Local News

On Saturday, people rallied in Grants Pass as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest. KDRV reports more than 2,000 people gathered in front of the Josephine County Courthouse, waving signs, wearing costumes, and honking horns in a demonstration that organizers said was meant to push back against what they see as authoritarian leadership. Across the street, counter-protesters also assembled, with many holding signs and expressing support for the current administration. While interactions reportedly remained peaceful, there were moments when tensions escalated. Some counter-protesters crossed into the area where No Kings supporters had gathered. Organizers said they had anticipated the possibility of confrontations and instructed attendees in advance not to engage. They said the event was meant not only as a protest but also as a celebration of community solidarity.

 

The City of Grants Pass has launched its first podcast.

Known as "The Update", the podcast is a way for Grants Pass residents, business owners, and partners to stay informed, engaged, and continue moving forward.

In Friday's podcast, City Manager Aaron Cubic discussed the goal of The Update. City Councilor Seth Benham provided an update from Wednesday’s City Council Meeting, followed by Sam Engel, CEO of Rogue Retreat, and City Attorney Stephanie Nuttall.

Engel explained the difference between an unmanaged resting site and a managed facility for unhoused individuals. Nuttall discussed the process related to the grant proposal for a managed site for unhoused individuals in Grants Pass.

The plan will be to publish a podcast every other week, usually a day or two after the most recent Council meeting.

The podcast can be found on the City’s YouTube channel and will soon be available on the major podcast sites like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

 

A traffic accident occurred at 434 Caves Highway in Cave Junction this afternoon.

The Illinois Valley Fire District and the Josephine County Sheriff's Office provided a response to the non-injury incident at 12:02 p.m.

A vehicle made contact with the outside wall of Farmers Building Supply while trying to park. The occupant did not require transport by ambulance.

The store was open at the time of the incident, and there were no reported injuries to individuals inside. The staff effectively executed emergency procedures, including building evacuation and incident verification.

 

The Josephine County Commissioners released a statement today aiming to clarify recent correspondence and ensure transparency regarding a recent meeting with a local nonprofit organization.

The statement reads, "As part of their ongoing commitment to listen to all community members, businesses, and intergovernmental partners, the board welcomes the opportunity to hear all concerns, proposals, and ideas presented to them".

"On October 9, 2025, and October 14, 2025, a non-profit organization approached the Board with a proposal to lease a county-owned property."

The statement continues, "The Josephine County Board of Commissioners supports the City of Grants Pass in its efforts to identify solutions to address the needs of the local homeless population. However, at this time, no negotiations have been held regarding the proposed county-owned property, and no decisions have been made."

BCC meeting recordings and livestreams can be viewed at JosephineCounty.gov.

 

Two men got into a fight Thursday afternoon, prompting a response from GP Police.

At 4:41 p.m., officers were called out to the Lucky Duck at 1850 NW 6th Street where a fight had broken out between two men.

The fight had broken up upon arrival of law enforcement. They contacted one of the men with visible injuries. He told officers the suspect, Dalton Johnson, was the primary aggressor and had left the scene to the Motel 6 across the street.

The man decided against pressing charges, but officers still located and contacted Johnson in one of the rooms. After leaving the room, officers found him to be wanted on two warrants, both out of Jackson County for Parole Violation.

Johnson was taken into custody and lodged on his warrants in the Josephine County Jail.

 

Grants Pass Police were conducting an area check of a local resting site and contacted a woman with a warrant Thursday afternoon.

At Resting Site 7, 712 NE 7th Street around 2:37 p.m., a woman identified as Clarice White approached officers to turn in a found cell phone.

White was found to have a Coos County Warrant for Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct. Officers took her into custody and lodged her in the Josephine County Jail.

Attempts are being made to find the owner of the missing phone.

 

Southern Oregon Land Conservancy, in cooperation with Grayback Forestry Inc., is planning a 35 acre grassland burn to reduce fire risk and benefit native grasslands at the Rogue River Preserve.

The controlled burn is expected to take place tomorrow, October 18th, at 11 a.m., with secured burn permits from state fire and smoke management agencies depending on weather, moisture levels, and wind conditions.

Grayback Forestry, Inc., will conduct the burn following National Wildfire Coordinating Group guidelines. The operation is planned to last approximately 3-4 hours.

Prescribed burns like this one will improve public safety by removing dried vegetation that poses a risk for unplanned wildfire ignition and will restore and maintain native vernal pool-mounded prairie grasslands for wildlife, pollinators, and rare plants.

The controlled burn is predicted to meet Oregon air quality standards for ventilation, minimizing smoke impacts. It will only be conducted during safe weather conditions this fall, otherwise the burn will be postponed until next year.

 

Josephine County Sheriff's Office deputies contacted two men suspected of trespassing Thursday morning.

At 11:06 a.m. at 406 S Redwood Highway, Charles Dunnick and Michael Pickel were contacted on the premises near an RV.

Dunnick had been warned several times prior and was subsequently taken to the Josephine County Jail for Second Degree Criminal Trespass.

Pickel was warned for trespassing and said he would arrange to have a friend move the RV.

 

Deputies with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office apprehended a suspect after a reported disturbance Thursday afternoon.

At 12:01 p.m., dispatch received a call where a man said he was attacked by his brother after a landlord and tenant issue with their mother in the 23000 block of Redwood Highway.

The brother hit and punched the caller in the face, then proceeded to kick him. The caller sustained physical injuries and it appeared his nose had been broke. He declined medical attention multiple times, but his mother told arriving deputies she would take him to the hospital.

The suspect was contacted and taken into custody. He was lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Fourth Degree Assault.