fatal without prompt treatment.

With care, incidents can be prevented. Take steps to have wood stoves, chimneys and vents inspected and cleaned annually by certified professionals. Ensure all wood-burning devices are properly vented to the outside, and never use outdoor heating or cooking devices, such as camp stoves, charcoal grills or generators - inside homes, garages or enclosed spaces.

For additional safety tips, visit oregon.gov/oha.

 

Sheriff Dave Daniel informed Josephine County citizens Tuesday on the status of staffing within the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.

In 2023, Josephine County residents passed a Law Enforcement Service District (LESD) supporting Patrol Operations, Dispatch services and Evidence services. The intent was to provide stable funding and “enhance” service levels within the Sheriff’s Office.

Immediately after its passing, the Sheriff's Office began recruiting and vetting candidates. Beginning December 28th, the Sheriff’s Office will begin conducting 24-hour, 7 days a week, patrol operations.

Currently, they have two School Resource Officers (SRO’s) assigned to the Three Rivers School District. There are seven new deputies still in training for the next several months, and upon their completion, two deputies will be promoted to Major Crimes Detectives.

The Sheriff’s Office thanks citizens for their overwhelming support, and promises to continue to “Protect with Courage and Serve with Compassion”.