Local News

A traffic accident occurred at the intersection of Redwood Highway and Ken Rose Lane in Cave Junction this morning.

The Illinois Valley Fire District and AMR-Josephine County were dispatched in response to an unknown medical incident.

Upon arrival, responders discovered a skip loader overturned in a ditch. No injuries were reported, and the involved parties were coordinating the removal of the equipment from the scene.

 

The Josephine County Commissioners will discuss a county road transfer, the library, and more during their Tuesday workshop. Legal Counsel will provide updates regarding the transfer of jurisdiction over county roads to the City of Grants Pass, the Library, a Cave Junction intergovernmental agreement, and a listing agreement for Dimmick Campus. Updates will also cover the American Medical Response Rate Increase, a contract renewal with the West Publishing Corporation for Legal Counsel and District Attorney Access, the case of Marion County v. Tina Kotek, and amendments to Oregon Health Authority Agreements. The Commissioners will then hear from the District Attorney, Sheriff's Office, Treasurer, Community Corrections, Human Resources, and the Finance Department.

 

Grants Pass Police were alerted to a trespassing complaint yesterday afternoon.

Officers received a call from a man bringing his grandfather back home from a multi-week trip. He said someone was inside his grandfather's house.

The man was able to tackle the suspect, Jack Doak, in the backyard before he could flee the scene. Officers arrived at 257 SW Central Ave. and were able to detain Doak, who was wearing clothes belonging to the caller.

Officers determined Doak had been staying at the residence for about one week, and had caused over $1000 in damage, including a metal safe he destroyed with large concrete stepping stones.

Doak had brought a glass pipe and a bag with a white crystalline substance which tested positive for methamphetamine. Other various items of Doak's were located inside the residence like a sword, two large fixed blade knives, house keys, and a Nintendo Switch.

Doak had a valid warrant out for his arrest, and was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the warrant, for First Degree Burglary, Criminal Mischief, and Theft, plus a charge of Meth Possession.

 

The Siyavoush Soleimani Group is set to open their first dual-branded restaurant in Grants Pass on Tuesday. The Applebee's and IHOP located at 250 NE Agness Ave., is opening its doors September 23rd. It will offer guests IHOP’s world-famous pancakes and breakfast offerings, along with Applebee’s fan-favorite boneless wings, burgers, and appetizers, all under one roof. The Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce and the Siyavoush Soleimani Group will host a special ribbon cutting ceremony with fun giveaways and a free meal raffle for the first 100 guests tomorrow at 9 a.m. All are welcome to join the event and be among the first to visit the new restaurant.

 

Grants Pass Police apprehended a man on a drug and weapon charge after a traffic stop on Saturday.

Officers pulled over Joshua Pitts for traffic violations. Upon contact he was found to be suspended from driving and had no insurance.

During the impounding process, drug paraphernalia was located inside the vehicle and in Pitt's coin pocket. Officers also found two brass knuckles in his rear pants pockets.

The vehicle was searched further. Officers located a cloth zipper bag with packaging material, a firearm, as well as a digital scale with residue behind the passenger seat.

Pitts was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance, and Felon in Possession of a Weapon.

 

Josephine County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested a woman on multiple charges after receiving a call from the victim Saturday.

A man called officers reporting the suspect stole money from him, destroyed his camp, and threatened him with a knife.

Officers were able to locate the suspect outside Sam's Market and Deli on 8530 Monument Drive. She was throwing garbage around and waving a bottle full of liquid at people.

Officers detained the woman after she hit the store's front door. She was trespassed from the market, and found to be wanted on a Central Point Misdemeanor Warrant.

She was taken into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for the warrant, plus charges of Menacing, Second Degree theft, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office responded to a domestic violence call early Sunday morning.

Around 3:40 a.m., a woman called stating she and her boyfriend had gotten into an argument. He then pinned her down, covered her mouth, and bit her fingers. Officers learned the suspect had also been violent with her two weeks prior.

The woman was able to leave the area with friends. She was treated at Three Rivers Medical Center for her injuries. Officers then tracked the suspect down at 6231 Neil Road.

The suspect said he had no recollection of the event, and was subsequently taken into custody. Officers lodged him in the Josephine County Jail for Second Degree Kidnapping, Strangulation, and Fourth Degree Assault.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office apprehended two suspects trespassing yesterday.

Officers noticed a woman with kids squatting in a vacant house unfit for living at 2640 Demaray Drive. When they contacted the owner of the property, officers learned no one should be there.

As deputies entered the property, more people located inside scattered and hid. One man was detained and found to have a Grants Pass Police Department warrant out for his arrest.

Officers also detained the woman and charged her with First Degree Criminal Trespass. The kids were picked up by her brother per request. The suspects and the other squatters were all trespassed from the property.

The man and woman were both lodged at the Josephine County Jail, but the woman was later released per a Release Assistance Officer pending trial.

 

Legal Counsel Wally Hicks released an updated library lease Friday afternoon to be considered by the Board of Commissioners and Library District. In a release regarding the lease draft, Hicks reports the payment that the library agreed to make to the county towards replacement of the roof would now be classified as rent. The total payment amount for five years would be $27,687. Pre-payment on the total rent is $20,424. Annual payments due will be $1,453. The county will continue to be responsible for replacement of the roof. The termination clause remains, saying if the lease isn't carried out, the defaulting party would be notified 30 days in advance if there was intent to terminate.