Local News

OSP Looking for Wanted Man Who Fled from Attempted Stop Just West of GP
The Oregon State Police was looking for a man who fled from an attempted traffic stop just west of Grants Pass this week. OSP reports troopers tried to pull over a black Chevrolet Suburban driven by a male subject on Pinecrest Drive near Upper River Road on Tuesday afternoon. Troopers said the driver of the vehicle was slow to yield and he almost hit another vehicle head-on in the oncoming travel lane. They did not initiate a pursuit due to public safety, but identified the driver as 38-year-old Braide Preston Shipman who they knew was wanted on an outstanding warrant. According to OSP, Shipman continued to flee northbound on Pinecrest. The SUV was found a short time later and an investigation is pending. Charges of Felony Attempt to Elude Police and Reckless Driving against Shipman were forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for consideration. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Braide Shipman is encouraged to dial *OSP.
Posted on 9/5/24 6:32AM by Sam Marsh
 

GP Police Snared Male Transient for Repeat Trespassing on Railroad Property
Grants Pass Police arrested a male transient for trespassing on railroad property early yesterday. According to the Police Department, officers responded to multiple reports of smoke underneath the 3rd Street railroad bridge on Wednesday at 12:29 a.m.. Police said they arrived on scene to find a 44-year-old male subject next to a trash pile that had been lit on fire. The small fire was quickly extinguished and there was no damage to the bridge. A routine records check showed the man had a previous trespass warning from railroad property in September 2023, so he was placed into custody. The suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for 1st-Degree Criminal Trespass. A corrections officer was contacted, but he declined to place a detainer on his client.
Posted on 9/5/24 6:29AM by Sam Marsh
 

Oregon DEQ Posts Air Quality Advisory for Parts of State Due to Wildfire Smoke
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an Air Quality Advisory for parts of state due to smoke from wildfires in Oregon, Idaho and California. In Southern Oregon, DEQ officials said Jackson, Klamath and Lake counties will be affected at least until Friday. Intermittent smoke may be found in central and eastern Douglas County as well as parts of Josephine County. Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung disease. Protect yourself and family when smoke levels are high. Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed. If it's too hot, run air conditioning on recirculate or consider moving to a cooler location. Avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Use high-efficiency particulate air filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers. Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
Posted on 9/5/24 6:17AM by Sam Marsh
 

Board of Commissioners Removed 4 Outdated Ordinances from Josephine County Code
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The Josephine County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday removed four outdated ordinances from the County Code and amended a current ordinance. The Board voted unanimously to repeal ordinances pertaining to attorney fees, utility consumer choice, sanitary landfills and the designation of county-owned property as sanitary landfills. The votes followed four brief public hearings. Assistant Legal Counsel Leah Harper testified that the removed ordinances date as far back as 1964 and they are unnecessary as they are outdated or no longer being used. The Commissioners also voted unanimously to approve the first reading of an amendment to an existing ordinance related to emergency medical services. Harper testified that the ordinance would be updated with some language deleted and a new section would be added for medical transport of timber employees injured on the job. The second reading and adoption is scheduled for September 18th. Under Administrative Actions, the Board approved a revision in the bylaws for the Emergency Medical Services Board and a renewal of the ambulance services contract with American Medical Response.
Posted on 9/5/24 6:15AM by Sam Marsh
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ODF Reinstating "Extreme" Fire Danger in Josephine and Jackson Counties on Friday
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The Oregon Department of Forestry has announced it is reinstating "extreme" fire danger in Josephine and Jackson counties tomorrow. Due to dry vegetation, hot conditions and numerous active fires in the region, ODF will increase the fire danger level from "high" to "extreme" at 12:01 a.m. Friday. ODF officials said fire danger decreased to "high" in the local district following significant rainfall in late August. But due to increased temperatures, dry fuels and the potential for east winds, the fire danger is returning to "extreme." Starting Friday, the use of power saws; the cutting, grinding and welding of metal; and the mowing of dry or dead grass is completely prohibited. Operation of all other spark-emitting internal combustion engines is also banned. All other fire season restrictions continue including bans on outdoor debris burning as well as open fires in areas of flammable vegetation. For more information about fire season restrictions in Josephine and Jackson counties, please visit "swofire.com."
