Local News

JoCo Sheriff’s Office Apprehended Woman on Multiple Warrants
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office apprehended a woman Wednesday afternoon on multiple warrants.

At 3:27 p.m., officers contacted Natassia Berger in the 1900 block of Lone Mountain Road. She was found to have three Sheriff’s Office warrants and a Grants Pass Police Department warrant out for her arrest.

Her charges included Failure to Appear for three counts of Felony Attempt to Elude, three counts of Misdemeanor Driving While Suspended, Misdemeanor Attempt to Elude, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, DUII, and a Property Damage charge.

Berger was taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail on her warrants.
Posted on 10/9/25 6:49AM by Alex Bauer
 

Medford Business and Volunteer among Recipients of Excellence on Main Awards
Oregon Main Street announced its 2025 “Excellence on Main” award winners Wednesday.

During the annual Main Street conference October 8th in Albany, the Excellence on Main awards honored outstanding accomplishments, activities, and people making a difference in historic downtowns across the state.

Among the 11 individuals, projects, activities, and businesses, the Holly Theatre in Medford was honored with the Bricks and Mortar Rehabilitation Award, and Phyllis Nelson with the Downtown Medford Association was recognized as a Standout Volunteer.

Oregon Main Street strengthens community networks, bolsters local economies, generates tax revenues, and fosters social connections across the state.

OMS leads a network of local Main Streets that oversee a wide range of programmatic efforts to build community, support local businesses, and create an attractive and vibrant environment for workers, visitors, and residents.
Posted on 10/9/25 5:58AM by Alex Bauer
 

Oregon State Police Asks For Public's Help to Identify Fatal Hit-And-Run Suspect(s)
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The Oregon State Police are asking for the public's assistance in identifying the suspect or suspects in a fatal hit-and-run. On Tuesday, Sept. 30, at about 8:46 p.m., OSP responded to a report of a person down in the roadway in the 100 block of Hogue Drive, in Selma. Responding law enforcement determined the person had been struck by a vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer on scene. The pedestrian, Ray Arnold Wilder of Selma, was declared deceased at the scene. Detectives conducted witness interviews and learned a red truck and a white SUV with a black canopy were seen speeding away from the area after the crash. The vehicles reportedly drove past the scene several minutes later. The suspect vehicle is believed to have front-end damage and may have a broken windshield. Anyone with information is urged to call 800-442-2068 or *OSP from a mobile phone. Reference case number SP25-422785.
Posted on 10/8/25 1:27PM by Alex Bauer
 

GP Police Conducted a Traffic Stop, Arrested Suspect for Meth Possession
Grants Pass Police pulled over a vehicle for expired registration early this morning.

At 1:06 a.m. on the corner of Foothill Boulevard and NE Industry Drive, officers contacted the SUV driver, Matthew Barbosa, and cited him for driving while suspended and with no insurance.

Barbosa was found to be in possession of a small clear bag with over 6 grams of a crystalline substance which tested positive for amphetamines.

Barbosa was subsequently taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Meth Possession. His vehicle was towed from the scene and impounded.
Posted on 10/8/25 12:52PM by Alex Bauer
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GP Police Arrested Woman Smoking in Vehicle on GP Warrant
Grants Pass Police contacted and arrested a woman after finding her smoking in her vehicle Tuesday night.

At 8:55 p.m., dispatch received a call from a man saying there were two people in the back of a black Chevy Tahoe smoking crack.

He said they had been in the vehicle for 10 to 15 minutes thought they were trying to get rid of something by tossing it out the door.

Officers arrived and contacted the man and woman in the Tahoe on the corner of SE Portola Drive and SE Herrick Lane. The woman, identified as Susan Zdziebkowski, was found to have a warrant out of Grants Pass for Second Degree Theft and Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle.

Her identity was confirmed and she was lodged in the Josephine County Jail.
Posted on 10/8/25 11:43AM by Alex Bauer
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Grants Pass and JoCo Chamber of Commerce Selling Tickets for Tap Walk Event
Tickets are available for the 2025 Tap Walk presented by the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce.

Saturday, October 11th, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., members of the community can stroll through downtown Grants Pass, going from business to business, and sample different brews and food options.

Tickets for this 21 and older event are $45 presale and $50 if purchased the day of the event. Get tickets now at grantspasschamber.org or at the Grants Pass and Josephine County Chamber of Commerce at 1995 NW Vine Street.

