Local News

The Children's Advocacy Center of Josephine County announced it has officially earned national accreditation from the National Children's Alliance (NCA), the national association and accrediting body for Children's Advocacy Centers across the United States.

According to a release, the accreditation, approved by the National Children's Alliance Board of Directors on October 21st, recognizes the center's commitment to meeting nationally established standards for providing comprehensive, coordinated, and trauma-informed services to children and families affected by abuse.

The Children's Advocacy Center brings together professionals from law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical and mental health services, and victim advocacy to provide a coordinated response to allegations of child abuse.

In 2025 alone, the center served 252 children, providing critical services to children and families throughout Josephine County.

 

The Jackson and Josephine County Curb Ramps project is entering Phase 3, with work expected to continue through the fall.

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, the purpose of this project is to construct or upgrade 373 ADA curb ramps in Jackson County in Ashland, Central Point, Medford and Phoenix and Grants Pass in Josephine County.

The contractor is continuing with the ADA curb ramps on OR 99 from H Street through E Street off Redwood Highway in downtown Grants Pass and surrounding areas.

Drivers can expect crews to be mostly working at night. Sidewalk and curb ramp closures with pedestrian detours are in place. Please follow the posted routes to the nearest available crosswalk. Parking spaces and lane closures will occur as needed. Expect potential delays and construction noise. Access to businesses near the work areas will remain open.

Pay attention in work zones, slow down and move over. Always drive safely, watch for construction signs and workers, and remember, fines double in all Oregon work zones, whether workers and signs are present or not.

 

The Grants Pass City Council passed a resolution adopting a policy and procedure regarding the opening invocation before Council meetings. The U.S. Supreme Court holds the cities may include an invocation. The city recorder would establish a list of local congregations that would designate a person to deliver the invocation. The resolution passed on a 6 to 2 vote with Indra Nicholas and Rob Pell dissenting. The Council approved an ordinance to amend 5 articles of the city's development code, incorporating provisions for Middle Housing Land Divisions. The proposed amendments incorporate the state regulations into the City's development code. The ordinance provides the Community Development Department with clear procedures for approving applications. Councilors approved the finding of facts and revised conditions of approval overturning the Urban Area Planning Commission's denial of Eden Glen PUD and approved revised plans for the residential development. Then a 401(a) retirement plan

 

High school students, current college students and others exploring their higher education options are invited to attend the Southern Oregon College Fair.

Hosted by the Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling, the free event will take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, October 23rd, at Rogue Community College's Table Rock Campus in White City.

The college fair offers attendees an opportunity to connect with admissions representatives from more than 50 public and private colleges and universities across the region and beyond.

The event is open to high school students planning for college, current college students considering transferring, and parents, family members and others supporting students in their educational journeys.

Attendees may register in advance through StriveScan. For more information, contact the RCC Admissions & Recruitment office by calling 541-956-7217.

 

Officers with Grants Pass Police cited a man trespassing in an empty lot Tuesday around 12:59 p.m., before providing resources for his return to Medford.

The suspect, Jeffrey Hobson, had been trespassed from the 440 NE Agness Avenue property before, and was cited to appear in court for Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree. Another individual at the scene was contacted and issued a verbal trespass warning.

Hobson was released, and provided resources and assistance to return to Medford. Both suspects gathered their belongings and vacated the premises.

 

Grants Pass Police lodged a man in jail that turned himself in for an Oregon Parole Board Warrant Tuesday.

The suspect, Domonic Nash, arrived at the police station and was talking with his parole officer in the parking lot. Nash was reported to law enforcement, who arrived to take him into custody at 4:59 p.m.

Nash was wanted on a warrant charging him with Assault, and officers transported him to the Adult Jail Facility for lodging.

 

A man was reportedly overdosing at the South Safeway Tuesday, leading to a police response and the man's arrest for trespassing.

An employee of the 1640 Williams Highway grocer called 911 at 6:45 p.m. to report the suspect was sitting up by the emergency exit, but not waking up. Narcan was requested, and the suspect appeared to be breathing.

It was unknown how old he was, and no drug paraphernalia was seen around him. He proceeded to wake up, so no narcan was given. Officers with the Grants Pass Police Department contacted and identified the suspect as Ian Hogue.

He was uncooperative with officers, and found to have been trespassed from the location back in August. He refused medical attention and was taken into custody for Second Degree Trespass.

His parole officer was contacted, who then requested a detainer be placed on Hogue. Officers proceeded to lodge him in the Josephine County Jail.

 

The Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission will host a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, October 30th, at 9 a.m. to officially launch the construction of MissionView Village.

Located at 1650 Harbeck Road, this new 55+ community of 20 tiny homes is designed specifically to offer a permanent housing solution for older adults on fixed incomes who are experiencing homelessness. This project was funded entirely through the support of the community without using tax-payer dollars.

Beyond just providing a safe place to live, residents will receive continued case management to support their long-term independence. This includes monthly visits with Mission staff to ensure residents are successfully managing their finances, developing a small savings, keeping up with necessary medical appointments, and participating in community events.

MissionView Village is not a public accommodation and will not accept direct public applications. Instead, it serves as a specialized next step for individuals who are already participating in the Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission's established programs.

Prospective residents must first come to the main Mission campus, where staff will work with them to vet, stabilize, and assess their specific needs to ensure they are prepared for the independence of the Village.

 

The County Commissioners moved in favor of Library annexations, and responded to public questions and requests at today's 9 a.m. Weekly Business Session.

The public hearing for the annexations to the Josephine Community Library District by petition of the landowners without objection resulted in two approved motions, despite expressed opposition from community members.

The public then brought topics to the board including transparency, compliance, and a recommendation that department heads be present at the Weekly Business Sessions. There was a question regarding sanctuary county proclamations, and a complaint about allocated funds for the Sheriff and District Attorney.

In response to the public, Commissioner Gary Richardson stated individual properties can opt in to the Library District by asking, but to opt out, the process would be to gather petitions, and put it on a ballot. In response to elected official complaints, he and Commissioner Colene Martin said the board doesn't have the power to remove said officials.

She continued, saying the board has to comply with Oregon Law regarding the annexations, and that a proclamation was recently made by the board asking the State to be accountable. Martin said the board is only in control of department heads, and that they don't need to be present at the Session.

Commissioner Ron Smith stated the board is beholden to State laws, made a motion to approve the consent calendar, which passed unanimously, then adjourned the meeting.