Local News

Rural Metro Now Hiring Reserve Firefighters for Part-Time Call-Back Program
Rural Metro Fire Department is recruiting local men and women who want to join their team of firefighters and rescue professionals for their part-time, call-back program. Rural Metro's state-accredited training program covers "all-hazard" topics such as structural and wildland suppression, technical rescue and medical skills. Work schedules vary based on call volume and shift availability, but they will require a minimum of 36 hours of active participation per quarter. The deadline to apply is September 23rd at 4 p.m.. Testing begins in October and the Academy starts in January 2025. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, show proof of high school diploma or GED, show proof of valid Oregon driver's license, reside in Rural Metro's response area or 30 minutes from their administration office on 6th Street in Grants Pass. You must also successfully complete the physical abilities test and interview as well as a drug screening and background check if a job offer is made. To apply, send Rural Metro a "letter of interest" describing why you want to join their program that includes your name, home address, e-mail and phone number to "customerserviceoregon@rmetro.com. For more information, call (541)-474-1218.
Posted on 9/6/24 6:02AM by Sam Marsh
 

Opioid Disorder Recovery Infrastructure Gets Boost from Oregon Settlement Board
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The Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment & Recovery Board is directing more than $13 million toward expanding and strengthening the state's recovery centers and recovery housing. The Settlement Board approved an Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission (ADPC) proposal to improve access to recovery community centers and housing by providing $11.75 million to establish center in counties highly impacted by overdoses, yet with the least access to recovery services. Five million dollars has been earmarked for recovery centers in Josephine and Klamath counties to be identified by the ADPC Recovery Subcommittee in collaboration with the Oregon Health Authority and relevant partners. Elsewhere in Southern Oregon, $2.39 million will be sent to the Painted Horse Recovery Center in Douglas County and $2.36 million will go to the Bay Area First Step Recovery Center in Curry County. The funding was awarded to OHA, which will administer the allocations. Prior to awarding any funding, OHA was required to engage the partners listed in the ADPC proposal and provided a proposed timeline and implementation plan to the Settlement Board for approval no later than September 1st.
Posted on 9/6/24 5:59AM by Sam Marsh
 

Airports in Rogue Valley & Prineville Earn More Than $10 Million in Federal Grants
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US Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced that airports in the Rogue Valley and Prineville have secured more than $10.4 million combined in federal grants for improvements to taxiways, lighting, runways and more. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) distributed $10.43 million in grants to the Oregon airports. The Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport is receiving $6.41 million to extend a taxiway to reduce delays, to expand an existing general aviation apron to allow access to a broader fleet mix, and to build two new taxiways to reduce delays. The balance of just over $4 million is going to the Prineville Airport. Medford Airport Director Amber Judd said they are grateful for these federal funds that will allow them to complete their general aviation expansion and add the new taxiways, creating needed space for economic expansion. Wyden said these federal investments to modernize and improve airports in the Rogue Valley and Prineville benefit Oregonians relying on these facilities in both communities for the health of their economies and safety in times of emergency.
Posted on 9/6/24 5:56AM by Sam Marsh
 

Britt Festival Announces Purchase of Historic US Hotel Building in Jacksonville
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Britt Music & Arts Festival has announced the acquisition of the historic US Hotel building, a landmark in downtown Jacksonville. The purchase underscores Britt's ongoing commitment to preserving local heritage while enhancing cultural and artistic experiences for the community. The US Hotel building was constructed in 1880. It has been a cornerstone of Jacksonville's rich history, representing the town's vibrant past during the Gold Rush era. With its iconic architecture and deep-rooted local and historical significance, the US Hotel has long been a symbol of the region's pioneering spirit. At various points in its history, it has served as a museum, bank and even a roller-skating rink. Britt's plans to retrofit and renovate the US Hotel include creating a multi-functional community space that will serve as an extension of its existing programming. The building will host a variety of events including intimate concerts, art exhibitions, community gatherings and educational workshops. It will also house Britt's administrative offices, Box Office and a small retail shop.
