Local News

US Forest Service Announces $190M Grant Opportunity for Private Landowners
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The US Forest Service is making $190 million available to help private forest landowners adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change and retain working forestlands. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said climate change threatens people, communities, infrastructure and natural resources across the country. He said healthy, resilient forests can better withstand climate change impacts and contribute to solutions by storing additional carbon. The long-term exclusion of restorative, low-severity on fire-dependent forests is already challenging forest health in the Pacific Northwest, something the Forest Service is addressing through its Wildfire Crisis Strategy and other fuels reduction programs. Continued climate warming and related changes in rainfall and drought cycles further raises the stakes. Past and predicted climate changes are exacerbating stress for native trees and other vegetation, affecting water temperature, quality and supplies, and contributing to the hotter, drier conditions and increased fuel loads that can produce larger, higher severity wildfires. For more information about the available funding opportunity including eligibility and how to apply, visit: "fs.usda.gov/ira-forest-landowner-support."
Posted on 10/10/24 5:55AM by Sam Marsh
 

City of GP Seeking Applicants for Newly-Formed Public Safety Advisory Panel
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The City of Grants Pass is seeking applicants for seven positions on its newly-formed Public Safety Advisory Committee. These will be staggered three-year terms. The Public Safety Advisory Committee will serve as a collaborative platform for community engagement and guidance on public safety issues. The committee aims to bridge the gap between the Grants Pass community and City Council, ensuring that public safety strategies align with the needs and resources of the community. The City Council desires to have a balance of viewpoints and demographic representation on the advisory committee including one Budget Committee member, one Chamber of Commerce representative, one business representative inside the city limits, one downtown business owner, one city resident who is not a business owner and two at-large members. Applications are available at the City Administration Office at 101 NW A Street or online at "grantspassoregon.gov/committee-application." Completed applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, November 18th.
Posted on 10/10/24 5:53AM by Sam Marsh
 

Commissioners Okayed One Annexation to Josephine Community Library District
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The Josephine County Board of Commissioners made quick work of a light agenda during its weekly business session on Wednesday. Following a public hearing, the Board voted 2-0 to approve the annexation of a 5.33-acre property on Cloverlawn Drive into the Josephine Community Library District. Board Vice-Chair Herman Baertschiger was absent. During the hearing, the Grants Pass couple who attempted to opt out of the library district spoke against all past, present and future annexations. Mike and Winnie Pelfrey also hinted that they are still trying to find a way to get out of the district. During the public comment period, Mike Pelfrey urged residents to vote "no" on all statewide and local ballot measures while voting "yes" for all candidates who are conservative members of the Republican party. He also said he doesn't trust the US Postal Service, adding that voters should drop off their ballots in person instead of placing them in the mail.
Posted on 10/10/24 5:51AM by Sam Marsh
 

