Local News

JoCo Sheriff's Deputies Locate, Lodge Man on Three Warrants
Josephine County Sheriff's Office arrested a suspect wanted on warrants from three separate agencies Wednesday night.

Deputies were attempting to locate Anthony Hindle at Asante Three Rivers Medical Center around 11:05 p.m. He was reportedly wearing a black hoodie and black pants, but he had left approximately 10 minutes prior to the arrival of law enforcement.

A suspect matching Hindle's description was soon contacted at the corner of U.S. Highway 199 and Ringuette Street. His identity was confirmed, and deputies took Hindle into custody.

His warrants included a Josephine County Felony warrant for a Secret Indictment for Possession of a Firearm, a Grants Pass Police Department Felony warrant for a Secret First Degree Forgery Indictment, and an Oregon State Parole Board Warrant for Underlying Kidnapping.

Hindle was lodged in the Josephine County Jail for his three warrants.
Posted on 4/2/26 3:10PM by Alex Bauer
 

Commissioners Approve Communications Survey, Deflection Program Requests
A request from the Sheriff's Office regarding preventative maintenance for radio communication services was approved by the Board of Commissioners during today's workshop.

The board heard a Comprehensive Radio Communications review from the sheriff and Day Wireless regarding a survey to help identify gaps in radio communication across the county, and how to fill them.

A motion to approve $29,500 for the survey in preventative maintenance passed 3-0. The board was also unanimous in approving an amendment to the Oregon State Marine Board Intergovernmental Cooperative Agreement, and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management Performance Grant Program agreement.

Community Justice presented two requests to sign contracts with organizations providing grants for the Behavioral Health Deflection program.

OnTrack, Inc. would provide two low-barrier transitional housing units as part of the program with no cost to the county. Welcome Home Oregon services will provide housing and support services to Deflection participants who require more stable living environments. 14 beds will be available, and at no cost to the county.

The board moved unanimously in favor of both contracts being signed, approved Circuit Court's request to rent the Anne G. Basker Auditorium, and moved to appoint Commissioner Colene Martin to the Public Safety Coordinating Council.

Commissioner Gary Richardson presented the board with a list of evaluations done for directors and managers in the county. Some were shown to not have been evaluated in three years. Richardson said he is working with Human Resources, Finance, and the Legal Departments to adjust policies to more accurately describe a high-functioning evaluation system.

He then presented a chart organizing Elected Officials, Directors and Administrators, and Managers in the county, showing about 45 vacancies.
Posted on 4/2/26 3:08PM by Alex Bauer
 

GP Police Lodge Man for Meth Possession Warrants
Officers with Grants Pass Police apprehended a man wanted on two warrants at the Newman United Methodist Church late Wednesday night.

The suspect was contacted at the 132 NE B Street location, where he was found to be wanted on two warrants out of the police department charging him with Possession of Methamphetamine.

Law enforcement identified the suspect as Ian Hogue. He was taken into custody and transported to the Josephine County Adult Jail Facility where he was lodged for his warrants. He was later released due to a lack of jail resources.
Posted on 4/2/26 1:05PM by Alex Bauer
 

GP Police Lodged Woman on Warrant for Mistreatment, Neglect Charges
A woman wanted on Criminal Mistreatment and Child Neglect charges was arrested following a noise complaint from across the street.

The suspect's neighbor called 911 around 6:35 p.m. to report Priscilla Dame was playing loud music in her home in the 500 block of SE J Street. This had been an ongoing issue despite the neighbor asking Dame to turn the music down before.

Dispatch was told the music had been playing when the neighbor got home at 5:30 p.m., and Dame's behavior upon contact had been combative and "not neighborly". Grants Pass Police were requested to make contact with Dame and address the issue.

She was contacted by officers and found to be wanted for three counts each of Criminal Mistreatment, and Second Degree Child Neglect. Her identity was confirmed and she was taken into custody.

Officers lodged Dame in the Josephine County Jail for her warrant.
Posted on 4/2/26 12:50PM by Alex Bauer
Read more
 

Female Juvenile Arrested in Stabbing Case by Medford Police Officers
Medford Police arrested and lodged a female juvenile after she stabbed another juvenile with a knife.

Officers responded to the reported assault in the 200 block of North Ivy Street Wednesday at 5:20 p.m.

The investigation revealed that two juvenile females were involved in a physical altercation in the roadway. During the fight, one of the juveniles produced a knife and stabbed the other.

Officers located the victim, who was found to have multiple stab wounds. The victim sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators identified the juvenile suspect, who was taken into custody and charged with Assault in the First Degree. No additional information is being released at this time, and the case has been forwarded to Jackson County Juvenile Services for prosecution.
Posted on 4/2/26 12:21PM by Alex Bauer
Read more
 

BLM Hosting 40th Annual Table Rocks Free Weekend Hike Series
The Bureau of Land Management, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, will host its 40th annual spring series of free guided weekend hikes at the Table Rocks.

The series coincides with the Nation’s 250th anniversary and the BLM’s 80th anniversary. From April to June, local specialists will lead family-friendly hikes focused on wildflowers, pollinators, wildlife, geology, stewardship, and the area’s rich history.

