Local News

With high temperatures expected across parts of Oregon and Washington this weekend and early next week, Pacific Power is encouraging customers to prepare for warmer weather. According to a release, Pacific Power relies on a diverse mix of available energy resources to meet peak hour needs during warmer weather, and the company is well positioned to meet customer demand. During hot weather, Pacific Power also takes steps each day to keep electric service reliable for its customers through daily monitoring of substations and circuits that have the highest use and addressing any issues immediately. The demand for electricity typically reaches its highest point on a hot weekday afternoon, generally from about 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. when power is needed to operate irrigation systems and air conditioners. Customers can save on power bills by taking some simple steps to reduce energy usage: Switch energy usage to early morning or late evening whenever possible, set the thermostat on central air conditioning at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting, and turn off lights, computers, televisions and appliances when you are not using them.

 

Medford Fire Department crews responded to a reported apartment fire and found that a sprinkler had already extinguished a mattress and bedding fire before it could spread beyond the room.

While there was water damage to the apartment and the unit below, there was no fire loss to the building. The fire was determined to be accidental and was likely caused by improperly discarded smoking materials.

Crews said this is the fourth fire sprinkler save they have seen recently. Smoke alarms alerted the resident, and the sprinkler controlled the fire before it could spread to neighboring apartments and put additional residents at risk.

MFD provided some simple steps to reduce fire risk: Test smoke alarms regularly, replace smoke alarms after 10 years, smoke outside whenever possible, and never smoke in bed.

 

A bike was stolen from a property in the 1,000 block of Fruitdale Drive, prompting a response from Grants Pass Police.

Dispatch was told the bike had been stolen overnight and was reported missing Thursday at 8:54 a.m. The caller said a friend of theirs saw the bike at one of the 6th Street Resting Sites.

The suspect in possession of the bike had a second bike with him as well, and officers soon contacted him outside the resting site. Not only was the suspect, Leo Wilson, in possession of the stolen bike, but also a tooter which field tested positive for amphetamines.

Wilson reportedly changed his story several times before eventually admitting to officers that he stole the bicycle. He was taken into custody and lodged for Second Degree Theft, Possession of Meth, and a parole violation detainer per his parole officer.

 

Grants Pass Police were alerted to two suspects smoking an unknown substance Thursday afternoon.

A call to 911 reported the two suspects were smoking something across the street from Rogue Valley Mortgage LLC at 222 NE B Street. The caller reported the suspects had been there for about 10 minutes inside a red Dodge Neon, and were trying to get high.

Officers contacted one of the suspects, Michael Yelle, upon arrival. He was initially detained and read his rights for suspicion of Possessing a Controlled Substance, but was then released after facts changed according to the police report.

Yelle was released and advised he was free to leave, however, he then willingly relinquished drug paraphernalia to police. He was taken back into custody, then cited to appear for Possession of a Controlled Substance.

 

The Grants Pass Police Department announced a significant achievement, the successful completion of the Oregon State accreditation process.

According to a post on the department's Facebook page, the Northwest Accreditation Alliance Professional Standards Committee reviewed the assessor’s report from the department's recent agency assessment May 12th.

The committee unanimously recommended that the Grants Pass 911 Communications Center be granted accredited status.

 

Josephine County Sheriff's deputies arrested a man for Attempted Aggravated Assault after he physically and verbally threatened the victim.

Dispatch was alerted to the incident when a man called 911 Thursday at 11:06 p.m., reporting the suspect had just swung at him and kicked him a few times in the 100 block of Merlin Road. The suspect had reportedly been harassing the victim before punching him.

The caller described the suspect as wearing a gray tank top, carrying a black backpack, and having black hair. The victim then reported the suspect said it was lucky he didn't have a gun otherwise he would have shot the victim.

Deputies responded and located the suspect at the corner of Galice Road and Robertson Bridge Road. He was identified as Christopher Muth, and was taken into custody for Fourth Degree Attempted Assault. Deputies lodged Muth in the Josephine County Jail.

 

Applications are being accepted for one position on the Historical Buildings and Sites Commission.

According to the city website, the committee’s purpose is to review proposed alterations to any Historic District or designated structure in the Urban Growth Boundary. It's also meant to promote the community's historic preservation, to advise other interested agencies on matters related to historic preservation; and to identify areas and buildings of historic or archeological significance.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. The position is for a representative who is the owner of a business located within the Central Business District of the City of Grants Pass.

Applications are available at the City Administration Office, 101 N.W. A Street, or online at www.grantspassoregon.gov/committee-application. Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. August 7th.

Applicants will be interviewed by the commission at the Historical Buildings and Sites Commission meeting August 13th, and by the Council during their workshop August 31st. Appointments will be made September 2nd at the City Council Meeting.

 

As Oregon enters the hottest months of the year, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is encouraging people to take steps now to protect themselves, their families and their communities from heat-related illness.

Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly and can become life-threatening. Older adults, infants and young children, outdoor workers, people experiencing homelessness, pregnant people and those with chronic health conditions face a higher risk during periods of extreme heat.

Spend time in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible and limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Schedule outdoor work and recreation for early morning or evening hours, and utilize cooling methods such as cool showers, damp cloths and misting.

Everyone is also encouraged to wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing, drink plenty of water while avoiding alcohol or caffeinated, sugary drinks, never leave children, older adults, or pets unattended in parked vehicles, and check on neighbors, family members and friends who may be more vulnerable to heat.

People should also know the warning signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include heavy sweating, dizziness, weakness, nausea, headache, and muscle cramps.

 

The Medford Police Department unveiled a new K-9 Memorial today alongside City Councilors, leadership, retired MPD K-9 handlers, family, and friends.

According to the department's Facebook page, the memorial, located in front of the Medford Police Station, replaces the vandalized tribute to K-9 Oxer, who served alongside handler Tony Young as part of Medford’s first police canine team. It recognizes K-9 Oxer and the many police dogs who have faithfully served the Medford community.

In addition to the names of MPD's canines, the memorial bears the inscription, “In gratitude for the dedication and sacrifice of Medford Police K9 teams. May their courage, loyalty, and service inspire us always.”