Commissioners Okay One Annexation to Josephine Community Library District
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners made quick work of a light agenda during its weekly business session this morning. Following a public hearing, the Board voted 2-0 to approve the annexation of a 5.33-acre property on Cloverlawn Drive into the Josephine Community Library District. Board Vice-Chair Herman Baertschiger was absent. During the hearing, the Grants Pass couple who attempted to opt out of the library district spoke against all past, present and future annexations. Mike and Winnie Pelfrey also hinted that they are still trying to find a way to get out of the district. During the public comment period, Mike Pelfrey urged residents to vote "no" on all statewide and local ballot measures while voting "yes" for all candidates who are conservative members of the Republican party. Other citizen comments included Commissioner Baertschiger's apparent conflict of interest as chairman of the Fort Vannoy Irrigation District, opposition to the newly configured Pipe Fork land sale near Williams, concerns about the sale of county-owned timber properties without proper mineral assessments, opposition to Ballot Measure 118, concern over "obscene" books in local school districts, questions about the county policy on weapons in public buildings and encouragement to register to vote before next week's deadline.
Posted on 10/9/24 11:47AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Jailed Woman for Attacking Man after Theft of Wallet & Cell Phone
Grants Pass Police jailed a woman for attacking a man who accused her of stealing his wallet and cell phone early yesterday. The Police Department reports officers arrested 30-year-old Kristina Rose Barker on Tuesday at 9:31 a.m. for the incident that occurred at a home on SE M Street. Police said they contacted a man at his residence regarding the theft of his wallet and cell phone valued at more than $100. During the investigation, officers found the man had severe swelling around his neck. The victim advised Barker came up from behind him and strangled him with his own shirt. According to the report, Barker displayed extreme indifference to the value of the man's life, stating "I don't care if you die. I am going to kill you." The victim said he could not escape because the woman's knees were on his chest, preventing him from being able to move. The initial call came in around 5:45 a.m., but Barker left before the arrival of law enforcement. She returned as officers were interviewing the victim and that's when they placed her into custody. She admitted to her actions and reported that she broke her thumb while physically assaulting the victim. Barker was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony 2nd-Degree Assault, Felony Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Strangulation, Menacing and 2nd-Degree Theft. She was being held without bail.
Posted on 10/9/24 11:45AM by Sam Marsh
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Deputies Collared Man Wanted on Warrants after Wolf Creek Area Traffic Stop
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office apprehended a man wanted on two outstanding felony warrants yesterday during a traffic stop near Wolf Creek. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies pulled over a white Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 36-year-old Christopher Lee Myers in the 100-block of Speaker Road on Tuesday around 1:15 p.m.. They stopped him because the vehicle had no plates. Deputies said they were familiar with Myers from previous law enforcement contacts and they knew he was wanted on two felony warrants issued by Douglas County Circuit Court, both for failing to appear in court for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. Myers was placed into custody, transported to Grants Pass and lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the warrants. He was being held without bail pending transfer to the Douglas County Jail in Roseburg.
Posted on 10/9/24 11:43AM by Sam Marsh
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Deputies Snared Man Wanted on Statewide Warrant at Plumtree Lane Address
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office arrested a man wanted on a statewide felony warrant in the North Valley area yesterday. According to Sheriff's Office, deputies contacted 36-year-old Alejandro Soto and placed him into custody in the 800-block of Plumtree Lane at 3:35 p.m. Tuesday. Deputies said they were looking for Soto because he was wanted on an Oregon State warrant for Parole Violation stemming from a conviction for Felony Hit-and-Run. They were initially unable to locate him, but found him in the bathroom. No details were disclosed about the original crime or how Soto had violated his post-prison supervision. Soto was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on a no-bail detainer.
Posted on 10/9/24 11:42AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Nabbed Corrections Clients on Outstanding Warrants at Local Office
Grants Pass Police arrested two Josephine County Community Corrections clients on outstanding warrants during separate incidents yesterday. According to the Police Department, the first incident occurred when officers were contacted by the local corrections office on NW 4th Street on Tuesday at 9 a.m.. Police said they were informed that 38-year-old Katina Renee Emrick was there and that she was wanted on a Multnomah County felony warrant for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. She was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the no-bail warrant. The second incident happened on Tuesday at 1:37 p.m. when officers were alerted to the presence of 23-year-old Chance Canon Calaustro at the corrections office. Police said Calaustro was wanted on a Grants Pass warrant for Probation Violation related to a recent arrest for Cocaine Possession. He was placed into custody and lodged in jail on $40,000 bail. In both cases, the corrections clients were unaware they were about to be arrested.
Posted on 10/9/24 11:40AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Arrested Motorist for DUII after Downtown Area Traffic Complaint
Grants Pass Police arrested a motorist for impaired driving last night following a traffic complaint in the downtown area. The Police Department reports officers were alerted to a light-blue Toyota Prius swerving and almost hitting several vehicles in the area of NW A and 5th streets on Tuesday at about 7:30 p.m.. Police said a citizen called 9-1-1 to report they were following the suspect vehicle with an older female behind the wheel. The caller advised the woman was driving dangerously at varying speeds and they suspected she might be impaired. They advised officers that the suspect vehicle had parked on NW Highland Avenue in a "No Parking" zone. Officers eventually tracked down the 72-year-old driver at a residence in the 1600-block of Sue Circle. They said she answered the door with a strong odor of alcohol coming from her person. When questioned, the woman admitted to consuming adult beverages before driving to her home. The suspect refused to participate in field sobriety tests, so a search warrant was obtained and she was taken to Three Rivers Medical Center for a legal blood draw. She was medically cleared and then lodged in jail for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants.
Posted on 10/9/24 11:38AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Arrested Man on Outstanding Warrant in City Park Patrol Check
Grants Pass Police arrested a man on an outstanding warrant during a patrol check at a city park early yesterday. According to the Police Department, officers contacted a male subject who was sleeping near the restrooms at Morrison Centennial Park on Tuesday at 8:28 a.m.. Police said a routine records check showed 58-year-old Donnie Wayne Snow, Jr., was wanted on a Coos Bay Police Department warrant for failing to appear in court for Larceny or Petty Theft. They said he was also found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana, which was seized for destruction. Snow was lodged in jail on the warrant and he was cited to appear in court for the drug crime. He was also trespassed from the park for 30 days. His bicycle and bike trailer were logged into evidence for safekeeping.
Posted on 10/9/24 11:37AM by Sam Marsh
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Josephine County SO Seeking Public Assistance in Locating Missing CJ Woman
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UPDATE: MOREFIRE HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND IS NO LONGER MISSING.

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is seeking public assistance in locating a missing woman. Sheriff's officials said they received a Monday report that 39-year-old Morefire Zyerin Stilke has not had contact with her family since July of this year. She was last known to be residing in the Cave Junction area. At this time, officials said there is very limited information about her potential whereabouts. Stilke is described as a white female adult, 5-feet-7-inches tall and 180 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information on Morefire Stilke is encouraged to call the Sheriff's Office at (541)-474-5123.
Posted on 10/9/24 6:42AM by Sam Marsh
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Josephine County Man Jailed on Felony Warrant after North Valley Police Pursuit
A Josephine County man was jailed on a local felony warrant and he may be facing additional charges after he led a multi-agency pursuit in the North Valley area. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies and the Oregon State Police arrested 25-year-old Griffan Ian Lucas in a field next to Interstate 5 in the Hugo area on Monday afternoon. Deputies said the incident started with a Monday morning call from a property owner in the 600-block of Oxyoke Road who reported that someone broke into his minivan. A short time later, a caller reported their surveillance camera caught a male subject trying to break into their house and another caller reported that multiple cigarette lighters had been stolen off their back porch in recent weeks. An investigation led deputies to a property in the 700-block of Mossy Oak Drive where Lucas bolted out the back door when they tried to enter the residence. The suspect ran down Mossy Oak to El Conejo and toward I-5 where he was believed to be hunkered down in the brush. The Sheriff's Office brought in a K-9 officer and the Oregon State Police deployed a drone to search for the suspect from the air. After an extensive search of the area, Lucas was located and he struggled with law enforcement as they placed him into custody. Further investigation led police to the suspect's home where he had hidden numerous stolen items including cell phones, Ipads and more in a tree house. The items were seized as evidence in the case. Lucas had several cuts from eluding law enforcement, so he was checked out by medics before being lodged in jail on a Josephine County felony warrant for failing to appear in court for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and for Escape. He is likely facing additional charges from the residential and vehicle burglaries.
Posted on 10/9/24 6:40AM by Sam Marsh
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