Local News

Grants Pass Police lodged a WinCo shoplifter on theft and methamphetamine possession charges.

Dispatch was notified Sunday at 8:58 p.m. that the suspect had taken items to her vehicle in the 231 NE Terry Lane parking lot, then went back inside the store. She had passed all points of sale without paying for the items, and was described to dispatch as wearing a white tank top, blue jeans, black tennis shoes, carrying a yellow purse, and having red hair.

Officers arrived and contacted the suspect, Blythe Attleson, who was with loss prevention staff. She was detained, and officers found she was in possession of a white crystal like substance that field tested positive for meth.

Attleson was transported to jail where she was lodged for Possession of Meth, and Third Degree Theft. She was also trespassed from the grocer.

 

Two men were arrested for larceny warrants and other charges following a traffic stop by Josephine County Sheriff's Deputies.

The traffic stop Saturday around 5 p.m. resulted in the identification of Richard Carlyle, the driver, and the passenger, Gary Halaas. Carlyle attempted to run but was detained, while Halaas was taken into custody after being located using the facilities.

Deputies found both men were wanted on Oregon Parole Board Warrants for Larceny. Halaas was also charged for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, while Carlyle was charged for Misdemeanor Driving While Suspended, Escape, Resisting Arrest, and Elude.

Both suspects were lodged in the Josephine County Adult Jail Facility for their crimes.

 

The Illinois Valley Fire District and emergency partners were dispatched to a traffic accident and fire incident over the weekend.

Along with American Medical Response and the Oregon State Police, crews responded Friday at 12:04 a.m. to the accident in the 21,000 block of Redwood Highway in Kerby.

Upon arrival, responders discovered an unoccupied vehicle at the roadside. A thorough search of the vicinity showed no individuals. It has been determined that the occupant departed the scene to a different location and subsequently declined medical assistance.

The site was transferred to OSP for further investigation.

Crews then reported yesterday at 7:59 p.m. to a fire incident on Waldo Road in O'Brien.

The IVFD and Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District responded to the vehicle fire, successfully extinguishing it with no risk to the surrounding wildland.

 

A house fire was reported to 911 Sunday at 3:20 a.m. at a residence in a remote area up Quartz Creek Road.

Units from Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire, the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, American Medical Response, and the Josephine County Sheriff's Office mobilized to the scene.

Access was challenging due to locked gates, a lack of address markings and poor road conditions that made sections impassable by larger fire apparatus. Adding to the challenge as units arrived, reports of "shots fired" prompted responders to temporarily retreat. Deputies were able to quickly address that issue and conducted a full investigation.

Once firefighters safely reached the house, the fire was determined to be mulch piles on the deck and near the house that were burning, however flames had not significantly damaged the structure. The incident remains under investigation.

 

Deputies with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office lodged a man following an elude attempt on a sports bike.

Saturday around 8:48 a.m., the suspect passed law enforcement at a high rate of speed, just over 130 mph, heading northbound on Interstate 5 at milepost 66. Patrol lights and sirens were activated, and the suspect attempted to elude.

He was stopped on Sunny Valley Loop and reportedly held at gun point, then taken into custody without further incident. The suspect, Taylor Volkema, was charged for Felony Elude, and cited for speeding. He was transported to and lodged in the Josephine County Jail. His brother later arrived to pick up the bike.

 

The American Association for Women in Community Colleges at Rogue Community College is seeking donations of clean, gently used clothing for its fall clothing sale.

The "A Buck to Benefit Student's" $1 clothing sale will take place October 20th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Redwood Campus in Grants Pass, then on the 22nd from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Riverside Campus in Medford. All are welcome to attend.

Donations of clean, gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and children of all ages are being accepted. Items can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday at all three RCC Campuses:

- The Redwood Campus at 3345 Redwood Highway in Grants Pass.
- The Riverside Campus at 101 S Bartlett Street in Medford.
- The Table Rock Campus at 7800 Pacifica Avenue in White City.

All donations are appreciated, with an additional need for men's clothing and accessories to help expand the sale's selection. The sale is hosted by the organization's volunteers, with proceeds benefitting the RCC Foundation to help fund student scholarships.

 

A man and woman were arrested Thursday morning after Grants Pass City Police responded to the report of the pair smoking drugs near the railroad tracks and 3rd Street. The officer observed the woman 33-year-old Ruby Rose Satya Loha Yamoona, smoking a tooter from foil. She was placed into custody as well as her companion, Steven Elijah Robison, 41. The investigation found Yamoona in possession of fentanyl, confirmed from a field test of the foil she tried to hide when the officer approached. She was arrested and charged with possession of fentanyl and trespassed from the location. Robison was arrested and lodged on a charge of criminal trespass I. Both Robison and Yamoona have had several arrests for both drugs and trespass in the last year and both remained incarcerated Friday morning.

 

Art Along the Rogue Festival kicks off this afternoon at four in historic downtown Grants Pass in the newly renovated Owl Plaza with this year's theme of "Reflections".This year's festival boasts of 17 featured chalk artists creating their visual magic on the city's pavement, along with 25 volunteer artists. The festival will feature 10 live bands with the music starting at 4:30 this afternoon with the rock and rolls sounds of Josephine Jukebox. The music turns funky at 6:15 p.m. with Mr. Vale's Math Class followed by the soul sounds of Rudy Love and the Encore. Four more bands entertain on Saturday from 2:30 through 7:30. Three more music groups wind of the music on Sunday from 11 a.m. with the last performances beginning at 2:30 p.m.The Festival will have 67 craft vendors, four food trucks, live dance performances and goodie bags for the kids.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners Thursday met for a legal counsel update and will further consider and take action at the next Weekly Business Session. Revisions to the Administrative Policy were discussed regarding the use of social media and public records. There was reported concern about inconsistencies and a lack of clarity on how social media should be handled. The Board felt the policy was out of date and revisions should be considered. In regards to the Public Records policy, the Board felt the goal is to clearly define when an elected official is making decisions on their own, and how that becomes severable from the records management officer's authority. The Board also wants the records process to be clarified. Both will be dealt with at the October 7th Business Session. Legal counsel will proceed with a draft of a Departmental Procedure amendment to personnel policy for the Board. The Commissioners are meeting this afternoon in an executive session to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection at 1:30.