JoCo Courts Warn Public of Jury Duty Scammers

The Josephine County Circuit Court is warning the public to be wary of scammers calling residents and claiming they owe money because they missed jury duty. According to the Oregon Judicial Department, reports have come to the court regarding scammers threatening residents with arrest if they don't pay a fine after supposedly missing jury duty. The scammers can sometimes make it appear the call is coming from the court's phone number and pretend to represent the court.As a reminder, Oregon's state courts will never threaten you or demand money in relation to jury service. They won't require you to pay money to respond to a jury summons or to complete your online questionnaire. The courts also won't require you to provide sensitive information over the phone, email, or text. Oregon state courts may text you with jury notices and reminders. However, these texts will not request personal information, make threats, or demand money. If you get a call or other message that demands information or money, hang up, and do not reply directly to the text or email, click on any links, or open any attachments. ...Read more

MPD Searching for Suspect in High-Dollar Medford School District Theft

Medford Police are investigating a high-dollar theft that occurred January 19th at the Medford School District 549C Facilities Yard. During this incident, a suspect broke out the rear window of a van and stole more than $10,000 worth of tools and equipment. Surveillance video captured the suspect, but his face was covered at the time of the theft. As part of the investigation, Medford Police Detectives distributed informational bulletins to 10 south Medford markets and gas stations. On January 22nd, a Dakota Street resident contacted police after recognizing the suspect from a bulletin and provided additional information that led detectives to a residence. Later that day, detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in the 700 block of Dakota Street. As a result, officers recovered multiple stolen items from several unrelated cases, including a Milwaukee LED tower light, two chainsaws, two mountain bikes, and clothing items believed to have been worn during the school district theft. Detectives were able to identify Nicholas Thomas Mitts, 24, as the suspect. ...Read more

Customer Dispute Resolution, Amendments, Appointments on Council Agenda

The Grants Pass City Council will commence today's meeting with a Public Hearing regarding a complaint against Republic Services. The complainant, Konnor Kirkpatrick, filed against the sanitation company. He said his business has been improperly prohibited from accessing the transfer station since they fall within exemptions from the Franchise Agreement. In accordance with the Customer Dispute Resolution Process, the hearing will determine if Kirkpatrick's complaint is unfounded, or if Republic Services should be ordered to allow access to his business. After the hearing, the Council will consider an ordinance amending the Development Code regarding property line vacations. Next on the agenda is a motion to appoint four new members to the Budget Committee. Following Public Comment, the Council will consider motions approving the Development Code Text Amendment, and meeting minutes. Before adjourning, a member of the Council will be appointed to the First Forty Feet Citizen Advisory Committee.The meeting will begin today at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 101 NW A Street. ...Read more