Local News

An officer with Grants Pass Police lodged a man for Meth Possession and a Parole Violation detainer during a drainage area check in Riverside Park.

The suspect, Robert Kostenko, was located in the 304 E Park Street location holding a suspected meth pipe. Despite an attempt to conceal it, he was detained on the scene for Possession of Meth. His parole officer was contacted regarding the incident, and it was requested a detainer be placed on Kostenko.

During a field test, the pipe came back positive for the presumptive presence of meth. The officer took Kostenko into custody for the charge and detainer. He was issued a 30 day exclusion from the park, and lodged in jail. His dog was taken to the animal shelter.

 

A fire in the 3100 block of New Hope Road mobilized multiple firefighters Monday at 6:24 p.m.

Crews from Rural Metro Fire, ODF Southwest Oregon District and Grants Pass Fire responded to the blaze. The fire was quickly extinguished and mopped up at less than 1/10th acre. An investigation is currently underway.

Under the current critical conditions, all outdoor activity should be taken with precaution to prevent sparking a fire, as most can be caused unintentionally.

 

The Oregon Department of Forestry's Southwest Oregon District quickly established a wet line around a grass fire in the 5,000 block of East Evans Creek Road Monday. Crews were alerted to the blaze, leading to multiple ground resources, a Type 3 helicopter, and Air Attack being dispatched for an aggressive initial attack. By 12:35 p.m., additional aircraft were ordered, including two Type 1 helicopters, to support suppression efforts from the air. Firefighters established the wet line by 12:55 p.m., and continued the initial attack, strengthening the wet line and securing the perimeter. According to the Watch Duty app, crews were able to catch the fire at 1.5 acres despite critical fire weather conditions. Multiple aircraft were released from the incident, and hose lay is now around the entire perimeter.

 

Oregon State Police arrested suspects on out-of-county hold warrants Friday and Sunday nights.

The first suspect, Sarah Snyder, 39, from Glendale, was the passenger in a vehicle stopped for an observed violation Friday at 11:34 p.m. at the corner of U.S. Highway 199 and 260.

Upon contact, troopers learned Snyder had an outstanding Failure to Appear Bench Warrant out of Douglas County. She was arrested and transported to the Josephine County Jail for her warrant.

Troopers then stopped an individual at the corner of U.S. Highway 199 and 238 around 9:14 p.m. He was identified as Justin Hendrickson, 33, of Central Point, and found to have warrants out for his arrest.

He was promptly taken into custody at the scene for his warrants charging him with Cut and Transport of Special Forest Products, and No Annual Report. Troopers lodged Hendrickson in the Adult Jail Facility.

 

Officers with the Grants Pass Police Department arrested a suspect attempting to steal merchandise from Walmart.

Dispatch was alerted to the suspect that had been detained by loss prevention around 8:22 p.m. It was reported Rachael Lowden had walked past all points of sale with $75 worth of items concealed on her person before being apprehended by staff.

She was cooperative with loss prevention and, upon arrival of officers, was taken into custody. Her parole officer requested a detainer, so law enforcement lodged Lowden in jail for Third Degree Theft, and the detainer. She was also trespassed from the 135 NE Terry Lane store.

 

A Land Use Hearing regarding a request for an appeal objecting to the Director's Decision to approve a cannabis processing facility with access off of 2581 Dick George Road was held at 10 a.m.

During the planning staff review of the application, staff received comments regarding the proposed Processing Facility. Comments raised concerns related to topics such as Methods of Processing, Traffic, Water Usage, and Odor.

In response, the applicant said traffic would be reduced due to processing on-site, drip irrigation systems with moisture sensors would be used to reduce unnecessary water use, and fencing requirements are established through OLCC regulations and are required for compliance purposes.

The Director and staff drafted a decision addressing the comments, and the application appealing the decision raised concerns regarding the applicant's operations and representation, plus the percentage of the farm crop proposed that will be produced on the farm.

A Non-Volatile Cannabis Processor Proposal was presented next, with video showing the process. Three connex units would be used on the 100 ft. by 100 ft. premises, with minimal off-site impact. Kief Production is already a producer privilege.

On the opposition, it was stated their road was going to be affected by the factory. It was said the Kief machines would be 55 to 70 decibels, potentially going through insulation and long distances, causing problems for people and animals. Ambiguity, wells, and danger to families were mentioned as worries.

A motion to continue the hearing Monday, August 31st at 10 a.m., and that the record remain open, passed 3-0.

 

Grants Pass Police observed a vehicle failing to use a turn signal, leading to the drivers arrest for an Oregon Parole Board warrant.

Sunday at 5:22 p.m., a white Buick was seen turning westbound on G Street and failing to use a signal. The officer initiated a traffic stop and contacted the driver, Jessy Randall, at the corner of SW G Street and SW 6th Street.

It was determined Randall was wanted on a Parole Board warrant for a violation and was driving uninsured. The officer took him into custody and the vehicle was impounded. During an inventory check, drug related items were located inside the Buick, later to be logged for destruction.

Randall was subsequently lodged in the Josephine County Adult Jail Facility for his warrant.

 

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley announced a $390,000 gift from an anonymous donor, made through a Donor Advised Fund held by Four Way Community Foundation.

The gift represents the largest grant made by Four Way Community Foundation since 1994 and will make a significant investment in transportation and teen services for young people throughout the Rogue Valley.

The funding will support four key priorities: the purchase of a new bus for Club field trips, the purchase of a van to transport youth, operating support for the new Grants Pass Teen Center, and a partial renovation of the Teen Center’s outdoor space. The new Teen Center is scheduled to open in January 2027.

The gift comes at a pivotal moment as Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley prepares to open its new Grants Pass Teen Center in January 2027. The gift will provide operating support during the Center’s opening phase and help fund improvements to its outdoor space, expanding opportunities for teens to gather, connect and participate in activities.

Designed specifically for teens, the Center will provide a welcoming, dedicated environment where young people can build relationships with trusted adults and peers, receive academic and career support, participate in enrichment opportunities and develop skills for life after high school.

The grant also marks a significant milestone for Four Way Community Foundation as its largest grant since 1994, demonstrating the important role donor advised funds can play in connecting local philanthropy with significant community needs.

 

Grants Pass Police responded to three calls for service regarding the same individual Saturday night.

The incident occurred at the Bohemian Bar and Bistro around 7:18 p.m., where the subject from a previous call reportedly returned to the 221 SW G Street restaurant after police left the scene. He had reportedly been yelling at customers, pulled out vodka from his bag, and was blocking traffic.

The suspect, Martin Lynch, was taken into custody, but began using physical force to prevent detainment. He was ultimately placed into a wrap, and transported to the Josephine County Jail. He was lodged for Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree, and Resisting Arrest.