Local News

Motorist Hurt after Rolling Vehicle off Forest Service Road in the Illinois Valley
A motorist was injured yesterday when he rolled his vehicle off a US Forest Service Road in the Illinois Valley. On Sunday at 1:49 p.m., the Illinois Valley Fire District, American Medical Response and Josephine County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a single-vehicle crash off Briggs Valley Road at Spaulding Pond near Cave Junction. IVFD officials said the driver swerved to miss an oncoming vehicle before going off the road. They said as he was attempting to exit the vehicle, his door opened and he fell approximately 20 feet down a hill. The driver was removed from the area by IVFD personnel who used a low-angle rope rescue. He was transferred to an awaiting AMR ambulance for transport to Three Rivers Medical Center. The Sheriff's Office was investigating the crash.
Posted on 5/27/24 6:46AM by Sam Marsh
 

Firefighters Saved Horse Operation in Redwood Area of Grants Pass on Sunday
Firefighters saved a horse operation in the Redwood area of Grants Pass yesterday. Rural Metro Fire Department and Grants Pass Fire & Rescue responded to the reported structure fire on Boundary Lane on Sunday at about 1:15 p.m.. Arriving units found an outbuilding and motorhome on fire next to a large occupied horse barn. Crews got a quick handle on the two-alarm blaze, keeping flames from spreading to the barn, a couple of horse trailers and nearby pastures. According to Rural Metro, there were no injuries to humans or horses. Officials said the cause of the fire was under investigation.
Posted on 5/27/24 6:45AM by Sam Marsh
 

IVFD Crews Put Out RV Fire near O'Brien and Grass Fire near CJ on Saturday
The Illinois Valley Fire District extinguished two incidents on Saturday -- an RV fire near O'Brien and an escaped open debris burn near Cave Junction. On Saturday at 10:27 a.m., IVFD crews were dispatched to reports of an odor of smoke in the 30,000-block of Redwood Highway near O'Brien. While responding, emergency units were advised of a burning recreational vehicle at that address. IVFD officials said the fire was quickly extinguished and mopped up. They said the cause of the fire was under investigation. On Saturday at 12:40 p.m., IVFD units responded to a grass fire in the 4,000-block of Waldo Road near Cave Junction. Officials said arriving units found an escaped burn that had spread into the nearby hills. Patrons were attempting to put out three spot fires prior to firefighters' arrival. The spot fires were mopped up and the property owner was cited.
Posted on 5/27/24 6:44AM by Sam Marsh
 

GP Firefighters Knocked Down Small Fire near Oregon Youth Authority Prison
Grants Pass Fire & Rescue knocked down a small fire near the Oregon Youth Authority prison last night. On Sunday at 7:45 p.m., Grants Pass firefighters were dispatched to reports of smoke in the vicinity of the OYA facility on NE F Street. Upon arrival, Engine 7308 discovered a 1/100th of an acre fire burning in the brush behind the facility. Engine 7307, Brush 7367 and Battalion Chief 4 also responded to assist with fire control. Fortunately, forward progress was halted and there was no increase in the fire's size. Grants Pass fire officials said the cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but it is suspected to be related to recent railroad work.
Posted on 5/27/24 6:42AM by Sam Marsh
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Three Rivers School District Graduation Ceremonies Slated for This Week
The Three Rivers School District invites all community members to join them in celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2024 at high school commencement ceremonies this week. District officials said your presence will make these special moments even more memorable for their graduating students. The first commencement ceremony this week is at North Valley High School on Tuesday at 7 p.m.. Next up is Hidden Valley High School on Wednesday at 7 p.m., followed by Illinois Valley High School on Thursday at 7 p.m.. Southern Oregon Success Academy will hold its graduation ceremony on Tuesday, June 4th, at 6 p.m. at Veterans Park in Merlin. All Three Rivers graduations will also be live-streamed and recorded on YouTube at "trsdyoutube3111." Congratulations to all local graduates of the Class of 2024!
