Local News

An attempt to steal gas cans and an air compressor was thwarted by Grants Pass Police, who lodged a suspect for theft and methamphetamine charges.

Dispatch was alerted to the incident viewed on ring camera footage by the caller Thursday around 12:17 p.m. Two suspects were observed stealing two gas cans, with one of them also taking an air compressor valued at $139 from the property in the 100 block of NW Midland Avenue. They didn't gain access to the home, and were seen walking towards a nearby inn.

Arriving officers located one of the suspects, Jeffrey Madden, who was in possession of the air compressor. He claimed to know the son of the homeowner, but was unable to provide any information about either of them.

Officers could see a meth pipe inside his partially unzipped backpack. Field testing confirmed the presence of meth, and Madden's parole officer was notified. A detainer was requested, and Madden was transported to the Adult Jail Facility before medical clearance was requested by jail staff.

Following clearance at Three Rivers Medical Center, officers lodged Madden for Second Degree Theft, Possession of Meth, and the detainer. Officers were unable to locate the second suspect following searches at both Ogle Park and Gilbert Creek Park.

 

Emergency crews were dispatched to a vegetation fire in the 900 block of Garner Road in Cave Junction this morning.

The Illinois Valley Fire District and the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District initiated a response around 7:26 a.m. following reports of smoke in the vicinity.

Units confirmed a 0.01-acre fire, which has since been extinguished. ODF is currently conducting an investigation in coordination with the Bureau of Land Management.

 

KOBI, KOTI, and Les Schwab present their second annual Toy Drive, benefitting Community Works in Jackson County and other non-profit organizations.

According to a release, last year’s Toy Drive raised $46,000 and filled 11 truckloads of toys. The drive will kick off November 2nd and continue through December 12th. Participating Les Schwab locations throughout Southern Oregon and Northern California will accept donations of cash, and new, unwrapped toys that will be given to kids in need throughout local communities.

Donations and toys given to the Toy Drive will be distributed by local agencies in the communities in which they were donated. For a list of Toy Drive locations in your area, please visit: https://kobi5.com/spotlight/les-schwab-nbc5-toy-drive/

 

Last week, Medford Police joined other law enforcement agencies across Southern Oregon in a national family violence warrant sweep, resulting in 22 arrests and 28 warrants cleared.

According to MPD's Facebook page, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to hold offenders accountable and support victims of domestic violence. It brought together 27 law enforcement personnel from MPD Patrol, Criminal Investigations Division, Jackson County Sheriff Oregon's Parole and Probation, along with advocates from Community Works.

Along with the 22 arrests and 28 cleared warrants, 16 open and/or probable cause cases were cleared, and four victims were connected with support services.

Police remind the public that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Holding offenders accountable is an important part of their ongoing work, but connecting victims with support and resources is equally important.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.
- 24-hour HelpLine at 541-779-4357 | www.community-works.org
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 | Text START to 88788

 

A policy was adopted by the City of Grants Pass to seek volunteer invocation speakers to offer an invocation at the beginning of its regular meetings on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

The City website says authorized representatives of established religious congregations within the Grants Pass Urban Growth Boundary or that is attended by a City resident are invited to request inclusion on the list of invocation speakers.

Speakers will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, and the authorized representative may designate any speaker to provide the invocation at the scheduled meeting.

This opportunity is voluntary and speakers are free to offer the invocation according to the dictates of their own conscience. To maintain a spirit of respect, the City requests only that the prayer or invocation not be used as an effort to convert others to the particular faith or belief of the speaker, nor to disparage any faith or belief different from that of the speaker.

Requests to provide invocation can be submitted through the City’s website by 4 p.m. on November 19th. Questions regarding the policy should be directed to City Recorder Karen Frerk at 541-450-6000.

 

The City of Grants Pass is offering a new Request for Proposal (RFP) to support capital development for the delivery of services to homeless individuals, including individuals with disabilities.

According to the City website, funds will be directed toward capital support for projects within the Grants Pass Urban Growth Boundary that include bathroom facilities available to people who are homeless.

Projects must demonstrate expected improvement to delivery of direct services if funded. Nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to homeless individuals are eligible to apply for the funding. The full RFP can be accessed at https://grantspassoregon.gov/bids.aspx?bidID=363

The deadline for submission in response to this request for proposals is Thursday, November 12th, no later than 2 p.m. local time. Questions regarding this program should be directed to City Recorder Karen Frerk at 541-450-6000.

All proposals received will be opened on the deadline date at 2 p.m. The City of Grants Pass reserves the right to cancel the solicitation, refuse any and all submittals received, and to issue a new RFP as it deems necessary.

 

Medicare beneficiaries wanting to discuss plan options can receive free, confidential help from the Oregon Department of Human Services during Open Enrollment.

According to the ODHS, help includes comparing and selecting Medicare plans, reviewing their current coverage and assistance with making changes for the upcoming year. Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 plans will remain open now through December 7th.

The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program provides free help from certified counselors who can help people understand their benefits and make informed decisions about their Medicare options.

During the Open Enrollment period, people with Medicare can:
• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan,
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare,
• Change their Medicare Advantage Plan,
• Change or enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan, and
• Review changes in costs, coverage and provider networks.

SHIBA certified counselors can help Oregonians compare plans and explain programs that can save them money on Medicare costs. They also report scams to Medicare in addition to educating people on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud.

 

Two suspects were cited for stealing WinCo merchandise Thursday afternoon.

Loss prevention with the 231 NE Terry Lane store reported the suspects were in the process of concealing an unknown dollar amount of meat items around 3:38 p.m. They were detained by staff after passing all points of sale without paying.

Grants Pass Police arrived and detained the two suspects. It was learned they had stolen over $100 worth of items, concealing them in their clothing and under shopping bags. Staff wished to pursue for charges of theft, and the two were arrested.

Officers later released the two from custody, and cited them to appear in court for Second Degree Theft.

 

Dispatch was alerted to a break in at a NW B Street residence Wednesday, and the suspect was ultimately arrested by Grants Pass Police.

The caller reported Britny Ann Gideon, who had been evicted from the home, broke in earlier in the day. There was damage to the sliding glass door, the lock mechanism was burnt, and the backyard gate was open.

Estimated damages were about $1,000 according to the caller, and officers responded to the scene. Gideon was contacted and found to have been previously trespassed from the residence. She was transported to and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for First Degree charges of Trespass, Criminal Mischief, and Burglary.