Posted on 9/6/24 5:55AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Officials will Increase City Fire Danger Level to 'Extreme' on Friday Morning
Grants Pass fire officials will follow the Oregon Department of Forestry by raising the city's fire danger to level to "extreme" on Friday. Wildfire danger in an around the City of Grants Pass has increased, so a return to extreme fire danger begins at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow. The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and those that begin Friday affects the public use of power-driven machinery such as chainsaws and mowers. The use of power-driven equipment; the grinding, cutting and welding of metal; and the use of other spark-emitting equipment -- such as wood-splitters and generators -- will be prohibited in areas of flammable vegetation. Open wood-fueled fires are prohibited -- including campfires, cooking fires and warming fires -- except in locations designated by the City Fire Marshal. Wood smokers, charcoal barbecues as well as propane- and natural gas-fueled ornamental fires are allowed. Motor vehicles -- including motorcycles and ATVs -- are only allowed on improved roads free of flammable vegetation except for the culture and harvest of agricultural crops. Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle, in a boat on the water, or in a cleared area within a designated campsite. The Grants Pass Fire Marshal or an authorized representative may -- in writing -- approve a modification or waiver of these requirements. For more information about fire season regulations, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at (541)-450-6200.
Posted on 9/5/24 12:00PM by Sam Marsh
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Deputies Jailed Man for Making Repeat Threats against Neighbor's House-Sitter
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office jailed a man for repeated threats against his neighbor's house-sitter in the Jerome Prairie area. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested a 52-year-old male subject in the 800-block of Sleepy Hollow Loop on Wednesday at 4:28 p.m.. Deputies said they were alerted to an ongoing issue between a male and female at that location. The woman had called 9-1-1 to report the man was threatening her via phone and text. She said she was afraid because the man has a gun and he had discharged it in the past. She added that the situation was escalating. Following an investigation, deputies determined the man had called and texted the house-sitter after a Labor Day incident involving dogs and that he had threatened serious physical injury to the victim. Messages were left advising he would beat the brains out of the victim and he had fired warning shots with his firearm. The suspect was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Harassment. He was being held without bail.
Posted on 9/5/24 11:59AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Arrested Man for Violating Court Order Protecting Former Girlfriend
Grants Pass Police arrested a man for violating a court order protecting a former girlfriend who lives at a residence in the downtown area early yesterday. The Police Department reports officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a home in the 700-block of SW Foundry Street on Wednesday around 7:25 a.m.. Police said a woman called 9-1-1 and reported her 45-year-old ex-boyfriend was outside her home. The caller said her doors were locked, but the man has a key to get inside. She added that he has threatened to kill her in the past, which prompted her to obtain a protective restraining order. Upon arrival, officers learned that the man is prohibited from having any form of contact with the woman and he must stay at least 150 feet away from her. They said he had violated the court order by sending the woman several threatening text messages and sitting outside her residence in his vehicle. Police contacted the suspect and he admitted that he knew he was violating terms of the court order. He was charged with three counts of Contempt of Court-Restraining Order Violation and one count of 3rd-Degree Criminal Mischief before being lodged at the Josephine County Jail without bail.
Posted on 9/5/24 11:58AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Arrested Man for Attacking Friend Because of Suggestive Song Lyrics
Grants Pass Police arrested a man for attacking his friend during an argument over a song containing racy lyrics. According to the Police Department, officers responded to a reported disturbance near the corner of NE 6th and D streets on Wednesday at about 1:40 p.m.. Police said two men got into an argument over one of them playing music that contained sexually-suggestive lyrics. They said a 39-year-old male subject accused the other man of "assaulting" him with his music, so he punched the man in the jaw. He then took the other man's skateboard, broke it in half and stole it. The two men chased each other around and yelled loudly, causing public alarm. The suspect was located and admitted that he broke the skateboard before throwing it in the bushes. The victim was seen by medics, but he refused hospital transport. The suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Physical Harassment, 2nd-Degree Criminal Mischief, Disorderly Conduct and Petty Theft. He was being held without bail. The victim told officers he would search for his skateboard pieces and bring them to the police station for photographs.
