City Council Approved Water Rate Adjustment, Real Property Purchase at Meeting

The Grants Pass City Council approved water user rate adjustments for 2026, as well as both the purchase of real property, and a resolution making new job descriptions and amending classification plans Wednesday. Following a presentation, the council passed a motion 6-1, council president Victoria Marshall dissenting, that approved Scenario 2 for adjusting user rates to help support construction of the replacement Water Treatment Plant. This scenario would increase most utility rates by 1% per year for three years with a phase increase to the plant replacement fee from $13.50 to $16 over three years. The council's motion to purchase real property at 124 NW Midland Avenue passed unanimously, as did a motion to create the positions of Geographical Information Systems Supervisor and Water Distribution Supervisor, and to amend the classification plans. The council voted 6-1 approving the appointment of Tracy Decklebaum to the Urban Tree Advisory Committee, with Councilwoman Kathleen Krohn the lone dissenting vote. They then proceeded to approve all items on their consent agenda. ...Read more

OSP Investigated Fatal, Single-Vehicle Crash on Highway 238

Oregon State Police responded to a fatal, single-vehicle crash on Highway 238, near milepost 8, in Josephine County Monday morning. On November 3, at 12:20 a.m., the preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Subaru Impreza, operated by Alexander Ray Yager, 21, of Grants Pass, failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway, struck a power pole, and rolled several times before catching fire. Yager was able to escape and was transported to an area hospital with reported minor injuries. The passenger, Jacob Dean Mix, 36, of Grants Pass, was declared deceased at the scene. The highway was impacted for approximately eight hours during the on-scene investigation. Impairment and speed are considered primary factors in causing the crash. OSP was assisted by ODOT. ...Read more

JoCo Republican Party Officers and PCPs Resigned on County Courthouse Steps

Josephine County Republican Central Committee officers, delegates, and numerous Precinct Committee Persons (PCPs) submitted their resignations on the County Courthouse steps this morning at 9 a.m. The outgoing officers cited alleged widespread misinformation, unethical conduct, and a breakdown of transparency as key reasons for their decision to step down. The resignations include officers, Chair Joseph Rice, Vice Chair Skip Welles, Secretary Karen Arzner, Treasurer Donna Nicely, Delegate II Mark Woods, and Parliamentarian Jonathan Knapp, along with all appointed leadership positions and a growing number of PCPs. There are 45 resignations, with more reportedly expected to follow. The group emphasized that their departure is not a surrender of conservative values but rather a stand for them. ...Read more