Local News

An employee of Ewing Outdoor Supply reported a man sleeping on the businesses pallets to Grants Pass Police Monday.

The suspect, Ryan Jantz, was spotted at the 906 SW 6th Street location sleeping, and was promptly asked to leave the premises at 6:57 a.m. He refused to do so, and the employee called 911 requesting Jantz be trespassed.

Officers arrived and contacted Jantz. Among his possessions including a bicycle and sleeping bag, he had a methamphetamine pipe in plain sight as well. Officers took Jantz into custody.

He was transported to the Josephine County Adult Jail Facility and lodged for Meth Possession, and Second Degree Trespass. Jail records show he was released this morning pending charges from the District Attorney.

 

Deputies with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office arrested two men wanted on a total of three warrants from separate agencies Monday afternoon.

The first suspect, Dustin Kelly, was contacted and detained at the corner of Three Pines Road and Monument Drive around 1:28 p.m. Deputies confirmed his warrant charging him with Assault.

Kelly was subsequently transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail, and deputies were soon alerted to a vehicle obstructing traffic around 2:53 p.m.

The vehicle with its hazard lights on was parked at the corner of Fish Hatchery Road and Old Redwood Highway. There was no one inside the vehicle and other motorists had been driving past it for over an hour.

Deputies learned the registered owner of the car had misdemeanor warrants out of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and from Jackson County. The suspect, identified as Timothy Cooper, had left the scene on foot down Old Redwood Highway.

He was soon detained at 3:48 p.m. and taken into custody. Cooper was transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for his warrants charging him with Contempt of Court and DUI. Jail logs show he was conditionally released.

 

Applications are being accepted for two positions on the Historical Buildings and Sites Commission.

The committee’s purpose is to review proposed alterations to any Historic District or designated structure in the Urban Growth Boundary. Other responsibilities include promoting the community's historic preservation, advising other interested agencies on matters related to historic preservation, and identifying areas and buildings of historic or archeological significance.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. One position is for a representative who is the owner of a business located within the Central Business District of the City of Grants Pass, expiring December 7th, 2026. The other is for a representative from the local historical society in Grants Pass, expiring May 3rd, 2027.

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. June 4th.

Applicants will be interviewed by the commission at the Historical Buildings and Sites Commission meeting on June 11th, and by the City Council at their workshop June 29th. Appointments will be made at the City Council meeting July 1st.

 

The Owl Plaza construction is underway, and so is the City's “Buy-a-Brick” campaign.

According to the city website, people can purchase a brick with up to three lines of text engraved on a brass plaque and embedded in the brick for $250. The bricks will form part of the patio base of the Owl Plaza near the 5th and H Street sidewalks.

Currently, approximately 470 bricks are expected to be available for purchase. Civic groups and businesses headquartered in Josephine County are also eligible to purchase a paving brick.

For this campaign, the City is restricting the lines of text to names only, not slogans, quotes, or phrases of any kind.

Go to www.grantspassoregon.gov/formcenter, or head to Suite 202 at City Hall to fill out a paper form and make your payment. Please contact Heather Smith with any questions. Call 541-450-6014, or email hsmith@grantspassoregon.gov.

 

Oregon State Police troopers encountered two suspects wanted on warrants, lodging one and citing the other.

A white Buick was stopped at Illinois River Forks State Park in Cave Junction Saturday around 3:40 p.m. The suspect, Ian Faiumu, 33, of Cave Junction, was found to have a statewide felony warrant out for his arrest, so he was taken into custody.

Troopers lodged the suspect in the Josephine County Jail, but he was released after posting bail.

Law enforcement then conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of U.S. Highway 199 and Helms Road Sunday at 7:22 p.m. The driver of the yellow Toyota, Shaylee Smith, 31, of Talent, was found to have a misdemeanor arrest warrant.

She also had her driving privileges suspended. The trooper issued her a citation in lieu of custody for her warrant. Her vehicle was impounded.

 

Grants Pass Police officers arrested a man outside Rogue Roasters after he reportedly punched someone Sunday night.

The victim called 911 saying he had just been assaulted around 10:46 p.m. at 7-Eleven, 790 SW 6th Street. The suspect was reportedly harassing women before the victim told him to stop, leading to the altercation.

The victim didn't want an ambulance, and dispatch learned the suspect, wearing a green jacket and either brown or gray pants, left the scene heading northbound on 6th street.

Officers soon located a person matching the description at the Rogue Roasters and detained him. The suspect, Brandon Stradford, admitted to punching the victim, and law enforcement found him to be wanted on Klamath County Correctional Facility warrant.

Stradford was taken into custody. Officers transported and lodged him in the Josephine County Jail on his warrant for Trespass, and charges including Second Degree Disorderly Conduct and Methamphetamine Possession.

 

A man wanted on two warrants, one of them out-of-county, was arrested in the Josephine County Courthouse parking lot.

Officers with Grants Pass Police detained the suspect, Tyrone Cashatt, Sunday afternoon around 4:46. He was found to be wanted on two warrants, one from the police department, and one out of Douglas County Community Corrections.

Cashatt was wanted for a Parole Violation and a Possession of Methamphetamine charge. Both warrants were cleared, and officers transported him to the Adult Jail Facility for his warrants.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners will discuss the hiring process for an interim manager position during Tuesday's workshop.

Department business will begin the meeting at 1:30 p.m. in the BCC Conference Room. The board will consider requests from the Sheriff's Office including a Social Media Archiving Subscription, and an Oregon Department of Corrections Intergovernmental Agreement.

Public Works will bring the board a Carson Fuel Invoice, and Human Resources will present personnel requisitions.

The public may attend Tuesday's County Administration Workshop in person or online at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream.

 

The Grants Pass Community Veterinary Clinic will officially open its doors on April 8th.

According to the clinic, pet owners across the region have increasingly struggled to find timely appointments, with some traveling long distances or waiting weeks for basic wellness care. Clinic founder Kari Mendoza says the practice was built specifically to address that gap.

The clinic is located on Williams Highway on the same site as the former Animal Hospital of Grants Pass. The facility features modern medical equipment and exam spaces. The clinic emphasizes personalized care without production pressure.

The clinic will initially offer wellness exams, vaccinations, preventive care, and surgical services, with plans to expand based on community need. A strong emphasis will also be placed on client education, ensuring pet owners feel informed and empowered in every decision about their pet’s health.

Appointments will be available beginning April 8th. Community members are encouraged to follow the clinic on social media, visit the website, and call 541-476-8546 for scheduling and more information.