Posted on 9/5/24 11:56AM by Sam Marsh
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Deputies Snared Man for Unlawfully Trying to Enter Forest Glen Drive House
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office arrested a man for attempting to enter a house between Grants Pass and Merlin yesterday. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a trespassing complaint at a residence on Forest Glen Drive near Azalea Drive on Wednesday at 11:20 a.m.. Deputies said they were alerted to an intoxicated male subject who unlawfully went onto a property and tried to open the door to the house. They said the occupant confronted the subject and the man fled the scene on foot. After searching the area, deputies found the barefoot man lying on the ground and crawling in the 4700-block of Azalea Drive. They had probable cause to believe the man had attempted to unlawfully enter the dwelling, so they placed him into custody. The entire incident was captured on video surveillance. The suspect was transported to the Josephine County Jail where he was booked for 1st-Degree Criminal Trespass. He was being held without bail.
Posted on 9/5/24 11:55AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Nabbed Motorist for Crashing Car into Fence on Riverside Avenue
Grants Pass Police arrested a motorist on multiple charges after he crashed his vehicle into a fence in a southeast-city neighborhood last night. The Police Department reports officers responded to a possible "road rage" incident involving a red Chevrolet Camaro in the 700-block of SE Riverside Avenue on Wednesday around 7:30 p.m.. Police said a 30-year-old male subject was in a disturbance at that location after he drove his vehicle in a reckless manner and crashed into a fence, causing about $800 in damage. Video of the wreck was filmed by the residents who wished to pursue criminal charges against the driver. The driver whom police identified as "Anthony Michael Eller" was placed into custody and found to be in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine, which was seized for destruction. Eller was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Reckless Driving, 2nd-Degree Criminal Mischief and Meth Possession. A friend took possession of his car.
Posted on 9/5/24 11:54AM by Sam Marsh
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GP Police Collared Woman for Petty Theft and Drug Possession at Walmart
Grants Pass Police arrested a woman for petty theft and drug possession after she tried to steal merchandise from Walmart early yesterday. According to the Police Department, officers responded to a shoplifting complaint at the store on NE Terry Lane on Wednesday shortly before 8 a.m.. Police said Walmart loss prevention officers stopped the 40-year-old female subject after they observed her conceal store goods and pass all points of sale without paying for them. The jewelry and party supplies were valued at $76.70. Upon police contact with the woman, she admitted committing the theft and to having drugs on her person. A consent search uncovered a small amount of a powdery substance that field-tested positive for fentanyl. She was also found to be in possession of another unspecified narcotic substance. The suspect was lodged at the nearby jail facility for 3rd-Degree Theft, Possession of Fentanyl and Possession of a Schedule 4 Controlled Substance. She was being held without bail and she was trespassed from the big box retailer.
Posted on 9/5/24 11:53AM by Sam Marsh
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GP City Council Reaffirms Space Rules for Campsites and Approves RV Park Appeal
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The Grants Pass City Council last night reaffirmed the right of police to enforce rules for two designated public campsites related to proper spacing. All eight City Council members were in attendance, but Mayor Sara Bristol was absent so Council President Vanessa Ogier led the meeting. The Council voted 8-0 to approve an ordinance amending Grants Pass Municipal Code pertaining to the utilization of open city park space for the sites at SE J Street and the corner of 6th & A streets, and declaring an emergency. The emergency declaration was made to ensure the new ordinance went into effect immediately. City Manager Aaron Cubic stated that the ordinance is a clarification of the Grants Pass Police Department's authority to ensure proper spacing of tents at the new sites now that the unhoused population has been removed from city parks. Tents can occupy a space no larger than 8-by-8-feet and campsites must be at least six feet away from each other. In other business, the City Council approved an appeal of system development charges associated with a new RV park on NE Greenfield Road. The Greenfield RV Resort was facing a one-time SDC payment of more than $242,000 for sewer service, but the panel voted 6-2 to reduce the amount by over $72,000 based on a 50% reduction in the number of fixtures per unit for recreational vehicles.
Posted on 9/5/24 11:49AM by Sam Marsh
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