Local News

Grants Pass Police arrested a man for a felony traffic violation after he ran out of gas with two young children in his vehicle at a neighborhood market this week. The Police Department reports officers contacted 29-year-old Andre Blair Cotton, Jr., at the Short Stop Market in the 2,000-block of SW Bridge Street on Monday afternoon. Police said the store manager reported a male subject in a dark-colored Jeep ran out of gas in the parking lot. The caller told dispatchers the man had no money, no food and two young children with him who looked hot, dirty and hungry. A welfare check on the children -- ages 3 and 4 -- was requested. Officers contacted Cotton and he admitted to driving to the market. His license was found to be suspended at the felony level and he was not driving for an emergency reason. He was placed into custody and the Jeep was impounded. Cotton was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Aggravated Driving While Suspended and he was being held without bail. The children's grandmother responded to the market and took custody of them.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a man for failing to pay for a haircut, fleeing from the business and not cooperating with officers when they placed him into custody. According to the Police Department, officers responded to a disturbance at Rogue Barbers on NW 6th Street late Monday afternoon. Police said an employee called 9-1-1 to report that man identified as 37-year-old Kyle William Jenrette refused to pay for the $28 haircut, they got into an argument and the man threatened physical violence before he fled in his Ford pickup. Officers quickly located Jenrette and contacted him, but he refused to comply after being told he was under arrest. The suspect stayed inside his truck and rolled up his windows, not listening to the commands of officers. He was eventually arrested. Further investigation determined that Jenrette created numerous calls for service throughout the day and had been given warnings. He was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct and Theft of Services. He was being held without bail.

 

The Oregon State Police was investigating the vandalism of a commercial vehicle while it was passing through Cave Junction this week. On Monday at 3:07 p.m., OSP received a report of a blue Peterbilt semi-truck that was heading south on Redwood Highway near milepost 27 when a pedestrian threw a large object at the driver's windshield. According to OSP, no one was hurt -- but the semi was damaged. No description of the suspect was disclosed. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to dial *OSP.

 

The Grants Pass City Council will consider two resolutions regarding current and future budgets during its regular meeting tonight. Following a public hearing, the City Council will decide whether to support a resolution supplementing the Fiscal Year budget and making appropriations. The adjustments will ensure the City has a balanced budget before June 30th, as required by Oregon Statute. The Council will then turn its attention to the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and consider a resolution establishing a Non-Bargaining Compensation and Classification Task Force. The task force will be charged with looking at competitive salaries for non-union employees. In other business, the City Council will appoint two members of the Grants Pass Committee on Public Art. As part of the Consent Calendar, the Council is expected to approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to renew the contract for data communication services with Hunter Communications. Tonight's public meeting starts at 6 in the City Council Chambers at Grants Pass City Hall, 101 NW A Street.

 

The City of Grants Pass will convene a public forum next Monday night related to exploring options to alleviate the City's need to allow overnight resting on public property. Details of the City's proposed Homeless Solutions Competitive Grant Program will be presented at the forum, which will start at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. City staff will present a brief history and overview of the Homeless Solutions Competitive Grant Program. People can submit questions in advance or in person at the forum. Following the questions and answers, the forum will conclude with an opportunity for public comment. One question from each participant will be addressed first. Time permitting, multiple questions from individuals will be permitted. Members of the public are encouraged to submit written questions or comments to the Council before 3 p.m. on June 9th via email to kfrerk@grantspassoregon.gov." The forum will be streamed via RVTV and on the City of Grants Pass YouTube channel.

 

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has issued Low Fire Danger precautions on all five ranger districts due to fuels rapidly drying out and fire suppression personnel responding to more fires in the region. AJ Panks, Fire Prevention Specialist for the local forest, said people should familiarize themselves with current conditions and regulations before visiting national forests. Eighty-seven percent of all wildfires are caused by humans. Be aware of your surroundings and refrain from using fire inappropriately, parking in tall grasses or shrubs, dragging chains while towing, using power equipment without an approved spark-arrestor, and leaving campfires unattended or improperly extinguished. As of June 1st, smoking is prohibited while traveling except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other designated locations in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

 

Everyone can fish, clam and crab for free in Oregon this Saturday and Sunday. No fishing or shellfish licenses or tags are required this weekend. Both Oregon residents and non-residents can fish for free. Oregon State Parks also offers free parking and camping on Saturday. All other fishing regulations apply including closures, bag limits and size restrictions. See the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. Remember to check "MyODFW.com" for any in-season regulation changes, especially for salmon and steelhead fishing. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff, volunteers and a number of partner organizations will host events throughout most of the state on "Free Fishing Weekend," bringing all the gear anglers need to get started.

 

Grants Pass Police jailed a man for violating his post-prison supervision after he committed multiple code violations at a downtown resting site early yesterday. The Police Department reports officers contacted 34-year-old Shane Alan Barton at the NW 5th Street resting site on Monday around 2:20 a.m.. Police said Barton initially gave them his brother's name as they prepared to cite him for Offensive Littering. They said he admitted to fentanyl use, but would not allow officers to search his tent because it was filled with syringes, pipes and foil. Barton had two tents in the northeast corner of the resting site and indicated that all the items around them could be thrown away. His corrections officer was contacted and he was placed into custody. Barton was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Offensive Littering and the resulting Felony Parole Violation. He was also trespassed from the resting site for 30 days and was being held on a no-bail detainer. Meanwhile, Russell Thompson was cited for park rule violations related to the oversized footprint of his tent and for Scattering Rubbish. Thompson was also warned for having propane tanks in his tent to power a heater. He became hostile with officers and was issued a 30-day exclusion.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a man for a felony traffic violation after he ran out of gas with two young children in his vehicle at a neighborhood market yesterday. The Police Department reports officers contacted 29-year-old Andre Blair Cotton, Jr., at the Short Stop Market in the 2,000-block of SW Bridge Street on Monday around 3:15 p.m.. Police said the store manager reported a male subject in a dark-colored Jeep ran out of gas in the parking lot. The caller told dispatchers the man had no money, no food and two young children with him who looked hot, dirty and hungry. A welfare check on the children -- ages 3 and 4 -- was requested. Officers contacted Cotton and he admitted to driving to the market. His license was found to be suspended at the felony level and he was not driving for an emergency reason. He was placed into custody and the Jeep was impounded. Cotton was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Aggravated Driving While Suspended and he was being held without bail. The children's grandmother responded to the market and took custody of them.