Posted on 5/27/24 6:40AM by Sam Marsh
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Tom Rice Memorial Whitewater Hydroplane Race Starts at 1:15 p.m. Today
The Tom Rice Memorial Whitewater Hydroplane Race on the Rogue River begins today at 1:15 p.m.. The Memorial Day Ceremony at Riverside Park starts at 11:30 a.m., with the F-15 Flyover at approximately 11:45 a.m.. Race introductions begin at 1 p.m., The race will be carried "live" on KAJO Radio -- 99.7FM and AM1270.
Posted on 5/27/24 6:38AM by Sam Marsh
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Grants Pass Police & Firefighters Answered Community Protection Challenge Last Week
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Grants Pass police officers and firefighters answered the challenge of community protection in the week leading up to the Boatnik Festival. According to the Weekly Report filed by Grants Pass City Manager Aaron Cubic, police officers responded to a total of 650 calls for service along with 287 officer-initiated calls that resulted in 45 arrests, 25 citations, 41 warnings and one highly-intoxicated person being lodged at the Sobering Center. Cubic also reported that officers conducted a total of 52 traffic stops in the city and made 32 referrals to the Oregon Department of Human Services. The GPPD Community Response Team (CRT) contacted a total of 113 potential trouble-makers while arresting five people, citing 15 more and warning 98 others. The CRT unit also trespassed eight individuals, posted 26 transient camps and removed trash from seven campsites. Grants Pass Fire & Rescue responded to a total of 103 calls last week including 44 for emergency medical service, three reports of fire or smoke, 17 lift assists, five rescue situations, seven assist to other agencies and two false alarms. Firefighters also performed 11 business inspections, led four education/prevention programs, assisted the public seven times and properly installed one child car seat. The 9-1-1 Dispatch Center fielded a total of 1,193 emergency calls last week.
Posted on 5/27/24 6:29AM by Sam Marsh
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Fire Restrictions Now in Effect on All BLM Lands Throughout Oregon and Washington
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Fire restrictions are now in effect on all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Oregon and Washington. BLM leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of active restrictions as warmer, drier weather sets in around the Pacific Northwest. Officials said these fire restrictions help reduce the risk of human-caused fires. The use of fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component core or jacket ammunition, tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns is prohibited. Anita Bilbao, BLM Oregon/Washington Associate State Director said although we had a wet winter, we must still be careful with activities that can cause a spark. Wet weather supports the growth of invasive grasses, which then dry out quickly in the summer months. Bilbao said everyone can help keep first responders, local communities and public lands safe by following fire restrictions and practicing fire safety while out on public lands. Those who violate the prohibitions may be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of suppression. For the complete order and more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please visit "blm.gov/orwafire."
Posted on 5/27/24 6:19AM by Sam Marsh
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Ashland and Central Point School Districts Receive Oregon Seismic Rehab Grants
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Business Oregon is pleased to announce recent Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program awards to emergency service and school projects -- including two in Jackson County. The Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program (SRGP) is a competitive grant program that provides funding for the seismic rehabilitation of critical public buildings, particularly public schools and emergency services facilities in Oregon. This year, Business Oregon received more than 100 applications requesting almost $240 million in funding. Nearly $82 million was awarded in 2024. According to the state agency, $2.5 million was awarded to the Ashland School District for upgrades to the Ashland High School Science Building and nearly $2.5 million went to the Central Point School District to upgrade the old gymnasium at Crater High School. Public K-12 school districts, community colleges and education service districts are eligible for the grant program. For emergency services facilities, the emphasis is on first responder buildings. Eligible activities for a SRGP grant award include structural and non-structural improvements, architecture and engineering, and project management.