Hikes are free and open to all ages. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Hikers will meet at the designated trailhead for the 2.5 to 3 mile roundtrip hike, gaining about 800 feet in elevation. The trails are a moderate grade.

Participants should dress for the weather and terrain and bring water and snacks since hikes to the top may last 3 to 4 hours. Restrooms are available only at each trailhead. There is no drinking water available on site. To help protect this special place, dogs, bicycles, and motor vehicles are not allowed on the trail.

For more information or to register, contact the BLM Medford District Office at (541) 618-2200.
Posted on 4/2/26 10:40AM by Alex Bauer
Read more
 

Board Approves Lease Renewal and 210 Tacoma Sale Agreement Move
The Board of Commissioners met for a Legal Counsel Update where they moved in favor of property items on the agenda.

A Lease Renewal at 530 E River Street with Art and Science Kids, LLC was requested for the usage of grounds, landscaping, and the parking area of the property. The board was unanimous in approving a two year extension.

Also requested was approval to move Sale Documents for the 210 Tacoma Property. The buyers requested to move forward with the purchase process, signing by April 8th, and closing on the 10th if possible. A motion to assign Board Chair Ron Smith to sign documents for the property passed 3-0.

Consideration of the Approval of Accredited Representatives of the News Media was moved to the next Legal Counsel Update, and the scheduled Executive Session was tabled until further notice.
Posted on 4/2/26 10:32AM by Alex Bauer
Read more
 

Fire Crews Responded to Second Heat Lamp Fire in Five Days
A fire occurred in the 300 block of Hartsfield Lane this morning at 4:26, destroying a dog house before spreading to the main home.

Rural Metro Firefighters responded to the scene, where it was found prompt reaction from the occupants kept the fire in check. Crews determined the cause of the fire was a heat lamp inside the goat house.

The family, dog, and goat were all able to escape without injury. Grants Pass Fire and AMR-Josephine County assisted at the scene.

This is the second fire in five days involving heat lamps that have destroyed the homes of local animals. Rural Metro has issued another safety reminder about the importance of proper heat lamp usage.

If lamps must be used, ensure they are well secured and away from flammable materials. Additionally, a simple internet search for "safe livestock heating devices" can reveal products designed with fire safety in mind.
Posted on 4/2/26 10:18AM by Alex Bauer
Read more
 

BCC to hold Public Hearing on Withdrawal Petition from Library District
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider a petition to withdraw property from the Josephine Community Library District.

According to a release from the library, the property owners, Winnie and Edgar Michael Pelfrey, have proposed 1349 SW Spruce Street to be withdrawn from the district. The hearing will take place at 9 a.m. April 15th in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium.

The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether it is feasible for the territory to receive service from the district. If determined that it is not feasible, the petition will be approved, with a final hearing to be held at a later date.

The public is welcome to attend either in person or online at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream.
Posted on 4/2/26 8:43AM by Alex Bauer
Read more
 

Emergency Crews Responded to Rollover Incident in Kerby, No Injuries Reported
A traffic accident occurred at 2:28 p.m. Wednesday, prompting a response from the Illinois Valley Fire District and AMR.

Crews were dispatched to the single-vehicle rollover incident at the intersection of Redwood Highway and Reeves Creek Road in Kerby.

The individual involved sustained no injuries, and the Oregon State Police are conducting the investigation. The Oregon Department of Transportation provided support with traffic management.
Posted on 4/2/26 7:58AM by Alex Bauer
Read more
 

MFD, MPD, Mercy Flights Respond to Apartment Fire, Scene Later Cleared
Medford Fire Department crews responded to a structure fire at a six-story apartment building at the corner of Ivy Street and Main Street Wednesday.

The fire was located in a first-floor laundry room and was soon contained. Crews worked to clear smoke from the building, shut down the sprinkler system, and address water inside the structure.

Crews later cleared the building around 9:58 p.m., and residents were permitted to go back inside. The Fire Marshal is investigating the incident. There are no reported injuries at this time. Medford Police and Mercy Flights assisted at the scene.
Posted on 4/2/26 7:51AM by Alex Bauer
Read more
 

Man Arrested for Disorderly Conduct, Meth Possession after Yelling at Taco Bell Staff
Grants Pass Police apprehended a man yelling at Taco Bell employees and lodged him for Disorderly Conduct and Meth Possession charges Monday.

Dispatch was alerted to a man that had come through the drive-thru at the 195 NE Terry Lane restaurant at 9:21 p.m. asking for money to buy food. He proceeded to throw a cup of liquid on an employee and yelled profanities.

The suspect began banging on cars in the drive-thru saying he needed money for food, after which the manager told dispatch they wanted the suspect trespassed, and that he was heading towards the Grocery Outlet.

Officers contacted the suspect, Lance Cardinal, and detained him. He consented to a search of his person, and officers found a fixed blade knife, which was disposed of with Cardinal's consent. A glass pipe with a white residue was also located on his person. Following a positive test for Methamphetamine, Cardinal was taken to jail.

He was lodged for Disorderly Conduct and Possession of Meth. Officers also trespassed Cardinal from the Taco Bell.
Posted on 4/1/26 1:46PM by Alex Bauer
Read more