With purchase of a ticket, you will receive a map of the event, commemorative pint glass, a reusable tote bag, plus free Wildlife Images trolley stops.
Posted on 10/8/25 11:24AM by Alex Bauer
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GP Police Arrested Woman behind Dumpster on Two Warrants
Grants Pass Police responded to a potential drug deal out of an RV Tuesday afternoon.

A witness told dispatch there were drugs being sold through the window of an RV since 8 a.m. that morning on the 600 block of NE 7th Street. The witness said kids were present and that people were smoking out of a pipe next to a nearby dumpster.

Officers arrived to the scene, and a woman, later identified as Melissa Burger, was observed behind the dumpster. She quickly walked away but was contacted in a nearby parking lot.

Burger was wanted on an Eagle Point Warrant for Fraud and Furnishing False Information, and an Oregon Parole Board Warrant involving Drugs. She was taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail.
Posted on 10/8/25 11:12AM by Alex Bauer
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GP Police Apprehended Man Bathing in Police Department Bathroom
Grants Pass Police officers didn't have to go far to apprehend a suspect Tuesday morning.

The suspect, identified as Jake Thompson, entered the lobby of the Police Department at 726 NE 7th Street and proceeded to the bathroom.

Thompson then began to bathe himself using the bathroom sink, spilling a substantial amount of water on the floor.

Officers made contact with Thompson and quickly took him into custody for a Parole Violation Detainer and Third Degree Criminal Mischief. He was lodged in the Josephine County Jail.
Posted on 10/8/25 10:54AM by Alex Bauer
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JoCo Commissioners to Consider OHA Amendments and Sick Leave Usage at Meeting
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The Josephine County Board of Commissioners will consider Oregon Health Authority amendments and a resolution providing unused sick leave benefits to general service employees during Thursday's meeting. Also up for consideration is a board order in the matter of the procedure for setting both fees and a public hearing. During the requests and comments period, citizens will have three minutes to speak on any topic to the commissioners, who will then review each comment and potentially respond. After approving consent calendar minutes, the board may consider other matters and announcements. Thursday morning's Weekly Business Session will begin at 10 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium, 600 NW Sixth Street, and will be streamed at josephinecounty.gov/livestream.
Posted on 10/8/25 5:36AM by Alex Bauer
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JoCo Sheriff's Office Arrested Intoxicated Woman after Trespassing Complaint
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office was alerted to a trespassing complaint involving an intoxicated suspect Tuesday night.

Around 8:31 p.m., dispatch received a call stating a woman was refusing to leave a property on the 100 block of Merlin Road. Officers were advised she had gone around to the back of the building.

Upon arrival, officers contacted Jenifer Scott, and took her into custody for Second Degree Trespassing and Resisting Arrest. She was taken to the Sobering Center where she continued to be uncooperative and refused a breathalyzer test.

Scott was transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail.
Posted on 10/8/25 5:08AM by Alex Bauer
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Pregnancy Care Center Thanks Community for Successful Gala
The Pregnancy Care Center of Grants Pass sends its thanks to everyone who attended, supported, and contributed to their 2025 Annual Gala, “Storytellers.”

The PCC said, "This year’s event was made possible through the generosity of our sponsors, in-kind donors, and volunteers who gave their time and resources to help make the evening a success. Because of your support, the Pregnancy Care Center can continue offering free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, parenting education, and compassionate care to individuals and families in our community."

Thanks to the partnership of many businesses and individuals, the Pregnancy Care Center is able to continue serving our community, and they thank everyone for helping them make a difference, one story at a time.
Posted on 10/7/25 4:08PM by Alex Bauer
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JoCo Commissioners Hear Homeless Site Proposal after Brief Recess during Workshop
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A brief recess paused today's County Administration Workshop due to an undisclosed security issue. The board reconvened shortly thereafter, and invited U-Turn for Christ to introduce their proposal for a 24-hour supervised, low-barrier entry site to help provide shelter and reintegration resources for the homeless. Further discussion will be on the next workshop agenda. The board approved a manager report and recommendation regarding County Legal Property at 210 Tacoma, along with documents from the September auction. A recommendation to stick with a 10% fee funding 50% of property management in the matter of confirming the Sheriff's certificate of sale and authorization to distribute the proceeds was also approved. Department business saw no objection from the commissioners to the Sheriff's request for authorization to acquire the e-Citations Integration Program.
Posted on 10/7/25 3:57PM by Alex Bauer
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