Posted on 5/27/24 6:17AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Arrested 3 Suspects for Armed Robberies of 2 Local Bars This Week
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The Grants Pass Police Department has arrested three suspects in the armed robberies of two local bars this week. On Tuesday at 12:11 a.m., Grants Pass police officers responded to an armed robbery at the Lucky Duck on Redwood Avenue. The male suspect brandished a firearm while demanding money from an employee. The suspect fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money in a vehicle driven by another person. On Thursday at 11:24 p.m., a second armed robbery occurred at the Lucky Duck on NW 6th Street. The same suspect entered the business and demanded money from an employee at gunpoint. This time, a second male suspect stood at the doorway during the heist. Both males fled in a black GMC Yukon driven by a third person. Early Friday morning, a Grants Pass Police K-9 officer located the suspect vehicle in the area of West Park Street. With the vehicle in custody, further investigation into the suspects continued. The investigation led to the service of a search warrant in the 1400-block of SW David Drive last night. The warrant was served by the GPPD SWAT team due to the nature of the crimes. Three suspects were arrested. According to GPPD, 45-year-old Stephen Newell and 28-year-old Michael Smith were lodged at the Josephine County Jail. Newell was charged with two counts each of 1st-Degree Robbery, 1st-Degree Theft, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Menacing. Smith was charged with 1st-Degree Robbery. The third suspect -- 24-year-old Seryne Martin -- was charged with Tampering with Evidence. Additional charges may follow. GPPD Lieutenant Mike Miner said they appreciate the assistance from their law enforcement partners and citizens who helped resolve this case in a safe manner. He said anyone with information on these incidents should call (541)-450-6260.
Posted on 5/25/24 6:12AM by Sam Marsh
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Wolf Creek Man Jailed for Setting Fire and Threatening Emergency Responders
A Wolf Creek man is in custody for intentionally setting a fire near Sunny Valley, firing a gunshot near responding firefighters and threatening a highway worker. The Oregon State Police reports troopers arrested 42-year-old Chancey Scott Standlee in the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 near milepost 64 on Thursday. The incident started shortly after 1 p.m. when Rural Metro Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Forestry were dispatched to a reported fire on Lower Grave Creek Road. Responding units were flagged down prior to their arrival by a man on a motorcycle who advised them law enforcement was needed due to "suspicious activity." Rural Metro officials said the motorcyclist discharged a firearm into the ground before fleeing toward I-5. This prompted a response from OSP and the Josephine County Sheriff's Office to assist firefighters with safe access to the scene. Upon arrival, crews found two burning outbuildings and flames spreading up a hillside. The fire was fully-contained and extinguished at 1/3 of an acre. No one was there. A short time later, OSP received a call about a man wearing a bullet-proof vest with a rifle on his back pushing a red dirt bike on the freeway shoulder. Troopers responded and investigated, discovering that it was the same man who fired a shot near firefighters in Sunny Valley. They also learned that Standlee pointed his rifle at an ODOT worker who showed up to assist him with his disabled dirt bike. Standlee was placed into custody, transported to Grants Pass and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for 2nd-Degree Arson, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Menacing. He was being held without bail. The rifle, dirt bike and other items were seized and logged into evidence.
Posted on 5/25/24 6:10AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Apprehended Woman Wanted for Drug Trafficking in Salem Area
Grants Pass Police apprehended a woman this week who was wanted for drug trafficking crimes committed in the Salem area. According to the Police Department, officers arrested the 53-year-old female subject at Elmer's Restaurant on NE Agness Avenue on Thursday at midnight. Police said they received an anonymous tip that the woman was at Elmer's. She was wanted on a Marion County felony warrant for failing to appear in court for Delivery of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a School, Delivery of Methamphetamine within 1,000 Feet of a School, Unlawful Possession of Heroin, Unlawful Possession of Meth and 3rd-Degree Theft. According to the report, the fugitive was cooperative with officers so she was placed into constructive custody. The suspect was cited to appear in Marion County Circuit Court on June 7th.
Posted on 5/25/24 6:08AM by Sam Marsh
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