Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce Alerts Public of Email Scam

The Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce is alerting the public of an email scam. In a message from President and CEO of the Chamber Terry Hopkins, he says they have been notified that scammers are sending emails posing as Chamber Board Members requesting assistance with an "Expense Payment". In one case, the scams show the sender as Board Chair Alan Meyer, but the email shows a Gmail address. The public is reminded that the neither the Chamber Board, nor any of the Committee members have email addresses that would show their position with the Chamber. Furthermore, no Board or Committee members will ever request any financial information or payments. That would only come from Chamber staff. The chamber staff have email addresses that end in @grantspasschamber.org. If you ever question the validity of an email, do not hesitate to reach out to the Chamber by calling (541) 476-7717. ...Read more

City Council Approved Water Rate Adjustment, Real Property Purchase at Meeting

The Grants Pass City Council approved water user rate adjustments for 2026, as well as both the purchase of real property, and a resolution making new job descriptions and amending classification plans Wednesday. Following a presentation, the council passed a motion 6-1, council president Victoria Marshall dissenting, that approved Scenario 2 for adjusting user rates to help support construction of the replacement Water Treatment Plant. This scenario would increase most utility rates by 1% per year for three years with a phase increase to the plant replacement fee from $13.50 to $16 over three years. The council's motion to purchase real property at 124 NW Midland Avenue passed unanimously, as did a motion to create the positions of Geographical Information Systems Supervisor and Water Distribution Supervisor, and to amend the classification plans. The council voted 6-1 approving the appointment of Tracy Decklebaum to the Urban Tree Advisory Committee, with Councilwoman Kathleen Krohn the lone dissenting vote. They then proceeded to approve all items on their consent agenda. ...Read more

OSP Investigated Fatal, Single-Vehicle Crash on Highway 238

Oregon State Police responded to a fatal, single-vehicle crash on Highway 238, near milepost 8, in Josephine County Monday morning. On November 3, at 12:20 a.m., the preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Subaru Impreza, operated by Alexander Ray Yager, 21, of Grants Pass, failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway, struck a power pole, and rolled several times before catching fire. Yager was able to escape and was transported to an area hospital with reported minor injuries. The passenger, Jacob Dean Mix, 36, of Grants Pass, was declared deceased at the scene. The highway was impacted for approximately eight hours during the on-scene investigation. Impairment and speed are considered primary factors in causing the crash. OSP was assisted by ODOT. ...Read more