Local News

Josephine County Sheriff's deputies responded to a restraining order violation Tuesday at a property in the 500 block of Canyon Oak Drive.

The petitioner of the restraining order called dispatch at 2:55 p.m., saying the respondent was currently in the residence. He had walked in and was folding clothes in the bedroom. She said he didn't have any access to weapons, but he has been violent in the past.

Deputies arrived at the scene and met with the woman and the renter of the property outside. The suspect, Ryan Hamstengel, was still inside the building when he was contacted and detained.

He was transported by deputies to the Josephine County Jail where he was lodged for the Restraining Order Violation.

 

Tuesday morning, Grants Pass Police arrested two suspects at Resting Site 6 North.

During a check of the 714 NW 6th Street site, officers saw Douglas Cleveland heading westbound on A Street. He had a Josephine County warrant for Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle out for his arrest.

Officers arrested Cleveland and found him to be in possession of a green container with residue. Following a field test, the residue was positively identified as methamphetamine. Cleveland was lodged for Possession of Meth and his warrant.

While at the scene, officers contacted Larry Knight. He was wanted on a Grants Pass Police Department warrant for Meth Possession, so officers took him into custody. Knight was subsequently lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

 

The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO, Terry Hopkins, has been nominated to serve on the Board of Directors for Oregon Business & Industry (OBI).

In a press release from the Chamber, Terry said he is honored to represent Southern Oregon businesses. “While this role expands my involvement in statewide business advocacy, my commitment to our local community and to fostering economic growth and leadership here in Grants Pass and Josephine County remains unwavering."

The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce remains dedicated to supporting local businesses and strengthening the community’s economic future, while also engaging in broader policy issues that impact business growth and prosperity across Oregon.

OBI exists to strengthen Oregon’s economy and promote prosperity, competitiveness, and opportunity for businesses across the state. Through advocacy, research, and education, OBI provides leadership on critical public policy issues, and plays an active role in political advocacy.

 

The Josephine County Circuit Court is warning the public to be wary of scammers calling residents and claiming they owe money because they missed jury duty. According to the Oregon Judicial Department, reports have come to the court regarding scammers threatening residents with arrest if they don't pay a fine after supposedly missing jury duty. The scammers can sometimes make it appear the call is coming from the court's phone number and pretend to represent the court.As a reminder, Oregon's state courts will never threaten you or demand money in relation to jury service. They won't require you to pay money to respond to a jury summons or to complete your online questionnaire. The courts also won't require you to provide sensitive information over the phone, email, or text. Oregon state courts may text you with jury notices and reminders. However, these texts will not request personal information, make threats, or demand money. If you get a call or other message that demands information or money, hang up, and do not reply directly to the text or email, click on any links, or open any attachments.

 

Medford Police are investigating a high-dollar theft that occurred January 19th at the Medford School District 549C Facilities Yard. During this incident, a suspect broke out the rear window of a van and stole more than $10,000 worth of tools and equipment. Surveillance video captured the suspect, but his face was covered at the time of the theft. As part of the investigation, Medford Police Detectives distributed informational bulletins to 10 south Medford markets and gas stations. On January 22nd, a Dakota Street resident contacted police after recognizing the suspect from a bulletin and provided additional information that led detectives to a residence. Later that day, detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in the 700 block of Dakota Street. As a result, officers recovered multiple stolen items from several unrelated cases, including a Milwaukee LED tower light, two chainsaws, two mountain bikes, and clothing items believed to have been worn during the school district theft. Detectives were able to identify Nicholas Thomas Mitts, 24, as the suspect.

 

Emergency crews were alerted to a structure fire in the 4,600 block of Takilma Road in Cave Junction late Tuesday night.

The Illinois Valley Fire District, AMR, Rural Metro Fire Department, and the Josephine County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the scene at 11:23 p.m.

Upon their arrival, the structure was fully engulfed in flames, and one occupant sustained burn injuries. They were transported from the scene by AMR.

Pacific Power was notified and subsequently confirmed the deactivation of electrical services. Extensive overhaul operations were conducted, and the incident is under investigation.

 

The Josephine County Forestry Department is preparing for the 36th Annual Ross Roe Memorial Youth Tree Plant in Grants Pass.

Beginning Thursday and running through Saturday, hundreds of youth from local schools, units, and scout troupes will participate, planting trees in the Stringer Gap Site in the southwest city limits.

Schools participating include Woodland Charter School, Patrick Elementary, St. Mary's, Sams Valley, Mae Richardson, Jewett Elementary, Sunny Wolf, Fort Vannoy, Riverside Elementary, Parkside, Central Point, Redwood, and St. Anne's Catholic School.

Other organizations taking part include Rogue Sidekicks, Cub Scout Packs 17 and 3029, Central Point Cub Scout Pack 50, and Pack 29

According to the county website, more than an estimated 100,000 trees have been planted from over 23,000 youth since 1990.

For more information, call the Josephine County Forestry office at 541-474-5291.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office arrested a man following a vehicle pursuit Tuesday morning.

At 3:29 am, deputies initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Highway 199 and Lone Mountain Road on a red GMC Sonoma pickup. The truck had no front license plate, and the rear license plate was partially obscured.

The driver, identified as Gavin Moore, had a felony warrant for Distribution of Methamphetamine. When Moore was told he was under arrest and to turn off the truck, he fled the scene out Lone Mountain Road.

Moore soon slid off the roadway. He initially placed his hands out the windows to give up, but then backed his truck towards deputy vehicles until his truck slid sideways and again got stuck in the ditch.

Moore subsequently complied with commands and exited the truck where he was taken into custody without further incident. Moore was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Attempting to Elude, Reckless Driving, and on his warrant.

 

The Grants Pass City Council will commence today's meeting with a Public Hearing regarding a complaint against Republic Services. The complainant, Konnor Kirkpatrick, filed against the sanitation company. He said his business has been improperly prohibited from accessing the transfer station since they fall within exemptions from the Franchise Agreement. In accordance with the Customer Dispute Resolution Process, the hearing will determine if Kirkpatrick's complaint is unfounded, or if Republic Services should be ordered to allow access to his business. After the hearing, the Council will consider an ordinance amending the Development Code regarding property line vacations. Next on the agenda is a motion to appoint four new members to the Budget Committee. Following Public Comment, the Council will consider motions approving the Development Code Text Amendment, and meeting minutes. Before adjourning, a member of the Council will be appointed to the First Forty Feet Citizen Advisory Committee.The meeting will begin today at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 101 NW A Street.