Local News

Josephine County Sheriff's deputies lodged a suspect for trespassing following a property check request Sunday afternoon.

The request came in to dispatch at 4:47 p.m., with the caller saying the residence in the 300 block of Majestic Drive was supposed to be empty since his father had been recently transferred out.

The caller told dispatch he was concerned someone might be squatting in the residence, and he gave permission for deputies to enter the residence and check to make sure everything was secure.

Law enforcement arrived to find multiple open doors at the property. The garage door closed shortly after deputies' arrived, alerting them to someone inside. As more units arrived, announcements were made, but the suspect didn't exit the premises.

Deputies then entered the residence and took Cody Bayne into custody. He was charged with First Degree Criminal Trespass, two counts of Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle, and Possession of Methamphetamine. Bayne was trespassed from the property, and subsequently lodged in the Adult Jail Facility.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a Florida man found sleeping on the sidewalk near Los Taquitos Sunday morning on a warrant.

A call to 911 reported the suspect, later identified as Matthew Luna, was seen sleeping in the middle of the sidewalk near the 304 NE Agness Avenue business. The caller reported that she had driven by an hour ago. Upon passing the location again, Luna hadn't moved.

She requested an officer conduct a welfare check on Luna, thinking it was strange that he was blocking the sidewalk. Upon arrival, the officer contacted Luna, who identified himself with his Florida Driver's License.

After running Luna's information through dispatch, the officer earned he had a valid and serviceable warrant for his arrest through the Hendry County Sheriff's Office. The warrant was confirmed, charging Luna with Aggravated Assault with a Weapon.

The officer took Luna into custody and transported him to the Josephine County Jail where he was lodged.

 

The results and final numbers are in for the Josephine County Food Bank's 'Say Cheese' fundraiser.

The official tabulated results for moneys raised for the food bank came out to $11,965, all going towards feeding those in our community struggling with food insecurity.

Following the month long initiative in March, which involved 30 local restaurants competing to see who makes the 'Best Grilled Cheese in Grants Pass', the food bank posted on their Facebook page the total amount of sandwiches eaten came out to be 5,505.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners moved to postpone a decision regarding an appeal request during today's Land Use Hearing for 11,390 and 11,409 N Applegate Road at 9 a.m.

Commissioner Colene Martin moved, with a second from Commissioner Ron Smith, to make a decision on an April 27th meeting at 9 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium. The motion passed 2-0, with Commissioner Gary Richardson being excused.

The hearing was held regarding a request for an appeal of the Planning Director's decision to deny a Site Plan Review for a modification of the county road standards conditioned by Public Works.

In a presentation from the McMahon Trust's Partition BCC Appeal, it was stated a road improvement cost estimate would be almost $300,000. Key legal issues identified during the presentation were that conditions are subject to the takings clause of the 5th Amendment, conditions can't be based on future development, and, reportedly the director's findings do not support the exaction, and the proposed exaction is not roughly proportional to the impacts of the two homes.

The board was then presented the Transportation Planning Rule, with the overarching goals being to provide safety and mobility, as well as the protection of transportation functions.

According to the presentation, the land use requirements in the planning rule stated neighborhoods shall be designed with connected networks of streets, paths, accessways, and other facilities to provide circulation within the neighborhood and pedestrian and bicycle systems to adjacent districts.

 

A total of 12 health care training projects in Oregon are expected to receive federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding.

According to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), these projects include a school nursing access pilot that will involve the Oregon School Nurses Association and North Central, Southern Oregon, and Wallowa County educational service districts. OHA is also preparing to release additional funding in the coming months.

The 12 projects are expected to collectively receive up to $6.5 million this year. OHA is directly providing this specific pool of rural health funding, which OHA has named Immediate Impact Awards. OHA expects to determine the exact funding for individual projects by May, after budget negotiations are completed.

Through May 26, eligible organizations can also propose their innovative projects for a competitive Oregon Rural Health Transformation Program funding pool known as the Catalyst Awards. OHA expects to grant a total of about $80 million per year for up to two years, pending federal approval, toward Catalyst Award-supported projects.

Up to 80 proposals will be funded by early July through this opportunity. More information is at www.oregon.gov/oha.

 

Medford Police officers responded early Sunday morning to a reported single-vehicle crash at N Oakdale Avenue and W Main Street, leading to a citation for the driver.

A driver had struck a power pole, severing it at the base and bringing down power lines. The damage caused a large power outage in the surrounding area. Pacific Power crews responded and restored service to much of the area.

Two passengers sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver was transported for medical care, consented to a blood draw, and was later cited and released for DUI, Third Degree Assault, Fourth Degree Assault, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, and Criminal Mischief. His vehicle was totaled and removed from the scene.

 

The Josephine County Fair Board has announced legendary Country Artist Clay Walker will headline the Josephine County Fair.

The multi-platinum country star will hit the grandstands Thursday, July 30th, to help celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America.

In honor of the celebration, advanced tickets will be $17.76 each for general admission, and $30 for VIP tickets, all made possible by the Josephine County Fair's sponsors Evergreen Federal Credit Union and Southern Oregon Sanitation.

Tickets are on sale now. For more information, call 541-476-3215.

 

The Grants Pass and Josephine County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to celebrate 40 years of Concerts in the Park.

The Chamber is bringing the community five free concerts each Tuesday beginning June 16th through July 14th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Riverside Park.

This year's line-up includes Gunstock Red on June 16th, Simple Dreams Oregon June 23rd, The Pozitronics June 30th, Evening Shades July 7th, and the John Dough Boys July 14th.

Bring the family for an evening of great music, delicious food, dancing, and fun for all ages. There will be local food trucks, vendor booths, Wild River's Tap Trailer, and plenty of activities and giveaways for the kids.

The concerts will be in the same location as last year near the Pavilion, offering shade and convenient parking access.

Join the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce as they honor four decades of music, community, and joy in Grants Pass with Concerts in the Park. If you are interested in being a sponsor, call 541-226-3101, or email cswafford@grantspasschamber.org.

 

The Grants Pass City Council will hear presentations on Council meeting protocol and the Reinhart Volunteer Park pump track before meeting in Executive Session Monday.

The council workshop agenda includes updates on the Destination Marking Organization, Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc., Chamber of Commerce, Main Street, and the Small Business Development Center.

After the protocol and pump track presentations, the board will review the agenda that includes a motion regarding the Public Safety Advisory Committee. The workshop will adjourn, and the council will convene for an Executive Session covering real property transactions and negotiations.

Monday's workshop will begin at 11:45 a.m. in City Council Chambers, 101 NW A Street. Those wishing to attend may do so in person or online at www.grantspassoregon.gov.