One Dead after Fatal Highland Avenue Vehicle Crash
Grants Pass Police were dispatched to a fatal car crash in the 2700 block of Highland Avenue Tuesday following a call to 911 around 8:15 a.m. The caller reported two vehicles colliding in the roadway, with one of them catching fire after the crash. Bystanders provided help to the occupants in the time between the crash and the arrival of first responders. One of the motorists was confirmed deceased at the scene. Detectives and a Crash Reconstructionist assisted with the investigation. It was determined that Gabriel Davis, a 22-year-old male, died when his car veered into oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle. The two occupants of the other car were transported to Three Rivers Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is complete, though anyone with information can call the police department at 541-450-6260. ...Read more

Seller's Employment Terminated by Commissioners in 3-0 Motion

The Board of Commissioners moved to terminate the employment of Information Technology and Emergency Management Director Michael Sellers following an Executive Session Monday. A motion passed 3-0, with Seller's employment being terminated effective 5 p.m. yesterday for the reasons presented at the due process hearing during the session. Human Resources will issue the final termination letter, process final pay, and take the necessary steps to effectuate the termination in accordance with law and policy. The board will then meet at 1:30 p.m. for a County Administration Workshop to consider department Business from Public Health, Airports, Recreation, Planning, and Human Resources. Another Executive Session will be held at 3 p.m. regarding the Robert Brandes vs. Josephine County and Andreas Blech case. All meetings in the BCC Conference Room will be streamed at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream. ...Read more

Council Approved 2.71% CPI-U for Non-Bargaining COLA

The Grants Pass City Council moved in favor of a 2.71% Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the Non-Bargaining Cost of Living Adjustment. Each year, a request comes from the front of Council to review and adjust the Non-Bargaining Salary Structure for 53 positions. Staff recommended the implementation of the 2.71% CPI-U, saying the full cost increase would be about $225,150, with about $99,337 coming from the general fund. The Council was unanimous in approval of the recommendation. The decision was made following an update on the First Quarter Plan Update. Accomplishments, events, and projects highlighting council goals included collaboration and coordination with local community safety organizations, Art Along the Rogue, collaboration with Elk Island Trading Company, a defensible space grant, and expansion of the tree canopy. The next presentation was a status report on the Allenwood Homes residential development located on city-owned property on Highway 238. Two non-profit corporations will operate the project long term: Neighborworks Umpqua and Oregon Human Development Corporation. ...Read more