Posted on 9/5/24 6:13AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Firefighters Hosting Friday Ceremony for New Wildland Engine at Parkway Station
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Grants Pass Fire & Rescue is introducing the community's new wildland fire engine during a traditional ceremony known as a "Push Back" on Friday. The event is scheduled for tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the Parkway Fire Station, located at 800 East Park Street. The tradition of pushing a fire truck into the station dates back to the time of horse-drawn equipment when firefighters had to push the fire pumpers into the station because horses couldn't back up the equipment. Grants Pass acquired the new Type 3 wildland engine from the Oregon State Fire Marshal. The International cab, 500-gallon pumper is designed for rapid wildland fire extinguishment as well as urban response. OSFM will retain ownership of the apparatus, while Grants Pass Fire & Rescue will handle housing, staffing, responding, insuring and maintaining the apparatus for three years. This was made possible through the OSFM Engine Program funded by Senate Bill 762.
Posted on 9/5/24 6:10AM by Sam Marsh
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Multiple Agencies Responding to Grass Fire near Interstate 5 in South Ashland
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responding with Jackson County Fire District #5 and Ashland Fire & Rescue to a fast-moving grass fire near milepost 11.5 of Interstate 5 on the southbound side. Firefighters are arriving on scene and engaging in an aggressive initial attack. ODF reports additional resources are en route including the SW District aircraft. Two air tanker drops have also been ordered. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation order for Zone JAC-542 and a Level 2 "Be Set" evacuation notice for Zone JAC-541. Motorists should be aware of firefighters working in this area. The Oregon Department of Transportation has temporarily closed I-5 southbound at Exit 14 in Ashland.
Posted on 9/4/24 2:51PM by Sam Marsh
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Commissioners Remove Four Outdated Ordinances from Josephine County Code
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners this morning removed four outdated ordinances from the County Code and amended a current ordinance. The Board voted unanimously to repeal ordinances pertaining to attorney fees, utility consumer choice, sanitary landfills and the designation of county-owned property as sanitary landfills. The votes followed four brief public hearings. Assistant Legal Counsel Leah Harper testified that the removed ordinances date as far back as 1964 and they are unnecessary as they are outdated or no longer being used. The Commissioners also voted unanimously to approve the first reading of an amendment to an existing ordinance related to emergency medical services. Harper testified that the ordinance would be updated with some language deleted and a new section would be added for medical transport of timber employees injured on the job. The second reading and adoption is scheduled for September 18th. Under Administrative Actions, the Board approved a revision in the bylaws for the Emergency Medical Services Board and a renewal of the ambulance services contract with American Medical Response. Assistant Legal Counsel Stephanie Nutall opened the meeting with a presentation on the requirements for annexation and withdrawal from special districts based on questions regarding the Josephine Community Library District. Last December, the Board approved a library withdrawal petition from Mike and Winnie Pelfrey -- but the approval went against Oregon Statutes and it was reversed earlier this year. Nutall said that state laws on district annexations and withdrawals both require a petition signed by the lesser of 15% or 100 electors or the greater of 15 owners or owners of 10% of the acreage of the subject property. The difference, she said, is withdrawals require 15% or 100 electors of the district while annexations require the majority of owners of the subject property only.
