Commissioner Smith Releases Statement on State of County, Appointment Process

Commissioner Ron Smith, in a statement, aimed to reassure the community that "county government continues to function." He continued, saying essential services are still in place, there isn't any disruption to regular operations, and "the current situation is temporary." Smith echoed these statements during KAJO's Tuesday Talk Show this morning. The process of appointing a new commissioner will "occur in the very near future", Smith said. "Any commissioner appointed will serve only to ensure continuity of county government and will hold office until the general election this November." According to a call to the County Clerk's office, there will be no confirmation on future meetings of the Temporary board until the recall election of Former Commissioner Chris Barnett is certified. The election results will be posted to the county website no earlier than 5 p.m. January 28th, but no later than February 2nd. ...Read more

GP Police Participating in Safety Belt Overtime Blitz

The Grants Pass Police Department is participating in the Safety Belt Overtime Blitz now through the beginning of February. Officers are expected to conduct enforcement activities at various locations throughout town, including school zones and major thoroughfares. Now until February 8th, law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon will use this time to educate the public about safety belt and child seat laws. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading nationwide cause of death for children ages one through twelve years old. In 2023, 1,972 children under twelve were injured in Oregon traffic crashes, 11 percent were reported not using a child restraint system. Of the 25,420 passenger vehicle occupants killed in the United States in 2022, 50% were not wearing seat belts. In 2017, an Oregon law was passed requiring children to ride in a rear-facing safety seat until they are at least two years old. A child over age two must continue to ride in a car seat with a harness or in a booster until they reach age eight or 4’ 9” in height and the adult belt fits them correctly. Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle. ...Read more

Oregon State Police, Emergency Units, Responded to Fatal U-Turn Crash

Oregon State Police responded to a fatal crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 46, in Jackson County Saturday at 3:59 a.m. The preliminary investigation of the two-vehicle incident indicated a southbound Nissan Altima, driven by Ana Azuchena Villa-Rodriguez, 31, of Medford, attempted to make a U-turn and was struck by a southbound Dodge Ram 2500, driven by Kenneth George Brito, 50, of Grants Pass. Villa-Rodriguez was declared deceased at the scene. Brito was reportedly uninjured. OSP conducted the on-scene investigation, which impacted the interstate for approximately four hours. Rogue River Fire Department and ODOT assisted. ...Read more