OSP Responded to Jackson County Vehicle vs. Pedestrian Crash, Arrested Suspect
On Sunday at 6:13 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Highway 99 near milepost 7 in Jackson County. The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Hyundai Elantra, operated by Bobbie Rae Stinson-Payne of Grants Pass, struck a pedestrian, Jarrod Edward Garwood, 43, of Rogue River, as the pedestrian was pushing a go-kart on the highway. The Hyundai fled the scene and the operator later contacted law enforcement to report their involvement. Garwood was declared deceased at the scene. An occupant of the go-kart, James Eric Johannes, 41, of Grants Pass, suffered reported minor injuries. Stinson-Payne and the passenger, Dillon Edward Gasser, 33, of Grants Pass, were reportedly uninjured. Stinson-Payne was arrested for Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver, DUII, and First Degree Manslaughter. The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation.
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Smith Recuses Himself from Appointment Process, County Officials to Decide
Josephine County Commissioner Ron Smith declared Monday that he is recusing himself from the appointment process to replace former Commissioner Andreas Blech. According to The Daily Courier, Commissioner Smith said recusing himself invokes a county charter provision that puts the appointment process in the hands of the county's other elected officials. The move also takes Commissioner Chris Barnett out of the appointment equation. The decision to appoint a successor to Blech will now be in the hands of Sheriff Dave Daniel, county Clerk Rhiannon Henkels, county Legal Counsel Wally Hicks, Treasurer Dustin Calvo, Assessor Chris Parton, and county Surveyor Peter Allen.
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CASA Giving Tree Campaign Opportunity for Public to Support Local Children
There's still time to help support children in both Josephine and Jackson County during the holiday season. Each year the CASA Giving Tree campaign is a special way for the community to participate by donating new toys, clothing, and gift cards to underprivileged children who are living in foster or relative care this time of year. According to CASA's website, these children have been removed from their homes and families due to abuse and/or neglect. This is an opportunity for CASA, the community, and the trained volunteers who advocate for these children to ensure they have a holiday season filled with love, hope and joy. Giving Trees can be found throughout Josephine and Jackson County, as well as right here at 888 Rogue River Highway. For a complete list of locations and where to drop off the gifts, visit www.jococasa.org/giving-trees, or www.jacksoncountycasa.org/giving-trees.
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