Local News

December marks the final opportunity for survivors of the 2020 Labor Day wildfires to apply for the Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP).

KDRV reports that, since opening in March 2024, HARP has assisted 70 survivors in buying a new home, and has reimbursed 31 other homeowners.

The program is part of ReOregon, funded by a $422 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has expanded eligibility criteria for recovery pathways to help more survivors apply before the December 31 deadline.

Those wanting to learn more or to apply can call the ReOregon Call Center at 877-510-6800 or 541-250-0938.

 

During a general discussion, the Josephine County Board of Commissioners heard four presentations from four applicants regarding economic development.

Chamber President and CEO Terry Hopkins presented to the board the Business Retention and Expansion committee business survey, with a request for $5,000 to allow for research. The survey's purpose would be to gather the voice of local businesses. The board moved to approve the request.

Next, Chad Hanson with Patriot Solutions, LLC advocated to be the arms, hands, and feet to put economic development dollars to work in the county. He requested $125,000 that would be used for personnel as needed. A motion to support Patriot Solutions for the first six months of operations for $62,500 paid upfront, then have a review session at the end of the six months to assess before moving to the next step passed 3-0.

Connor Kirkpatrick with 2 Guys 1 Truck, LLC and Thrift Right Here 501c3, requested $68,145 for a used 30-yard commercial dump truck and dump trailer with three bins, aiming to create 5 new, entry level, full time jobs.

The positions would include labor and hauling specialists, crew leader drivers, and a sorter/thrift store runner. A motion to approve his request carried 2-1, with Commissioner Ron Smith the lone dissenting vote.

Toni Webb with Josephine County Economic Development presented to the board a 6 month economic development project plan that could then be followed by evaluation.

The plan included preparation for the tourist season, and outreach to companies to consider opening divisions here or relocating, as well as having a focus on remote work. The board agreed to a proposal that she come back after six months to revisit the plan.

 

Josephine County Sheriff's deputies were called out to the 300 block on Pinewood Way for a reported verbal dispute between a woman and her ex-boyfriend.

The woman reported around 2:24 p.m. that, 10 minutes prior, she and her ex had gotten into a verbal argument, stating he had been angry all day. He had come outside while she was vacuuming out her vehicle and kicked a bag of cans and the vacuum.

The suspect then proceeded to throw a drink on the woman, took their 4-year-old son, and drove off in a grey Jeep Wrangler. He was reported to be driving erratically. She told deputies he wasn't intoxicated and didn't have any weapons.

Deputies were able to locate and contact the suspect, identifying him as Carl Stewart. He was taken into custody, and lodged in the Josephine County Jail on a Harassment charge. His vehicle was towed back to the Pinewood Way property.

 

The Illinois Valley Fire District responded to a reported flue fire in the 10,000 block of Takilma Road in Takilma this morning.

Upon arrival around 9:30 a.m., a significant amount of heat remained within the flue. The occupant, however, had successfully managed the incident prior to the crew's arrival.

I.V. Fire conducted a thorough inspection to ensure there was no fire extension into the attic or roofline and confirmed the absence of any further issues.

 

This year, The Salvation Army Grants Pass experienced unprecedented growth, serving nearly 5,000 people, up from just 1,500 last year, a 230% increase. With families lined up and 122,000 pounds of food distributed, the Corps urgently needed to expand and reorganize its food pantry to meet the demand. After learning about the need, Mason Smith, whose global platform reaches millions and who has appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show and been honored with a Webby Award, used his influence to uplift the local effort. What began as a simple introduction soon became an outpouring of nationwide support, with Lowe’s donating 18 industrial shelves. Mason repainted and refreshed the pantry, adding a new accent wall, while his national sponsors, including Tree Top, Olipop, and Lesser Evil, donated snacks and drinks for families. Monetary donations came in to help stock the pantry, and Mason returned days later with a truckload of toys to support four children through Angel Tree. Captain Yohani, Corps Officer, said that because of what Mason and everyone he inspired did, the Salvation Army Grants Pass pantry is equipped to serve thousands more families.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office responded to an active domestic violence complaint Tuesday.

The report came in to dispatch around 1:45 p.m. saying a man had pinned a woman in a silver Toyota Rav4 in the 200 block of W Watkins Street.

The parties had separated by the time deputies arrived. The suspect, William Moore, was detained and taken into custody.

Moore was charged with Second Degree Attempted Kidnapping, and he was lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

 

The Illinois Valley Fire District, Rural Metro Fire, and AMR Josephine County responded to a reported commercial structure fire in Cave Junction this morning.

Around 4:05 a.m., units arrived at the 525 W Watkins Street property and quickly extinguished the fire after finding the room of origin. Ventilation was conducted to remove the smoke in the building.

Rural Metro Fire was redirected to cover the district until I.V. Fire was available to respond to other incidents. The fire is under investigation.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners, after previously being served court documents, approved without objection to execute an engagement letter with a law firm and attorney. During Tuesday's workshop, Commissioner Andreas Blech said he had directed staff to find a law firm and attorney to represent the board after learning Legal Counsel will not in this case. In Department Business, the board requested the Finance department provide AP reports of invoices for clarification purposes before the checks were cut. Further discussion will continue at the next admin meeting. Invoices were approved for Finance, Public Works, Airports, and for the Sheriff's Office's license plate camera provider Flock Safety, which would be paid through the Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Grant. The Sheriff's request for Joint Law Enforcement Operations Task Force Operations Funding, which could help overtime coverage, was approved by the board, as well as the Community Justice Department's amendment to the Adapt for Outpatient and Peer services agreement and their Options contract payment.

 

According to the 9 a.m. County Administration Workshop Agenda for Thursday, the board will discuss appointment of new commissioner/commissioners. The workshop will be held in the BCC Conference Room, and will be streamed at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream. The clear bag policy applies to all who wish to attend in person. The board will then convene for their Weekly Business Session at 10 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium, beginning with a Public Hearing regarding a resolution to the Josephine County Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Administrative Actions include contracts for Personal Services between Josephine County and both the Women's Crisis Support Team and The Illinois Valley Safe House Alliance. Also to be considered are Treatment Court Grant Agreements with the State of Oregon and the Josephine County Adult Drug Court, Family Treatment Court, and Mental Health Court. The board will consider requests for a Mobile Radio Replacement Purchase, Annual Non-Union Policy Decision, and a board order in the matter of amending verbiage in an Administrative Policy regarding Approval Authority.