Local News

The Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) raided an illegal cannabis growing operation near Cave Junction for the second time in less than a month. On Tuesday, JMET -- assisted by Josephine County Public Health and Building Safety -- served a search warrant in the 800-block of Greenview Drive. JMET had already served a warrant at this address less than four weeks ago for the same offenses. After the first warrant was served, detectives followed up their investigation and found the suspects involved continue to illegally cultivate marijuana, which led to the second warrant. During execution of the most recent warrant, 180 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed. One firearm was also located and seized. The property also had multiple electrical, water and solid waste code violations that could result in the criminal forfeiture of the property. Detectives said the primary suspects were not on scene at the time of the raid, but they are known to law enforcement and charges of Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Unlawful Appropriation of Ground Water have been forwarded to the District Attorney's Office. According to JMET, the investigation is ongoing.

 

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office jailed a local private basketball coach this week for alleged inappropriate contact with an underage child. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested 29-year-old Geordan Victor Sanchez Edmond of Gold Hill on Monday. The suspect was charged with one count of Luring a Minor and he was lodged at the Jackson County Jail. Detectives said Edmond has given private basketball lessons to children in the local area for the last few years. They believe the suspect could have additional victims. If you have any information about Geordan Edmond, please call the Jackson County Sheriff's Office Tip Line at (541)-774-8333. Please reference Case #24-4186.

 

The Oregon State Police is seeking witnesses to a weekend road rage incident that occurred in Medford. On Sunday at 9:40 p.m., state troopers responded to a road rage incident on Interstate 5 near Exit 27. Troopers said a light-silver early 2000s Toyota minivan and a red 2022 GMC pickup were traveling southbound on I-5. When the two vehicles neared the south Medford exit, the occupant of the Toyota shot at the GMC. According to OSP, the pickup was damaged -- but no one was injured. Any witnesses to this incident are encouraged to contact OSP's Southern Command Center at 1-(800)-442-2068. Please reference Case #SP24260922.

 

Grants Pass Police jailed a man for assaulting another man at a downtown church this week. The Police Department reports officers were alerted to the incident by an employee of Asante Three Rivers Medical Center on Monday morning. Police said the hospital worker reported they were treating a man in the emergency room who had been kicked by another man at Newman United Methodist Church. The patient was identified as a 67-year-old man who stated he was assaulted by a 57-year-old male subject at the church earlier in the day. Officers searched the area of the church and located the suspect at the nearby A-1 Market & Deli. He was placed into custody without incident. The suspect was lodged without bail at the Josephine County Jail for 4th-Degree Assault. His belongings were logged into evidence for safekeeping.

 

A traffic stop in a Grants Pass city park this week led to the apprehension of a fugitive wanted on a statewide felony warrant. According to the Police Department, officers pulled over a motorcycle ridden by a 27-year-old male subject at Riverside Park on Monday afternoon. Police said they stopped the motorcyclist for speeding through the park and learned that he was riding with a suspended license and without insurance or a motorcycle endorsement. An investigation revealed that the man was wanted on an Oregon State warrant for Parole Violation stemming from a previous conviction for Crimes Against a Person. The suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on a no-bail detainer. He was also cited for the traffic violations. The motorcycle was secured at the park per the arrestee's request. The keys and helmet were taken to the police station to be picked up by a friend.

 

There's not much on the agenda for the Josephine County Board of Commissioners' weekly business session this morning. The Board will start the meeting with its monthly recognition of employees, but there are no action items, public hearings, presentations or proclamations. The Consent Calendar contains a limited power of attorney for land use and development for a county-owned real property at 232 West Stevenson Street in Cave Junction. As always, there will be Requests and Comments from Citizens when participants are allowed to address for the Board for up to three minutes on virtually any topic pertaining to Josephine County. Today's public meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium.

 

The Jackson County Vector Control District reports a single mosquito pool in west Medford tested positive for West Nile Virus on Monday. This is the second West Nile Virus detection in Jackson County this summer. The mosquitoes were collected by the district as part of a routine surveillance program. Residents are advised to take basic precautions against mosquitoes since West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. People should consult their health care providers if they experience any flu-like symptoms -- especially in people over 50 years of age with underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

 

The Connect Oregon Program's final review committee has recommended 19 air, marine and rail projects for this year's competitive grant cycle -- including two projects in Southern Oregon. The committee narrowed the list from 35 applications requesting nearly $100 million at their August 7th meeting. Connect Oregon has about $46 million available to award for this round of funding. The highest-ranked Southern Oregon project is from Jackson County, which asked for $3 million for the Medford Airport East Side Heavy Duty Aircraft Apron Expansion. It is currently ranked #7 among the recommended grants. Ranked at #14 is a request from Central Oregon and Pacific Railroad for

 

The City of Grants Pass is still offering Sustainable Tourism grants, but time is running out. The Sustainable Tourism Grant Program supports promotional activities aimed at fostering long-term tourism by attracting tourists and increasing overnight stays in Grants Pass. City officials said the most competitive grant applications are those that focus on boosting tourism during off-peak periods, generating economic growth from tourists traveling beyond a 50-mile radius, and providing increased economic benefits for local businesses and non-profit organizations. The application deadline is this Friday at 11:59 p.m.. Interested parties can apply for the grant program at "grantspassoregon.gov."