Posted on 9/4/24 11:54AM by Sam Marsh
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ODF Reinstating Extreme Fire Danger in Josephine & Jackson Counties on Friday
The Oregon Department of Forestry has announced it is reinstating "extreme" fire danger in Josephine and Jackson counties on Friday. Due to dry vegetation, hot conditions and numerous active fires in the region, ODF will increase the fire danger level from "high" to "extreme" at 12:01 a.m. Friday. ODF officials said fire danger decreased to "high" in the local district following significant rainfall in late August. But due to increased temperatures, dry fuels and the potential for east winds, the fire danger is returning to "extreme." The regulations impact 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and BLM lands protected by ODF's Southwest District. Starting Friday, the use of power saws; the cutting, grinding and welding of metal; and the mowing of dry or dead grass is completely prohibited. Operation of all other spark-emitting internal combustion engines is also banned. All other fire season restrictions continue including bans on outdoor debris burning as well as open fires in areas of flammable vegetation. Motor vehicles -- including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles -- may only be used on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except when used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops. Smoking is prohibited while traveling except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other designated locations. For more information about fire season restrictions in Josephine and Jackson counties, please visit "swofire.com."
Posted on 9/4/24 11:52AM by Sam Marsh
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Deputies Arrested Man for Stealing Mail & Casing Homes in North Valley Area
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office arrested a man for stealing mail and casing homes in the North Valley area late yesterday. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested a 30-year-old male subject near the corner of Pleasant Valley Road and Monument Drive on Tuesday at 4:41 p.m.. Deputies said multiple residents called 9-1-1 to report a "scruffy" man was getting into mailboxes and trespassing while looking around houses in the area. The callers advised the subject had several items stuffed into his pockets as he walked along Pleasant Valley Road. Upon arrival, deputies located the suspect on the shoulder of the road and advised him to stop walking, which he did. He was ordered to remove his hands from his pockets, which he also did. However, he refused to speak to deputies and ignored them while standing still. Due to his behavior, deputies called for backup from the Oregon State Police and two troopers responded to assist. The man identified as "Michael Jeffrey Richards" was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Mail Theft and Disorderly Conduct. He was being held without bail.
Posted on 9/4/24 11:50AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Nabbed Man for Stealing from Fred Meyer after US Highway 199 Stop
Grants Pass Police arrested a man for stealing merchandise from Fred Meyer late yesterday following a traffic stop on Redwood Highway. The Police Department reports officers pulled over a Nissan Pathfinder containing the 35-year-old male subject at a gas station on US Highway 199 near Ringuette Street on Tuesday around 4:45 p.m.. Police said Fred Meyer loss prevention officers advised a man wearing a white tank top had stolen more than $640 worth of items by placing them in a purple bag, exiting the store and getting into the Nissan. The SUV was last seen heading south on the Grants Pass Parkway, so officers fanned out to look for the vehicle. During the traffic stop, the suspect was found to be a passenger in the Nissan and he admitted to taking the items without paying for them. He was captured on video surveillance committing the crime and was placed into custody. The suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for 2nd-Degree Theft. He was also trespassed from Fred Meyer, which recovered the stolen items.
Posted on 9/4/24 11:48AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Snared Man on Warrant after Bad Behavior Reports in Redwood Area
Grants Pass Police arrested a man on an outstanding local warrant last night after he was reported to be engaging in bad behavior in the Redwood area. According to the Police Department, officers placed the 24-year-old male subject into custody in the 1900-block of Redwood Avenue on Tuesday around 8 p.m.. Police said they received several reports of the subject walking in and out of traffic while drinking an alcoholic beverage. They said the man had caused a disturbance at a local convenience store, he was hitting things and kicking his dog before he threw the bottle at passing motorists. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Upon contact with police, the subject initially provided a false name before telling them he had a warrant and wanted to be detained. Officers confirmed that he was wanted on a Josephine County warrant for failing to appear in court for Criminal Mischief, so he was placed into custody. The subject identified as "Andrew Benito Cruz-Martinez" was lodged in jail on the warrant plus a new charge of Furnishing False Information to Police. His dog was taken to the Animal Shelter.
Posted on 9/4/24 11:46AM by Sam Marsh
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