Local News

Josephine County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a reported disturbance Sunday afternoon.

The caller reported from the 800 block of Glenlyn Drive that a homeless woman with a court order to stay away from the property had arrived and was screaming.

The suspect had been sitting in the caller's yard and was threatening to hurt herself. Officers learned she didn't injure herself and soon left the property. She was later found in the 100 block of Pennington Creek.

Upon contact, the suspect admitted to being at the caller's property and having a meth pipe with residue. Officers warned her for Meth Possession and, after contacting her parole officer, took her into custody on a Parole Violation Detainer.

She was lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

 

The Southern Oregon Trade Careers Expo returns for its 5th Biennial event at the Seven Feathers Convention Center.

Tuesday, September 30th, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 146 Chief Miwaleta Lane in Canyonville, more than 2,500 attendees are expected to explore hands-on career pathways, live demonstrations, and direct connections with employers.

The Expo immerses participants in real-world experiences with tools, technology, and skills across industries including agriculture, engineering, healthcare, public safety, transportation, and more.

With over 140 employers, unions, and training programs, it is Oregon’s largest interactive career event focused on living-wage careers that don’t require a four-year degree.

The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required, but all are asked to bring a résumé.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners will discuss the Library, National Opioid Settlements, and the Dimmick Street Property during Tuesday's Workshop. Along with these topics, the Legal Counsel update will also review real property auction results. The Sheriff's Office will give a report and recommendation for approval of auction forfeited items and discuss the Consume Drug Take-Back Program. The board will then hear from the Community Justice department. There will be a bylaws revision and appointment of both the Mental Health Director and Victim Services Representative for the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council, plus coverage of a lease agreement and application for Real Property Tax Exemption. Public Health will discuss outreach and a Women, Infant, and Children Lease for Curry County office space, followed by the Finance Department's report in lieu of audit for the 4-H/OSU Extension service, fee changes, and an update on the Treasury Audit.

 

Grants Pass Police officers responded to a trespassing complaint over the weekend.

Saturday night, officers received a call stating a man was trespassing at 550 SW 6th Street, and was behind the building in the ally.

The suspect, identified by officers as Robert Smith, was located, but took a fighting stance before fleeing on foot across 7th Street where he obstructed traffic.

A citizen flagged officers down and advised them that Smith was hiding in a dumpster. Smith refused to exit the dumpster, and resisted officers with physical force while being taken into custody.

Smith was lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Second Degree Trespass, Second Degree Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest.

 

The Illinois Valley Fire District responded to a commercial fire in Cave Junction early this morning.

At 12:42 a.m. at 406 South Redwood Highway, IVFD, AMR-Josephine County, and Rural Metro Fire Department were called out to a reported structure fire.

Upon arrival, the incident was escalated to a second-alarm fire, prompting the dispatch of Grants Pass Fire.

Crews extinguished the fire, which is currently under investigation.

 

The Grants Pass City Council will meet in Executive Session before convening for a short workshop agenda Monday morning.

After the session, the council will discuss non-bargaining compensation and classification along with the Caveman Pool, followed by an agenda review.

Monday morning's Executive Session and Council Workshop will begin at 11:45 a.m. in the City Council Chambers, 101 NW A Street.

 

Grants Pass Police officers were alerted to a theft outside Safeway Thursday night.

The caller stated his electric bike was stolen in front of the Safeway in the 1600 block of Williams Highway. The suspect was heading towards the Abby's Pizza in the same parking lot.

Officers found the bike in front of an RV and contacted the suspect, identified as Justin Stout. Stout confessed to taking the bike, so he was taken into custody.

Officers lodged Stout in the Josephine County Jail for Second Degree Theft.

 

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is issuing a warning to Oregon residents about the “gold bar” scam that is rapidly spreading across the nation. This scam involves fraudsters impersonating government officials who convince victims to purchase gold bars to supposedly protect their nest eggs. Victims are contacted through text, email, or phone call and told their financial accounts are at risk of being compromised. Some reasons include the accounts were subject to a cyber-attack or are being used for illegal activity and must be closed. Victims are advised to empty the account, purchase the gold bars, and then deliver the bars over to the “government official.” It has already caused millions of dollars in losses to Oregon investors and others across the country. DFR emphasizes that government officials will never contact you and demand payment using gold bars, and remind everyone to be cautious of imposters. Never click on suspicious links or respond to unsolicited messages, and never give out your personal and financial information to strangers.

 

The Eagle Point Police Department announced that it has officially achieved accreditation through the Northwest Accreditation Alliance.

The EPPD says this significant accomplishment recognizes the department’s commitment to professional excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement in serving the community.

Accreditation is awarded to law enforcement agencies that meet rigorous standards in policies, procedures, training, and operations. The process involves an extensive review and on-site assessment to ensure the department upholds best practices in public safety.

Eagle Point Police Chief Jim Hamilton said, “Achieving accreditation is a milestone for our department and the community we serve. It reflects the dedication of our officers and staff to maintaining the highest standards of policing while building trust with the public.”