Local News

Grants Pass Police lodged a man in jail Wednesday after he was reported trespassing at O'Reilly Auto Parts.

The 1644 Williams Highway store's assistant manager called 911 at 7:48 p.m. stating the suspect, wearing a long sleeve shirt, pants, and no shoes was trespassing at the business. He had a bike with a cart, and proceeded towards the nearby Safeway around 7:50 p.m.

Arriving officers contacted the suspect, Kody Lewis, and determined he had been trespassed from the O'Reilly's back in September. Lewis admitted to entering the store, and he was taken into custody. Law enforcement transported him to the Josephine County Adult Jail Facility where he was lodged for Second Degree Criminal Trespass.

 

Individuals reportedly doing drugs at Gilbert Creek Park were reported to dispatch, leading to an arrest by Grants Pass Police Wednesday.

The two suspects were seen using a glass pipe while at the 1750 NW Hawthorne Avenue park at 5:22 p.m. An officer responded to the scene and conducted an investigation. Michael Pullin was identified as one of the suspects, and found to have an active warrant out for his arrest.

His Oregon Parole Board Warrant charged him with a weapons offense. He admitted to having Fentanyl on his person, and upon a consent search, the officer located the substance, which field tested positive for Fentanyl. Pullin was arrested and transported to the Josephine County Jail for his warrant and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

He was also given a 30-Day Exclusion, and trespassed from the park.

 

After a request for proposal for contracted attorney services was sent out, the Board of Commissioners will move forward with Attorney Christian Boenisch.

Following the board's approval, Legal Counsel will work with Boenisch on a personal services contract. Compensation will come out of the Legal Counsel Budget.

Next on the Legal Counsel Update agenda, a motion approving the resolution in the matter of affirming compliance with State and Federal Law, and requesting the State address Counties' Federal Funding and False Claims Act Exposure passed 3-0. An amendment was added, saying the State will be committed to defend and indemnify County officers and employees

Following an executive session, direction was given regarding real properties in relation to the Flying Lark sale, and the Butterfield v. Wellpath LLC et al court cases. The Michael Polen v. Josephine County Public Works case will go to small claims court.

 

Parole and Probation partners at Jackson County Community Justice are alerting the public to a new scam targeting families of individuals lodged at the Jackson County Jail.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, officials were made aware of the scam on October 12th. A caller can claim to be a Community Justice staff member, and state that a family member is eligible for release or under review for home detention, electronic monitoring, or ankle bracelets.

The caller will then request a prepaid fee to facilitate the release. Jackson County Community Justice never requests or accepts prepaid fees for release consideration, supervision, or electronic monitoring.

The public is reminded not to provide payment or personal information if they are contacted by a scammer. Hang up immediately, and report the call to the Non-Emergency Dispatch number, 541-776-7206, if you believe you have been targeted.

 

Jackson County Fire District 3 responded Wednesday alongside Central Point Police Department after a woman fell approximately 20 feet down a well into 12 feet of standing water.

She remained in the well for about two hours before 911 was notified. Crews worked together to rescue the woman in approximately 30 to 35 minutes. Using a ladder and haul system, responders safely brought her to the surface. She sustained minor injuries from the fall and was treated by Emergency Medical Services.

The incident occurred when an old, unsupported piece of plywood inside the well house covering the well gave way.

 

Parker’s Place Village, owned and operated by Elk Island Trading Group, announced a collaborative partnership with The Do Good Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to improving individual and community well-being. According to a release, the partnership seeks to identify creative, practical and sustainable solutions to the financial and operational barriers facing Parker’s Place Village, with an immediate priority of sustaining shelter availability and stability for individuals experiencing homelessness. As Parker’s Place Village navigates an important operational transition with the dissolution of its original service provider agreement with Mobile Integrative Navigation Team (MINT), The Do Good Foundation will collaborate with Elk Island Trading Group in establishing service agreements with existing community service providers, offer consultation on strengthening organizational infrastructure, and identify sustainable funding resources. The Foundation will not replace MINT as the Village’s contracted service provider or assume MINT’s prior service agreement for PPV. Instead, The Foundation's role is intended to identify existing and future service partnerships to support the continuity of care and services available to residents.

 

The County Commissioners approved a Fair Housing Resolution and a grant program application at yesterday's Weekly Business Session.

The resolution will be publicized in the newspaper and on the county website. The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program application will be for the full local allocation of $13,114 to help fund Sheriff's Deputy Overtime for community engagement activities. Motions favoring the resolution and application were unanimous.

Further discussion will take place at this morning's 10 a.m. Legal Counsel Update regarding a resolution affirming compliance with State and Federal Law, and requesting the State address Counties' Federal Funding and False Claims Act Exposure.

Community members addressed the Sheriff's request for funding, government accountability, voting, and an upcoming school board meeting during public comment. The board then approved the consent calendar.

Commissioner Colene Martin read a letter of commendation from the Jones Creek Neighborhood Watch, where gratitude was given to the Commissioners, Emergency Management Services, and all first responders regarding the Interstate-5 Mile Marker 57 Fire. Commissioner Gary Richardson read a statement ahead of the upcoming election.

 

Oregon Department of Forestry crews, alongside Jackson County Fire District 1 and Rural Metro Fire responded to and halted forward progress on the Foothill Boulevard Fire Wednesday. According to the Southwest Oregon District, the blaze was first reported to be an estimated quarter-acre grass fire in Rogue River. It spread at a moderate rate of speed, and firefighters conducted an aggressive initial attack. Suppression continued as additional resources arrived. Forward progress on the fire was halted around 4:20 p.m. despite spotting activity that carried flames across Interstate 5. It was estimated at 2 acres, and further progress was made. Crews shifted their focus to extinguishing hot spots within the fire's interior and strengthening containment lines. As of 6 p.m., crews were still actively engaged, gridding the fire and conducting mop-up operations. They will continue working to extinguish remaining heat to prevent further spread. Initial reports indicate equipment use as the cause of the fire. Further investigation is ongoing. This will be the final update unless conditions change significantly.

 

Dispatch was alerted to a grass fire Tuesday in the 700 block of Three Mill Road in Selma around 4:32 p.m.

The Illinois Valley Fire District and the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District responded to the 0.16-acre fire in heavy brush. The fire has been successfully extinguished, and ODF will conduct an investigation into the incident.