Local News

Loss prevention at the Williams Highway Safeway reported a theft suspect after he fled the grocer with stolen beer.

Dispatch was alerted to the shoplifting incident Tuesday at 7:14 p.m. The suspect, Joshua Hein, was confronted by loss prevention and refused to return a case of Modelo beer that he placed inside his backpack. He left the scene on foot towards the nearby Abby's Pizza after reportedly lunging at the 911 caller.

Grants Pass Police located and arrested Hein outside the restaurant. He was taken into custody for Third Degree Theft, and officers conducted a search which located a glass pipe. Field testing yielded a positive result for the presence of methamphetamine, so a charge of Meth Possession was added.

Hein was transported to and lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

 

The Illinois Valley Fire District responded to a reported smoke in a structure incident in Cave Junction Tuesday afternoon.

Upon arrival at the residence in the 7000 block of Holland Loop Road around 2:57 p.m., firefighters found the home with no visible smoke or fire showing from the exterior. Further investigation determined that a cooking-related incident had occurred, causing smoke to fill portions of the residence.

The occupants were able to safely remove the pan from the stove and take it outside prior to the arrival of fire personnel. Crews investigated the scene, confirmed there was no fire extension, and assisted with ventilating the home to remove the remaining smoke.

While crews were handling this incident, the Fire District was also able to respond to a separate medical emergency alongside American Medical Response.

 

The Board of Commissioners approved the repeal of a Leadership Committee Administrative Policy and Public Works requests for fuel tank installations. During the board's 1:30 p.m. workshop Tuesday, a motion favoring the proposed repeal of the policy passed 2-1, with Legal Counsel Wally Hicks recommending it be replaced with a separate process. Commissioner Ron Smith abstained. The board moved to approve 3-0 a Mascott Equipment Company quote not to exceed over $126,000, with the cost being covered by road funds. Public Works also requested signing approval for an M&M Services, LLC contract. Following the unanimous motion, the Kerby Shop fuel tank will be decommissioned, and a new tank will be installed, not to exceed a cost of over $143,000. Finance's request to extend a Time Clock Plus contract passed 3-0, and the board permitted Director Matthew Eide to give department invoice approvals as needed. The board will revisit the Building Fees topic November 24th, and set a public meeting to address the fees for December 16th. A resolution for Reserve Fund Continuation was tabled.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office announced they have received grant funding from Oregon Impact to support increased speed enforcement throughout Josephine County.

According to the department's Facebook page, with this funding, deputies will be working overtime throughout the year conducting targeted traffic enforcement, with a specific focus on speed-related violations.

The Sheriff's Office reminds drivers that speeding is more than just breaking the law. It puts drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists at risk. Excessive speed reduces reaction time, increases stopping distances, and makes crashes more likely to result in serious injury or death.

Drivers are reminded to slow down and obey posted speed limits, and allow themselves plenty of time to reach your destination. Stay alert and watch for other motorists and pedestrians.

 

Oregon State Police cited a driver involved in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 Monday morning.

Troopers responded to the scene at milepost 80 southbound on the interstate around 9:32 a.m. A silver BMW sedan was located, and evidence at the scene indicated it was traveling too fast on the wet roadway. The driver lost control, then hit the barrier and guardrail. She requested to remove the vehicle herself.

Upon further investigation, she admitted to troopers to having methamphetamine in the vehicle. Following a consent search, a scale was found along with meth inside a Tupperware container.

The driver was cited to appear for Meth Possession and Driving While Suspended. Troopers also warned her for driving too fast in the conditions.

 

The Salvation Army Southern Oregon invites the community to stop by anytime during its annual Red Kettle Kickoff Friday, November 13th, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the South Fred Meyer in Medford.

Thanks to generous community sponsors, for every $1 donated, sponsors will contribute an additional $4, up to $25,000 in matching gifts thanks to Harry and David, Hunter Communications, and faithful friends and businesses.

Whether stopping by for a few minutes or enjoying some holiday entertainment, visitors can experience festive activities and special appearances throughout the day including Santa Claus and Enchanted Princesses, live music and entertainment, and complimentary Harry & David truffles.

For more than 128 years, The Salvation Army has helped local individuals and families facing hunger, homelessness, housing instability and financial hardship. Funds raised through the Red Kettle Campaign help provide food, emergency assistance, housing support, youth programs, and other vital services throughout the year.

The Red Kettle Kickoff also launches the annual bell-ringing season, bringing together volunteers, businesses, service clubs and families who give their time to support neighbors in need.

 

Walmart loss prevention reported a theft attempt to dispatch, leading to the suspect's arrest Monday by Grants Pass Police.

After fleeing from staff at the 135 NE Terry Lane store, Robert Kostenko was apprehended and taken to the loss prevention office around 2:30 p.m. He had reportedly entered the store with the intent to steal, and had been trespassed previously.

Despite being apprehended by loss prevention, Kostenko fled the scene before being detained by law enforcement in the NE corner of the parking lot. He had stolen less than $100, and was promptly arrested.

Officers transported Kostenko to the Josephine County Adult Jail Facility where he was lodged for First Degree Criminal Trespass, Third Degree Theft, and a detainer per his parole officer.

 

Officers with Grants Pass Police arrested a man for multiple charges after he trespassed at a Shane Way property.

Monday at 5:51 p.m., dispatch was notified that the suspect, Justin McPherron-Taylor, had reportedly come through a window of the home and was currently outside of it after previously being trespassed. He had taken the caller's adult daughter's phone, and was possibly intoxicated at the time of the report.

He had not been invited into the house or on the premises, and had caused injury to the complainant's daughter. No ambulance was requested, and McPherron-Taylor was detained by arriving officers after running northbound on Kellenbeck Avenue.

Probable cause was developed for First Degree Burglary, Second Degree Theft, and Attempted Assault in the Fourth Degree against McPherron-Taylor. He was ultimately lodged in the Adult Jail Facility on the mentioned charges by 8:17 p.m.

 

Police took a man previously trespassed from a NW Midland Avenue residence after he was reported in the home's driveway Monday afternoon.

A call to 911 reported the suspect had hopped the fence of the property around 4:38 p.m. The caller had padlocked the gate, and told dispatch the suspect was being observed via security cameras.

Upon arrival of law enforcement, the suspect, Julian Thomas, was in the driveway. He was taken into custody and lodged in jail for Second Degree Trespass. He was later released on his own recognizance.