Local News

Grants Pass Police were alerted to a trespassing complaint regarding a woman eating cereal in the caller's kitchen Tuesday.

At 7:21 a.m. in the 1300 block of NE 10th Street, the caller told dispatch the suspect, Dion Cleek, was trespassing on their property, even after having been trespassed before.

The caller wasn't at the property, but a babysitter and the caller's kids were. It was unclear where Cleek was on the premises or if she had any weapons.

Upon arrival, officers contacted Cleek in the kitchen eating cereal. She was taken into custody for First Degree Criminal Trespass. She was also known to have a valid warrant for her arrest, also charging her with Criminal Trespass in the First Degree.

Cleek's parole officer was contacted and issued her a detainer. She was subsequently transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for the detainer, the warrant, and her trespassing charge.

 

The Rogue River School District superintendent, Patrick Lee, announced that he is resigning at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.

During the district's board meeting, KDRV reports Lee told board members and community members in attendance that he has chosen to retire at the end of the school year following 18 years as an administrative leader.

He has served in education for 32 years, and he said he is excited to spend more time with his family and move onto "greener pastures."

He will continue out his duties through the year and help aid the board in filling the role.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners approved many requests and postponed others to December during today's workshop. Commissioner Chris Barnett was absent.

During department business, the board approved invoices from the Forestry Department, and a motion to approve the Treasurer and Assessor's renewal contracts with Tyler Technologies, and the Assessor's Park Place Technologies contract renewal passed. A request from the Sheriff's Office regarding the purchase of Axon Car and Body cameras was approved, with funding coming from the Asset Forfeiture Fund. A motion to approve Information Technology's request to purchase three new servers also passed unanimously.

The board passed a motion approving the Transit Departments request for an I-5 Transit Corridor Study looking at feasibility and demand of transit services between Medford and Roseburg. It was decided Second Quarter Economic Development Applicants would return for a specific meeting when all three board members were present. A fee change request for the Fairgrounds was moved to the December 11th Weekly Business Session, as well as seven items from Community Justice.

The board approved the Recreation Department's Versatile Builders invoice payment. A second invoice was struck from the agenda. The board approved Community Justice requests for amendment approvals for Oregon Parks and Recreation Work Crew Services and a Behavioral Health and Recovery Services contract.

Following approval of Human Resource's Personnel requisitions and actions, staff were directed to initiate the processes for the County Public Information and Record Management Officer positions. The board determined to review the Departmental Update and Evaluation Form for discussion on the December 2nd workshop, moved a non-union policy decision to the December 4th session, approved all Anne G. Basker Auditorium Rental Applications, and approved a motion to pay a Grants Pass Airport Invoice.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in finding a missing person. On Monday, Krisana Soderlund, 32, was reported as missing. Krisana was last heard from on October 31st in person, and was last seen yesterday at the mini mart in Selma. Krisana is believed to still be in the Selma area. She is a 5'5" white female adult with brown hair and brown eyes, weighing about 150 pounds. Please contact the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office at 541-474-5123 with any information you may have on Krisana's whereabouts. Please reference case #23-27874

 

The Grants Pass City Council has a busy Wednesday night agenda that includes a public hearing, three quasi-judicial actions and two resolutions to decide. The Public Hearing leads the agenda to decide an appeal of the Urban Area Planning Commission’s decision to affirm their decision to deny changes to the original building permit at 899 Rogue River Highway, Bowman’s Choice Auto.The quasi-judicial actions include ordinances creating a reimbursement district for the Harbeck Meadows Subdivision and the Allen Creek Road Regional Stormwater Pond. The third will vacate a street plug adjacent to 535 Lincoln Road. The Council will then consider two resolutions. The first approving commercial activity and the sale of alcohol at Riverside Park for the 2026 Cycle Oregon Rally.The second resolution will authorize the agreement between the City and Elk Island Trading Company for a shelter site with services at 210 Redwood Highway, near Bi-Mart.The Business Session begins at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers at 101 Northwest ‘A’ Street

 

The Central Point Police Department is seeking additional information in a sexual abuse case following the search of the suspect's home.

KDRV reports that, on Nov. 12, police executed a search warrant in the 1900 block of Sunrise Way after juvenile victims reported Zach Patrick Allen Moenaert, 31, for sex crimes.

Detectives believe there may be additional juvenile victims outside of the home. Police are working to identify and contact anyone who may have information relative to the case.

Moenaert was arrested during the search and lodged at the Jackson County Jail on charges related to the allegations.

Investigators are continuing to evaluate evidence that was seized during the execution of the search warrant. They ask anyone with information to contact the Central Point Police Department at (541) 664-5578.

 

On November 20th, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., West Harbeck will be closed to through traffic from Brittany Court to Allen Creek Road for asphalt paving and repair.

Local Access will be available for homeowners to access from either side of the closure. No detours will be in place.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find alternate routes, and emergency vehicles will not be allowed through.

For more information, you can contact the City of Grants Pass at (541) 450-6110.

 

A Land Use Hearing will be conducted in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium Wednesday.

Continued from October 13th, the board of county commissioners will hear a request for an appeal of the planning directors decision to approve a type 2 home occupation, potentially allowing a boat manufacturing and fabrication business in a residential neighborhood.

According to the agenda, the board will be doing an onsite visit of the property followed by deliberation in the auditorium at 2 p.m.

The Continued Land Use Hearing will begin at 10 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium, 600 NW 6th Street.

 

Grants Pass Police were alerted to a suspicious vehicle parked in front of someone's home Monday afternoon.

At 4:56 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting the vehicle had been in front of the property in the 700 block of SW H Street for an hour and a half. The caller requested that officers check on the suspect.

Upon arrival, officers contacted Mark South inside the vehicle, and found he was wanted on a Josephine County Sheriff's Office warrant for DUII. South was taken into custody, and he consented to a search of his person.

Officers found a Ziploc baggie with visible tobacco residue and a white crystalline substance inside. The substance tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine.

South was transported to the Josephine County Jail and lodged on his warrant. A criminal charge of Meth Possession was referred to the District Attorney's Office.