Local News

Grants Pass Police officers were attempting to locate a suspect wanted on two Medford Police Department warrants Sunday afternoon.

Officers had last seen the man around 12:32 in the 7th and F Street area, but learned he was walking east towards the Safeway at 115 SE 7th Street.

The suspect, identified as Donald Strunk, was located inside the grocery store. Officers contacted him, knowing he was wanted for two active and serviceable warrants out of the MPD.

Both warrants charged Strunk with a count each of Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Unlawful Possession of Meth. Officers transported and lodged him in the Josephine County Jail for the warrants.

 

The Salvation Army is issuing an urgent call for volunteers as both Grants Pass and Jackson County face a critical shortage of bell-ringing coverage with only 15 days remaining in the 2025 Red Kettle season.

Open volunteer opportunities across both counties threaten to limit the resources available to local families at a time when requests for food, rental assistance, and Christmas support continue to rise sharply.

The need in Grants Pass is especially pressing. Thanks to an anonymous donor, every dollar placed in a Grants Pass kettle will be matched up to $100,000, doubling the impact for neighbors facing hardship.

The Salvation Army emphasizes that this opportunity is maximized when kettles are filled with volunteers who help encourage community giving. Many volunteer opportunities remain available, and the Salvation Army invites individuals, families, businesses, civic groups, and churches to “Adopt a Day” or sign up for a shift.

Volunteers can sign up today at RegisterToRing.com. For more information, or to adopt a full day, please contact The Salvation Army in Grants Pass or Jackson County.

 

Multiple calls came in to dispatch regarding a woman standing in the road and yelling Sunday afternoon.

Grants Pass Police officers had contacted the suspect, Jessica Knowlton, at the corner of NW 6th Street and NE Savage Street and warned her for Disorderly Conduct on a prior call for service.

Two callers reported around 2:40 p.m. that Knowlton was now obstructing traffic. Officers contacted one of the callers, who stated Knowlton was standing in the middle of the intersection yelling and blocking traffic while the light was green.

More callers reported to dispatch about Knowlton in the roadway. She was rambling and wouldn't hold a conversation with officers. She was taken into custody and transported to the Josephine County Jail.

Officers lodged Knowlton on a Disorderly Conduct charge.

 

The Oregon State Police responded to assist the Josephine County Sheriff's Office with a reported fatal motor vehicle crash Friday. Troopers arrived at the scene near the 1600 block of Fish Hatchery Road in Murphy. Members of the Collision Reconstruction Unit responded as well to document the scene. All information and data was later put into evidence for safe keeping. Nothing further has been reported at this time.

 

Update: This meeting has been canceled.

The Board of County Commissioners will discuss supplemental outside Legal Counsel Representation as well as a board order regarding Weekly Business Session rescheduling for 2026 during Tuesday's workshop.

Other board business includes an update on the Oregon State University Extension, and discussion of board orders.

The board will hear from the Treasurer, Community Justice, Public Works, and Human Resources, then, pending other business matters, the workshop will adjourn.

Tuesday's County Administration Workshop will be held in the BCC Conference Room at 1:30 p.m., and will be streamed at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream. Those wishing to attend in person must abide by the clear bag policy.

 

Grants Pass Police responded to a hostile suspect on the corner of SW 6th Street and SW G Street Saturday morning.

The man was heading southbound on 6th Street. He had no weapons, but he made verbal threats and attempted to throw a cookie at one of the officers. No contact was made.

The suspect, identified as Zane Hatcher, refused to talk with officers and proceeded to walk eastbound on J Street. The officers had no probable cause of a crime, but Hatcher's Parole Officer was contacted.

A detainer was issued, and officers took Hatcher into custody. He was transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for the Parole Violation detainer.

 

Josephine County issued a press release late Friday afternoon arriving in the Grants Pass Broadcasting news room at 4:31 correcting the previously issued notice regarding a vacancy for County Commissioner. The notice was not posted in a manner that meets statutory public notice requirements. Because the initial posting did not satisfy the required standards, any application submitted under the prior notice cannot be accepted as part of the selection process. A revised and fully compliant notice will be published at a future date. Members of the public who remain interested in being considered for the Commissioner position will need to reapply during the new application window specified in the corrected notice.

 

On Friday night, Medford Police officers responded to the area of Mary Street and Stevens Street after multiple callers reported hearing gunshots. Security footage from a nearby residence also captured the sound of shots being fired. While officers were canvassing the neighborhood, Providence Emergency Department notified law enforcement that an individual had arrived with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Officers contacted the victim at the hospital, where the injury was determined to be non–life threatening. The victim was only partially cooperative with the investigation. Officers located several spent shell casings in the area. The victim’s vehicle, located at Providence, also showed clear evidence consistent with a shooting. Detectives have assumed the investigation. At this time the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. If you live in the area and have home surveillance or additional information, please call non-emergency at 541-776-7206. Reference Case: 25-20541

 

A call to the Josephine County Commissioners Office confirmed a Grants Pass Tribune report that Commissioner Andreas Blech has officially resigned. According to the report, Blech's resignation letter, dated December 3, and formally received by the county at 11:42 a.m. today, states his resignation becomes effective at 11:59 p.m. December 8. In his letter, Blech thanks colleagues, expresses gratitude for his time in public service, and pledges to continue fulfilling his legal obligations until the moment his resignation takes effect. He framed his departure as part of an orderly transition, noting his willingness to assist in the future if needed. According to the county website, both of Monday's meetings, the 1 p.m. Interviews and Appointment of County Commissioner/Commissioners meeting, and the 3 p.m. General Discussion regarding Outside Legal Counsel Representation for the Board of County Commissioners Office, have been canceled.