Local News

A man turned himself in to Grants Pass police Tuesday morning for an outstanding warrant.

At 10:26 a.m., the suspect, Leif Bjornsen, arrived at the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety at 726 NE 7th Street. He told officers he was turning himself in on a Curry County Sheriff's Office warrant for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

Officers confirmed his identity and proceeded to transport and lodge Bjornsen at the Josephine County Jail for his out of county warrant.

 

Grants Pass Police officers responded to a woman littering on the railroad tracks near Competitive Athletics Tuesday afternoon.

At 12:38 p.m., officers were told the suspect with a shopping cart and puppy was throwing items on the sidewalk and tracks around 105 NE 7th Street. She was stumbling around and the caller was concerned she may be hit by a train.

Upon contact, officers identified the suspect as Julie Hatt. She was charged with Offensive Littering, lodged in the Josephine County Jail, but then released due to lack of resources. Her dog was transported to the Josephine County Animal Shelter.

 

Grants Pass Police were called out to the MINT Navigation Center where a woman was causing a physical disturbance Tuesday afternoon.

At 2:41 p.m., dispatch was notified of a woman swinging and throwing a metal chair at the caller and another victim in the 218 Redwood Highway facility.

The chair hit the victim, and the caller said the suspect brandished and began swinging a silver folding knife, attempting to stab them. The suspect then ran towards the Lucky Lizard at 261 Rogue River Highway, swinging the knife at a motorcyclist and a FedEx driver delivering packages.

The suspect barricaded herself inside the Lucky Lizard, where officers tracked her down and identified her as Kirsten Sparacino.

Officers took Sparacino into custody and lodged her in the Josephine County Jail for Second Degree Attempted Assault, and two counts each of Menacing and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

 

The Josephine County Department of Recreation announced Tuesday updated renovation plans for Whitehorse Park's Upper Loop will proceed with completion expected by August 30, 2026. Whitehorse Park's team took feedback from the community and modified the renovation plans after years of discussion. Updates include the expansion and widening of existing campsites, adding water and electricity for partial RV hookups and 5 full hookup sites, improved traffic flow, and a new restroom facility set up within twelve months to begin Phase 2. Partial funding for the project comes in part from a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, with the remainder supported by the Parks Capital Improvement Fund. For more information, call 541-474-5285.

 

The City of Rogue River announced a Water Shut Off and Boil Advisory Tuesday afternoon. An accidental water main shut off occurred affecting all properties west of Evans Creek. Due to loss of water pressure in the distribution system, potentially harmful bacteria could be present in the water supply. A long term interruption of service isn't expected, but Rogue River staff encourage those in the affected area to boil their water before using it as a precautionary measure. Staff anticipates resolving the problem within the day, but said it may be up to 72 hours before results of the water quality samples taken return. This boil water advisory is a precaution. For more information, go to www.cityofrogueriver.org, or call (541) 499-8041.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners passed a motion implementing a clear bag policy for their future meetings as a safety precaution during Tuesday's Workshop.

Following this decision, the board approved the Clerk's request to appoint 5 people to the property value appeals board, and they passed a motion 3-0 permitting the Forestry Department's Fall Tree Planting Contract. The planting of seedlings at about 42 cents per tree will begin before snowfall and cover over 100 acres.

The Recreation Department request for Limited Power of Attorney regarding work at Whitehorse Park was approved 3-0, as was the Notice of the Lake Selmac Grant received back in 2020.

Motions passed unanimously for Public Works and Public Health Invoices, with an Airport Invoice moved to the next Weekly Business Session.

Community Justice Amendments and Payments were approved, and the board gave authorization for a Behavioral Health Deflection Grant Agreement and the signing of a contract for Personal Services with the Grants Pass Sobering Center and Josephine County Community Corrections.

A motion to approve the Merlin Heights Plat Map passed 3-0, and the board will consider a decision for an appointment to the Mining Advisory Committee and Josephine County Rural Planning Commission at their next meeting.

Commissioner Andreas Blech announced he is putting together an evaluation form for departments to be discussed, and Commissioner Chris Barnett reminded the public to be cognizant of Burn Days. The board thanked both residents and fire crews for two low fire impact seasons, and the meeting was adjourned.

 

Emergency services responded Tuesday at 11:35 p.m. to a traffic accident in the 28000 block of Redwood Hwy in Cave Junction.

The Illinois Valley Fire District, AMR-Josephine County, and the Oregon State Police attended to a single-vehicle incident.

One individual was extracted from the vehicle and subsequently transported to the local hospital. They sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The Oregon State Police lead the investigation, and Jerry's Towing managed the vehicle's removal from the site.

 

At the beginning of the County Administration Workshop, U-Turn for Christ presented the Commissioners with a 24-Hour Supervised Facility plan. In an effort to help the homeless community, the County Real Property at 1798 SE N Street has been considered as a potential site where U-Turn for Christ would provide rehabilitation services to the homeless. Participants would be screened before being able to enter, and rules would be enforced. U-Turn for Christ said potential economic benefits would include restoration of property values, improvements to neighborhood aesthetics, and responsible investments could be drawn to the area, all while alleviating the homeless situation. There was concern about the sites proximity to a school, and questions about the price and potential probationary period for the site pending approval. $3 million in funding would come from federal and private investments and partners at the start should the grant be secured, and U-Turn for Christ highlighted a desire for transparency and for the community to help lead this effort.

 

A woman with an outstanding warrant turned herself in to police at the Josephine County Sheriff's Office.

Kayla Sanchez contacted Grants Pass Police officers at the 1901 NE F Street facility. She wanted to turn herself in for a Second Degree Theft Warrant she had out of the Josephine County Sheriff's Office.

After confirming Sanchez's identity and the warrant, officers placed her into custody and lodged her in the Josephine County Jail.