Local News

The manager of Rogue Valley Property Management reported a trespassing to Grants Pass Police Tuesday afternoon.

At 12:28, the call was made saying a man with a beer next to him was in the doorway of the 131 NE B Street business. He had been there for 30 minutes and refused to leave despite being asked to do so.

Law enforcement arrived and located the suspect, identified as Thomas Ehens. He wouldn't leave the premises so officers took him into custody. He was transferred and lodged for Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree at the Josephine County Jail.

 

The American Red Cross is asking people to donate blood or platelets in the coming weeks, citing the usual drop in donations that often accompanies holiday travel and winter weather.

According to The Oregonian, the organization said late December is typically a challenging period for blood collection, as more people leave town, schedules become unpredictable and bad weather can lead to canceled appointments.

At the same time, the Red Cross said, hospitals continue to rely on a steady blood supply for surgeries, cancer treatments, emergency care and patients with ongoing medical needs.

The Red Cross said donors with Type O, A negative and B negative blood are especially needed, because those types are frequently used in emergencies and for patients with limited matching options. The organization said blood collected during this time helps support hospitals into early January, when donation rates often remain lower than average.

A Red Cross Blood Drive sponsored by VFW Post 2302 will be held Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fruitdale Grange, 1440 Parkdale Drive. Appointments can be scheduled through the Red Cross blood donor app, at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2726.

 

As temperatures drop and Oregon households rely more on wood stoves, space heaters and other heating sources, the Oregon Health Authority reminds people to take steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced whenever fuel is burned. In winter, carbon monoxide risks increase due to tighter home ventilation and increased use of heating appliances. Carbon monoxide exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, loss of consciousness and can be fatal without prompt treatment.

With care, incidents can be prevented. Take steps to have wood stoves, chimneys and vents inspected and cleaned annually by certified professionals. Ensure all wood-burning devices are properly vented to the outside, and never use outdoor heating or cooking devices, such as camp stoves, charcoal grills or generators - inside homes, garages or enclosed spaces.

For additional safety tips, visit oregon.gov/oha.

 

Sheriff Dave Daniel informed Josephine County citizens Tuesday on the status of staffing within the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.

In 2023, Josephine County residents passed a Law Enforcement Service District (LESD) supporting Patrol Operations, Dispatch services and Evidence services. The intent was to provide stable funding and “enhance” service levels within the Sheriff’s Office.

Immediately after its passing, the Sheriff's Office began recruiting and vetting candidates. Beginning December 28th, the Sheriff’s Office will begin conducting 24-hour, 7 days a week, patrol operations.

Currently, they have two School Resource Officers (SRO’s) assigned to the Three Rivers School District. There are seven new deputies still in training for the next several months, and upon their completion, two deputies will be promoted to Major Crimes Detectives.

The Sheriff’s Office thanks citizens for their overwhelming support, and promises to continue to “Protect with Courage and Serve with Compassion”.

 

Main Street Grants Pass is searching for its first full-time Executive Director.

According to KDRV, the community-driven nonprofit organization recently secured funding from the City of Grants Pass and a private donor to hire the position, which will focus on downtown revitalization, community events, fundraising and day-to-day engagement with local businesses and partners.

According to the job application, the role is a full-time, one-year funded position, with a strong commitment from the organization to continue the position based on performance and success in building sustainable funding.

Seth Benham, President of the Main Street Grants Pass Board of Directors and City Councilor of Grants Pass, said the executive director will play a key role in supporting the board and building relationships within the downtown area.

The application has been open for less than a week, and Benham says they’ve received between 10 and 15 applications so far. The hiring effort comes as downtown Grants Pass continues to grow. More than 60 new business licenses have been issued this year alone.

You can apply now at www.mainstreetgrantspass.org/executive-director.

 

Grants Pass Police observed a man leaning over himself and displaying signs of impairment at 935 Rogue River Highway Monday morning.

The man was seen bent over on the ground and possibly intoxicated between the 76 gas station and Lil Pantry around 11:43 a.m. The suspect was breathing but there was concern he had overdosed.

Officers contacted the man, Michael Johnson, and took him into custody. There was a small baggie with a white substance located within arm's reach which tested presumptive positive for fentanyl.

Johnson was transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance. His Parole Officer was advised.

 

Grants Pass Police were notified of a trespasser at the 195 NE Terry Lane Taco Bell Monday morning.

At 6:33 a.m., an employee called 911 to report a man was outside the building. He was laying on the ground by the door, and had been asked by the employee to leave multiple times when she tried to open the restaurant for the day.

She requested the man be trespassed. Upon arrival of officers, the suspect, Jake Thompson was contacted and warned trespass. He continued refusing to leave and was taken into custody for Second Degree Trespass.

Thompson's Parole Officer was contacted and a detainer was issued. He was subsequently lodged in the Josephine County Jail.