Local News

The Grants Pass City Council will meet in Executive Session before convening for a short workshop agenda Monday morning.

After the session, the council will discuss non-bargaining compensation and classification along with the Caveman Pool, followed by an agenda review.

Monday morning's Executive Session and Council Workshop will begin at 11:45 a.m. in the City Council Chambers, 101 NW A Street.

 

Grants Pass Police officers were alerted to a theft outside Safeway Thursday night.

The caller stated his electric bike was stolen in front of the Safeway in the 1600 block of Williams Highway. The suspect was heading towards the Abby's Pizza in the same parking lot.

Officers found the bike in front of an RV and contacted the suspect, identified as Justin Stout. Stout confessed to taking the bike, so he was taken into custody.

Officers lodged Stout in the Josephine County Jail for Second Degree Theft.

 

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is issuing a warning to Oregon residents about the “gold bar” scam that is rapidly spreading across the nation. This scam involves fraudsters impersonating government officials who convince victims to purchase gold bars to supposedly protect their nest eggs. Victims are contacted through text, email, or phone call and told their financial accounts are at risk of being compromised. Some reasons include the accounts were subject to a cyber-attack or are being used for illegal activity and must be closed. Victims are advised to empty the account, purchase the gold bars, and then deliver the bars over to the “government official.” It has already caused millions of dollars in losses to Oregon investors and others across the country. DFR emphasizes that government officials will never contact you and demand payment using gold bars, and remind everyone to be cautious of imposters. Never click on suspicious links or respond to unsolicited messages, and never give out your personal and financial information to strangers.

 

The Eagle Point Police Department announced that it has officially achieved accreditation through the Northwest Accreditation Alliance.

The EPPD says this significant accomplishment recognizes the department’s commitment to professional excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement in serving the community.

Accreditation is awarded to law enforcement agencies that meet rigorous standards in policies, procedures, training, and operations. The process involves an extensive review and on-site assessment to ensure the department upholds best practices in public safety.

Eagle Point Police Chief Jim Hamilton said, “Achieving accreditation is a milestone for our department and the community we serve. It reflects the dedication of our officers and staff to maintaining the highest standards of policing while building trust with the public.”

 

The Grants Pass Downs Sunday Meet offers the public free admission with a donation, and will feature a memorial for a beloved announcer.

Sunday the 28th at 1 p.m., the community is encouraged to bring two unexpired cans of food for the Josephine County Food Bank. Everyone that donates will receive free admission for the races.

During the meet, the 5th Race will be dedicated to the memory of Marty Sether, former Grants Pass Downs public address announcer, and former Program Director and KAJO Morning Show Host for Grants Pass Broadcasting.

Admission is $5, and kids 12 and under are free. Learn more about the Fall Meet schedule at racingontherogue.org.

 

The Wild and Scenic section of the lower Rogue River will be closed due to increased fire activity from the Moon Complex. There is now active fire behavior on both sides of the river and predicted significant weather events. This emergency closure is being enacted for firefighter and public safety, according to the U.S. Forest Service. All recreational use of the Wild Section of the river from Grave Creek to Foster Bar will be prohibited until conditions improve. The BLM Oregon & Washington Medford District will not issue permits until it is safe to do so. If you have a permit during the closure period, please contact the BLM permit office at (541) 618-2408. The permitting agencies will re-open the river as soon as possible.

 

Josephine County Sheriff's deputies apprehended a man trying to meet with a minor for sex Thursday night.

Officers contacted Inuyasha McFail at the 500 block Schumacher Street. He arrived at the location on a bicycle, intending to meet with a female juvenile for sex.

McFail was detained and charged with First Degree Online Sexual Corruption of a Child. Officers lodged him in the Josephine County Jail.

 

The Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce will be on hand for a Ribbon Cutting ceremony officially welcoming "Speedy" the horse to Grants Pass Downs.

The ceremony will be held after the 3rd Race on Sunday the 28th at about 2:00 p.m.

"Speedy," a bronze 10 foot sculpture was designed and forged by Arizona artist Trevor O'Tool. Originally set to greet visitors at the Flying Lark complex, he has now taken permanent residence at the Redwood Avenue entrance to Grants Pass Downs.

Backed by a mural from local artist Crystal Pyren, the sculpture depicts a sitting “Speedy” peering through his eyeglasses, studying the Daily Racing Form.

Acquired from River Valley Church, the sculpture was purchased with donations from the Oregon Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, the Southern Oregon Horse Racing Association, and the Horseman’s Racing Association.

Rod Lowe, Grants Pass Downs CEO and Director of Racing is thrilled by the new welcome awaiting patrons. “I’m very excited how so many organizations and individuals came together to make Grants Pass Downs “Speedy’s” new home.”

 

The Illinois Valley Fire District responded to a fire in O'Brien Thursday.

At 3:09 p.m. yesterday, a structure fire was reported on the 33000 block of Redwood Highway.

Units from IVFD, ODF Southwest Oregon District, and AMR-Josephine County responded to the incident.

Upon arrival, crews observed smoke emanating from the eaves of the structure. The fire was subsequently contained to a couch, and an investigation is being conducted.