Chronic Elude Suspect Arrested, Search Warrants Reveal Loaded Firearm, Drugs
A drug dealer is in jail after multiple attempted eludes throughout Jackson County. The suspect, Ismael Garcia-Nava Jr., 32, of Medford, remains lodged in the Jackson County Jail after crashing September 19th while attempting to elude Central Point Police Department officers. Garcia-Nava was originally arrested August 12th after crashing during an attempted elude with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Due to jail overcrowding he was force released August 22nd before a search uncovered the drugs and firearm in his vehicle. Multiple search warrants revealed more than 100g of fentanyl, nearly 400g of heroin, 28g of methamphetamines, scales, packaging material, and a loaded firearm. Garcia-Nava was lodged in the second elude case September 19th. He was charged with Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, and Delivery of Controlled Substances, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, multiple counts of Elude, and Reckless Driving.
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BCC Approved Findings of Fact for Processing Facility, Favored All Department Business
The Board of Commissioners approved the findings of fact regarding the appeal of a decision approving a processing facility in Cave Junction at today's workshop. Following an executive session where attorney's provided the board an update on the Stephen Eric Fitch v. Josephine County et al case, the workshop was held at 1:30 p.m. in consideration of department business. Commissioner Gary Richardson moved that the board approve the appeal of the decision to approve the facility at 2581 Dick George Road with the criteria presented. A public notice of the board's decision will be drafted and mailed to all participating neighbors of the stated property. Pending any appeals after 21 days, the applicant may proceed with development of the processing facility. The motion passed unanimously. The board approved 3-0 the signing of a a Seedling Growing Service Contract from the Forestry department with Weyerhaeuser NR Company, where $120,280 would be utilized for the planting of about 190,000 seedlings on County lands. Also approved, pending the project's completion and utilization of ARPA funds, was Recreation's request to sign for a restroom unit for Whitehorse Park.
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Pacific Power Foundation Awards $56,000 to Southern Oregon Organizations
The Pacific Power Foundation is proud to support 13 Southern Oregon organizations working to protect the environment and strengthen their communities. Funding will help provide hands-on outdoor education for students, expand volunteer initiatives and support career training programs that create opportunities for the community. Out of the 13 recipients, both the Central Point Little League and the Parks and Recreation Foundation received $2,000. The City of Shady Cove received $2,000, while $5,000 went to Habitat for Humanity Rogue Valley in Medford. Other recipients included The Illinois Valley Fire Resiliency Oversight Group, The Oregon Center for Creative Learning in Medford, and the Josephine County Foundation in Murphy, the latter of which received $8,000. These funds were awarded through the Pacific Power Foundation’s Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect grant cycle. Organizations interested in applying for the Foundation’s next grant cycle, Safety and Wellness, may apply by December 15th.
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